Christ gives several sermons to the people. One of these sermons discusses works, a concept often misunderstood in other Christian denominations. Christ’s sermon in 3 Nephi 27 explains more about works and how they operate within the grace of Jesus Christ.

Building Christ’s Church

When Jesus visits the Americas, He spent quite a bit of time establishing His church among the people. He called apostles and demonstrated the sacrament. He instructs that the church needs to be in His name:

And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses’ name then it be Moses’ church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel. (3 Nephi 27:8)

Christ continues to say that “if it so be that the church is built upon my gospel then will the Father show forth his own works in it” (27:10). If the people build the church upon the gospel of Jesus Christ, then Heavenly Father will be able to manifest His works through it. If, however, the people decide to build the church upon their own works and ideas, Christ says, “they have joy in their works for a season, and by and by the end cometh, and they are hewn down and cast into the fire.”

Why is it important that the true church be built on the gospel instead of on the works of men and women? This is crucial because men and women are fallible; the doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ, however, are perfect. Even though the church will be operated by imperfect people, the strength of the purity of the doctrines will compensate for our shortcomings. A church built upon our own works would fail and lead us away from God.

Our Works Are Important

Some Christian denominations disagree about which will get one to heaven: grace or works.The answer is both. We would have no chance of returning to Heavenly Father without the grace of Jesus Christ. Christ Himself explains His purpose in God’s plan:

And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil. (27:14)

So the Savior came to earth so that He can draw us unto Him, but our choices here still make a difference. Jesus Christ can’t save us if we don’t let Him, and the way by which we accept His grace is to pattern our lives after His.

We Accept Christ by Living His Commandments

I have a friend who thought that Mormons’ emphasis on works contradicted the grace of the Savior. She thought that by accepting Him you were automatically saved, that there were no further action to be taken to achieve salvation. This isn’t what the doctrine of Jesus Christ teaches us. When Christ was preaching to the people in the Book of Mormon, he said that “this is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do; for that which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do” (27:21).

Christ did suffer for us and did atone for our sins, but that gift isn’t free. If we are to accept His infinite gift, we must do so upon His conditions, which are to live His commandments and strive to become like Him. That’s why our works are so important: our works are what demonstrate to the Savior who we are becoming and to what extent we accept His grace.

Jesus summed up this sermon in a simple sentence: “Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am” (27:27). God certainly does not mean for us to earn our way to heaven; that would indeed contradict the plan of redemption. What He does intend, however, is for the depth of our conviction to be made manifest in how we live. This life is one of becoming, and if we are to be saved by Christ, we must accept Him by trying to become like Him. He will know our hearts and know of our intent. If we simply do the best we can, He will make up the rest and shape us so that one day we will be as He is.

The grace of Jesus Christ is amazing because it affects our souls. Christ’s grace is what allows us to change and choose and become. Our works operate in tandem with the Savior’s grace, allowing us to outwardly change and become like Him.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often misnamed as a “Mormon” after the Book of Mormon), I have a strong testimony of the Book of Mormon. I know that it was by God’s hand that it was kept and then preserved from destruction to be brought forth in our day. Through many sacrifices, Joseph Smith translated the book through the power which God had granted him.

Personal Scripture Study

I believe that all books of scripture are sacred and important. The Latter-day Saint canon includes the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. While I make an effort to read all of these books of scripture and to be familiar with each of them, I feel a unique spirit when reading the Book of Mormon.

It is kind of difficult to explain, but my mind begins to be enlightened whenever I read from its pages. I feel spiritually fed and nourished, though when I fail to read it regularly, I also miss this strength. I believe that the Holy Spirit teaches pure truth. All eternal truths are related to each other. Thus, when we work to bring ourselves to be in tune with the Holy Spirit, we can learn truths that we may not immediately identify as spiritual.

When I read and ponder the scriptures, especially in the Book of Mormon, I find my mind making connections and understanding deeper spiritual truths than I had previously comprehended. This renewing of the mind is also a renewal of my spirit. I think those things are intertwined.

Meaningful Passages of the Book of Mormon

One of my favorite chapters of scripture in the Book of Mormon is the fifth chapter in the book of Alma. Alma is speaking here to some of the people in a city he is visiting. He is a prophet and reminds the people of their ancestors’ history and dealings with Jesus Christ. He points out how many times their ancestors (and they themselves) have been delivered from destruction or persecution by the hand of God. He then says to the people:

Have you sufficiently retained in remembrance the captivity of your fathers? Yea, and have you sufficiently retained in remembrance his mercy and long-suffering towards them? And moreover, have ye sufficiently retained in remembrance that he has delivered their souls from hell? Behold, he changed their hearts; yea, he awakened them out of a deep sleep, and they awoke unto God. Behold, they were in the midst of darkness; nevertheless, their souls were illuminated by the light of the everlasting word; yea, they were encircled about by the bands of death, and the chains of hell, and an everlasting destruction did await them (Alma 5:6-7).

Alma goes on to ask the people if they have been spiritually born of God as their fathers were, if they have received His image in their countenances and if they have had a mighty change in their heart because of the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. This is always a good point for me to personally reflect on how God has blessed my ancestors’ lives and then to look at how He has blessed my life personally. To remember all He has done for me in this life alone, let alone paying the price to redeem my soul from hell, is humbling.

My Mighty Change of Heart Through the Book of Mormon

I do feel that I have experienced a mighty change of heart by learning of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The more I learn, the more determined I am to continue this mighty change and to have His image in my countenance. What a wonderful description.

Then Alma asks this question: “And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?” (Alma 5:26).  This is the truly important question. If we have allowed the miracle of Christ’s Atonement to work in our lives, are we still allowing that miracle to take place in our lives right now? Because if we are not, then our efforts are in vain.

This is one reason why it is important to read the Book of Mormon continually. The renewal of the mind it brings me each time I read it helps me to evaluate how I am doing now—not how I was doing a week ago or a year ago. The Book of Mormon helps me to remember that I need Jesus Christ in my life every day, not just once a week or when I am going through a particular trial. I need Him all the time. The Book of Mormon is a reminder that He is there for me all the time.

Find Your Personal Renewal Through the Book of Mormon

It says in 1 John 3:2 that “when he [Christ] shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” To me, this means that we will recognize Him because we have grown to be like Him by following His example. We have literally received His image in our countenances, and we radiate His light to the world. When I read the Book of Mormon, I am renewed by the light of Christ that is in the book.

I invite you to read the Book of Mormon for yourself and to test it. See if it does contain the Word of Jesus Christ. If you feel renewed by its words, you will know for yourself that it contains the true Word of God. Ask God in sincere faith if its words are true, and the Holy Ghost will testify to you that it is true.

Additional Resources:

Request a Free Copy of the Book of Mormon

Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration

What Pride Means in the Book of Mormon

We hear the word pride often in society, and it’s not often meant negatively. In the Book of Mormon, though, pride is not a virtue and can actually lead to apostatizing from The Church of Jesus Christ. What pride means within the doctrine of Christ is an enmity toward God, a love of self over love of God. Timothy describes pride this way: “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, . . . Despisers of those that are good, . . . lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God” (3:2 – 4).

The Book of Mormon is replete with examples of those who choose pride over obedience to God’s commandments. Over and over again individuals and groups of people think they they know better than Heavenly Father and choose to follow their own wills rather than hearken to the will of God. These are the same people who cast out prophets and persecute believers in Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon shows the fate of the prideful: they suffer from spiritual death and often destruction.

The Book of Mormon also shows us what happens to those who are humble and repent before God. Alma the Younger is a man in the Book of Mormon who was very prideful and who actively sought to destroy the church of God. An angel visited him and made him aware of the severity of his sins, and Alma chose to repent. Once Alma repented he became a great leader and missionary. He and his people prospered as long as they kept the commandments of God. One of the central patterns visible in the Book of Mormon is that the pride leads to destruction and humility leads to prosperity.

Pride Leads to Other Sins

Pride is more than its own sin. In a spiritual sense, pride is a gateway drug. Once you become addicted to your own will and desires, you care less and less about what God thinks, and the enmity between you and God grows stronger. This will lead you to make more choices contrary to the commandments of God, and you may become more enthralled and less inspired. When you accept a state wherein your desires are more important than God’s, you will be on a slippery slope leading to more sin and more unhappiness.

Sins come in varying degrees. Lying, for example, is a sin, and in many instances, one that can be remedied in a simple and straightforward way. Sexual sins, on the other hand, are more serious because they often involve another person, can lead to irreversible consequences, and deal in more serious matters of the soul. Repenting from these sins is difficult and painful, but still possible. The root of all sin is pride, and if you can head off pride when you first see it taking root, you will avoid a whole slew of pain and heartache. President Ezra Taft Benson, a late prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ said, “The antidote to pride is humility. . . . We can choose to humble ourselves by loving God, submitting our will to His, and putting Him first in our lives.”

We Can Apply Lessons on Pride in Our Own Lives

The lessons found in the Book of Mormon can directly aid us in our own lives. Everywhere you look you see people caught up in the selfishness of their desires and worldviews. Opinions on everything from politics to family life are subject to the snare of pride. Especially where spiritual morality is concerned, I’ve seen men, women, and even children blatantly mock commandments and doctrines that I value. One of Satan’s greatest tools is pride.

The consequences of pride are real and severe. Those who become caught up in their own pride may often seem happy and prosperous, but their spiritual state is not one to envy. Ultimately those who embrace their pride will have to answer for their choices. The blessings of humility and obedience are also real. Adherence to God’s commandments results in peace, spiritual safety, prosperity, and an increased testimony of Jesus Christ.

We can find strength and courage from reading in the Book of Mormon about men and women who choose to follow the Savior and value God’s will more than their own. In fact, continued obedience and faithfulness will result in your will becoming more and more like Heavenly Father’s, so there’s not such a disparity between the two.

If you find yourself wrapped up tightly in your own pride and wish to be free, all you have to do is look to Jesus Christ. The man I told you about earlier, Alma the Younger, hit rock bottom when the angel visited: for the first time Alma saw the reality of the damage he was inflicting on the church and on himself. What freed him from his sins was remembering what his father taught him about Jesus Christ, that Jesus Christ is our Savior and will redeem us from our sins. This gift is not just for those who severely sin–it’s for all of us and for all of our sins, big or small. Pride starts out small and can become very big and very serious, but it’s never too much for the Lord to handle. If you want to change your life and discover God’s will, Jesus Christ and His gospel can pave the way for your recovery.

The Book of Mormon Provides Answers

This approach to pride may be new to you, and you may not understand what this all means. I encourage to seek your answers in the Book of Mormon. This book contains perfect truths and has real answers to real problems. If you think you are struggling with pride (which I think that we all are to some degree) look to Jesus Christ and seek to become more like Him. In reading the Book of Mormon, not only will you better understand pride and its devastating effects, but you will also come to know the Lord, Jesus Christ, in a more personal and intimate way. I know that I have found peace, answers, and forgiveness for my own pride through the doctrines taught in the Book of Mormon. I know it can offer you the same.

Unique History of the Book of Mormon

I have always been taught the importance of the Book of Mormon, which is a companion book of scripture to the Bible and is a second witness that Jesus is the Christ. While Latter-day Saints (“Mormons”) believe firmly that the Bible is the word of God, they—we—also believe that through the transmission of the ancient text, many truths were lost from the Bible. The Book of Mormon is a separate record of Jesus Christ’s dealings with some of the people of the ancient Americas. The record was preserved untouched for nearly 1500 years before it was given to Joseph Smith to translate, which he did through the power of God. Because of the Book of Mormon’s unique history and preservation by the hand of God, it is “the most correct of any book on earth” and its readers can “get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (Introduction to the Book of Mormon).

Mormons are encouraged to read from the Book of Mormon daily. No one who has read the book with a heart earnestly seeking truth, open to the witness of the Holy Ghost, can deny the power of its words. I often fail to read from the Book of Mormon daily, but I do read from it and the other scriptures frequently. I always find words of wisdom and sources of comfort in its pages.

Answers from the Holy Spirit

As with any book of scripture, when you read the Book of Mormon with an honest heart, opening yourself to the teachings of the Holy Spirit, it is through the Spirit that you can be taught, not solely through the words on the page. This allows a person to read the same words several times throughout his or her life and to draw different lessons from the same words uniquely suited to a current situation. I have found this to be true many times, which has strengthened my conviction that the counsel to read the Book of Mormon daily is prophetic guidance.

Some of the most stirring questions of this life apply to our understanding of what lies beyond this life. The doctrine that is contained in the Book of Mormon teaches me of my inherent, eternal worth as a child of God. I never need to doubt that I am of infinite value, both now and in the eternities. The words of the Book of Mormon remind me that I am loved beyond my own comprehension and that to become like God, I need to learn how to love others, and to show that love, in the same way.

This world is very cynical about religion and about there even being an existence after this life. And if there is no existence, why should any of us bother with selflessness here? Shouldn’t we each do all we can to make the most of this existence? Earn money by any means necessary, because money rules this life; selflessness is simply weakness, allowing other, strong people to exploit you; don’t waste time cultivating meaningful relationships, just satisfy the desires of the flesh, because ultimately, that’s all there is. How do I know these things are false? Because I have read the words of the Book of Mormon and other holy scripture, and when I do my best to live by the teachings in them, I feel peace, joy, and happiness. These are feelings which carry much more weight than temporary satisfaction of mortal desires.

Drawing Nearer to Jesus Christ through the Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon helps me to draw nearer to my Savior, Jesus Christ. It helps me to better understand both His sacrifice and His love for me as an individual and for mankind as a whole. When I read and study the Book of Mormon, I am reminded that “this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God” (Alma 34:32). This means much more than just doing our best to follow God’s commandments. This means realizing that this life is an opportunity to learn to become more like God. Mormon doctrine teaches that we are children of God with the potential to become like Him. We are all imperfect, but we must learn to keep God’s laws if we want to live in His presence, because He cannot “look upon sin with the least degree of allowance” (Alma 45:16).

Not only has the Book of Mormon answered questions of the soul for me about the purpose of this life, who I am, and what I can become, but it also helps me in my day-to-day struggles and trials. It gives me strength and encouragement to repent when I mess up, to call upon my Savior for His healing power, and to recommit to try to be more like Him.

I invite you to read the words of the Book of Mormon for yourself. Come to it with your own questions of the soul. If you approach it with an open heart, seeking the Spirit of God, the Holy Ghost will speak to your heart. He will give you your own undeniable witness that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and He will speak peace to your soul, giving you the answers you need and seek.

The Book of Mormon is the word of God. Nephi, a prophet in the ancient Americas whose history and revelations are found in the Book of Mormon, says in 2 Nephi 32:3, “Feast upon the words of Christ; … behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.” The warm and peaceful spirit I feel when I read the scriptures is the Holy Spirit, confirming to me the truthfulness of the words. How do I know this? Ether, another ancient American prophet whose writings are found in the Book of Mormon, says in Ether 4:11-12:

“He that believeth these things which I have spoken, him will I visit with the manifestations of my Spirit, and he shall know and bear record. For because of my Spirit he shall know that these things are true; for it persuadeth men to do good. And whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do good is of me; for good cometh of none save it be of me.”

The Book of Mormon is a ‘Safe Harbor’

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, said:

“Love. Healing. Help. Hope. The power of Christ to counter all troubles in all times—including the end of times. That is the safe harbor God wants for us in personal or public days of despair. That is the message with which the Book of Mormon begins, and that is the message with which it ends, calling all to ‘come unto Christ, and be perfected in him’ (Moroni 10:32).” [1] 

The Book of Mormon is a comforting friend and a safe harbor. Often when I read the verses inside, it is like they are speaking directly to me. I know the Book of Mormon is true, but not from a single, powerful spiritual witness. Of gaining a testimony—or a witness that the Book of Mormon is true—Elder Boyd K. Packer, the president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (a governing body of The Church of Jesus Christ), said:

 “My experience has been that a testimony does not burst upon us suddenly. Rather it grows, as Alma said, from a seed of faith. ‘It will strengthen your faith: for ye will say I know that this is a good seed; for behold it sprouteth and beginneth to grow’ (Alma 32:30). If you nourish it, it will grow; and if you do not nourish it, it will wither (see Alma 32:37–41). Do not be disappointed if you have read and reread and yet have not received a powerful witness. You may be somewhat like the disciples spoken of in the Book of Mormon who were filled with the power of God in great glory ‘and they knew it not’ (3 Ne. 9:20).

“Do the best you can. Think of this verse: ‘See that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order’ (Mosiah 4:27).” [2]

This reminds me of a best friend. You don’t meet and become best friends in a day. You can become friends in a day, but true and lasting friendships develop over time. You share experiences, laughter, sorrow, confidences. Over time, the bonds deepen and you become best friends. The Book of Mormon is like a best friend for me. I can open the book in times of need and turn to verses that offer me comfort, insight and guidance. I have heard people say that they opened the scriptures to a random page and found answers to their prayers. While that has happened to me on occasion, more often I have found the answers I seek in the place where I am reading. It is a “safe harbor” where I can find answers, peace and guidance in the words of God.

Life is Hard, Handle with Prayer—and Reading the Book of Mormon

I can’t remember the exact phrase, but I love it: Life is hard, so handle with prayer. I added reading the Book of Mormon because prayer and reading this book of scripture has and continues to sustain me in good times and trials.

Elder Packer said:

“Life moves all too fast. When you feel weak, discouraged, depressed, or afraid, open the Book of Mormon and read. Do not let too much time pass before reading a verse, a thought, or a chapter.” [2]

I can always tell when I have slacked off my reading and praying. I am less able to handle the stress of kids, finances, housework and all of the other aspects of life. But when I delve into the scriptures, “feasting upon the words of Christ,” all things seem to fall into place. I have the patience I need with my kids. I am able to accomplish so much more and feel good about what I’ve done—and not stressed that I didn’t do enough.

As Elder Packer said, my testimony of the Book of Mormon didn’t come suddenly with a miraculous event. It has come slowly over time. Each time I read, I feel the spirit of the book and the Holy Spirit in the book. Like a best friend, I can always turn to the Book of Mormon to find the words my Heavenly Father wants me to hear—the answers to my questions, the peace I am seeking, the comfort that I need. And in doing so, my faith in my Heavenly Father increases, and I know that He knows me and loves me.

Read the Book of Mormon Online.

In my Book of Mormon class this week, we discussed the book of Ether and how it provides a second witness of the Book of Mormon; showing us another nation and its destruction through pride and wickedness. I always feel sad at the end of this book, thinking about the literally millions who died because of their failure to repent and accept God.

Once Jared and Akish start their secret combinations in chapter 8, it’s the signal that things are about to officially go downhill with few righteous generations in between. I’ve always thought it was depressing, reading about the destruction of these people. However, I really saw the purpose of this in chapter 8, verses 25 and 26. Moroni says about secret combinations;

“whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries;and it bringeth to pass the destruction of all people, for it is built up by the devil […] wherefore, I, Moroni,am commanded to write these things that evil may be done away, and that the time may come that Satan may have no power upon the hearts of the children of men”.

The Book of Mormon teaches principles that bring blessings and happiness.

We talked in class about how Moroni and Mormon included all of these things for our benefit and for our day so that we may learn and help bring to pass the time where evil is nonexistent and Satan has no power. Unfortunately our world is full of secret combinations and evil people who seek to take away our liberty. This is a continuation of the war in heaven where Satan tried desperately to remove our agency.

Now that we are here on earth, he has many more opportunities to tempt us and the things that take away our freedom and happiness are paramount in his plan of destruction. Luckily we have the examples of the Nephites, Jaredites and many others in history. It is up to us to remember the past and learn from it; doing all we can to protect liberty. Satan will tempt us with short term pleasures that seem appealing but in the long run take away our freedom and agency.

We must fight every day to remember that although we go through trials and difficulties, our eternal reward is waiting for us as long as we remain faithful and repent when we fall. Take advantage of the Atonement and let its healing power change your life for the better. Protect your agency with all your might and reject things that take away your freedom and peace of mind.

I found my answer right under my nose; my faith. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by the media “the Mormon Church.”) Turning to the scriptures has helped me overcome my addiction. Are you still laughing? Well, I know I wasn’t a alcoholic or a smoker, but for me, every morning I try to get out of bed it is like every thread that makes up my mattress, bed frame, sheets, and blankets wraps around me as to not let me leave. I was consistently late to work and school, my wife and boy would be half-way through their day before I got out of bed. Yeah, it was that bad.

Now that I got you to take me seriously, let me tell you how I have overcome my addiction. Like I mentioned earlier, it was my faith, but particularly the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is subtitled “Another Testament of Jesus Christ.” It was given that subtitle referring to the Holy Bible. We believe that both are testaments of Jesus Christ. While the events recorded in the Holy Bible took place in greater Asia-Europe area, the Book of Mormon took place in the ancient Americas. We believe Jesus Christ visited the people there after his Resurrection. It is a scriptural text like the Bible.

Now, how does that connect with overcoming my addiction? Let me give you a verse from the Book of Mormon that helped me:

“Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things.” (Alma 26:12)

When I read this scripture, I realized I could not overcome my addiction on my own. I had tried many other times to overcome my addiction to sleep. I had loud alarm clocks across the room, I asked my wife to turn the lights on, and I tried  getting more than enough hours of sleep. I even had an alarm clock that had a propeller that flew around the room and you had to return the propeller to the base to stop it. That didn’t even work.

I needed help from somewhere else. I depended on my God as described in The Book of Mormon, and that was the key for me. Each night before bed, I would plead with my Heavenly Father to help me get out of bed the next morning. It has helped tremendously. I know the Book of Mormon is another testament of our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and Their reality. They love us and will help us. The Book of Mormon has helped me know that They can help us, even when it seems something as minor as sleeping in.

There are stories in the Book of Mormon that speak of the Lord’s deliverance. These stories also give me strength and a desire to rely on God. A good example is a story about the Nephites. The Nephites were a group of people who followed Jesus Christ, but were strapped by oppression and were ordered not to pray. Despite the looming threats, the Nephites prayed silently to God to release them from the burden of their oppressive rulers. God lightened the burdens on their backs and then ultimately delivered them. Pretty amazing. The pattern is noticeable. By contrast, the Lord also shows examples of those who refuse His deliverance.  Two others in the Book of Mormon come immediately to mind. They are brothers who continually complained along their divinely-led journey to a new land; their names are Laman and Lemuel. I think they were actually addicted to themselves, their own desires, their own will, their own self-relying system. It failed them. They chose not to seek deliverance.  Clearly, the Book of Mormon and the Bible are books about God’s power to deliver us from any affliction or addiction, no matter the size or shape. Even a mattress.

This article was written by Tyler James Bell, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Tyler James Bell was born and raised in Taylorsville Utah. He grew up playing the drums and playing tennis in high school. He currently lives in Provo, Utah and is studying business at Brigham Young University. Tyler spends most of his time studying for exams, but when he is not, he is spending his time with his sweet wife Ashley and his newborn son TJ. In the summers Tyler enjoys playing disc golf (frisbee golf) and enjoying the outdoors. Tyler also enjoys serving in his local church unit and he spent two years serving an LDS mission in the Chicago Illinois Spanish speaking mission. Tyler finds joy in the Christ’s Gospel by realizing that the Savior Jesus Christ had to suffer for all of us; “that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according  to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities” (Alma 7:13).

Additional Resources:

LDS Addiction Recovery Program

Mending the Armor

Challenge to Read the Book of Mormon in the same amount of time it took for Joseph Smith to translate it by the power of God

It seems as if in each age, more complications to life and everyday requirements are heaped upon us.

So, like many, I struggle with being overwhelmed.  I worry about my day, those around me, and I constantly think about the future.   Too much, maybe — focusing so much on what has not yet occurred and one cannot yet control is not helpful.

Perfection is quite often expected in many areas of life.  I know I struggle with facing the fact that I can’t be 100% perfect in my many pursuits at once, all the time.

And a few days ago this was the case with me.

I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, (often mistakenly called the Mormon Church).  This is the Christian religion which focuses on peace, repentance, and receiving grace through Jesus in order to return to our Father in Heaven.

I’m pretty lucky I have access to this “restored gospel” (it is the full restoration of Christ’s original church),  because it teaches me how to find peace in this life and the next through our Savior.

Feeling worrisome and burdened with tasks one day, I decided to take it to the Lord.

I read in the Book of Mormon, (a companion scripture to the Bible that testifies of Christ), about a prophet of God in Jerusalem who didn’t let the unknown get the best of him.

Around the time of the biblical prophet Jeremiah, another prophet of God was warned to leave Jerusalem because it was going to be destroyed.  (The Babylonians shortly thereafter destroyed the city and enslaved the Children of Israel.)

1 Nephi 3:17, 18:

For he knew that Jerusalem must be destroyed, because of the wickedness of the people.

For behold, they have rejected the words of the prophets. Wherefore, if my father should dwell in the land after he hath been commanded to flee out of the land, behold, he would also perish. Wherefore, it must needs be that he flee out of the land.

This prophet named Lehi followed God, left behind all he had and fled with his family into the wilderness.  God then revealed to Lehi that his sons should go back into the city and retrieve the metal plates engraved with scriptures of God.  God told Lehi this was essential so that his descendants would not live in ignorance of the gospel.  The plates were in the possession of a powerful man named Laban who lived inside the city walls.

1 Nephi 3:19, 20:

And behold, it is wisdom in God that we should obtain these records, that we may preserve unto our children the language of our fathers;

And also that we may preserve unto them the words which have been spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets, which have been delivered unto them by the Spirit and power of God, since the world began, even down unto this present time.

Lehi’s sons Laman, Lemuel, Nephi, and Sam, agreed to go— but the difference was their attitude.

Laman and Lemuel complained excessively, saying it was hard thing their father asked of them.

I have read this story often throughout my life.  I think those who know the account well may think, ‘Well of course I would never murmur like Laman and Lemuel.’ I know I have had this line of thought before.

But then it dawned on me: I do complain sometimes getting frustrated over my demands, feeling hopeless about getting it all done.  My main habit is to constantly question how on earth it’s all going to work out.   This is a lack of faith in our Heavenly Father.  And Nephi helped me understand this.

HIs response to God’s command to get the plates was strong and faithful:

1 Nephi 3:7

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.

Nephi didn’t know how he was going to accomplish this seemingly impossible challenge.  Nephi had no idea exactly what to do.  But Nephi drew faith in what he did know.

He knew that God will always prepare a way for us to accomplish our righteous endeavors.   He knew that God would not give a commandment to men that was impossible to achieve.

Nephi and his brothers were eventually successful despite intense opposition and extreme danger.  Laman and Lemuel became angry at the first sign of failure and wanted to give up.

But instead, Nephi was positive and did not despair.  Instead of thinking about what wouldn’t work, he tried again with faith in God and came up with a new, creative solution.

As I read these words I’d already read hundreds of times, something dawned on me.  These truths don’t just apply to a prophet on a dangerous mission, the truth applies to us! Everyday!

While I am trying to be my best, obey God, accomplish all the tasks on an unending list, I need to remember that it is not impossible.  And more than that, I need to remember that God is going to provide my way to achieve it.

One scripture that, though beautiful and true, previously stressed me out is found  in Matthew 5:

 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

This seemed so daunting!  I would think – “I feel like I’m struggling already.  Now I have to be perfect too?”

But paired with 1 Nephi 3 in the Book of Mormon, this overwhelming command now became the brightest beacon of hope.  Because I knew that if God would not give us a commandment without preparing a way for us to accomplish it – that means it IS possible for me to eventually become perfect!  It IS possible to become like my Heavenly Father.

And if God can prepare a way for flawed, mistake – ridden me to eventually become perfected, that gives me hope.  Because it reminds me that God can do anything.

And suddenly, life doesn’t seem so overwhelming after all.

This article was written by Livi Whitaker,  member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints.

Livi is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (“Mormon”). She is a Communications Specialist at an Insurance Brokerage firm in Boise, ID. Professional experience include writing – based positions at the United Nations and AARP, Media Services, Inc. She is an avid blogger at thebrightbit.com and sensiblystyled.com, a modest fashion blog. Livi Whitaker is a freelance writer and authors the positive blog for all things lovely, www.thebrightbit.com.

Additional Resource:

The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ

In this series (see below), students enrolled in scripture study classes have shared their thoughts, insights, and reflections on the Book of Mormon in the form of letters to someone they know. We invite you to take a look at their epiphanies and discoveries as they delve into the scriptures.

In publishing these, we fulfill their desire to speak to all of us of the relevance, power and beauty of the Book of Mormon, a second witness of Jesus Christ and complement to the Bible. The Book of Mormon includes the religious history of a group of Israelites who settled in ancient America.  (The names they use are those of prophets who taught the Book of Mormon peoples to look forward to the coming of Christ—Nephi, Lehi, Alma, Helaman, and other unfamiliar names.  We hope those names will become more familiar to you as you read their inspiring words and feel the relevance and divinity of their messages through these letters.)

Let us know if you’d like to receive your own digital copy of the Book of Mormon, and/or if these messages encourage and assist you spiritually as well.

One Size Fits All
Letter to younger brother preparing for a mission

Hey Elder-to-be,

I had the most amazing lesson this week from 3 Nephi 10 and 11; it was a spiritual experience. As you read this letter you should go grab your scriptures and notice some of the amazing things in this chapter.

First, while I was reading it alone, chapter 10: 3-7 were a little confusing. The voice coming from heaven was speaking in past tense then switches to present and future tense. I didn’t know exactly what was going on until my teacher let me in on a small insight; he is speaking to both people in the spirit world and on earth! He is talking about gathering his people and how he had tried in these verses. This is just another example of life after death and those in the spirit world. So that was the interesting head thought of the lesson, then we switched into deeper doctrine in 3 Nephi chapter 11 when Jesus shows himself unto the people. In verse 12, it says that the whole multitude fell to the earth (the first fall). This was a cool concept because Jesus didn’t make them fall, they did it instinctively.

After the lesson I thought about this and everyone really would fall… there would be no stopping yourself because the presence of the Lord would be too strong. Then in verse 14, Jesus asks the multitude to “Arise” from their fall (the first fall, or physical death). After he arose the multitude and asked them to “thrust” their hands in his side, not just touch the spear wound to his heart, and feel the prints of the nails. My teacher helped me picture this moment and when you really put yourself in that position, what could you say to this man who suffered for your sins. I started to cry just thinking about it because there would be no words that could compensate for what I was feeling. Then, verse 15 reads,”And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come”. The multitude went one by one and felt the wounds of the Savior.

In my opinion, when Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, he must have likewise experienced our sins one by one to truly know what each of us were going through. I don’t think it was anyone who has cancer He felt at once or everyone who broke and arm He felt it once. I picture Him, for every person, experiencing our sins one by one giving the atonement not only a measure of infinity, but intimacy also for each and every person. After this experience, the multitude fell again (a second fall) and then He gave the power of baptism to Nephi and others. As He gave them this power He asked these individuals to “Arise” from their second fall that was voluntary (spiritual death). He gave the power to baptize to these individuals so that through this power, the rest of the multitude could arise from this second death and live with Christ. Another side note. When these people had the opportunity to go to Christ one by one, each of them needed a different thing from Christ at that time; some might need a shoulder to cry on, children would need someone to smile with, etc. This is where you come in. On your mission you will need to take on this characteristic of “one size fits all”. You will need to stretch and condense as needed for the people of Peru to truly be a tool in the hands of God. Some will need encouragement, some will need love, some will need assurance, or some will need a friend. You will have an opportunity to do this.

I love you and know you will be great!

-Kimmy

Mormon Beliefs

I judge, not because I think I am better than anyone else, but because I want to think that I am better than myself and what I am now. I see others just like me in appearance, or mental/spiritual equality and begin to judge them. The first step to recovery is acceptance right? Wrong. The first step is the process of restraining myself from doing this! Brother Griffin noted in class, “Never look down and never look back, because you walk in the way you are facing.”

3 Nephi 13:3 says, “Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considereth not the beam that is in thine own eye?” I judge those that I do not even know, not just those that I see or pass on campus. I know nothing about their past, their ambitions, their life, yet I seem to have the authority to decide whether or not they are worthy of my approval. When did I become so high and mighty? I can’t judge another when I am personally so imperfect. I cannot accomplish anything by judging another, but I can accomplish so much by trying to understand them and by fixing myself, “Thou hypocrite, first cast the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” (verse 5.)

Not only is the act of judging a testimony of how shallow I can be, it’s insulting to Heavenly Father. For every man and woman on this earth was fashioned after the image of Him. Our bodies are one of the greatest gifts given to us by God when we came to this earth. It is the vessel of our precious souls. Judging is making fun of God’s gifts, and I do NOT have the authority to do that by any means.

Judging is for the proud and unwilling. How can I expect to serve a mission if, now, I cannot unconditionally extend my love as Christ does? It seems there are always ways to improve, and I can always hope to become more like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ every day in everything I do.

Mormon Beliefs