Reaching for the Higher Hanging Fruit

Posted on by Jared

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Elder Neal A. Maxwell used the image of a fruit ladened-tree to illustrate an important point that church members need to ponder on often:

“Happily, many of us have already picked and been greatly nourished by the low-hanging fruit from the gospel tree. Yet, on the higher branches, much fruit still remains, unreached for and unplucked.” Neal Maxwell; Whom the Lord Loveth P 7-8.

This clever analogy turns our thoughts to the importance of fully embracing gospel principles versus a partial embrace. After reading this, I can’t help but think of the awful arithmetic used in the parable of the Ten Virgins—50% failed to qualify to enter the wedding feast.

Properly exercising faith is the key to receiving the companionship of the Holy Ghost and the gifts of the Spirit. Following are some ideas on how to increase faith so that we will be able to reach for and pluck the higher hanging fruit.        

To begin, I’ll list a few random thoughts I have on faith:

1. The words faith, belief, and trust can be use interchangeably. 

2. There are as many ways to increase faith as there are to diminish it.

3. Faith exists in our minds and hearts and influences our attitude and outlook on life.

4. Faith is like a living thing, it needs to be cared for, if it is neglected it fades, when nourished it increases.

5. Faith can be thought of as a talent. I think of it like a music talent. Everyone has some degree of music talent. Some people (like myself) possess less than average ability, while others have average ability, and still others have superior ability in music. 

6. If a person doesn’t have sufficient faith to do one thing, s/he may have faith to do another thing.

7. When someone describes themselves or someone else as having a strong testimony, I think they are describing faith. 

Faith can be increased by doing certain activities. The following list is near and dear to me because of the results I have experienced with it over the years. 

Eight Ways to Increase Faith

1. Pray (with faith in Jesus Christ)

2. Study and Ponder (Scriptures, talks, and other good books)

3. Understand the relationship of the fall and the atonement

4. Repent (Understand the difference between reformation and repentance)

5. Fasting and Prayer (with specific purpose)

6. Diligently seek the Holy Ghost and the gifts of the Spirit

7. Service (especially for the poor and needy)

8. Endure trails of faith

This list contains some tried and proven ways to maintain and increase faith. Your favorite list may differ, but what really matters is RESULTS. The only result that really counts is acquiring the companionship of the Holy Ghost (oil for our lamps).   

There is no message repeated more in the scriptures than the promise that our prayers will be heard and answered. As we seek to draw near to the Lord, prayer is the foundation of our effort. That’s why it is number one on the list. How can we study, understand, repent, fast, seek for the Holy Ghost, serve, and endure trials without prayer?  

There is nothing that I have ever experienced in life that is as sublime and beautiful as receiving a manifestation of the Spirit in response to prayer. With each answered prayer, evidence accumulates that God is not only there, but that He is personally there for you and me, just as the scriptures promise. 

Nephi’s brother Jacob said:

Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea. Jacob 4:6

I’ve never needed to have the trees, mountains, or the waves of the sea obey my command. However, I have experienced miracles when the Lord has answered my prayers for those things I’ve brought before Him. Like Jacob, my faith is becoming unshaken as answers to prayer accumulate. Faith is increased when we experience the manifestations of the Spirit.

We need to have results when we call on Heavenly Father for help. Each answered prayer is a witness that we are being heard. With each answered prayer, our faith is increased until we like, Jacob, “having all these witnesses we obtain hope, and our faith becometh unshaken…”.

If we’re not able to identify a pattern of receiving answers to our prayers, there’s a reason. Should this be true for you, then I hope you will resolve, here and now, to “diligently” turn to God using the tools listed above to open the channels of communication with Heavenly Father.

Over the years, I have frequently fasted and prayed to gain greater access to the things of the Spirit. I’ve asked Heavenly Father to teach me how to pray and how to recognize answers to my prayers. I’ve prayed for the companionship of the Holy Ghost and for the gifts of the Spirit. He has heard my prayers. I’ve been surprised at the many different ways the Lord answers prayers.

The word, “diligent” is used extensively in the scriptures. It is often used to teach the followers of Christ the kind of effort necessary to acquire the manifestations of the Spirit.

For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost…  1 Nephi 10:19

One of the great mysteries of God is know how to communicate with Him. As the scripture above teaches, “diligently seeking” is one key. Another scripture teaches an important truth about drawing near to God.

For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart? Mosiah 5:13

At first, it is easy to think this scripture only applies to those who never heard of God or if they have, it wouldn’t include active church members. I believe this scripture can and does apply to active church members. This occurs when a member is active in the church, but is inactive in the gospel.

Elder Uchtdorf referred to this condition saying:

“The Church…offers many important activities for its members aimed at helping families and individuals to serve God and each other. Sometimes, however, it can appear that these programs and activities are closer to the center of our heart and soul than the core doctrines and principles of the gospel.” Ensign, Nov. 2005, p. 100.

I invite those who desire to draw nearer to the Lord to make the necessary adjustments in their daily activity so they include the Lord in meaningful ways every day. The Eight Ways to Increase Faith listed above is a good place to start. 

I’ll close with two scriptures that describe how others have included the Lord in their daily walk, thereby increasing their faith so they were able to draw on the powers of heaven when needed. I’ve learned for myself, just as they did, that God hears and answers prayers according to our faith.  

“And there are many among us who have many revelations, for they are not all stiffnecked.  And as many as are not stiffnecked and have faith, have communion with the Holy Spirit, which maketh manifest unto the children of men, according to their faith.”  Jarom 1:4

“…they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.

But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation…” Alma 17:2-3

We often hear about the faith of the pioneers. We see their lives in retrospect and marvel at their faith. Faith for the pioneers, and for each of us, can be seen over the long haul, and most especially during the tough times. It is in the response to adversity that we can really gauge the quality of faith. 

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“I Will Show Miracles…Unto all Those Who Believe on My Name”

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The prophet Nephi wrote and prophesied about our day. He referred to us as Gentiles and said that we would “put down the power and miracles of God, and preach up unto themselves their own wisdom and their own learning… (2 Nephi 26:20).

Unfortunately, I think we are living in that day. But at the same time we live in a day where God’s miracles are available to those with faith. I believe all men and women have access to miracles at some level, be of whatever faith they may. However, Latter Day Saints have been given additional access to miracles because of the restoration of the gospel. We are eligible to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (if we seek diligently for it). In addition, we have the priesthood, restored by angelic messengers.

Miracles Follow Those Who Believe

There are two kinds of miracles according to Elder Dallin H. Oaks:

“First, miracles worked by the power of the priesthood are always present in the true Church of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon teaches that “God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty miracles” (Mosiah 8:18). The “means” provided is priesthood power (see James 5:14-15; D&C 42:43-48), and that power works miracles through faith (see Ether 12:12; Moro. 7:37).”

“A second type of genuine miracle is the miracle worked through the power of faith, without specifically invoking the power of the priesthood. Many of these miracles occur in our Church, such as by the prayers of faithful women, and many occur outside it. As Nephi taught, God “manifesteth himself unto all those who believe in him, by the power of the Holy Ghost; yea, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, working mighty miracles, signs, and wonders, among the children of men according to their faith” (2 Ne. 26:13; see also 1 Ne. 7:12; James 5:15).” Dallin H. Oaks, “Miracles,” Ensign, Jun 2001, 6

What is a Miracle?

The scriptures refer to the Lord as a God of miracles (Mormon 9:11). The following scripture gives insight to the question: What is a miracle?.

“For I am God, and mine arm is not shortened; and I will show miracles, signs, and wonders, unto all those who believe on my name.

And whoso shall ask it in my name in faith, they shall cast out devils; they shall heal the sick; they shall cause the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak, and the lame to walk.” D&C 35:8 – 9

The verse above refers to casting out devils and healing the body.

There are other kind of miracles. These miracles have to do with the mighty change of heart that comes to us individually as we experience the sanctifying influence of the Holy Ghost.

“Therefore they were called after this holy order, and were sanctified, and their garments were washed white through the blood of the Lamb.

Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having their garments made white, being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence; and there were many, exceedingly great many, who were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God. ” Alma 13:11 – 12

Recognizing Miracles

There are many miracles that come from our Father in Heaven to bless our lives. In general there are three kinds of miracles:

1. Unconscious miracles—events in our lives where God provided a miracle but we are unaware of it.

2. Suspected miracles—events in our lives we can’t account for, but suspect  that it is a miracle from God.

3. Obvious Miracles—miracles that we know came from God because there is no other reasonable explanation.

When we’re the recipient of a miracle we should thank our Father in Heaven. We should then record the details of the miracle to preserve a record of those things the Lord has done for us.

Acknowledging Miracles

There are many accounts of miracles recorded in the scriptures. The purpose of relating miracles is to increase faith. How many times has your faith been added to because someone was willing to acknowledge a miracle they experienced? Miracles are meant to be shared, but care must be taken when sharing sacred experiences.  The concern is that the one telling about their sacred experience will fall prey to the natural man and develop an appetite to “be seen of men”.

Elders Oaks said:

“Why don’t our talks in general conference and local meetings say more about the miracles we have seen? Most of the miracles we experience are not to be shared. Consistent with the teachings of the scriptures, we hold them sacred and share them only when the Spirit prompts us to do so.”

“…Although we are generally counseled not to speak of sacred things like the miracles we have witnessed, there are times when the Spirit prompts us to share these experiences, sometimes even in a setting where our account will be published. The miracles written in the scriptures were obviously intended to be shared, usually to strengthen the faith of those who already believed. Modern servants of the Lord have also felt impressed to describe miraculous events to strengthen the faith of believers. Many of these have been published. I have chosen to share some of these here.” Dallin H. Oaks, “Miracles,” Ensign, Jun 2001, 6

Click here to go to Elders Oaks talk and read some very sacred miracles.  Look for the heading, Sharing Miracles, about a third the way down the page.

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Barriers to Increasing Faith

Posted on by Jared

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Often, children teach their parents about barriers to faith. I recall a story that illustrates this. Years ago in Arizona, church members were asked to fast and pray to exercise their faith so that Heavenly Father would bring relief to a drought that threatened the harvest. It hadn’t rained for a long time. A husband and wife saw the faith of their young daughter in action as they prepared to leave for church. As they were backing out of  their driveway, their daughter said, “stop the car daddy, I forgot my umbrella”. It was a hot sunny day, not a cloud in sight, but the little girl’s faith was focused on the purpose of the fast. She didn’t want to be without an umbrella. This is an example of the unbridled faith of a child. As adults, we need to relearn this kind of faith. 

The purpose of this chapter is to discuss those things that inhibit faith. I think all of us, to one degree or another, have barriers to increasing our faith. Some barriers we’re aware of other we don’t see. 

The Lord taught David Whitmer, one of the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon, about barriers to increasing faith:

But your mind has been on the things of the earth more than on the things of me, your Maker, and the ministry whereunto you have been called; and you have not given heed unto my Spirit, and to those who were set over you, but have been persuaded by those whom I have not commanded. D&C 30:2

There are many barriers to increasing faith, I’ll discuss a few that I am most familiar with.

First Barrier-Failing to Prioritize How We Spend Our Time

I’ve found it difficult to keep my focus properly balanced between the things of the earth and the things of my Maker. I’ll provide an example to illustrate what I mean.

In years past, I’ve had a hard time turning off the TV. Many times, the Spirit nudged me to spend more time studying the gospel. I didn’t heed the Spirit as I should have. After years of doing this, one day I decided to stop telling myself I deserved to relax after a hard days work by watching TV for hours on end. I decided to relax by studying the gospel. 

There are other things besides TV (and the internet) that distract our focus from the things of our Maker. Some distractions can be considered educational or worthwhile. Consider the following:

First, being involved in such things as sports, music, gardening, volunteerism, and various other kinds of meritorious activities.

Second, being involved in intellectual pursuits. This would include any kind of intellectual endeavor: science, history, philosophy, politics, church history, Book of Mormon geography, and etc.

These kinds of activities in and of themselves are not the problem. The problem arises when we allow them to crowd out pursuits that build faith in Jesus Christ. Over involvement in “things of the earth” can leave church members with anemic faith. It’s like having a PhD in the things of the earth, and a sixth grade education in the things of our Maker. It leaves us ill equipped spiritually. 

I like the counsel Elder Dallin H. Oaks gave on this subject:

“We should begin by recognizing the reality that just because something is good is not a sufficient reason for doing it. The number of good things we can do far exceeds the time available to accomplish them. Some things are better than good, and these are the things that should command priority attention in our lives…we have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord.” (Oct. 2007 General Conference, “Good, Better, Best”)

If we desire to draw nearer to the Lord, we need to diligently do those things the Lord’s given us to accomplish that goal. If we put our efforts in to other means than what he has revealed, we will be serving ourselves and not Lord (see Eight Ways to Increase Faith). 

Second Barrier-Failure to Understand God’s Mercy

Some observers of Mormonism like to refer to Mormons as “guilt-ridden”. I think there can be some truth to this label.

Would be followers of Christ are aware of the long list of commandments their expected to keep. Those who wrestle with needless guilt apparently don’t understand that the Lord doesn’t expect us to master all of the commandments while in mortality. We live in a fallen world and the power of the fall is such that there has been only one being born in this world who had the capacity to keep all of the commandments. Those who fail to understand this basic gospel concept struggle with guilt until they eventually conclude they’re not celestial material.

The power in the plan of salvation comes from  making covenants, not by  reaching down into our soul and with clenched fist, and the power of human resolve, make another valiant effort to overcome sin on our own.     

When we covenant with the Lord we gain access to the blessings of the atonement. The whole purpose of the atonement of Jesus Christ is to “bring about the plan of mercy” (Alma 42:15) so you and I can eventually become celestial material with faith on Jesus Christ. 

With a correct understanding of the Lord’s abiding mercy we’re never ridden with guilt even though we struggle with sin an imperfection. Our focus needs to be on the Savior and on the plan of salvation as taught in the scriptures. 

A Book of Mormon prophet taught:

Thou art angry, O Lord, with this people, because they will not understand thy mercies which thou hast bestowed upon them because of thy Son.  Alma 33:16

Alma taught his son a very important gospel principle that needs to be written in our hearts:

…only let your sins trouble you, with that trouble which shall bring you down unto repentance.Alma 42:29

Failing to understand the mercy available to us because of the atonement of Jesus Christ can be a major barrier to increasing faith. 

Third Barrier-Not Knowing the Dealings of that God Who Created Us 

When you and I kneel before God in prayer, our concept of what he is like is present with us. If we believe things about him that are false, this can create a barrier to our faith.

I first experienced this barrier when I was fourteen. I learned at church that all those who are born in the covenant are choice spirits from the pre-mortal life. As I thought about this teaching—I realized  I was not a choice spirit—I wasn’t born in the covenant. My dad wasn’t a member and my mother didn’t attend church. As this false idea took root, it didn’t take long before I began to believe I was a second class spirit.

I decided to ask the Bishop for a Patriarchal blessing. Maybe the Lord would tell me more about who I am. The Bishop said, I was too young. I was disappointed.

It wasn’t long after that that my parents divorced. None of my friend’s parents were divorced, so I thought this is what happens to second-class spirits. We moved to a new neighborhood and that was the end of my activity in church.

This is a simple example of how believing something about the Lord that isn’t true can cause us to stumble. I believe too many of us harbor false concepts about God’s character and how he deals with us.

I’ve found the Book of Mormon to be the primary source of truth about God’s dealings. The key is to liken the teachings found therein to ourselves. The Lord gave us the Book of Mormon so we learn about his dealings with his followers.

Why would the Lord provide the Book of Mormon that teaches us about the likes of Nephi, Enos, Alma (younger and older), Helaman, Lamoni, Jared, Mormon, Moroni, and etc., unless we can be like them, having the same spiritual possibilities?

I view the Book of Mormon as a “how to” book; how to do the works of Nephi, Enos, Alma and the other prophets.

Nephi rebellious brothers struggled because they didn’t understand God’s dealings:

And they did murmur because they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them. 1 Nephi 2:12

Why didn’t they know the dealings of that God who had created them? The Book of Mormon answers this question in their own words:

The Lord maketh no such thing known to us. 1 Neph 15:9

Their “faith” was strong that God wouldn’t make such things known to them. Why did they feel this way? Their hearts were hardened because they wouldn’t keep the commandments (1 Nephi 15:10-11).

The Lord’s prophet’s admonish us to “feast on the words of Christ”. The prophet Joseph Smith taught us how to feast:

“Search the Scriptures—search the revelations which we publish, and ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, to manifest the truth unto you, and if you do it with an eye single to His glory, nothing doubting, He will answer you by the power of His Holy Spirit. You will then know for yourself and not for another. You will not then be dependent on man for the knowledge of God; nor will there be any room for speculation.” ( History of the Church, 1:282.)

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Our Gift to the Savior

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In a few days, Christians around the world will remember the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As I thought about what to write for December’s Post, I made a list of topics. As I studied the list, I asked myself a question: which topic would be the Savior’s favorite?

The following scriptures came to mind.

“my blood shall not cleanse them if they hear me not.” D&C 29:17

“Thou shalt declare repentance and faith on the Savior.” D&C 19:31

“Thou art angry, O Lord, with this people, because they will not understand thy mercies which thou hast bestowed upon them because of thy Son.” Alma 33:16

“Say nothing but repentance unto this generation.” D&C 11:9

The Savior died so that you and I can repent of sin (sins of commission and omission). His atoning sacrifice is his gift to us, repentance is our gift to Him.

One of my favorite scriptures on repentance emphasizes how often the Lord is willing to forgive; this verse also makes an important clarification what the Savior expects from those who repent.

“As oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were forgiven.”  Moroni 6:8

As oft as you and I repent with real intent we are forgiven (I’m referring to sin that won’t affect our standing in the church). No wonder the Lord said, “Say nothing but repentance unto this generation.”

When we properly repent we are free from sin in the eyes of the Lord. In other words, we are justified or pardoned from punishment we would otherwise receive.

Two questions:

  1. How often do we need to repent?
  1. How often will the Lord apply His atoning blood for our sins?

Both of these questions can be answered by how often the emblems of the sacrament are offered church members (almost weekly). The Atonement is continuous, our repentance should be continuous as well.

Hugh Nibley, a church scholar writing about the need for continuous repentance offered the following insight:

“Who is righteous? Anyone who is repenting. No matter how bad he has been, if he is repenting he is a righteous man. There is hope for him. And no matter how good he has been all his life, if he is not repenting, he is a wicked man. The difference is which way you are facing. The man on the top of the stairs facing down is much worse off than the man on the bottom step who is facing up. The direction we are facing, that is repentance; and that is what determines whether we are good or bad.” Hugh Nibley, Approaching Zion, pg. 301-302

Followers of Christ need to understand and utilize the mercies which have been bestowed upon them because of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Those who do will one day hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant…enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

Merry Christmas!

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Ripening in Iniquity?

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The Book of Mormon uses the term “ripening” to describe what happens to a righteous people when they begin to forget God and turn to wickedness.    

For as their laws and their governments were established by the voice of the people, and they who chose evil were more numerous than they who chose good, therefore they were ripening for destruction, for the laws had become corrupted.  Helaman 5:2

Those who believe the Book of Mormon to be the revealed word of God are concerned that  this great Gentile nation, the promised land—America, is in peril.  

As a nation, are we at a tipping point, are those who choose evil more numerous than those who choose good? 

I don’t know the answer to this question with certainty, but as I take in the daily news, and consider T.V. and movie entertainment, I worry. When I turn my attention to the political landscape and listen to the discourse of our nations appointed and elected leaders, I cringe.

My hope for the future brightens a little when I consider the state of the church. I wish I could be more enthused about the state of the church, but at least I feel lifted by what I see, but just not as much as I would like. There are a lot of wonderful, dedicated, and good people in the church. 

However, there is apostasy and discontent evident. The newspaper is reporting that some church members are losing their faith and asking that their names be removed from church records.

What am I going to do in this day of peril? I’m going to enjoy the guidance of the Spirit, and encourage others to do the same. I’m watching as the signs of the times unfold, and doing what I can to prepare for the second coming of Christ. 

Seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life. D&C 101:38

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Quickened by a Portion of the Celestial, Terrestrial, or Telestial Glory

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My goal is to write about those things that will help each of us draw nearer to the lord. The Lord said, “draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you.” With that purpose in mind I would like to explore the following scripture.

They who are of a celestial spirit shall receive the same body which was a natural body; even ye shall receive your bodies, and your glory shall be that glory by which your bodies are quickened.

Ye who are quickened by a portion of the celestial glory shall then receive of the same, even a fulness.

And they who are quickened by a portion of the terrestrial glory shall then receive of the same, even a fulness.

And also they who are quickened by a portion of the telestial glory shall then receive of the same, even a fulness. D&C 88:28 – 31

I read this as teaching that when we’re resurrected we will receive the same body we had in mortality; except in a glorified state. We learn in these verses that while in mortality we are “quickened” by a portion of  either the celestial, terrestrial, or telestial glory and when we’re resurrected we will receive a fullness of that same glory.

In other words, in the resurrection there will be differences—significant differences—in the appearance and function of those possessing a celestial, terrestrial, or telestial body. Everyone will be able to see the difference and know what kind of being they are observing. 1

This is what Joseph Smith meant when he said: “In the resurrection, some are raised to be angels, others are raised to become Gods.” Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 312.

Summary

The kind of glorified body we receive in the resurrection depends on which glory we are being quickened by in mortality; the celestial, terrestrial, or telestial. Following the apostles and prophets does make a difference. Especially in the long run.

——————————————————————————

1. “Some will gain celestial bodies with all the powers of exaltation and eternal increase. These bodies will shine like the sun as our Savior’s does. . . . Those who enter the terrestrial kingdom will have terrestrial bodies, and they will not shine like the sun, but they will be more glorious than the bodies of those who receive the telestial glory.

In both of these kingdoms there will be changes in the bodies and limitations. They will not have the power of increase, neither the power or nature to live as husbands and wives, for this will be denied them and they cannot increase.” Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 2:287–88.

 

 

 

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Are You Blown Away by Church History?

Posted on by Jared

I remember when I first became aware of the challenging aspects of church history, the Mountain Meadows massacre, details of polygamy, problems with the Book of Abraham, multiple accounts of the first vision, and etc. I felt doubt stirring in my mind and heart. It was painful, but short lived. I’ll explain more about this later. 

On reflection, I realized I had made some assumptions about the church, and church leaders that turned out to be flat wrong. I had assumed the Lord’s appearing to Joseph Smith meant the Lord was there 24/7 guiding the restoration. Consequently there could be no imperfections in the establishment of the church, or in the lives of those who carried the work forward, therefore church history should be uncomplicated and without error, blemish, or mistakes. 

Apparently, I’m not the only church member to have put former day church leaders and church members on a high pedestal. Today, I wonder why I entertained such notions.

I was a student of the scriptures and understood the difficulties the Savior had with His hand picked apostles. The Book of Mormon’s first family, Lehi, his wife Sariah, and their children certainly couldn’t have contributed to my naive ideal. They were a prophet lead dysfunctional family.

The scriptures attest to the frailties of mankind, and do not support the assumption that the Lord’s apostles and prophets are perfect or near perfect. One writer exposed the tenancy we have to idealize church leaders, saying:

“In the Catholic church everyone says the pope is infallible but nobody believes it; and in the Mormon church everybody says the prophet is fallible but nobody believes it.”

What Do Believing, Active LDS Historians Have to Say About Church History, Are They Blown Away?

I read an article by a LDS church historian who didn’t mince words about  getting caught up in the problems of church history. Davis Bitton, a prominent LDS historian makes the salient point that those who know our history the best, church historians, remain faithful committed members of the church. He wrote:

Let’s get one thing clear. There is nothing in church history that leads inevitably to the conclusion that the church is false. There is nothing that requires the conclusion that Joseph Smith was a fraud. How can I say this with such confidence? For the simple reason that the historians who know most about our church history have been and are faithful, committed members of the church. Or, to restate the situation more precisely, there are faithful Latter-day Saint historians who know as much about this subject as any anti-Mormon or as anyone who writes on the subject from an outside perspective. With few exceptions, they know much, much more. They have not been blown away. They have not gnashed their teeth and abandoned their faith. To repeat, they have found nothing that forces the extreme conclusion our enemies like to promote… Competent historians who have devoted many years of study to the issues have not felt compelled to abandon their faith in the restored gospel…

Think not when you gather to Zion,

Your troubles and trials are through,

That nothing but comfort and pleasure

Are waiting in Zion for you.

No, no, ’tis designed as a furnace,

All substance, all textures to try,

To burn all the “wood, hay, and stubble,”

The gold from the dross purify.

When Eliza R. Snow penned those words, they were good advice for the emigrants leaving Europe to join the Saints in the West. Similar counsel is sometimes needed by students of our LDS history. “Think not when ye study church history,” we might sing, “that everyone was always smiling, that the women were always dressed in freshly laundered, starched pinafores, that the men spoke softly, grammatically, and always politely, or that the children were well mannered angels.” Think not! In other words, get real!

Concluding Thought

At the beginning of this post, I related the pain I felt when I first learned about problems in church history. I remembered feeling shocked and betrayed. I even felt doubt surface to challenge my faith. However, it was shorted lived for me. Doubt couldn’t live in my soul when I recalled the many manifestations of the Spirit, all I needed to do was remember them and the doubt and pain fled. I had experienced the ministering of angels angels and been blessed with other significant manifestations of the Spirit. There wasn’t any doubt in my mind that the teachings of the church were true. I had experienced many of the promises. The challenges presented by church history melted away.

I hope that any church member who is being blown away by church history, will turn to the Lord for help and answers.  Click here to read about my experience with the Savior. I hope and pray that all who are struggling will find peace and have their testimony strengthened by experiencing the greater manifestations of the Spirit that are available to those who will wrestle with the Lord in mighty prayer like Enos.

 Additional Information:

* Are We Living in the Day Prophesied by Heber C. Kimball? Here
* YouTube-Davis Bitton Here

* F.A.I.R.-Davis Bitton Here

* Neal A. Maxwell Institute Here

If you would like to comment on what you just read, click here and take a 6 Question Survey

 

 

Posted in Doubt, LDS Church History | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Unanswered Prayers

Posted on by Jared

Since coming to the internet over ten ago, I’ve read many post and comments where writers relate that they are active members, keep the commandments well enough to maintain a temple recommend, read the Book of Mormon, prayed about it, and still haven’t received a witness of its truthfulness by the power of the Holy Ghost as promised.

Here is an example of one brother stating his frustration:

I have been in the Church my whole life for 40+ years. I served a mission. I married in the temple. I have served in numerous callings. I have always had a temple recommend with all that that implies. I have probably read the Book of Mormon at least 15 times, including in at least 2 languages. I have followed Moroni’s promise probably at least 100 times, with all sincerity. Yet, at the end of it all, I have never received an answer that it is true… Yet, probably out of inertia and a hope that someday I will get an answer, I persist in the journey and am still “active”.

I’ve been troubled by these “testimonies”. The Lord has given us the scriptures to help us deal with the issues we encounter in life. When I turn to the scripture looking for possible answers, I find the following. Please add to my list anything that helps you understand this issue.

1.  1 Nephi 15:8 -9

“And I said unto them: Have ye inquired of the Lord?

And they said unto me: We have not; for the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us.”

Their answer to Nephi’s question is that they haven’t even asked. Nephi’s response to his older brothers is revealing:

“. . . the Lord hath said—If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known Unto you.” (1 Nephi 15:11.)

Conclusion:

This verse teaches that one reason for unanswered prayer is not asking “…me in faith, believing that ye shall receive…”

2.  3 Nephi 1:24

“And there were no contentions, save it were a few that began to preach, endeavoring to prove by the scriptures that it was no more expedient to observe the law of Moses.  Now in this thing they did err, having not understood the scriptures.“

Conclusion:

This scripture teaches that some can err, having not understood the doctrine of the gospel correctly. This is the same thing the Lord told Martin Harris when he failed to translate (D&C 9:7) and could be a reason for unanswered prayers.

3.  2 Nephi 28:14

“… a few, who are the humble followers of Christ…are led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men.”

Conclusion:

Some church members err because of the precepts of men, even though they are humble followers of Christ. The precepts of men lead followers of Christ astray and could be a reason for unanswered prayers.

4.  D&C 98:2

“Waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded with this seal and testament—the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted.”

Conclusion:

This scripture teaches that some church members are required to wait patiently on the Lord before their prayers will be answered. Lack of patience could be a reason for unanswered prayers.

Summary

I can only guess at the frustration a worthy member of the church must experience when they struggle to obtain an answer to prayer regarding the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. I didn’t struggle for my answer regarding the Book of Mormon. I have however, been through the furnace of affliction in other areas of my life that allow me to have some understanding. Based on that, I’ve learned to wait on the Lord, stay close to Lord, and the day of deliverance will come.

Posted in Book of Mormon, Prayer, Precepts of Men, Testimony of the Book of Mormon | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

How Long Halt Ye Between Two Opinions?

Posted on by Jared

My goal as a blogger is to write about those things that will help each of us draw nearer to the lord. The Lord said, “draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you.” With that image in mind I would like to discuss the following scripture.

And Elijah…said, How long halt ye between two opinions?  if the LORD be God, follow him… 1 Kings 18:21

Halting between two opinions, or being double minded (James 1:8) is part of the makeup of the natural man.  To one degree or another each of us struggles with it. Laman and Lamuel, Nephite’s older brothers, provide numerous examples of this undesirable quality. They would cycle from obedience to rebellion over and over again until the Lord finally warned Nephi to depart from them.

The Book of Mormon also provides a counter example, showing those who were firm in their faith, and “would suffer even unto death rather than commit sin”. Using the descendants of the vacillating Laman and Lamuel, the Book of Mormon gives an account of the Lamanities who were converted by the four sons of Mosiah. Of those converts the record says: “once they were converted unto the Lord, they never did fall away” (Alma 23:6-7).

Each of us can evaluate who we’re more like, Laman and Lamuel or the converted Lamanites. Are we halting between two opinions, being doubled minded? The apostle James seeing this characteristic among the saints of his day wrote:

Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. James 1:8 (New Living Translation)

In our day, the Lord taught David Whitmer of his double mindedness saying:

1 BEHOLD, I say unto you, David, that you have feared man and have not relied on me for strength as you ought.

2 But your mind has been on the things of the earth more than on the things of me, your Maker, and the ministry whereunto you have been called; and you have not given heed unto my Spirit, and to those who were set over you, but have been persuaded by those whom I have not commanded.

3 Wherefore, you are left to inquire for yourself at my hand, and ponder upon the things which you have received. D&C 30:1-3

Each of us who are like David Whitmer, are left to ponder upon the things we do that divide us from God and thereby reduces the blessings the Lord intends for us.

The Book of Mormon prophet Jacob plead with church members afflicted with double mindedness teaching them the solution, the remedy for double mindedness:

5 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I beseech of you in words of soberness that ye would repent, and come with full purpose of heart, and cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you. Jacob 6:5

Repent and come unto Christ with full purpose of heart! Therein lies the solution.

I hope each of us will draw nearer to the Lord by dedicating our hearts with full purpose to doing those things we should be doing, and moving away from those things that draw us towards the things of this world.

Posted in Repentance | Leave a comment

Recognizing Answers To Prayer

Posted on by Jared

The purpose of prayer is to access things of the spirit. We are repeatedly taught in the scripture that the Lord will answer our prayers. Receiving and recognizing answers to our prayers is the topic of this post.

Like many of you reading this post, I have had many prayers answered.[1] Therefore, I am familiar with the workings of the spirit. It takes time and experience to grow in our ability to recognize answers. Based on my experiences, most prayers are answered by the subtle workings of the spirit.[2] However, these soft, delicate answers can be misinterpreted.[3] The solution to this problem is to cry unto the Lord for help, asking to know his will and avoid mistakes. Notice the use of the word “cry”[4]. If you think that crying unto the Lord is a little over the top, then I suggest you read more carefully from the scriptures. The scriptures portray the prophets frequenting “crying unto the Lord” to gain answers to their prayers.

I believe the Lord is anxious to answer our prayers and to teach us of His ways, however, we are required to obey the law upon which blessings are predicated.

There are many ways to improve our ability to receive and recognize answers to our prayers. I would like to offer the following ideas that I believe are essential to opening the channels of communication between ourselves and Heavenly Father.

1. Believe what the Lord says about prayer.

Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers. D&C112:10

This scripture and many like it reveal the Lord’s attitude about prayer. We reveal our attitude about prayer when we seek to obtain an answer from the Lord. Are we willing to pay the price? Remember, to believe means that we choose to disregard our unbelief.

2. You don’t need to be perfect to obtain an answer to prayer.

I think the leading reason/excuse for not accomplishing number 1 is that we get stuck on the idea that we need to be better than we are in order to obtain an answer from the Lord. If our need is great enough we’ll quickly forget about our “worthiness” and plead with the Lord for what we need. On the other hand, if our need isn’t of the highest magnitude many of us will simply copout after a few prayers with the thought rolling around in our head that the Lord won’t answer my prayers because _______ (fill in the blank). The blank is usually filled in with some sin we dredge up. In my opinion, this is a manifestation of our spiritual anemia.

3. Be persistent to obtain an answer to prayer.

Once in a while a prayer is answered before we’re finished asking. But most of the time we need to wait on the Lord. Waiting on the Lord is not passive, it entails diligence. Diligence in asking, and diligence in being patient. Elder Richard G. Scott said “Were we to receive inspired guidance just for the asking, we would become weak…”[5] I believe many members of the church are not persistent and patient in their prayers. They develop the habit of praying a few times over the desires of there heart and then moving on with the attitude of, “whatever happens must be the Lord’s will”.

I’d like to suggest a way of seeking after a blessing that manifest diligence in asking and being patient. We’re taught in the Book of Mormon that we should pray three times a day. I think this means we should make the time, even if it’s only for a few minutes, to formerly knee before the Lord and ask for what we desire. After doing this for a period of time then we need to evaluate our feelings. Have you felt that the Lord is encouraging you in your prayer? If yes, then continue until you obtain an answer. I prayed everyday, three times a day, for 350+ days for a blessing. I started in early March and my prayer was answered in Feb, nearly a year later. The only reason I kept asking that long was due to the feeling in my heart and mind that what I was praying about was pleasing to the Lord. It was easy and enjoyable to pray for what I desired. The answer came in a dream.

If after praying for a period of time, if you feel nothing, then consider fasting. Plead with the Lord for help. This brings us to number 4.

4. Do what lies in your power to obtain the blessing you’re seeking after.

Fasting and “crying unto the Lord”[6] for the desires of our heart is the way the Book of Mormon prophets approached the Lord.[7] This brings us to number 5.

5. Listen and watch.

In some situations the Lord may prompt you to do something before answering your prayer. Maybe there is something that needs to be  repented of, or maybe you need to apologize to someone, or maybe you need to be faithful in a trial. It’s important to listen to your thoughts and feelings. This is where a journal is important. Record your thoughts and feelings and then follow through on them. I have learned that early in the morning, as I’m waking up or shortly after getting up-when my mind is clear, is when inspiration can best flow.

Watch for “packets of help”. These come in many forms but usually through the help or intervention of someone else. Be watchful, watch for serendipitous experiences, chance meetings with someone, or a comment you may hear from an unexpected source. There are many means the Lord uses to answer our prayers.

6. Read and study about prayer from the scriptures, Ensign Magazine, and books.

The Book of Mormon teaches its readers how to pray. I suggest going through the Book of Mormon and study the topic of prayer. This can be accomplished by using a computer to search words and phrases related to prayer.

I really enjoy reading about how prayers are answered. The Ensign magazine publishes a section called, Latter-Day Voices (formerly Mormon Journal) where members contribute special experience they had with the Lord. Reading these experiences increases faith.

My favorite book on prayer is, “Receiving Answers to Our Prayers”, by Gene R. Cook.

7. Seek to know God and His Son Jesus Christ by inviting the Holy Ghost to be your companion.

Out of all the things we can pray for this is the most important. However, the pressing needs of mortality are always before us, but the time must come where each of us puts the Lord first and we diligently seek to know Him.

I titled this blog, LDS Alive in Christ, with the hope of helping all who come here to realize the importance of fulfilling their baptism covenant by obtaining the gift of the Holy Ghost, and by so doing being made, “alive in Christ.”

Elder Ballard says it this way:

“… life eternal is predicated upon our own individual, personal knowledge of our Father in Heaven and His Holy Son. Simply knowing about them is not enough. We must have personal, spiritual experiences to anchor us. These come through seeking them in the same intense, single-minded way that a hungry person seeks food.” Feasting at the Lord’s Table- Ensign, May 1996, 80; M. Russell Ballard

8. Unanswered Prayers

The Lord has made it clear “there is an opposition in all things” (2 Nephi 2:11). This includes prayer. Click here to view “Why Won’t God Answer my Prayers”.

I would feel remiss if I didn’t share my testimony regarding the power of prayer. I know from my own experience that prayer can be a real power in our lives. The Lord has heard and answered my prayers on issues large and small. He has manifested Himself through these answers to the extent that belief in prayer is swallowed up by knowledge. I know that God answers prayers, nothing doubting.

 If you would like to leave a comment or thought, click here.

[1] Before proceeding, I want to acknowledge that on a few occasions I have made mistakes interrupting the workings of the spirit. I would think this is true for everyone, from the prophets to the average church member, like me. This has caused me concern, but I’ve concluded that we are like children learning to walk. What child has ever learned to walk without falling? So it is with us in learning to recognize things of the spirit. We need to become like a child if we want to learn to receive answers to our prayers. The Lord never promised we would be error free.
[2] But not all, I have also had prayers answered in “obvious” ways; the answer was given so powerfully that I thought these kinds of experiences were reserved for church leaders at the highest levels of the church. I now know what the Lord means when he says he is “no respecter of persons” (Act 10:34-35).

[3] …promptings of the Spirit are so subtle and so quiet that sometimes it is very, very difficult to know whether an answer is “yes” or “no.” Sometimes it’s very difficult to know whether you have been spoken to by the Spirit or not….the Spirit usually speaks in feelings, thoughts, ideas, and impressions. The voice of the Spirit is still and small, and if we’re looking for something more, or if we’re not being very quiet and attentive, we’ll likely miss the answer when it comes. “Receiving Answers to Our Prayers”, Gene R. Cook, P. 94.

[4] The 1828 Webster’s dictionary defines “cry”: To call importunately; to utter a loud voice, by way of earnest request or prayer.

[5] BYU Campus Education Week August 21, 2007, Elder Richard G. Scott

[6] I had 25 hits in the Book of Mormon when I entered, “cry unto the Lord” in a computer search. Note: I checked the option, “use all word forms” in the software I used-“The Scriptures”, available through the church distribution center.

[7] See Omni 1:26, Alma 6:6, 17:3, 28:6, 30:2, 3 Nephi 27:1, 4 Nephi 1:12.

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