The Spirit of God
This week was absolutely amazing and a very important one for my spiritual growth! Guys! Preach My Gospel 2.0 came out! It's so amazing. I've not read it all but the parts that I've read so far are remarkable. It's definitely inspired, and a definite benefit of the ongoing restoration and modern day revelation. It now has things specifically dedicated to member missionary work as well, so get reading ;).
Here's a paragraph I like: "The words disciple and discipline come from the same root word that means “learner” or “pupil.” To be a disciple of Christ means that you seek to follow Him and keep His commandments. It means that you consistently learn and teach of Christ."
For the past nearly year and a half I've had the opportunity to see the importance of discipline both in myself and in others. I've also gotten to know how incredibly valuable that dedication/consecration is. When someone is only a disciple of Christ, or only a missionary when it's convenient, they're missing hours, days, and weeks of time where they could've been growing, could've been an instrument in the Lord's hands. I saw a lack of discipline in myself while on the wrestling team. I'd have to lose weight to make my weight class for a meet, but knowing full well that I had a meet the next week, I'd still pig out and put on a lot of weight which would have to be lost. It kept me from progressing because I was so busy every week making up the ground that I lost just days prior. It would've taken discipline for me to have kept that weight off, to nourish my body with healthy foods, and to progress as an athlete. Can you imagine if Jesus Christ wasn't disciplined? Imagine if he was willing to carry the Cross to Calvary but only when the road was going down hill? The atonement would be incomplete. It wouldn't cover everything because He wouldn't have been able to go beneath everything without intentional effort. Similarly, we can only use the atonement completely when we're disciplined followers of Christ. We can't wait at the bottom of the hill for him to meet us, we need to run up the hill! To expend our efforts to do the things He's asked not only when it's easy, but also (and especially) when it's hard. Disciplined followers of Christ are the people who become truly converted, they're the ones that share the light of Christ at all times and in all places. I've seen the negative impacts that come with a lack of discipline several times in others and in myself. Some people (and I believe that this is a cultural swing in westernized societies) seem to be under the impression that if it's difficult, if it takes effort and discipline, then it's wrong. That's not the case, that's what Satan wants us to do and to think because he knows that walking the steps of Christ to exaltation will never be easy the whole way there.
On Saturday Margrét was baptized! She was absolutely glowing, and had 6 friends/family members there to support her. In regards to Icelanders, that's absolutely incredible! It was so great to see her family support and to see the joy she was just radiating.
Saturday evening I got a priesthood blessing from my comp. The love I felt from God was so incredible. It's such a blessing to be able to receive those and definitely recommend getting one!
On Sunday Margrét was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints and received the Holy Ghost. Baptism by fire has never been a more fitting name. I was blessed with the opportunity to participate in that ordinance. It started, and the spirit was immediately present. As the blessing continued, it got hotter and hotter. My face felt like it was flaming. It was a glorious heat. The kind that comes from God. (Not the kind in Texas). I've rarely felt the power and glory of God in such an obvious and remarkable way. Despite what people think, brainwashing can't imitate the physical feeling of heat and power that radiates from ordinances performed by the power and authority of God.
This past week we also had a Zone conference. The training was about seeking after the higher fruits. In the context of missionary work that means not settling for only the easiest 'low hanging' fruits. It means that we need to work hard to find the elect not only where it typically seems easiest, but also where it's hard, where it takes discipline. It reminded me of a quote that I think is by Elder Holland. I'm gonna paraphrase: The best missionaries stay hungry. They need to stay hungry so they don't settle for the low hanging fruits, but push and reach to get the higher hanging fruits as well.
Öldungur Rasmussen
Comments
Post a Comment