Finding a Life of Joy

I have been thinking about my life lately. I was raised as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and for most of my life I have tried to be faithful and obedient in living the gospel. I am trying to follow the steps and stay on the path and am hoping to keep that up until the end of my mortal life. I know the gospel can lead me to a better place in the next life, but I realized that I sometimes lose focus on the fact that it can also help me be happier in this life. In the Ensign magazine this month I found an article that seemed to fit this idea. The author said,

“We all know the things we should be doing regularly: scripture study, prayer, church attendance, and temple worship. While doing these things is an important first step, going through the motions isn’t enough; developing a relationship with our Heavenly Father and allowing the gospel to change us require more than a checklist state of mind.

“The more we feast upon the words of Christ—the scriptures—and delve into developing our spirituality, the more we are able to see the goodness around us and recognize His role in our lives. President Ezra Taft Benson pointed out that the scriptures are the ‘the words of life’ and that this is especially true of the Book of Mormon. He said, ‘When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance’” (link to article).

If someone, not of our faith, were to look at my life would they see my day-to-day life as different from theirs? Would my life be such an example of peace, love, and joy that they would be compelled to know more about what I had? Or would they find our day-to-day lives the same, except for my weird religious habits: reading the scriptures every day, praying a lot, going to church every week, and seemingly obligatory service?

Nephi taught, “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:25, emphasis added). But sometimes I feel I am focused more on doing the “to dos” instead of focusing on the joy. I remember hearing a comment on the radio once that made me stop and think. The person said, “if your attempts to live your religion are taking all the joy out of life, you’re doing it wrong.” Something we could probably benefit from if we took the time to really think about it.

What about the word “joy”, could being joyful mean something different than blissfully gliding through my day? The definition that first comes to my mind is a familiar one, “a feeling of great happiness”. I found another definition that seems to be more fitting to another type of joy that we can find in this life; “success in doing, finding, or getting something” (link to definition).

It seems to me that those people who truly enjoy their lives are those who are working toward something bigger than themselves—something they have dedicated their whole heart and soul into. It also seems that these people have faced a lot of opposition and obstacles in the process, but are able to successfully overcome them with a greater resolve to continue.

One example that comes to mind is Martin Luther King Jr. He had a great desire burning within him to fight against the unfairness of segregation. He was on the “losing” team, but despite the opposition he faced he continued on. He was one man who followed his dream and changed the world.

I once read a book entitled “Three Cups of Tea” in which a man by the name of Greg Mortensen had a desire to improve education, especially for girls, in Pakistan and Afghanistan. He faced severe opposition and setbacks, but continued on to establish several schools, and establish other organizations to help promote education in those areas. 

Another example is that of Mother Teresa. She had many challenges in her efforts to help the poor, but what she ended up doing was so much more--she served as an example to anyone who may face seemingly insurmountable challenges. She showed that we do what we can do, and not be discouraged about what we can't do. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland spoke  about this when he said,

“A journalist once questioned Mother Teresa of Calcutta about her hopeless task of rescuing the destitute in that city. He said that, statistically speaking, she was accomplishing absolutely nothing....Notwithstanding the staggering number beyond her reach, she said she could keep the commandment to love God and her neighbor by serving those within her reach with whatever resources she had” (link to talk).

The Savior knows our capabilities and our limitations. He knows what we can do, even when it may seem less when compared to others. The Savior is no respecter of persons, and is merciful and kind to those who come unto Him. The story that comes to mind is of a time, shortly before his crucifixion, when He went to Simon’s house.

“[And] as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.

“And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made?…And Jesus said, Let her alone…She hath done what she could” (Mark 14: 3-4, 6, 8).

She had done what she could. The Lord knew what she was capable of, and didn't demand more. The same is true with us. Jesus Christ sacrificed His life for us so that He could make up the difference for us when we fall short. Through His Atoning sacrifice we can be forgiven, change, and improve. By joining with Him we can do so much more than we could ever do on our own. 

The individuals listed above seem to have found joy in a cause higher than themselves. During the hard times they kept their mind focused on their end goal, so that even with the hardships they faced there were able to recover and move forward toward their goal.

I was reminded of an experience I had that helped me understand this idea a little more. When I was taking Driver’s Education I was sitting in the driver's seat for my first time  of actually driving. As I started to drive, because I didn’t know differently, I kept my focus about 20 feet in front of the car. I noticed that my driving was really choppy and I kept jerking the steering wheel at every shift or bend in the road. The instructor taught me how to correctly adjust my gaze to look a little higher. From there I could see where I was wanting to go, and as I kept my eyes on my distant goal, rather than all the little changes in front of me, my driving became much smoother. I have since learned that when I keep my focus on a distant goal (as opposed to being bogged down by the trials right in front of my face) it makes life much more bearable. 

Another correlation between driving and life is to note that driving while focusing on the rear view mirror is incredibly ineffective and hazardous. The same can be true with dwelling on the past. Once you have done all within your power, turn your problems over to the Lord, and then let it go. 

Many years ago I started dating someone. Dating turned into talks of marriage, kids, and we even started looking for housing. I was excited at the prospect, but something didn't quite seem to fit. One night as I prayed I remember distinctly hearing words in my mind saying, "let him go, he's not what you want." It was unexpected and I didn't want to do it. I just cried and cried. It was hard, but I trusted in the Lord and did it. 

Now, as I look back, I am ever so grateful that I did. The Lord knew I would find someone who was so much greater for me than I could imagine, but I had to trust in Him and wait on His timing.

Letting go of whatever challenges, trials, heartaches we face may seem hard, but the Lord has said, “I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up” (Doctrine & Covenants 84:88). The Lord will be there by our side through whatever comes. Elder Jorg Klebingat counseled,

“Accept trials, setbacks, and ‘surprises’ as part of your mortal experience. Remember that you are here to be proved and tested, ‘to see if [you] will do all things whatsoever the Lord [your] God shall command [you]’—and may I just add, ‘under all circumstances.’…Some trials come through your own disobedience or negligence. Other trials come because of the negligence of others or simply because this is a fallen world. When these trials come, the adversary’s minions begin broadcasting that you did something wrong, that this is a punishment, a sign that Heavenly Father does not love you. Ignore that! Instead, try to force a smile, gaze heavenward, and say, “I understand, Lord. I know what this is. A time to prove myself, isn’t it?” Then partner with Him to endure well to the end” (link to talk).

One thing that I have noticed as I have been studying this topic is that the way to find joy and happiness in this life seems to be by applying the Atonement of Jesus Christ in our lives. Elder Klebingat further taught,

“Embrace the Atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance as things that are to be welcomed and applied daily according to the Great Physician’s orders. Establish an attitude of ongoing, happy, joyful repentance by making it your lifestyle of choice.…Spiritual confidence increases when you voluntarily and joyfully repent of sins, both small and great, in real time by applying the Atonement of Jesus Christ” (link to talk, emphasis added).

Elder Eduardo Gavarret spoke of finding joy through the process of becoming more like the Savior. The Savior first invites with “come unto me”, then “follow me”, and finally “walk with me”. Elder Gavarret said,

“As you strive to come to Him, you will gain the power to relieve life’s burdens, whether physical or spiritual, and experience a positive inner change that will help you be happier” (link to talk, emphasis added).

The Atonement was brought about for us not only to offer forgiveness for our sins, but to help us change for the better. Elder Bruce C. Hafen taught,

“The Savior desires to save us from our inadequacies as well as our sins. Inadequacy is not the same as being sinful—we have far more control over the choice to sin than we may have over our innate capacity….A sense of falling short or falling down is not only natural but essential to the mortal experience. Still, after all we can do, the Atonement can fill that which is empty, straighten our bent parts, and make strong that which is weak.

“The Savior’s victory can compensate not only for our sins but also for our inadequacies; not only for our deliberate mistakes but also for our sins committed in ignorance, our errors of judgment, and our unavoidable imperfections. Our ultimate aspiration is more than being forgiven of sin—we seek to become holy, endowed affirmatively with Christlike attributes, at one with him, like him. Divine grace is the only source that can finally fulfill that aspiration, after all we can do” (Bruce C. Hafen, The Broken Heart: Applying the Atonement to Life’s Experiences, p 19-20).

Tad R. Callister said,

“[T]he Savior is anxious that the Atonement make us better. He must be gravely disappointed if people merely acknowledge his Atonement as a magnificent sacrifice to be viewed in awe, but with no thought of change. The atoning sacrifice was designed to motivate us, to draw us unto him, to lift us to higher ground, and ultimately to assist us in becoming as he is” (Tad R. Callister, The Infinite Atonement, p218).

Throughout my life I have tried to be obedient and to do the right things, but I’m not perfect and I still make mistakes. When I fail in my attempts, I ask for forgiveness. In the process of repenting I have been able to apply the Atonement of Jesus Christ to receive the peace and relief I seek. 

Lately, however, I have realized that I can also ask for the help of the Atonement in my daily life—with my weaknesses and shortcomings, “because some of them will be [my] companions until [I] depart this earth life” (link to talk). I have tried to focus on the Atonement in my morning prayers. As I think about the things I have planned for the day I also ask that somehow through the Atonement I can have the help to overcome my  weaknesses or tendencies that seem to creep up. The feeling is almost tangible--a feeling of having someone by my side helping me along. It reminds me of the scripture,

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

This scripture, I am finding, doesn’t just mean finding relief from the burdens of life or the weight of sin. It means easing the burdens of life itself. Elder Hafen wrote,

“Our understanding of the Atonement is hardly a shield against sorrow; rather, it is a rich source of strength to deal productively with the disappointments and heartbreaks that form the deliberate fabric of mortal life. The gospel was given us to heal our pain, not to prevent it” (Bruce C. Hafen, The Broken Heart: Applying the Atonement to Life’s Experiences, p5).

I remember one day that had been really rough, and I went to bed worn out and frustrated. I woke up in the middle of the night feeling completely overwhelmed, and I cried. I remember kneeling down and, through my sobs, asking if the Lord could somehow, through the Atonement of His Son, take away this overwhelming feeling. As I spoke the words I remember feeling a tangible relief as the weight was lifted up and away from me. My tears stopped. There was no more reason to cry. All I felt was peace. That was a testimony to me that the power of the Atonement can help us at times when we feel completely powerless in our circumstances. I still had to deal with the same issues, but I was no longer cumbered with their weight.

Life was not meant to be easy. We were put on this earth to prove ourselves “to see if [we] will do all things whatsoever the Lord [our] God shall command [us]” (Abraham 3:25) no matter our circumstances. Along with the blessing of life itself, the Lord has provided us with a lifeline to help us return to live with Him after this life. A lifeline through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

When the Savior was born on the earth an angel appeared to shepherds,

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11, emphasis added).

There came wise men searching for the Savior.

“[A]nd, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy” (Matthew 2:9-10, emphasis added).

Why is it that there was so much joy felt when the Savior was born? What could cause such a feeling of joy—of hope? King Benjamin gave us a little insight, when he shared what he learned from an angel.

“And [the angel] said unto me: Awake, and hear the words which I shall tell thee; for behold, I am come to declare unto you the glad tidings of great joy.

“For the Lord hath heard thy prayers, and hath judged of thy righteousness, and hath sent me to declare unto thee that thou mayest rejoice; and that thou mayest declare unto thy people, that they may also be filled with joy.

“For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay…

“And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning…

“And lo, he cometh unto his own, that salvation might come unto the children of men even through faith on his name; and…they shall consider him a man…and shall scourge him, and shall crucify him.

“And he shall rise the third day from the dead; and behold, he standeth to judge the world; and behold, all these things are done that a righteous judgment might come upon the children of men.

“And the Lord God hath sent his holy prophets among all the children of men, to declare these things to every kindred, nation, and tongue, that thereby whosoever should believe that Christ should come, the same might receive remission of their sins, and rejoice with exceedingly great joy” (Mosiah 3:2-5, 8-10, 13, emphasis added).

Why can we have such great joy? Jesus Christ died so that we can repent and receive a remission of our sins. Why is that something to be joyful about? We know that “no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of heaven” (Alma 11:37). We know that when we disobey God's commandments we become “subject to the will of the devil…[and are] cast out…from [God’s] presence, because of [our] transgression, wherein [we become] spiritually dead” (Doctrine & Covenants 29:40-41). It is through the Atonement of Jesus Christ that we can receive a remission of our sins and become spiritually alive in Christ (see 1 Corinthians 15:22). The power of the Atonement can change our nature so that we can be “[m]ore fit for the kingdom [of God]” (link to Hymn: "More Holiness Give Me"). Tad R. Callister taught,

“[Repentance] is the internal desire of man combined with the external power of God, so merging in miraculous harmony that it enlarges, endows, and enlightens the human spirit with a godlike nature. Repentance is the divinely chosen process that leads to godhood while satisfying justice each step of the way…

“Repentance is more than a passive process to ‘get us even’; it is the affirmative process to improve us, refine us, and ultimately perfect us. Its purpose goes far beyond the satisfaction of justice. It opens the door to the cleansing and perfecting powers of the Atonement” (Tad R. Callister, The Infinite Atonement, p225).

It is through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, that all mankind may be saved (see Article of Faith 1:3). Through our obedience and faith in Jesus Christ we can become perfected—more like Him. As we seek to have our Savior, Jesus Christ, as an active, participating partner in our lives we can be guided more powerfully to become who the Lord knows that we can become. When we make mistakes we can repent, and reconnect that link, and we can continue on. The Lord asks us to do what we can, and when we fall short He is there to lift us up and put us back on the path.

My son once asked what happens to those people who fall into the river of wickedness, represented in Lehi’s dream (see 1 Nephi 12:16). Are they lost forever? No. If they will repent and turn to the Lord He will lift them out of the river and set them back on the path leading toward the tree of life. Elder Paul V. Johnson taught,

“Since each of us has sinned and thus has subjected ourselves to the will of the devil to some degree, we need to somehow be freed from the bondage of sin. The Atonement has power to break these bonds, these chains, this captivity….Deliverance and liberty come through Him and His Atonement….

“When we obey Satan, we give him power. When we obey God, He gives us power. This is not the message we get from the world, but it is the truth. Real power, the power to become like the Savior, is only found in obedience. Real freedom is found in obedience—in subjecting ourselves to God’s will rather than to the will of the flesh or the will of the devil. Freedom through obedience: this sounds like a paradox, but those who have lived this way can testify it is true. Obedience brings power, freedom, joy, peace, and hope” (link to talk).

Through obedience, and applying the Atonement of Jesus Christ daily in our lives we can be cleansed from our iniquities, strengthened in our weaknesses, and can overcome the natural man. President Thomas S. Monson taught,

“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).

God is our Father. He has a plan for each of us. Through His infinite mercy He has provided a way for us to not only overcome the challenges of this life, but to change and improve in our efforts to become more like Him. This gift can only come through the Atonement of His Son, our Brother, Jesus Christ. Truly these are glad tidings of great joy!

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.