I have learned a few lessons in my life, and I want to share a nugget with you so you can profit now and won’t have to wait until you’re my age before benefiting. These are my conclusions. There are no exceptions to the rule. I have learned this principle to be true and worthwhile. So let me introduce it with a true story:
Life Lesson from My Youth
When I went to my dad as a young man for advice as I was about to buy my first car, he reminded me about my most important objectives and warned me that I needed to honestly assess my financial ability to achieve my goals if I put money into a car.
I was 16-years-old at the time and knew a lot more than I do now–at least I thought I did–so I responded that I had considered this concern and figured I could benefit from the extra cash when I sell the car. Dad raised his hand to his chin and rubbed it thoughtfully. “Well you could wreck your car, and then you wouldn’t have anything left.” I had the perfect comeback. “But I will have insurance!” I clamored, probably a little more desperate than confident. “Well. You may not…” I didn’t even let him finish the sentence. “Of course, I will have insurance. It’s the law, and I would never drive without it.” I was incredulous but respectful. Of course, my dad consented. I knew he would. A couple years later, I was having some serious engine trouble, and while my car was in the shop I pulled the expensive insurance off the vehicle until it was repaired. Needless to say, I started driving before I put the insurance back on my car and had an accident in the mean time. Everything dad said could happen did. The point is we can benefit from the wisdom of our elders. That’s the whole premise behind AskGramps. Following good advice has an immediate impact for the better.
A Golden Nugget to Share
So now for the nugget…we are encouraged to read the Book of Mormon daily. The benefit is in the reading, not just finishing. Every day we can be inspired, lifted, and guided by diligently reading from the pages of the Book of Mormon. We can apply the lessons we learn there into our lives immediately. Another example, getting my home teaching done is great, but doing it is even better. That’s where I witness the change and experience the impact of the gospel in other people’s lives. Similarly, the blessings of family history work come in completing it, not just having it all done. Obedience is the first law of heaven, because it’s fundamental to all others.
“For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” ( Moses 1:39.)
So we had an interesting activity in family night recently. We selected two family members and handed them a bag that contained a few everyday items. The participants were told that they were going to play a game, but no instructions or explanation of the object of the game was given. The participants opened the bag and began playing. They expected the contents of the bag to explain the game so they could begin playing. However, the contents did not provide this information, and the participants wondered what they were supposed to do.
We decided that to understand a game, we must understand its object or purpose. Similarly, to understand our lives on earth we must understand the object or purpose of our lives. Moses 1 helps us understand this by answering three important questions:
- Who are we?
- How can we overcome the influence of the adversary?
- What is God’s work and glory?
Knowing the answers to these questions enables us to become engaged in the work of God and participate in the completion of his mission. What then is the importance of reaching our potential? Indeed, becoming the best we can be is the very work and glory of God. The expanse of the universe, the earth that revolves around the sun in a perfect pattern, the establishment of the kingdom of God on earth has in their very purpose the most important work in time or all eternity—YOU.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38,39.)
Our Heavenly Father Has a Plan for Us
The eternal love of Jesus Christ for each one of us supersedes all else. He willingly wrought the Atonement and became our Savior to redeem all mankind from physical death and the repentant from sin. Like a parent lifts a child and supports, loves, and leads with the end purpose of helping the child reach its potential and experience the joy that is possible in life, our Heavenly Father has a plan for us to be successful.
This means that you are the reason all this exists in the first place. You are the miracle at work here, and the purpose is to help you reach your eternal potential and get better every day.
That’s the plan.
Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me; and none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost (Doctrine and Covenants 50:41-42.)
Additional Resources:
Reflecting God’s Love—What Scriptures Mean to Me
An Eye Single to the Glory of God
The Glory of God Is Intelligence
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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