"Put That On Mine Account"

“Put That On Mine Account”

By: Jacob Sok

I wish to share an experience that happened some time ago, and I do so praying it can help illustrate a message I feel impressed to share.  I recall a particular afternoon while serving as a missionary, when walking down the street with my companion —we were suddenly stopped by a taxi driver who pulled to side of the road, bidding us to come over to his passenger side window. I had not been serving for very long, having been in country about 4 or 5 months, I was still trying to learn the language. Yet, intrigued by the man’s earnest invitation, we approached the vehicle. As soon as we crouched down to a level through which we could converse through the window, things took an interesting turn. With no real chance to exchange pleasantries, the man with an aggressive tone and expression, directed all his attention towards me. With an inexplicable irritation, he began to ask me where I was from. Upon the disclosure of my home country, he began a series of assaulting questions, to suggest that he was obviously enraged with decisions of my country and its leaders.

While I cannot recall the specific dialogue, I do remember the absolutely helplessness I felt as this man unleashed his, parasitical grudge on me. Not knowing really what to say or do, my dear companion stepped in and boldly (yet kindly) defended me to the cab driver. As harsh words were then directed to him, we simply stated that we were there not as anything—but representatives of the Lord, to help those around us. Again, not much of what was exchanged, was retained in memory, but what was etched in my heart was the feeling of having someone come to my defense in moment of absolute need. In that moment of tension, someone had my back, and stood by my side. I will forever be grateful for the moment, and even more the love I felt and continue to feel for my companion has been the seed of much happiness in my life and great lasting friendship.

I think many of us have been in those moments when we need to know who will have our back, standby our sides. If I can proclaim anything, it is that Jesus Christ, came to earth to and suffered to the infinite extremes, so that we would be forever protected in the “arms of his love”. Now borrowing from a recent commentary, I heard, “Christ did not die on the cross to make a point, he died because he loves us”. There was no political statement to be made, not hidden inner motive to the most heroic act of all time, save it be out a bequeathed love so pure and alive, He acted to always be able to have our backs in our helplessness.

In the Pauline epistles of the New Testament, we find a great single page epistle, to a man named Philemon. This compact letter on the surface may just appear to be nothing more than a quaint exchange of dialogue between former missionary and converts, but if we dig a little deeper with a spiritual sense of fresh eyes and ears we actual can discover a powerful representation of Christ. 

It would seem that the wealthy labor master Philemon, was wronged by a servant. This grievance sent the servant away distraught. Coming in to contact with Paul the servant explains his predicament to Paul, who's incredible assistance--stands as a timeless testament  of the Savior. I would invite you with follow this interesting parallel, and look for the Savior in this story. 

Paul upon hearing the plight of this distressed servant writes the following epistle to Philemon, on behalf of this servant; saying,

 "I beseech thee (Philemon) for my son Onesimus (the servant), whom I have begotten in my bonds. Which in times past was to thee unprofitable, but now is profitable to thee and me. ...For perhaps he therefor departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me...If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account." (Philemon v.10-18, emphasis added).

I think this story illustrates beautifully a role that Christ plays in our lives, as the Savior--Redeemer--and Mediator, of the world he pleads for us, advocates our cause to the Father, and stands by our side. How many times have we liked the servant, been 'unprofitable' or have 'departed' from the Lord's ways. Much like the servant in this story, we stand helpless, encompassed about by the mistakes and errors, with the laws of justice demanding to be satisfied. However the story does not end with a cast out servant, but by the grace-goodness-and merits of mediator, who takes to the stand to defend this servant.

I testify that Christ is that very Mediator, one who like my companion or Paul, who stands before the Father, and pleads on our behalf. As He suffered so as to have the capacity to have our backs, we spend our time in mortality learning to give Him our hearts. He will ask the Father to 'receive [us] as himself'. The Atoning Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, is the very act that allowed Him to pay the ultimate price. He will gladly help us in our struggles and promises to forgive and forget, taking our errors and debts, by simply saying 'put that on my account'. 

I pray the spirit of this very real promise will help us all to remember our Judgment, and defense, are entrusted to the very Being who loves us perfectly. Neal A Maxwell was quoted to say "there would have been no atonement, save it be for the character of Christ". Our salvation is in His character, our forgiveness in His character, and our chance to come unto Him day by day is in our developing of His character. By no means does suggest that He condones sins. The promise is and will always be, Come, to the great feast of Christ, partake and, be filled, because the bill was paid in full! I promise if there is anyone who will standby your side it's the Savior. As we trust in this truth I promise hope will glisten, and light those steps to that future where with we can in turn stand by the Savior, back in our heavenly home.

Amen.

Sources:

- Personal Account, J. Matthew Sok

- NT Philemon

- Character of Christ, Elder David A Bednar (Quoting Elder Neal A Maxwell.)

- Media/ Pictures: Google Images, and LDS Artwork