Noah’s Ark and Moral Courage
It’s easy enough to do the right thing when everyone agrees it’s the right thing and is also doing it. It’s another to make the right choices when the world is against you and you are standing alone, or at least in the minority. This requires moral courage.
In the scriptures, we see many examples of people doing the right things, even though the world disapproves. In the Bible, we learn of Noah, instructed by God to call the people to repentance. When they refused to listen, God instructed Noah to build a boat. Take a moment to imagine how the people reacted when they saw Noah building a boat in the middle of the desert. Surely they thought he was out of his mind, and most certainly, he and his family endured a great deal of taunting as they worked. There would have been those who felt he was intolerant of them, given that he was spending a fair amount of time telling them they were sinning and needed to repent. They are likely to have believed he should accept their right to have different values than he had, and that he should back off and let them live as they had chosen to live.
Noah could have done so, of course. He could have been very quiet and felt it was their lives and he had no right to interfere. But clearly, Noah had a different way of looking at things. First, of course, his first loyalty was to God. Knowing as he did that God was real, he had to respond to what God told him to do and he was willing to do this even though it meant being ostracized by others.
Have you ever wondered what he thought about as he built his ark, working hard while mockers stood in the background, jeering, calling him names—calling him intolerant, perhaps… Did he wonder at all about why he had to do this? Did he have moments where he thought it might be better to let everyone have his or her freedom and he could just quietly live his own life in his own way?
If so, he would certainly have remembered, then, what God had said was going to happen. Noah was building a boat not for entertainment, but as preparation for a future he perhaps had trouble envisioning. It was to be a place of refuge when the promised future came. God didn’t suddenly send the flood without warning. He gave everyone ample chance to listen, pray to know if it was true, and then to repent. The fact that they didn’t believe they were sinning, that they didn’t believe in God or in the prophecies didn’t make them any less true. Whether or not they believed couldn’t change truth.
Noah’s prophecies and pleas for repentance might have seemed like persecution of some kind, but in reality, they were the ultimate kindness. He was trying desperately to save both their mortal and eternal lives. Had any of them repented, they would have been allowed on the ark. It was their own decision that they preferred what they were doing to what God wanted them to do. They had their agency, and they were required to accept the consequences of their agency, just as we are today.
It is not easy to be in the minority, fighting for what we know God wants, knowing what will happen to those who reject the message. I’m sure Noah’s heart ached for those who ignored him. Among those people might have been friends and family he loved. But he chose the higher ground, no matter how hard it was and no matter how others treated him for it.
Today, many who choose the higher ground are persecuted or accused of intolerance. Today we, as did Noah, have to hold our heads high and keep building the ark. The rain is coming. All we can do is to plead with others to find out for themselves how to prepare—and not be ashamed of what we know.
A Disciple’s Need for the Holy Ghost
Filed under: Becoming More Christlike, Blessings, Humility, Leadership, Obedience, Peace
I’ve talked a lot about the Spirit that a disciple of Christ needs to carry with him. It’s that presence and knowledge of God’s will for you that make you the most effective disciple you can be. This Spirit comes in two forms. There is a general presence that testifies of truth as well as gives guidance and direction as it is needed for any and all human beings who have not denied the light of Christ within them. There is also a second step in which the disciple makes specific covenants with God that allow that Spirit to more fully manifest Himself to you. These covenants invite the Holy Ghost’s companionship into every aspect of your every day life.
Why the distinction? What can be gained from the added step of covenant making? And lastly, what covenants need to be made in order to receive these increased blessings? It’s about promises and commitment. The more committed we are to Jesus Christ, the more our actions show it, the more our lives invite the Holy Ghost and the more we are able to feel His affect in our lives. Making covenants with God is an increased measure of commitment and the ordinance of baptism opens the way for these blessing of the Spirit.
Shortly after baptism, through the power of the priesthood present in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are given the gift of the Holy Ghost. This is when we are given the privilege to have the Spirit as our constant companion as long as we are trying to live up to the promises we made at baptism. He acts as a testifier of Jesus Christ to strengthen and build our testimonies. He also acts as a guide, comforter, and a conduit for many other blessings. The Holy Ghost should be the closest and most valuable friend a disciple of Christ can have with him on life’s journey.
To understand this distinction further, let’s look at the example of Peter.
Peter was one of Christ’s most faithful disciples. He recognized the divinity in the Savior when many walked away. He served faithfully by the Savior’s side. He indicated that he wanted to be found in no other place than with the Savior.
During the last supper, Peter proclaims his steadfastness in defending Christ. Then sadly, a short time later, he would deny his knowledge of Christ three different times. (See- Matthew 26:33-35, 58, 69-75)
Then, after the Holy Ghost is given to the disciples at Pentecost, Peter’s perception of his mission and goals as a disciple of Christ changes. Because of that constant reaffirming presence, Peter finds strength that was previously beyond his capabilities. (Acts 4 & 5)
That’s the value of the Holy Ghost. Expressing true commitment through covenants with God, then living up to them, provides and extra strength and shield to your life. When the Holy Ghost is allowed fully into your life you can find testimony and faith beyond that you have ever previously known.
The Role of Father as Disciple
The family is a divinely organized unit. Within it Heavenly Father intends for us to learn and form a basis of support that will lead each family member back to Him.
What is the father’s role in a family? Often, the things that come to mind are the things they do to help with the cares of the world. As a disciple of Christ, a father has a much greater purpose.
The first principle to understand about families is that they are organized and blessed by Heavenly Father.
The second principle is to understand the term Heavenly Father. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we firmly believe and draw comfort from the fact that God is very literally our Heavenly Father. He is the Father of our spirit. We were a family unit before our time here on earth.
The purpose of discipleship is to testify of Christ and to live His teachings. They carry His name and example with them everywhere they go. Jesus Christ testifies of our Heavenly Father. He made it perfectly clear that He was on earth to represent and do the will of His Father.
The disciple testifies of Christ.
Christ testifies of Heavenly Father.
The earthly family unit is to mirror the family we had in heaven.
The role of the earth-bound father as disciple is to testify of Christ and present a living example of our Heavenly Father.
That seems a much more daunting task than, “the father is the bread winner”. I appreciate the efforts of those righteous fathers who work for and with their families with one eye on the examples from heaven. I grieve for those who have not felt this kind of power and influence from a truly good man in their lives.
The father as a disciple is working to support and watch out for their family. They teach and lead. They testify of Christ and show an example of righteousness. A very tall order, a very noble mission. For this, the father needs the same thing every other disciple needs—the companionship of the Holy Ghost. He seeks to understand God’s word and the gospel of Jesus Christ by spending a little time each day studying the scriptures and a lot of time on their knees in prayer. They keep their feet on paths where the Spirit can follow. They pray for and with their families. They listen to the spirit to help them understand how to reach each person in their care. They place high priority on their happiness, just like our Heavenly Father. They never give up on a child. They stand in the doorway, waiting with open arms of love and acceptance for each member of their family. Through an earthly father, or one who provides a surrogate role of father, we learn about God’s love. We learn how to be disciples ourselves.
Sustaining and Supporting Church Leaders
There have been a number of blogs discussing the recent solemn assembly in which the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were given the opportunity to rise from our seat and add our voice of sustaining and support for our new prophet Thomas S. Monson. It is our opportunity to confirm that through our own personal revelation we recognize that the mantel of the Priesthood, and the keys of Christ’s church, have been activated in the new prophet. We add our voice to say, “Yes, we know this is the servant of the Lord, our president, prophet, seer, and revelator, and we will follow and support him.”
If you have asked for that confirming spirit, standing to bear that witness is a beautiful experience. The Holy Ghost descends and overwhelms us all with love as we reach out to these men who give their lives to do God’s will and serve us.
Though not executed in a solemn assembly, this same pattern holds true for every position of service, or calling, within the church. This church is a voluntary effort by individuals, not because they have asked for it themselves. Rather, that the Lord, through proper channels, has asked it of them. Many of these callings will not be known in the congregations before they are announced for a sustaining vote. This does not mean however, that the congregation is denied an opportunity for spiritual confirmation that the individual, is exactly who the Lord wants to do something for Him, in His name. If you come to meetings with your heart open to the teaching of God that includes anything the Lord needs you to hear. As a name is read, you can still have that spiritual confirmation before, or in, that same moment as you raise your hand.
But what happens next? Aside from keeping us a united congregation under the direction of the Lord’s prophet, and other local leaders, there is another reason. When we raise our hand in confirmation of the revelations of Heavenly Father, we are asked to sustain the Lord’s choice of servant. He has identified this man, or woman, depending on the calling, as one who will serve Him as a true disciple, who will give an example that will draw the rest of his congregation, those disciples who are also striving for this level of devotion, on righteous paths.
What does it mean to sustain someone? It’s more than just raising our hand. It’s more than testifying of our love for the Lord’s choice. It is literally upholding and supporting them. It means we are covenanting with Heavenly Father that:
We will follow where His chosen servant leads.
We will do all that is asked of us by him.
We will offer our support, prayers and love everyday, just as we offer it to our Savior Jesus Christ.
Not only are we acknowledging their role in God’s kingdom, but we are committing ourselves to our role of support.
This means knowing what is asked of you. In the case of the prophet it means listening to and reading his messages. Then it means doing what is asked of you. It also means that even if you feel you disagree, you will refrain from gossip or illspeaking about God’s servants. It’s doing our best to help even when it is not required duty, to support his or her efforts and family who also make sacrifices by allowing their husband, son, wife, daughter to serve the Lord in a very devoted manner.
My raised hand during the solemn assembly committed me to a pattern of obedience, respect and love for a wonderful man. Within my stake, ward, or branch the promise is the same. Christ’s gospel is a whole heart, whole life endeavor. We show confirmation of the Lord’s will and our willingness to support it. It is a covenant and a promise to see that through with both actions and words, with our whole heart and life.
The Path of a Disciple
This past week I have been out of the country touring areas of South America and the Caribbean. During this time I was privileged to meet a wonderful example of discipleship. He was named for a great Book of Mormon prophet, Helaman, and he works as a tour guide at the Mayan archeological site in Tulum, Mexico.
While taking my group to the site, he happily told us about himself and the path that the Lord had placed his family on that would lead him to work as a tour guide in Tulum. He, like his father had completely turned his life over to the gospel of Jesus Christ and went in faith to the place where he felt he could be of most service to his Heavenly Father. He truly left his nets behind and followed Christ and we were greatly blessed for his choices. While in his company, Helaman quietly shared the gospel with us as we walked and talked with him through the ruins. He pointed out symbols and beliefs, shared the common archeological theories concerning them, then pointed out their correlation to things we as members of The Church of Jesus Chris of Latter-day Saints know because of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives. He testified of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, the importance of temples, the plan of salvation, and most importantly of Jesus Christ. Though his words were enlightening, and provided a great amount of insight I never would have gained without his presence, what stayed with me the most was simply his spirit.
Helaman was a disciple of Christ in every best sense of the word. I can only hope that someday I can show the same amount of dedication to the gospel that he showed. I pray that one day my countenance will shine as brightly as his because I have followed his example of inviting the spirit into my life fully and completely.
He taught me much. I’ll share a little bit of it with you over the coming days, but the best thing he taught me is how to love the Lord with all my might, mind and strength and to not be ashamed of this love. That’s a wonderful gift.
Disciples in the Workplace
Many of us feel a sense of comfort about who we are when we’re within the walls of our own home. Hopefully, we feel a similar level of comfort within our religious congregations. But, what about the workplace?
Discipleship is a full-time, life-time commitment. So what does it really mean to be a disciple within the workplace, just as we would be among our close friends or family? How does a disciple view work and how do those that he works with view him as a representative of Christ?
All things are spiritual in God’s eyes; therefore, we should not have a division of our own between things spiritual and secular. He has asked us to leave the world behind and follow Him. Does that mean we should not work? No, work is part of our growth here upon this earth. However, we should strive for a work environment that is comparable to our standards as disciples of Christ. If at all possible, our path should never lead us away from our spiritual self. In that same token, we should never bring anything with us to a situation that might lead another away from God. We need to be proud to exemplify our belief at any time or place.
WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) does not lose its power because we are not the child or teenager we usually associate this message with. There are many problems, both personal and within our workplace that can be solved by refocusing on the values the Gospel of Jesus Christ has instilled in us. He is to be our example in all things, not a few.
Look for the Savior in your every day lives, in every day things. Just as the Savior taught in parables to help His followers understand His messages, we can find His love, word and example in the simplest things in our own lives. Keeping His perspective helps us avoid the world’s perspective on such things as money, goods and power that seem to be so often central to the workplace.
Start your day with scripture study and prayer. Nephi has counseled us wisely in the Book of Mormon to “feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.” (2 Nephi 32:3) I have found in my own life that when I neglect these two simple steps my day is lacking. No matter how good the activities of the day went, I have missed the presence of the Spirit. If things have gone badly, I have lacked the ability to find peace and the Lord’s will for the situation until I have returned to His basic commandments. Exercise your spirit every morning just as you would exercise your body. Do not leave for work without the power of the Holy Ghost to guide and protect you.
Be honest. Never display yourself as anything less than honest and trustworthy in the workplace. This also includes refraining from gossip or speaking ill of anyone that you work with.
Remember, often times he who is greatest, is the servant. A “what’s in it for me” attitude is not always the best course of action. Rather: “what creates the most good?” Once again, the Savior’s example is clear.
“If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.
For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” John 13:14-17
Have courage in your convictions. It is also important to remember that Christ was always appropriate to the situation and occasionally that situation called for Him to defend Himself or reprove those around Him. While it is important not to do nothing that is intended to be mean spirited it is equally important to stand up for your beliefs and help others understand their importance to you.
Pay your tithes. In Malachi we are advised to “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” (Malachi 3:10) Returning a portion of our goods to the Lord helps keep a perspective based on the Lord’s blessings. It acknowledges His hand in our lives and our dedication to Him in everything that we do. It allows Him to be part of our financial decisions and planning.
The Lord is mindful of us in everything we do. A disciple’s goal is to focus our lives on Him in return whether it is at home, at church, at work, or anywhere else we may find ourselves.