My wife and I have five lovely daughters and one fine son. They are our greatest treasures. It’s no secret; our family is clearly our most important endeavor. We receive our greatest joy through them. And in each of them I see the light of divinity, and I want to help them be the best they can be.
If you had the greatest message of all time that you couldn’t wait to tell your family and friends, what would you do? Would you organize a mandatory meeting or send a text to everyone to let them in on the secret that you know? Would you spend every waking hour trying to spread the message with those you love? Perhaps you would spend years of your life engaged in this endeavor, trying to communicate this critical message to those you revere and love.
The Good News
And because you know it can benefit and bless the lives of others as well, you tirelessly beckon your family, friends, and acquaintances to listen to this message so they can begin enjoying the benefits immediately. That’s not too much to ask for really good news let alone the greatest message of all time. This news could easily wield that kind of commitment, right?
That’s what President Dieter F. Uchtdorf asked us to consider when he said:
“We are created by the Almighty God. He is our Heavenly Father. We are literally His spirit children. We are made of supernal material most precious and highly refined, and thus we carry within ourselves the substance of divinity.
“Here on earth, however, our thoughts and actions become encumbered with that which is corrupt, unholy, and impure. The dust and filth of the world stain our souls, making it difficult to recognize and remember our birthright and purpose. …
“But all this cannot change who we truly are. The fundamental divinity of our nature remains.”
Everyone Is Reminded
Elder Uchtdorf’s comments reminds me of the Young Women’s theme. Naturally as the father of girls, I have had the opportunity to attend many activities where they stand and recite the following beautiful words:
“We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love Him. We will “stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places” (Mosiah 18:9) as we strive to live the Young Women values, which are:
Faith • Divine Nature • Individual Worth • Knowledge • Choice and Accountability • Good Works • Integrity • and Virtue
We believe as we come to accept and act upon these values, we will be prepared to strengthen home and family, make and keep sacred covenants, receive the ordinances of the temple, and enjoy the blessings of exaltation.”
This recitation of the Young Women’s Theme reminds our girls of their divine potential. And it is not saved just for special occasions; it’s repeated at every weekly gathering. This continual reminder has become a guide for life’s decisions. Similarly, the young men are reminded of their incredible aptitude and potential in their commitment and duty to God. They are noble warriors in defense of truth and right when they accept and fulfill their role in the Aaronic Priesthood. This Priesthood holds “the key of the ministering of angels” and of the “gospel of repentance and of baptism, and the remission of sins.”
Everyone needs reminders of what they are capable of, and what blessings await the faithful. For the adult men, and priesthood holders in our church, the Lord revealed the oath and covenant of the priesthood in Doctrine and Covenants 84:33–44, which in part reads:
“All those who receive the priesthood, receive this oath and covenant of my Father, which He cannot break.”
God’s promise is that those who faithfully honor this priesthood, receive the incomparable promise “all that my Father hath shall be given unto him.” Through temple covenants this beautiful promise is for both men and women.
The Sacrament
Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles teaches us that:
“Each week the young and old alike are able to recommit themselves to the Lord by partaking the sacrament, which is a renewal of the covenants and blessings of baptism. Both should be preceded by repentance. When we keep the covenants made in these ordinances, we are promised that we will always have His Spirit to be with us. The ministering of angels is one of the manifestations of that Spirit.”
This video entitled “The Magnificent Priesthood” beautifully illustrates my point.
This weekly reminder administered by young men in our behalf is the most significant ordinance in the Church. Through it, we renew our baptismal covenants, receive great blessings through continual opportunity for repentance, and recommit ourselves to following God.
Living a Godly Life
To read more of Walter’s articles, click the picture.
But it doesn’t start or stop there. Our whole lives every day are centered around our Father In Heaven and the Savior Jesus Christ when we participate in scripture study, regular prayer, and decide what we wear, think, say, and do—freeing us from the bondage of sin, addictions, and limitations.
“And the Messiah cometh in the fullness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given.” 2 Nephi 2:26
And remember this is the greatest message of all time and worth every effort we gladly make in its behalf to share this good news with our families and others to extend it throughout our lives.
That is the worth of a single soul. Doctrine and Covenants 18:10
Inspiring videos and talk links
Talk: He Will Place You on His Shoulders and Carry You Home
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXtVBJDPs6k&feature=youtu.be
In 1989, Walter Penning formed a consultancy based in Salt Lake City and empowered his clients by streamlining processes and building a loyal, lifetime customer base with great customer service. His true passion is found in his family. He says the best decision he ever made was to marry his sweetheart and have children. The wonderful family she has given him and her constant love, support, and patience amid life's challenges is his panacea.
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