TDE - intro (1)

TDE –

These initials are scattered all over my scriptures - and have been for years. All of us have been given counsel or direction from the Lord – Priesthood Leaders – Friends and just those with whom we admire or look up to. How this counsel comes and what it says should dictate how high up the priority list such advice should be placed. When my boss asks me to do something it takes on a different form than if he suggests that I try something. The consequences can be devastating if I ignore it. The scriptures are full of advice, commands and counsel. These should be followed by all of us and there is a blessing or consequence for such obedience or failure to listen when directed. (D&C 130) This is also true with the words of living prophet and those whom are called to lead us. These suggestions, commands, counsel are many times quite general and it’s hard to see the immediate reward or consequences of our actions. Other times their words are extremely direct and the benefit or petrels are easy to understand. When we receive advice from someone, it may be a great idea in most situations, but it might not be what is in our best interest. As a young return missionary I went to meet with my old priest advisor. I was looking for help on what I should do with the rest of my life. He is very successful in the eyes of the world as well as in spiritual matters. He gave me the advice that he could think of, but after further review and prayer – it wasn’t what was needed for me. Was he flawed in his thinking – not at all, it was great advise, but not what path I was suppose to follow. No matter what advice we receive there is always a source to verify, confirm and receive additional direction. These confirmations and direction can become an anchor for us in the storms of life. The Lord has told us he would “speak peace to our minds. What greater witness can you have than from God?” (D&C 6: 23) These confirmations don’t usually just come; we need to work to receive them. “You have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me. But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it be right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore you shall feel that it is right.” (D&C 9: 7-8) Hopefully each of us has very personal and direct inspiration. This personal revelation is the basis of our testimonies and the strength we need to withstand the difficulties we face. Other personal direction can come to us in the form of blessings, including our patriarchal blessings. This is a time in your life you receive scripture for your personal life. I have read a number of blessings over the years – all of which are related to me, ancestors, my spouse and children. With that being said, I would still say that I have a blessing that is very unique and some what confusing. Occasionally, in very little detail, I have discussed my blessing with a number of close and trusted friends. But the counsel I have received in my blessing isn’t meant for them or for their interpretations – such confirmations and understanding needs to come from God. In my blessing I am given a number of different assignments, one such assignment is to study intently the missionary experiences in the Book of Mormon, specifically from the books of Mosiah to Moroni. As I do so I’m told to see the value of Truly Dedicated Effort, and the results that it has on the individuals and events as they truly dedicate their lives to the Lord and missionary work. This is the reason I have the initials TDE scattered among the pages of that wonderful book. I have read the Book of Mormon many times, and occasionally looked for certain themes or direction. One of my favorite times, I underlined all of the references of the Savior and His teachings. What a wonderful experience, if you were to try this you would find that there are only a couple of chapters in that great book where there wouldn't be any markings. Indeed it is another testament of Christ. This TDE isn’t just applicable to missionary work – but you’ll find the results of any dedicated effort and the blessings that can become part of such a life.

Infirmities..

During our time here on earth, all of us individually or through someone close to us, will be burdened with difficult afflictions or imperfections. Those that suffer aren't the only ones that have a hard time with these circumstances. Many times these difficulties bring sorrow or worry to those that love and watch over the afflicted.

Some of our friends just found out that their twenty-year-old daughter has thyroid cancer. The success rate for a complete cure with such an early detection is extremely high – but any kind of cancer is a concern and there is always a possibility of side effects, something that could hinder her ability to live a normal life or to have a family. My mother-in-law experienced sorrow and discouragement when her last child was born with Down Syndrome. If we had only dwelt on the fact that there are certain things he would never have the opportunity to experience, we could have missed the wonderful loving qualities that he has brought into the family. Now he is a great blessing to all of us. These positives were hard to recognize twenty-five years ago when she and her two oldest daughters were expecting children at the same time.

These infirmities are difficult and taxing to the individual or a family. How we face and handle these challenges can change the possible outcomes and its eternal consequences. A friend became mad at God because his daughter was stricken with diabetes. From a medical standpoint this disability doesn't seem as devastating as the other two examples – but it doesn't minimize the difficulties that could be imposed upon his child. This raised questions about her future and the possible complications that could follow this condition. Another man questioned the existence of a just God as his wife was diagnosed with cancer for the second time within a few short years.

In both of these cases they allowed the trials to drive them away from the Savior, becoming less-active in the church. Because of the sorrow or fear of the unknown it can be understandable that such difficulties could in reality make someone move away from the greatest source of truth and relief. Often it happens at the point when heavenly assistance and direction is needed the most. Why do some individuals react this way when others with similar or even harder circumstances draw closer to the Savior and the peace he offers? It’s not my intent to criticize or demean such reactions, sadly they are normal and heart felt emotions that all of us have experienced

These weaknesses may in reality be the lessons or blessings that we need or that will prepare us for the missions we're assigned to complete. These buffetings can give us the strength and guidance we need to succeed.

Paul to the Corinthians talked about the thorn or weakness that he was given and despite his attempts at pleading for relief, the Lord told him that these weaknesses would help him to be stronger.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

I don’t know how many times you have gloried in your infirmities, or “most gladly” accepted them. He did, and it brought him the power of Christ. These weaknesses helped him grow in a manner he couldn't have in any other way – “for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

This viewpoint or perspective is the first step in handling or accepting the difficulties we face: That an all knowing and loving God is in reality allowing us to experience these trials as part of our earthly test and progression. But as stated by Paul, we must remember the Saviors grace is sufficient to get us through our challenges and that his strength is adequate in making our weaknesses strong, enabling us to receive the power of Christ in our lives.

We must understand that our attitude will influence our perspective and direction in all facets of our lives. We may have all of our worldly possessions taken away or even lose our liberty, but how we react and what we do with our thoughts is our choice. Just think of the life of Job and the trials he faced in his life.

To ignore this process is also to ignore the continual blessings that the Lord has given to us. Our loving Father in Heaven has indeed given us all that we have and are. A lack of gratitude and thankfulness in such situations shows a selfish and greedy attitude. No wonder King Benjamin said the natural man is an enemy to God (Mos. 3:19). Such recognitions are made know unto us through the power of the spirit. Paul stated they are spiritually discerned and not available to the natural man, indeed they are foolishness unto him (1 Cor 2:14). Despite the fact that our challenges seem overwhelming and unfair – a closer look would reveal our continued indebtedness to our Father in Heaven. In the church song we are told to "count your many blessings, name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord has done."

This recognition of the Lords hand in our lives can be the root of the faith and hope that we need and the assurance that He will continue to guide and direct us in our times of need. Despite our best effort, there are times that discouragement and doubt overtake our feeling of hope, bringing us down. Using the analogy that faith is like a seed (Alma 32), that assurance may start out small, then as we nourish it, it will begin to grow even to a perfect knowledge that God's purposes will be done and that we will not be allowed to suffer more than we have capacity to bear. During such moments of despair it’s difficult to take the opportunity to list the blessing we have received in your life. Even if we serve him with our whole souls yet we would be unprofitable servants (Mos.2: 21). Indeed, we will always in debit to God for the blessing we have received.

This action many times is easier said than done. In Paul's confession he admitted that he asked that his thorn in the flesh might be removed thrice. Thrice seems like a small number for the majority of us, there have been times I have seemingly prayed for years for the guidance and direction I felt that I needed. After his declaration he said of the Lord, "and he said unto me." Then is when he received his answer, no it isn't always the answer we thought it would be. But his grace is sufficient, and our weaknesses are strengthened as His will is achieved.

As I talked with the father of the young lady diagnosed with cancer, I was overwhelmed with an assurance that she would be all right. I marveled at their courage and faith in the power of the Savior, He was in control of the situation. This event was in fact a miracle, as a medical exam was being given in preparation for a possible mission. An opportunity to serve will need to be put on hold - but her strength and testimony has been multiplied as the power of the Savior's love has rested upon her. My testimony has grown by the manifestation of the spirit and the dedication of this wonderful family. Infirmities and challenges are a part of each of our experiences in this life, how we accept them and use them to draw closer to the Savior and his love is how our weaknesses are made perfect in Christ.

Definition..

When someone talks about infirmities, what comes to your mind? The more we consider or evaluate the definition there is a wide range of possibilities. A person’s perspective is skewed by their personal experiences or by those with whom they associate. Some may put them into at least three different categories – physical, mental or spiritual. The cause of such difficulties could also widely be categorized – inherited, natural, accidental, self inflicted or imposed. There could be many more, depending on an individuals understanding or perspective. If I started to list what possible things could be included on the list, every one of you would be able to add personal situations that should be considered. I have a copy of the Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, that isn’t so new; it’s more than thirty years old. I looked up the words infirm and infirmities. INFIRM: 1) of poor or deteriorated vitality; feeble from age. 2): week of mind, will, or character: IRRESOLUTE, VACILLATING. 3): Not solid or stable: INSECURE. INFIRMITY: 1) a: the quality or state of being infirm. b: the condition of being feeble: FRAILTY. 2) DISEASE, MALADY. 3): Personal failing: FOIBLE. As you can see all of the above generalizations are covered. When I first think of infirmities I seemingly gravitate to the physical difficulties that many are challenged with. But in my life I’ve had more challenges with the mental and spiritual categories. Though one category may be the root of the situation all three can be part of the overall result. An example of this is brought home with the birth of a child that is physically handicapped. None of us would question the possible mental anguish and worry that would accompany such an event, or some individual’s tendencies to question their faith or the existence of a caring God. The reactions to these circumstances or challenges are difficult to predict or understand unless you have walked in their shoes. But even then each situation is unique and personal to those that are involved. The way one person reacts in comparison to another is difficult to understand or to quantify. This is true even in the closest relationships, one individual seemingly is able to handle the situation while those closest to them may struggle bringing additional pressures to the relationship. I know a family that was dealing with the unexpected and tragic death of a child, they had many emotions and challenges to endure. For them these were accelerated as well meaning but uninformed individuals told them they understood what they were going through. How could they possibly understand what they were going through? All of us have and will continue to experience forms of trials, pains, difficulties that could be grouped into the definition of infirmities. These pains and heartaches give us experience and will help us to understand a portion of the sorrow that those around us are going through; this enables us to lend some of the support they so badly need. But we need to understand that their pain is unique and personal to their situation. With the exception of a few professionals, it’s not our place nor are we qualified to evaluate these situations individually. The wonderful news of the gospel is that there is someone that is qualified, that does in reality understand what each of us are going through and is able and willing to give us the direction and relief we seek. His infinite atonement covers all of the pain and sorrow any of us will be called to endure.

Lighten our loads..

The Lord can lighten our loads; this isn't always by relieving the weight or pain associated with them, but is because we are made stronger. This happened to Alma and his people as they were in bondage to the Lamanites; "And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up the burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord." (Mos. 24:15) They were still under the same burdens, but as they became stronger it became easier. I like the fact that they even submitted cheerfully to their challenges. Our burdens are intended to help us grow, but I don't know if I have ever cheerfully accepted such challenges. I have been able to patiently endure them as I search for the Lords will in my life.

To cheerfully endure our burdens was the counsel the Lord gave to the prophet Joseph Smith during one the most difficult times of his life. In the liberty jail the prophet felt so alone and discouraged that he began his prayer – “Oh God, where art thou?” (D&C 121: 1) This was a man that in the process of the restoration saw and talked with one of the greatest groups of heavenly messengers ever assembled, including God the Father himself and His son the Savior Jesus Christ. He felt alone, discouraged and wanted to know where God was in his life. In answer to this humble pray, in my opinion is one of the greatest revelations ever give, which comprise sections 121 – 123 of the Doctrine in Covenants. The last verse of this revelation reads: “Therefore, dearly beloved, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.” (D&C 123: 17)

This is a great lesson, that first we need to do all in our power, then we need to stand still and trust that the lord will make up the difference. If we are doing what is right and if it is in accordance with the will of the Lord, we can be assured that what needs to be done will be accomplished.

By their fruit..

The Savior warned his people to beware of false prophets and teachers - "by their fruits ye shall know them." True followers of Christ have always been known by their works or actions. We have been told we cannot be saved by our works alone, but if someone truely has accepted the Savior as their redeemer wouldn't their actions and works emulate His? The Savior instructed us to bring forth fruit meet of repentance. He talks about his vineyard, the harvest and the first fruits of the spirit. Paul to the Philippians stated; "Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ." Indeed we should be able to tell where a person's heart is or whom is their master and friend by their fruits or actions. True followers of Christ are trying to be like him, their desires are to have his spirit to always be with them and to have the love and charity that He possesses. The Savior never put his own desires or wants above his Fathers, he was about his fathers business - the immortality and eternal welfare of Gods children. These type of traits are common among inividuals that have put Him first in their lives. His greatest trait is the love he has for each of us, love or charity. These are more than just suggestions! Glaciations 6:2 it reads; "Bear ye one anothers burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." Its a commandment, and also a part of a covenant or promise with God. Alma at the Waters of Mormon told those seekers of righteousness; "Behold here are the waters of Mormon and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and be called his people, and are willing to bear one another burdens, that they may be light. Yea and are willing too mourn with those that mourn, yea and comfort those that stand in need comfort. and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, an in all places that ye may be in even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God and numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life. Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your heart, what have ye against being baptized in the name of the Lord as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his spirit more abundantly unto you?" These are the covenants and promises that each of us make and the rewards that Lord has promised if we fulfill our part of the agreement.

But if not -

There's a lot of things that I don't understand. The more I learn the more I realize I don't know as much as I thought I did. I just hope that I will always be included in the category of a teachable followers of Christ. Nephi taught that "to be learned is good, if they hearken unto the counsels of God." When we get into trouble is when we start to think we know more than God. For the most part I don't think people do this knowingly or profess out load that he doesn't know what he is talking about. Instead we just question what is going on in our lives and plead for things to turn out a certain way and in our time table. Occasionally we receive answers to our prayer and think that he just didn't understand all of the circumstances. We think that if we just ask again in a different way maybe that he will see what we're talking about. Truly if the Lord wants to punish his children he will just give us everything we ask for. Martins Harris request to share part of the translation of the Book of Mormon was rejected, but the request was presented again - leading to the lose of 116 pages of the Book of Lehi and the ability to translate for a time. A loving parent quickly learns that you can't give your children everything that they want - they need to learn how to work, make chooses and do with out. When we understand that God knows the beginning from the end, receiving the answer of "no" from someone with all of the answers should give us peace and the assurance that what is happening is most likely in our best interest. Our best interest may be that we need to struggle and learn on our own for a time - some answers seem like God isn't listening and that he doesn't care. There is a famous country western song entitled "Thank God for unanswered prayers." In this song a young man prayed for something to happen a curtain way in his life. Years latter after his life had gone a different direction he thanked God that the prayer was never answered and that his life turned out the way it had. Was such a prayer really unanswered? The Lord can guide and direct each of our lives helping us to take the right paths and to give us the inspiration needed to make the proper decisions. Much of this direction and assistance may feel coincidental or of our own making. Speaking of those that are sent forth to call the world to repentance the Savior said; " And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my spirit shall be in your hearts. and mine angels round about you, to bear you up." This is the Savior promise to all of his followers, as we enter the waters of baptism we receive the promise that we will always have his spirit to be with us. Remember that promise is conditional upon our faithfulness to our part of the covenant, that we will keep his commandments. Us sustain the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve as prophets seers and revelators, but for some of us that only lasts as long as they don't tell us something we disagree with. In April conference of 2011 there were three separate talks that discussed the need for single men to give greater emphasis to the prospect of marriage. That next Monday a fifty-ish year old bachelor came into my office at work and was talking about how they don't understand. Whether they are telling us something we like or not does not change it's importance or truthfulness. We need to have complete faith in the Lords counsel as well as the willingness to follow his commands no matter what the consequences. During Israels captivity in Babylon there were still a number of Israelites that were in important positions. Daniel interpreted King Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the stone cut out of the mountains without hands. After that event he was given great power in the government. He requested that three other be given responsibility over the affairs of the province of Babylon, their names were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. King Nebuchadnezzar worshiped many gods of his own making. He crafted a large golden god, and commanded all of the kingdom that when they heard the signal they were to bow down to worship this image or be thrown in the fiery furnace. These righteous men refused to worship any other God than the God of Israel. They were brought before the King and he said unto them - "do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? .. if you worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?" Their obedience would lead to what should have been their death, they knew the command of their God to have no other Gods before him. Their answer is one of faith and of great wisdom to us all. "If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up." The king in his fury commanded that they be thrown into the furnace. So hot was it's flame that those that executed the order lost their lives. To the kings astonishment not only where they alright but there was also a fourth man walking in the midst of the fire, and as it says "the form of the fourth is like the Son of God." After they came out of the flames the king proclaimed a new order - that no one should speak against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. These men knew that God was able to save them, "BUT IF NOT" they would still be obedient to his command. All of us are put through trials, challenges, infirmities and pain. We plead for guidance, relief and assistance - but if that burden isn't lifted, if that answer seemingly doesn't come in what we think is a timely manner; "If thou shouldn't be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if the fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heaven gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open wide after thee" - then what? Would you still be faithful no matter what you are asked to endure? Would you believe the rest of that verse given to the Prophet Joseph Smith in the Liberty Jail? "Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for they good." then he said; "The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?" If we have trials, Lord please lighten them - But if not, will we continue to be faithful no matter what the circumstances?

Outward -

During times of difficulties and hardships its hard for most of us to think of anything except obtaining relief or reducing the pain involved. During what was the greatest event in history - the Atoning Sacrifice of the Savior Jesus Christ, his thoughts were not centered upon Himself but were turned outward to those that would benefit from this glorious and selfless act.

In Abinadi's final declaration to King Noah and his wicked priest he testified of the Saviors sacrifice ... Behold I say unto you, that when his soul has been made an offering for sin he shall see his seed. (Mos 15:10) These were also the words of Isaiah as he testified of the Savior mission. (Isaiah 53:10) Much of Abinadi's discourse was quoting the words of Isaiah.

What took place during the Atonement is beyond the natural mans ability to understand. What true understanding any of us may achieve can only be spiritually based, founded on revelation given to us through the power of the Holy Ghost as he bears witness of the Savior Jesus Christ. But even then our understanding of the full love and compassion that accompanied his mission is seemingly beyond any of our abilities - the greatest act of compassion and charity ever given. Mormon told us that charity is the pure love of Christ, and that whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him (Mor 7:47). Indeed the Saviors love for each of us and for his Father was the basis of His willingness to accept His mission as Savior and Redeemer of mankind. He knew that such an act was necessary to allow us to return to the presence of God and obtain our full potential.

To His disciples the Savior said - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you (John 15:13). The Saviors love is universal for all of Gods children, part of His Atonement is a free gift to all. But what distinguishes someone from being included in the category of friends or seed is clean. In Abinadi's discourse he continued: "And who shall be his seed? Behold I say unto you, that whosoever has heard the words of the prophets, yea, all of the holy prophets who have prophesied concerning the coming of the Lord -- I say unto you, that all those who have hearkened unto their words, and believed that the Savior would redeem his people, looking forward to that day for a remission of their sins, I say unto you, that these are his seed, or they are the heirs of the kingdom of God. For these are they whose sins he has borne; these are they for whom he has died, to redeem them from their transgressions. And now, are they not his seed (Mos 15: 10-12)."

To become part of this group is more than just a declaration that he is the Savior, it would include those that have hearkened to His and the prophets words and have done what they were commanded to do. It would include those that have made and received covenants and have faithfully fulfilled their part of the agreement. These are they that he saw as he made his soul and offering for sin. That accept and make the atonement effective in their lives. Seeing these individuals would have been a strength and support in his time of need.

To better understand why He would be willing to go through such a saving ordinance for someone else, we need only look to any loving parent that sacrifices for the welfare and benefit of their children. During the crossing of the Martin and Willie handcart companies through Wyoming - multiple fathers and adults perished from weakness and fatigue because they sacrificed the majority of their portions to assist their starving children. All of us know of individuals that have and would give their own life for the preservation of those they love. Those in the armed forces place their lives in jeopardy continually to protect and preserve the liberties we enjoy. Indeed no greater love hath any man than to lay down his life for his friends.

Whom should be includes as our friends? This question is similar to the question asked the Savior, "and who is my neighbour?" (Luke10: 29) In answer to that question he gave us the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10). He also declared: "Verily I say unto you, Insomuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Matt 25:40).
The Savior has invited all to come unto him and partake of the goodness of the gospel. We too should befriend all that we come in contact with, sharing the good news of the gospel and the saving redemption of the atonement.

After we acknowledge how many blessings we have received and relies our indebtedness to our Father in Heaven we need to follow the Savior example. No matter how hard our circumstances may seem, we should look outward seeking those that are in need of our assistance and love. As we serve, straighten and lighten their loads - our difficulties and circumstances are put into proper perspective. We understand that we're not the only ones that are have difficulties and pain. Those situations and difficulties may continue, but as we serve we become more in tune with the spirit, our loads seem lighter our attitudes and demeanor changes. These actions emulate those of the Saviors during his ministry and atonement.

This expression of love and selflessness should be our goal. To obtain this charity is a life long process that is accomplished by small acts of kindness helping us become like the Savior. The apostle Paul explained what charity is: Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never failth:.. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

When we entered into the waters of baptism we covenanted to comfort those that stand in need comfort and to mourn with those that mourn. Indeed one of the steps of perfection and accepting our infirmities is to look outward and serve those in need.