A Grateful Heart

We learn through scripture that there seem to be two ways to make the Lord upset. One is disobedience, and the other is ingratitude.

“And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments” (Doctrine & Covenants 59:21).

Confessing His hand in all things, and acknowledging Him as the Giver of all, is something that we can do to show our gratitude for the innumerable blessings He showers down on us. In the Book of Hebrews we read, 

“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” (Hebrews 13:15).

It seems that the key to successfully navigating through this life is learning to be obedient to all that the Lord asks, and allowing gratitude to permeate our hearts despite whatever comes. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught,

“It is easy to be grateful for things when life seems to be going our way. But what then of those times when what we wish for seems to be far out of reach?

“Could I suggest that we see gratitude as a disposition, a way of life that stands independent of our current situation? In other words, I’m suggesting that instead of being thankful for things, we focus on being thankful in our circumstances—whatever they may be” (link to talk).

Our Father in Heaven gave us life. It is because of Him that we have the chance to live on this earth, with the challenges and opportunities that will help us become more like Him. Everything He does is for our eternal benefit, and for this we will always be indebted to Him. King Benjamin said,

“I say unto you, my brethren, that if you should render all the thanks and praise which your whole soul has power to possess, to that God who has created you, and has kept and preserved you…

“I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another—I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants” (Mosiah 2:20-21).

The Lord is perfect in His ability to bless us, and we can never do enough to break even. Some might ask “if we can never get ahead what’s the point of trying?” I had an institute teacher once say, “your contribution to your own salvation is insignificant, but all that you have you are required to give.” We may be frustrated about not gaining any ground, per se, but if that is the case we are forgetting that with the Lord there is no need to worry about competition. He loves us and everything He does is to show that love to us. Instead of thinking of this life as a competition against myself I realized that if I changed my focus it could be more accurately described as a partnership with God. 

With an all-loving, all-powerful Being on my side why do I sometimes doubt or fear? We know that "the natural man is an enemy to God" (Mosiah 3:19). The Lord wants our heart and He knows the sacrifice that it will take to overcome the natural man and willingly submit to His will. Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught,

“…the submission of one’s will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God’s altar. The many other things we ‘give,’ brothers and sisters, are actually the things He has already given or loaned to us. However, when you and I finally submit ourselves, by letting our individual wills be swallowed up in God’s will, then we are really giving something to Him! It is the only possession which is truly ours to give!” (link to talk).

The Lord has blessed us with so many things. Several years back I started writing down those things that I am grateful for, ranging from my physical body, to listening to my kids singing, to the washing machine, or the stars in a clear night sky. But there may come times in our life where these things change or disappear—bodies age, children grow and leave, machines break, and clouds may cover our view. 

There is a song I like about a girl sitting on the train of life. She laments that she hasn’t reached the station of happiness, and comes to realize that there is no such station. She then determines to live her life the best she can, rather than wishing for something better (link to song: “The Station”). I think with a mentality like that even the hard times can be seen as a blessing.

Adam and Eve were living in a beautiful garden, forever young, and surrounded by a life of ease. They made a choice that had eternal consequences, and were cast out of the garden “to till the earth…and to eat [their] bread by the sweat of [their] brow” (Moses 5:1). Their reaction could have been negative because of the circumstances they suddenly found themselves in, but they did not forget the Lord. “Adam was obedient unto the commandments of the Lord” and when asked why, he responded, “I know not, save the Lord commanded me” (Moses 5:5-6). He had made a decision to serve the Lord no matter what. Not only were Adam and Eve obedient, but they blessed God and despite their challenges they were grateful for them. Adam said,

“Blessed be the name of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this life I shall have joy, and again in the flesh I shall see God” (Moses 5:10).

Eve also expressed her gratitude to the Lord,

“Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient” (Moses 5:11).

Despite their circumstances their hope was in the Lord their God. Their focus was on the redemption that would be made for all mankind through the atoning sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Another example of gratitude is found in the Book of Mormon with the story of Lehi. He had made a decision to be obedient unto the Lord even when it was hard.

“And it came to pass that he was obedient unto the word of the Lord, wherefore he did as the Lord commanded him.

“And it came to pass that he departed into the wilderness. And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and departed into the wilderness” (1 Nephi 2:3-4).

He was asked to leave his homeland, and in the process left behind his monetary possessions. He could have been angry, like some of his sons, about having to be in the middle of the wilderness instead of enjoying a life of wealth, but he had his focus—and his gratitude—centered on the Lord. After traveling for several days they stop, and he remembers to thank the Lord.

“And it came to pass that he built an altar of stones, and made an offering unto the Lord, and gave thanks unto the Lord our God” (1 Nephi 2:7).

His son, Nephi, was also “faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord” (1 Nephi 3:16). He also had a grateful heart and didn’t take his focus off of the Lord—even when his brothers expressed their desire, on several occasions, to kill him. One instance in particular stands out in my mind.

Nephi was commanded to build a ship. Once it is complete he and all that are with him climbed aboard and set sail. While on the journey his brothers decided they were tired of following him and tied him up—for several days. If it were me, I think I might have been a bit grouchy by that time. Nephi, on the other hand, recounts,

“And it came to pass that after they had bound me insomuch that I could not move, the compass, which had been prepared of the Lord, did cease to work.

“Wherefore, they knew not whither they should steer the ship, insomuch that there arose a great storm, yea, a great and terrible tempest, and we were driven back upon the waters for the space of three days; and they began to be frightened exceedingly lest they should be drowned in the sea; nevertheless they did not loose me.

“And on the fourth day, which we had been driven back, the tempest began to be exceedingly sore.

“And it came to pass that we were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea. And after we had been driven back upon the waters for the space of four days, my brethren began to see that the judgments of God were upon them, and that they must perish save that they should repent of their iniquities; wherefore, they came unto me, and loosed the bands which were upon my wrists, and behold they had swollen exceedingly; and also mine ankles were much swollen, and great was the soreness thereof.

“Nevertheless, I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions” (1 Nephi 18:12-16, emphasis added).

Nephi had his focus on the Lord. Gratitude seemed to be a key element to keeping that focus. The Lord knows our circumstances and the Lord knows our heart. He recognizes when we are being stretched to our limits, and he also knows when we are choosing to use our situation as an excuse to not try as hard. Elder Jorg Klebingbat said, 

“The Lord knows your circumstances perfectly, but He also knows perfectly well whether you simply choose not to fully live the gospel. If that is the case, be honest enough to admit it, and strive to be perfect within your own sphere of circumstances” (link to talk).

There may be times when we and the Lord are the only ones who know how much we are really doing, and how hard we are trying to do what we have been asked to do. This reminds me of a story in the Bible.

“And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.

“And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

“And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:

“For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living” (Mark 12:41-44).

To all who may have been watching, this widow's contribution would have been viewed as miniscule. James E. Talmage explained that, “her contribution amounted to less than half a cent in American money”. He further taught,

“In the accounts kept by the recording angels, figured out according to the arithmetic of heaven, entries are made in terms of quality rather than of quantity, and values are determined on the basis of capability and intent” (James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p 521).

To the outsider she had not given much, but the Lord knew her heart and saw that she had given her all. Her obedience and gratitude were known only to Him.

In the Book of Mormon we find another story of gratitude. The group of people known as Anti-Nephi-Lehi’s have a situation. They have become converted to the Lord and their enemies (the Lamanites) are preparing to attack them. 

“Now there was not one soul among all the people who had been converted unto the Lord that would take up arms against their brethren; nay, they would not even make any preparations for war; yea, and also their king commanded them that they should not” (Alma 24:6).

The king then expresses his gratitude to God for sending Alma and the sons of Mosiah to teach them the gospel. He thanks his God for softening the hearts of his people so they could recognize the error of their ways. He continues to thank God for allowing them to repent of the “many sins and murders which [they had] committed” (Alma 24:10) prior to their knowledge of the truth. Then, regarding the current situation with the Lamanites he cries,

“Oh, how merciful is our God! And now behold, since it has been as much as we could do to get our stains taken away from us, and our swords are made bright, let us hide them away that they may be kept bright, as a testimony to our God at the last day, or at the day that we shall be brought to stand before him to be judged, that we have not stained our swords in the blood of our brethren since he imparted his word unto us and has made us clean thereby” (Alma 24:15).

These people then bury their weapons of war deep in the earth so that they won’t even be tempted to fight their enemies. Their gratitude to their Savior for His Atonement, and the ability for them to repent and change their ways, is so deeply imbedded in their hearts that this gratitude overshadows any fear of death. What a testimony! 

It can be the same with us. 

As we are obedient and keep our focus on the Lord, our gratitude will grow. As we humbly come unto Jesus Christ we can get to a point where our gratitude and love for our Savior will surpass any trial that we can encounter. Then, when we reach the end of this life and approach the gates of heaven, our gratitude will overflow when we remember that “the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there” (2 Nephi 9:41). Jesus Christ will be at the gate—Himself. He will allow no other in His place because of His love for us. How grateful I am for His mercy. How grateful I am that He knows my circumstances and how grateful I am for His atoning sacrifice that allows me the chance to try again. 

Walking In the Lord's Path

In the Book of Mormon Nephi shares part of the dream his father had, about the Tree of Life. Lehi saw a great and spacious field, and then a tree covered with fruit. He walks to the tree and eats of the fruit. After partaking of the fruit he looks around (see 1 Nephi 8:4-13). It makes me wonder if he was so focused on the tree that he saw nothing else until he reached it.

He notices Sariah, Sam, and Nephi, calls to them, and they come and eat the fruit. It isn’t until he sees Laman and Lemuel that he mentions the rod of iron and the path. “And I also beheld a strait and narrow path, which came along by the rod of iron, even to the tree by which I stood." Lehi sees a river that runs near the tree. He also sees that the rod of iron extends along the bank of the river. (see 1 Nephi 8:19-20)

What I understand from this is that if your feet are solidly on the path, the rod should be within your grasp, and will stand as a barrier between you and the river, which Nephi later learns is “filthy” and represents “the depths of hell” (1 Nephi 12:16). The iron rod represents the word of God and leads to the tree of life, or the love of God (see 1 Nephi 11:25). Elder David A. Bednar taught,

“The fruit on the tree is a symbol for the blessings of the Atonement. Partaking of the fruit of the tree represents the receiving of ordinances and covenants whereby the Atonement can become fully efficacious in our lives” (link to article).

Lehi also saw “numberless concourses of people” who commenced in the path but a mist of darkness arose and they lost their way (see 1 Nephi 8:21-23). Nephi explains that "the mists of darkness are the temptations of the devil, which blindeth the eyes, and hardeneth the hearts of the children of men, and leadeth them away into broad roads, that they perish and are lost” (1 Nephi 12:17). 

Darkness, fogginess, or anytime we can’t see clearly can be disorienting. When I have been in such a situation I have become confused as to which way to go. Moving forward to a specific location in total darkness (even if I've seen it before) can be challenging. When we are unable to see, how much more important would it be to be holding onto something solid? President Boyd K. Packer gave a little insight when he said “If you hold to the rod, you can feel your way forward with the gift of the Holy Ghost” (link to talk). I think it is very important to note that there is no mention of this group holding on to the rod. 

One thing I found interesting is that when Nephi speaks of the path that these people are following he uses the word in. I find this very descriptive of the type of path they (and we) are following.

A number of years ago I had the opportunity to go and see some of the early pioneer landmarks; the ruts in Gurnsey, Wyoming were among them. In this area the pioneers had to go over some rocks. Group after group after group went over these same rocks, until eventually a path was worn into the rocks.

The strait and narrow path has been around for a very long time. Adam and Eve were the first on this earth to trod it, followed by many faithful others throughout generations. By following the examples of the righteous and obedient men and women in the scriptures we can stay in the well-marked path.

There are two other groups of people mentioned that grab the rod, press forward, and partake of the fruit, but the outcomes are very different.

Both of these groups press forward and have a grip on the rod. The first group is described as clinging to the rod. They make it to the tree and partake of the fuit, but when the mocking voices and fingers of scorn are felt, they seem to backtrack in their conviction. Nephi recounts, 

“And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree….

“And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost” (1 Nephi 8:24, 28).

The other group is described as continually holding fast to the rod. This group "came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree” (1 Nephi 8:30). 

In contrasting the idea of clinging versus holding fast I am reminded of an experience I had. 

In Zion’s National Park there is a beautiful hike, known as “Angel’s Landing”. It truly felt like I was standing in the place of angels when I was at the top overlooking the vast expanse. 

Near the end of this hike, however, there was a steep climb. As I started on the final climb there were strong, sturdy, thick chains that were bolted into the side of the mountain, alongside the trail. A sign said to hold on to the chains as you climb. I remember walking along the path, and keeping my fingertips on the chain, or not quite holding on because the path was wide. I was comfortable with the width of the path and wasn’t worried about falling off, and felt that it was something I could handle without a problem. When the path narrowed, and the fear of falling became real, I would grip the chain tightly until the narrowness, and fear, had passed. 

Comparing this to Lehi’s vision I wonder if those from the first group were casually walking in the path—doing all the right things—but not holding fast to the rod. Perhaps they were gently grazing their fingertips along the rod, feeling that this journey was something they could handle on their own (pride maybe?), but hanging on just in case troubles came up. This group doesn’t seem to have fully internalized the gospel into their lives, because when the mocking and scorn came they fell away (see 1 Nephi 8:28). Did Nephi use the word “forbidden” because of covenants they had made? 

Jesus taught this idea of holding to the word of God, in a parable. In the parable of the sower he speaks of the seed being thrown to several different groups. I want to point out what happens to one specific group.

“Behold, a sower went forth to sow;

“And when he sowed…

“Some [seeds] fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:

“And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away” (Matthew 13:3, 5-6).

Jesus explains this parable to his disciples. First, he teaches that "The seed is the word of God” (Luke 8:11). The rod of iron also represents the word of God. The Savior's continued explanation seems to fit the clinging group of people from Lehi's dream.

“But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;

“Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended” (Matthew 13:20-21).

It seems that these people may have been doing the right things (they started in the path) and they were at least doing something right (they made it to the tree), but along the way something was missed. They went through the motions, but I don’t think they internalized the reason behind what they were doing. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf explains,

“Sometimes, in the routine of our lives, we unintentionally overlook a vital aspect of the gospel of Jesus Christ.… In our diligent efforts to fulfill all of the duties and obligations we take on as members of the Church, we sometimes see the gospel as a long list of tasks that we must add to our already impossibly long to-do list, as a block of time that we must somehow fit into our busy schedules. We focus on what the Lord wants us to do and how we might do it, but we sometimes forget why….

“[T]he gospel of Jesus Christ is not an obligation; it is a pathway, marked by our loving Father in Heaven, leading to happiness and peace in this life and glory and inexpressible fulfillment in the life to come. The gospel is a light that penetrates mortality and illuminates the way before us.

"While understanding the 'what' and the 'how' of the gospel is necessary, the eternal fire and majesty of the gospel springs from the 'why'” (link to talk).

When we understand why we are in the path and why we are holding on to the rod, it will make the temptations more bearable, and the challenges of life's journey easier to get through.

I find another parable fitting to the dream of the iron rod. We know that in the Parable of the Ten Virgins the oil represents spiritual preparedness, and all ten virgins are members of the church—meaning all have been taught the truth (link to article). Yet half are wise and half are foolish. From the scriptures we learn that to be wise means to “[apply] your hearts to understanding” (Mosiah 12:27). Another scriptures goes along with President Packer's quote above, 

“For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived” (Doctrine & Covenants 45:57).

It seems that having access to the Holy Ghost as you travel in the path is a critical element. In Lehi’s dream I think that those who are continually holding fast to the rod of iron are those who lived “by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God” (Doctrine & Coventants 84:44) and have served Him “with all [their] heart, might, mind and strength” (Doctrine & Covenants 4:2). This can be shown by the exertion that has been spent to get to the tree, for they fall down when they reach it (see 1 Nephi 8:30). 

Elder Robert D. Hales shares what this group of people may have done to keep a firm grip on the rod of iron.

“I testify that when we do what is necessary to know [Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ] and know Their love for one another, we will obtain 'the greatest of all the gifts of God'—even eternal life….

“How can this gift be ours? It comes through a matter of personal revelation…

“As you seek a personal witness—your personal revelation—you will discover that Heavenly Father has provided a special way for you to know the truth for yourself: through the third member of the Godhead, a personage of spirit we know as the Holy Ghost” (link to talk).

Nephi also taught that,

“the power of the Holy Ghost…is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men….

“For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them” (1 Nephi 10:17,19).

This group had paid the price to obtain their own spiritual witness through the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal Son of God. They had received a witness that Jesus Christ really is who He said He is. They had learned, through their own experience, about the healing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. They had felt the peace “which passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). They knew that Jesus Christ,

“would overcome the world; he would descend beneath it all. He would make it possible for every person of every age to overcome every obstacle, every weakness, every sin, and every tinge of guilt” (Tad R. Callister, The Infinite Atonement, p 205).

They had full confidence in the promises of our Heavenly Father, and our Savior Jesus Christ. It is no surprise that they paid no heed—mindfulness, consideration, study—to those mocking from the great and spacious building. They knew in whom they had trusted (see 2 Nephi 4:19).

Elder M. Russell Ballard spoke of our journey through life similar to being in a boat on a white-water rafting trip. The boat symbolizes The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One of the rules on this journey is to “stay in the boat”. 

“Along with rule number one as I’ve applied it, remember rules two and three: always wear a life jacket, and hold on with both hands. The words of the Lord are found in the scriptures and the teachings of the apostles and prophets. They provide us counsel and direction that, when followed, will act like a spiritual life jacket and will help us know how to hold on with both hands.

“We need to become like the sons of Mosiah, who 'waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth.' We can become men and women 'of a sound understanding.' This can be accomplished only by our 'search[ing] the scriptures diligently, that [we] might know the word of God.'

“In searching the scriptures and the words of past and current apostles and prophets, we should focus on studying, living, and loving the doctrine of Christ.

“In addition to developing the habit of personal scripture reading, we need to be like the sons of Mosiah and give ourselves 'to much prayer, and fasting.'

“It seems that these things which are not easily measured are of great importance. Stay focused on these simple things, and avoid becoming distracted” (link to talk).

I felt this very fitting to Lehi’s dream of the rod of iron. We need to hold on firmly with both hands, and we can do that as we follow Elder Ballard's counsel. There will be times when we stumble, or fall, but if we are holding steadfastly to the rod of iron we will only fall so far. As we keep focused on the Lord: obeying His words as found in the scriptures, and the words of His prophets; we can stay in the path that He has already walked. By doing these things we can make it to the tree of life and experience God's love in its fullness.

The Gift to Change our Lives for the Better

If you look at the world that we live in things are constantly changing: the sun continually moves across the sky; leaves fall off trees and new ones grow back; tiny babies grow to adulthood. Everything in nature happens a little bit at a time, day by day. Change surrounds us, and the power to change lies within us. President James E. Faust taught, 

“Each one of us has been given the power to change his or her life. As part of the Lord’s great plan of happiness, we have individual agency to make decisions. We can decide to do better and to be better….

“Let us remember that the power to change is very real, and it is a great spiritual gift from God” (link to talk).

Throughout our lives we are continually changing. I am not the same person I was 20 years ago. I have changed physically, mentally, and emotionally, among other things. Where I am now is a compilation of little choices that I have made each day for many years. Some of these choices became habits through repetition, diligence and effort. Others were a one-time choice where I learned from my mistakes never to repeat.

Before we came down to earth we understood that we would be free to act for ourselves. We lived with our Heavenly Father as His spirit children for millions and millions of years. He watched us grow, choose, make mistakes, try again, and learn. He knows us so much more than we can fathom. He designed an individual plan for every single person on this earth—perfect in its intertwining nature as we interact with other people, environments, and circumstances. President Thomas S. Monson reminds us,

“Our Heavenly Father, who gives us so much to delight in, also knows that we learn and grow and become stronger as we face and survive the trials through which we must pass. We know that there are times when we will experience heartbreaking sorrow, when we will grieve, and when we may be tested to our limits. However, such difficulties allow us to change for the better, to rebuild our lives in the way our Heavenly Father teaches us, and to become something different from what we were—better than we were, more understanding than we were, more empathetic than we were, with stronger testimonies than we had before.

“This should be our purpose—to persevere and endure, yes, but also to become more spiritually refined as we make our way through sunshine and sorrow. Were it not for challenges to overcome and problems to solve, we would remain much as we are, with little or no progress toward our goal of eternal life” (link to talk).

In our pre mortal state we knew what we would be up against on earth and we knew we would fall short despite our best efforts. We knew that life would be hard but was a necessary step for us to progress from our spiritual state to a resurrected, perfected state.

We also knew Jesus Christ, our literal spirit Brother, personally. We watched Him, and knew who He really was. He was chosen to come down to earth to fill the gaps and holes that we would have because of our imperfect choices. We knew and trusted Him implicitly. I love how Elder Tad R. Callister expresses this idea,

“Over long eons of time in the pre mortal realm [Jesus Christ] proved faithful and dependable and honorable in every commitment, every responsibility, and every charge. The scriptures tell us that from eternity to eternity he is the same. He never deviated from the mark, never slacked in his performance, never shrank from his word. He kept every command with exactness; he discharged every duty with precision; he was not slack concerning his promise. His promises were immutable and unchangeable. As a result, his spiritual credit was rapidly escalating until it was pure gold, even infinite in value. That is why the laws of justice could recognize the benefits of the Atonement before the purchase price was ever paid, because his promise, his pledge, his credit was ‘good for it’, and everyone who honored their first estate knew it” (Tad R. Callister, The Infinite Atonement, p74). 

Here on earth we interact with others, and deal with changing situations and circumstances. No one on this earth has ever been, nor ever will be, perfect—save Jesus alone. Imperfection is something we will have to deal with, in ourselves and in others. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, “God is fully aware that you and I are not perfect” (link to talk). Elder Jeffrey R. Holland also stated, 

“Except in the case of His only perfect Begotten Son, imperfect people are all God has ever had to work with. That must be terribly frustrating to Him, but He deals with it. So should we. And when you see imperfection, remember that the limitation is not in the divinity of the work” (link to talk).

Through the Atonement of our Savior and Redeemer we can change. We will never attain to perfection in this life, but if it is a goal we are striving for in this life we an continue in that direction in the next life. Joseph Smith taught,

““When you climb up a ladder, you must begin at the bottom, and ascend step by step, until you arrive at the top; and so it is with the principles of the Gospel—you must begin with the first and go on until you learn all the principles of exaltation. But it will be a great while after you have passed through the veil before you will have learned them. It is not all to be comprehended in this world; it will be a great work to learn our salvation and exaltation even beyond the grave.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p 348)

We can strive daily to learn something new, whether intellectually, spiritually, manually, musically, geographically, whatever suits your fancy. By making little improvements day by day we can one day look back and see just how far we have come.

I used to get overwhelmed by the vastness of the things there are to learn in this world, and would not know where to start. Now I try and pick one thing to work on a time. I believe that if we are continually moving in the right direction and trying to improve ourselves in this life, when we die our surroundings may change but we will continue to be who we are. My father once explained it in this way, 

“For those who choose the lifestyle, I think spirit prison could very well describe what some folks are living here. I doubt if any of us make this world as nice as paradise. The next life and world is probably ‘patterned after’ this one. I think the phase shift that occurs between worlds (either coming to or departing from mortality) changes what and who we see, but doesn't change who we are or the type of choices we are inclined to make.  Only a personal choice to choose differently will ever get us on a different path.”

King Benjamin, found in the Book of Mormon, taught that in order to return to live with our Heavenly Father we need to become “as a child” (Mosiah 3:19). Elder Marlin K. Jensen explained, “becoming like a child is a gradual process of spiritual development in which we are aided by the Holy Ghost and our reliance on Christ’s Atonement” (link to talk). When Jesus’ disciples asked Him who was “greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:1), His response was insightful as to the character we should strive to develop.

“And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

“And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:2-4).

Little children are humble, loving, forgiving, accepting, nonjudgmental, very open and honest, and not tainted by the philosophies of men. 

Young David was very child-like and continued to be so for much of his life. In the Bible Dictionary we learn,

“The long and varied discipline through which he passed in the earlier part of his life fitted him for the duties of the throne. As shepherd he acquired the habit of deep reflection; as courtier he was trained in self-control and chivalrous generosity; as outlaw he acquired knowledge of men and power of government. Each successive phase of experience developed in him the conscious dependence upon God that was the secret of his strength throughout his life….David’s life illustrates the need for all persons to endure in righteousness to the end.” (link to reference).

One big question is how to make the change. 

First, true repentance is key. Secondly, we believe that all mankind may be saved by obedience (see Article of Faith 1:3). 

In the scriptures we can find the miraculous conversions of Alma the Younger, the sons of Mosiah, Paul (formerly Saul) of Tarsus, and many others. Once their hearts were changed, they showed their conversion through their unwavering obedience and devotion to the Lord. 

There are other examples of people in the scriptures who were changed, in not so dramatic ways. Nephi and his brothers returned to Jerusalem to Ishmael’s house to see if they could convince them to join them on their journey into the wilderness. The Lord softened Ishmael’s heart, and they start on their way.

“And it came to pass that as we journeyed in the wilderness, behold Laman and Lemuel, and two of the daughters of Ishmael, and the two sons of Ishmael and their families, did rebel against us; yea, against me, Nephi, and Sam, and their father, Ishmael, and his wife, and his three other daughters” (1 Nephi 7:6).

From this passage we learn that Ishmael has two sons, and they join Laman and Lemuel in rebelling against Nephi and those who follow him. His brethren are so irritated with Nephi that they tie him with a cord and want to leave him to die in the wilderness. Nephi, through his faith, is able to free himself from the chains [we can liken this to loosening the chains of sin through our faith]. The story continues,

“And it came to pass that they were angry with me again, and sought to lay hands upon me; but behold, one of the daughters of Ishmael, yea, and also her mother, and one of the sons of Ishmael, did plead with my brethren, insomuch that they did soften their hearts; and they did cease striving to take away my life” (1 Nephi 7:19).

I find it interesting that in this verse one of the sons of Ishmael pled with his brethren. Ishmael only has two sons, and both of them had rebelled against Nephi previously. I wonder if Nephi’s influence somehow helped to soften the heart of this brother so much that he then defended Nephi against his brothers. We don’t hear much else about this son of Ishmael in the scriptures, but his conversion seems to have had a start here.

We also find a story in the Book of Mormon about a people who were once rebellious and wicked and were converted unto the Lord. These people are so completely converted that when they learned of the plan of the Lamanites to attack them they chose to risk death rather than sin again by shedding the blood of their enemies.

“And now behold, since it has been as much as we could do to get our stains taken away from us, and our swords are made bright, let us hide them away that they may be kept bright, as a testimony to our God at the last day, or at the day that we shall be brought to stand before him to be judged, that we have not stained our swords in the blood of our brethren since he imparted his word unto us and has made us clean thereby” (Alma 24:15).

These converted people then teach their children, and it is their children who defend them in the future. Their children were taught so thoroughly that, speaking of those fighting in behalf of their parents, it was said,

“[T]hey were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all—they were...true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted.

“Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him” (Alma 53:20-21).

I am sure that the influence of these righteous parents had a similar effect on the faith of their daughters as well.

I am always amazed at the faith of these young boys who, when asked to fight against a much more experienced army, stated (probably without hesitation),

“behold our God is with us, and he will not suffer that we should fall; then let us go forth; we would not slay our brethren if they would let us alone” (Alma 56:46).

They went against this army from behind and fought with such strength that “the whole army of the Lamanites halted and turned upon [them]” (Alma 56:52). These young boys had never fought in their lives, but through the power of their faith, and the faith of their parents, we read the words of their leader, Helaman,

“But behold, to my great joy, there had not one soul of them fallen to the earth; yea, and they had fought as if with the strength of God; yea, never were men known to have fought with such miraculous strength; and with such mighty power did they fall upon the Lamanites, that they did frighten them; and for this cause did the Lamanites deliver themselves up as prisoners of war” (Alma 56:56).

Such is the power that change can have on generations to come.

Ether teaches what the Lord has said about changing for the better,

“And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them” (Ether 12:27).

We need to come unto the Lord. This specific chapter in the Book of Ether is one that talks repeatedly about faith. I think it takes faith to change. Sometimes great faith. It also takes an eternal perspective to have the power and vision to change. We may not be aware of the weaknesses that we have, that may be very obvious to others. The Lord, who is all-knowing, will show us our weakness, and how we can overcome it. 

President Deiter F. Uchtdorf spoke of a study that was done at Cornell University.

“[T]wo researchers invited college students to participate in a series of tests on various life skills and then asked them to rate how they did. The students who performed poorly were the least accurate at evaluating their own performance—some of them estimating their scores to be five times higher than they actually were.

“This study has been replicated in numerous ways, confirming over and over again the same conclusion: many of us have a difficult time seeing ourselves as we truly are, and even successful people overestimate their own contribution and underestimate the contributions that others make.

“It might not be so significant to overestimate how well we drive a car or how far we can drive a golf ball. But when we start believing that our contributions at home, at work, and at church are greater than they actually are, we blind ourselves to blessings and opportunities to improve ourselves in significant and profound ways” (link to talk).

If we approach the Lord, in humility, He can show us where we are weak. Elder Gene R. Cook said,

“You can’t find the word ‘weaknesses’ one time in any of the Standard Works….I always had a hard time thinking the Lord made me impatient; for example, one of my weaknesses. But it doesn’t mean that at all. He has a different definition of what it is He gave you. And the ‘weakness’ has more to do with the mortal state you’ve been put in. You used to not be weak. Now you are, because of this mortality you’re in” (Gene R. Cook, Personal Scripture Study, audio CD#2).

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines weakness as “the quality or state of being weak”. We are immortal beings living in an imperfect and mortal world. Sometimes I feel that my spirit is strong, but my body is weak, stubborn and willful. As we humbly approach the Lord our spirit can gain the strength needed to overcome the natural man.

In the Book of Alma we find Captain Moroni—an amazingly righteous man, and leader of the Nephite army. When preparing to fight against the Lamanite army,

“[Moroni prepared] the minds of the people to be faithful unto the Lord their God….

“And in their weakest fortifications he did place the greater number of men” (Alma 48:9).

Moroni knew where his army was weak. He helped his people turn to the Lord, and put more men to strengthen the weak spots, and thus they were able to more fully fortify themselves. The same is true for us. We need to turn to the Lord, and He will help us fortify our weak places. In order to receive the help and protection we desire from the Lord we need to be humble, and obedient to all He requires. 

In Moses the Lord states His eternal goal when He said, “For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). President Dieter F. Uchtdorf expanded on this topic when he said,

“And while we may look at the vast expanse of the universe and say, “What is man in comparison to the glory of creation?” God Himself said we are the reason He created the universe! His work and glory—the purpose for this magnificent universe—is to save and exalt mankind. In other words, the vast expanse of eternity, the glories and mysteries of infinite space and time are all built for the benefit of ordinary mortals like you and me. Our Heavenly Father created the universe that we might reach our potential as His sons and daughters” (link to talk).

We are the reason He created the universe. We are here to learn to become like Him. His grace is sufficient to cover any imperfections, inadequacies, weaknesses, blatant sins, and even gross wickedness, if we will truly repent and turn unto Him. For the Lord, Himself, stated, 

“Come now, and let us reason together…though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18).

The Lord knows we will make mistakes. That is why we are here! We are here to learn how to overcome those mistakes, and if we make them again, we can try again to conquer them. The Lord knows who we are, and who we can become. He knows we will fail to attain perfection, but if we turn our lives over to Him we can become so much more than we could ever imagine. Tad R. Callister said, “It is as through the Lord wants to bless every attempt, however small or feeble it may be, to put our life in his hands” (Tad R. Callister, The Infinite Atonement, p194). 

The Lord has walked this path before. He has placed prophets, scriptures, families, and friends, on this earth to help lead and guide us. He has also blessed us with the divine gift of His Son, that through Him we can return home again. We need to do our part, but once we have done what we can what a comfort it is to know that He has already made up the rest.

Each new day brings a new opportunity to change. Let us each decide to make that change for the better.