Living With The End in Mind

Something that has been on my mind lately is the need to set goals. I have tried to set goals in the past, and some have been easy while other have been very lofty (I didn't really take into account the time or effort required). Needless to say, I never attained those lofty goals. 

In this last General Conference Elder Carlos A. Godoy was speaking of how his life had been going very well, when he had a friend come for a visit. That talk has stuck with me, and has been the driving influence behind this post. He said,

“At the conclusion of his visit, he made a comment and asked a question that unsettled my convictions. He said, ‘Carlos, everything seems to be going well for you, your family, your career, and your service in the Church, but—‘ and then came the question, ‘if you continue to live as you are living, will the blessings promised in your patriarchal blessing be fulfilled?’

“I had never thought about my patriarchal blessing in this way. I read it from time to time but never with the intent of looking toward the blessings promised in the future and evaluating how I was living in the present” (link to talk).

As I’ve been studying the topic of goal-setting I am learning that setting goals, in general, is a good idea--I can't find any information to the contrary. It seems that the pursuit of goals helps unleash a power from within that propels us to become who we know inside that we can become. I think that it is through the process of setting and achieving our goals that helps to refine us and find fulfillment in our lives. 

Included among the many benefits of setting (and achieving) goals, is joy. Elder Dallin H. Oaks said,

“[One] source of happiness and mortal joy is the accomplishment of worthy goals, simple things like physical exercise or more complex goals like the completion of an arduous task.

“Other goals have eternal significance. Their completion produces joy in this life and the promise of eternal joy in the world to come” (link to talk).

It seems that the cure for gloom or despair can be overcome through accomplishing goals, as President Ezra Taft Benson taught.

“Every accountable child of God needs to set goals, short- and long-range goals. A man who is pressing forward to accomplish worthy goals can soon put despondency under his feet, and once a goal is accomplished, others can be set up” (link to talk).

The Lord, Himself, spoke of goals a long time ago when He spoke to Moses. He showed Moses His many creations, but then said that His crowning work was to help us, His children, become like Him.

“And the Lord God spake unto Moses, saying: The heavens, they are many, and they cannot be numbered unto man; but they are numbered unto me, for they are mine.

“And as one earth shall pass away, and the heavens thereof even so shall another come; and there is no end to my works, neither to my words.

“For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:37-39).

Before the marvelous physical creation of man on earth our Father in Heaven created everything spiritually (see Moses 3:5). He had His end goal in sight, thought it through, planned it all out, and after much preparation and deliberation executed His plan perfectly.

The Lord has a goal—a purpose—for everything He does. His desire is to help us, in every way possible, to become like Him. He has given us guidelines and direction through the voice of His servants: those from the past whose word we find in scripture, and those from the present whose words we can hear. We have been commanded to pray to our Father and to “counsel with the Lord in all [our] doings” (Alma 37:37). He knows how to get us where we need to be, and we can come to know that path for ourselves by conversing with Him in humble prayer.

The purpose or our creation is to return to live with our Heavenly Father in eternal splendor and glory. This is a life-long goal, and have all other goals would be but steps to reach it.  

“The celestial kingdom is the highest of the three kingdoms of glory. Those in this kingdom will dwell forever in the presence of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. This should be your goal: to inherit celestial glory and to help others receive that great blessing as well. Such a goal is not achieved in one attempt; it is the result of a lifetime of righteousness and constancy of purpose” (link to topic, emphasis added).

As we examine our own life we should take into account our shortcomings and weaknesses and set goals to improve them. If we approach the Lord, in humility, He will help us make our “weak things become strong” (Ether 12:27). If we try to do everything on our own we will struggle more than we would with His help. We will also not receive the blessings and help the Lord has prepared to bestow on us that come from giving heed to His counsel. Tad R. Callister wrote,

“The power to convert a weakness to a strength is possible through the grace of Christ, but the Lord has imposed two prerequisites, humility and faith. If these requirements are satisfied, the grace of Christ becomes like a bookstore rocket that powers and lifts us above our weaknesses” (Tad R. Callister, The Infinite Atonement, p228).

A key ingredient in setting goals is our gift of agency—the ability to act for ourselves. We are here on earth to “work out [our] own salvation…before God” (Alma 34:37); something to keep in mind when setting goals. Elder Marvin J. Ashton taught,

“In setting our own goals we need to examine our own needs and abilities. The direction in which we are moving is more important than where we are at the moment. Goal setting should cause us to stretch as we make our way….

“When our progress seems to be at a standstill, it is well for us to ask who is at fault. Is it I? Am I sufficiently committed to righteous goals? Do I have the courage, fortitude, and wisdom to apply self-examination[?]…

“Realize that God will judge you by the way you make use of all your possibilities.” (link to talk).

As we counsel with the Lord, we will be directed to be obedient to His already established plan. When we use our agency to be obedient to His plan, we can become truly free. I love Tad R. Callister’s explanation of true freedom—attained in full measure only by gods themselves; a state we may obtain through faithful obedience to the end.

“The lives of gods are driven internally, rather than externally. Their freedom springs from their power to act according to their will without restraint from an outside source. There is no external force that controls their destiny, no spiritual or physical limitation that restricts their desired expression….Gods act, rather than being acted upon…Gods do not live oblivious of laws, but through obedience have mastered the laws so that they might use them to accomplish their purposes.

“Freedom is achieved through a step-by-step process of obedient compliance to God’s will” (Tad R. Callister, The Infinite Atonement, p251).

By setting goals to be obedient to God’s laws, or commandments, and to the covenants we make with Him we can grow to be more and more like Him. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ our nature can be changed, and it is also through obedience that we will find the peace and joy that we seek. Joseph Smith taught,

“Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God” (History of the Church, 5:134–35).

As we focus on our eternal goals the temporal storms and winds of life may not seem quite as terrifying or overwhelming. It is when we take our eyes off of those eternal goals that the waves rage, as when Peter walked on water. 

The disciples were in their ship and were “in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary” (Matthew 14:24). Jesus came walking toward them on the water,

“And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

“But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

“And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

“And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

“But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

“And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” (Matthew 14:26-31).

Peter had Jesus as his focus and walked on water. It was when Peter took his eyes off of the Savior and saw the wind boisterous that the fear set in, and he began to sink. A lesson to us to keep our eyes firmly fixed on our Lord, Jesus Christ. 

When it comes to setting goals we can ask Him for guidance and direction. We can also look at the priorities He has already given to us through the scriptures, words of the prophets, and in our individual patriarchal blessings, as quoted by Elder Godoy earlier.

Goal-setting isn’t meant to be overwhelming, tedious, or painful, but it should stretch us a little. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin offered some humorous advice about setting attainable goals; which will continue to change throughout our lives, as we continue to change.

“In my younger days, I loved to run. Although it may be hard for you to believe it, I did. And I did win a few races. I’m not so fast anymore. In fact, I’m not sure how well I would do in a race if the only contestants were the members of the Quorum of the Twelve.

“My ability to run is not so swift now. While I am looking forward to that future time when, with a resurrected body, I can once again sprint over a field and feel the wind blowing through my hair, I do not dwell on the fact that I cannot do it now.

“That would be unwise. Instead, I take the steps that I can take. Even with the limitations of age, I can still take one step at a time. To do what I can is all my Heavenly Father now requires of me. And it is all He requires of you, regardless of your disabilities, limitations, or insecurities….

“The only thing you need to worry about is striving to be the best you can be. And how do you do that? You keep your eye on the goals that matter most in life, and you move towards them step by step” (link to talk).

When I started researching “worthy goals” I found a number of links to talks, quotes,  articles, and more. It seems to be a common understanding that setting worthy goals will help give us direction in life. I found several quotes where setting goals was likened to the rudder on a ship. A rudder, per wikipedia, “is a primary control surface used to steer” (link to reference). President Thomas S. Monson told a story about the ship, Bismarck, and the amazing power that comes from having a rudder (or loss, with the lack thereof).

“On February 14, 1939, Americans were celebrating Valentine’s Day. Postmen delivered sealed envelopes, and small children placed at the doorsteps of special friends folded papers containing brightly colored pictures. Each contained a greeting—a message of love. After all, Valentine’s Day is a day of love.

“Far from America’s shores, in Hamburg, Germany, a public holiday also was being celebrated. However, a more somber mood prevailed. Amid fervent speeches, cheering throngs, and the playing of the national anthem, the new battleship Bismarck rumbled down into the River Elbe. This, the most powerful vessel afloat, carried not a message of love; rather, the Bismarck bristled with weapons of war.

“The mighty colossus was a breathtaking spectacle of armor and machinery. Construction required more than fifty-seven thousand blueprints for the 406-millimeter, triple turret, radar-controlled guns. The vessel featured twenty-eight thousand miles of electrical circuits, and thirty-five thousand tons of armor-plate provided maximum safety. Majestic in appearance, gigantic in size, awesome in firepower, the Bismarck was considered unsinkable.

“The Bismarck’s day of destiny dawned more than two years later, when on May 24, 1941, the two most powerful warships in the British navy, the Prince of Wales and the Hood, engaged in battle the Bismarck and the German cruiser Prinz Eugen. Within four minutes, the Bismarck had sent to the depths of the Atlantic the Hood and all but 3 men of a crew of 1,419. The other British battleship, the Prince of Wales, had suffered heavy damage and turned away.

“Three days later, the Bismarck was engaged again, by four British warships. In all, the British concentrated the strength of eight battleships, two aircraft carriers, eleven cruisers, and twenty-one destroyers in an effort to seek and sink the mighty Bismarck.

“Shell after shell inflicted but superficial damage. Was the Bismarck unsinkable after all? Then a torpedo scored a lucky hit which jammed the Bismarck’s rudder. Repair efforts proved fruitless. With guns primed, the crews at ready, the Bismarck could only steer a slow and stately circle. Just beyond reach was the powerful German air force. The safety of home port was ever so close. Neither could provide the needed haven, for the Bismarck had lost the ability to steer a charted course. No rudder; no help; no port. The end drew near. British guns blazed as the German crew scuttled and sank the once proud vessel. The hungry waves of the Atlantic first lapped at the sides, then swallowed the pride of the German navy. The Bismarck was no more.

“Like the Bismarck, each of us is a miracle of engineering. Our creation, however, was not limited by human genius. Man can devise the most complex machines, but he cannot give them life or bestow upon them the powers of reason and judgment. Why? Because these are divine gifts, bestowed solely at God’s discretion. Our creator has provided us with a circulatory system to keep all channels constantly clean and serviceable, a digestive system to preserve strength and vigor, and a nervous system to keep all parts in constant communication and coordination. God gave man life, and with it, the power to think, to reason, to decide, and to love.

Like the vital rudder of a ship, we have been provided a way to determine the direction we travel. The lighthouse of the Lord beckons to all as we sail the seas of life. Our home port is the celestial kingdom of God. Our purpose is to steer an undeviating course in that direction. A man without a purpose is like a ship without a rudder—never likely to reach home port. To us comes the signal: Chart your course, set your sail, position your rudder, and proceed” (link to talk).

May we strive to set worthwhile, attainable, goals that stretch and improve us. May we also do all within our power to keep our eternal goals in sight so that the leaving of this life will prove to be a joyous experience as we move onward and upward to the eternal spheres that await us.

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!