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.

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.

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.

In front of about two hundred young single adults gathered for worship service on a Sunday afternoon I suppressed the shyness I experience in front of crowds and shared the thought that “reading the Book of Mormon will bring a light and greater happiness into your life.” I was sharing some of the impressions I had distinctly felt after recently reading the book cover to cover in a short period of time.  The Book of Mormon is a volume of scripture and companion to the Bible for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often inadvertently called The Mormon Church).

About a year ago, I had read The Book of Mormon with greater urgency and focus than I ever had before, and I had noticed a number of significant changes while I read. I picked up the book and just dove in, reading as much as 30 pages a day, and as I read and turned from page to page, I noticed a change within myself. I had been feeling very stagnant in life, at work and in personal relationships things did not seem to be moving forward at all, and I felt very weighed down by this. The burdens I was carrying were being lifted layer by layer, almost as I turned the pages.

At 19, I served a two year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in  Northeastern Brazil. I remember telling people often that the Book of Mormon was special and unique in how it “changes the lives of people.” I knew this was true, as I had read it prior to my mission and had experienced this change in my life from reading it. When I read it at 17 I felt more positive about what I could accomplish with my life and I felt more forgiving towards other people and people noticed this. But I had sort of assumed this was kind of a one-time event, during the first time you read it. Reading it with a renewed sense of urgency, at this very difficult time about 10 years after the first time I read it, opened my understanding to how the book can be useful at any period in life.

How does it change lives?

Some people may wonder why reading the book causes such significant changes. The full title of the book is “The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.” Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe the Bible to be a Testament or witness of Jesus Christ and The Book of Mormon to accompany The Bible as an additional or another Testament of Jesus Christ. Through reading the Book of Mormon you come to a better understanding of who Jesus Christ is, why He is all-important and the purpose of His atoning sacrifice. It is through coming to a greater understanding and belief in Jesus Christ whose “burden is light” that problems dissipate and lives are changed.

The core of my belief

Shortly after the publication of Book of Mormon in 1830, early church members were often asked what distinguished them from other churches, and it always boiled down to the unique nature of the Book of Mormon. Similarly, as I think about my faith in God or try to explain my belief to friends and why I choose to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it always returns to The Book of Mormon. This understanding stems mostly from my own quiet study of the book accompanied with prayer, which gives me confidence that other sincere readers can have a similar experience.

Joseph Smith, who translated the Book of Mormon, stated that it is “The most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” I know that statement is true, from reading the book and feeling the improved understanding about God and his love for each person. I cannot understate what this book has meant to me as an individual and member of The Church of Jesus Christ. Reading it has lifted burdens and added valuable dimensions and insights to life, for which I am thankful.

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

First is “blessed are the poor in spirit.” All of us are poor in spirit at one time or another. Especially when we realize we have sinned before God. Second is “blessed are all they that mourn.” When we sin, we feel bad and mourn for what we have done. Third is “blessed are the meek.” Because we feel bad we humble ourself before the Lord and ask for forgiveness. Fourth is “blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness.” Once we ask for forgiveness we need to strive to be better and do the right thing. Fifth is “blessed are the merciful.” If we want to be forgiven by the Lord, then we need to be forgiving of others. Sixth is “blessed are all the pure in heart.” Are we actually being better, are we hungering and thirsting after righteousness at this point. Seventh is “blessed are the peacemakers.” We need to strive to do the right thing and be peaceful and friendly with others. This shows that we are becoming like Christ. Last is “blessed are all they who are persecuted for my name’s sake.” We are going to be persecuted for doing what is right and for following Christ. The important thing is that this is a process we will continually go through in life.

The very first and last beatitudes both say that we will be blessed with the kingdom of heaven. Think of these 8 things as a spiral staircase going towards heaven. We will continually experience each step, but we will be moving upward, toward Heavenly Father. As we move upward ours will be the Kingdom of Heaven.

I hope you enjoyed this and learn something about our progress and repentance.

Mormon Beliefs

I was recently terminated from my employment—where I had worked for thirteen years—and consequently suffered from bouts of loss, embarrassment, heartache, discouragement, anger, resentment, fear, and worry for my future. At times these feelings were overwhelming and paralyzing.

Reading the scriptures, particularly Psalms and the Book of Mormon, has given me the direction, solace, and courage I have hoped for.

Two years ago I set a goal for myself to read the Old Testament in the Bible. The same month that I lost my job, I had progressed through the book of Job and had started reading the book of Psalms.  I thought this was more than coincidental, because I felt comfort while reading words that reflected my feelings about my current situation, such as “Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress” (Psalm 4:1), “Fearlfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. . . . As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me” (Psalm 55:5, 16), “In the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast” (Psalm 57:1), and “Hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily” (Psalm 69:17). I prayed to Heavenly Father in my own words of pleading for his help to find a new job that met my family’s needs. Sometimes, however, I felt helpless, hopeless, and inadequate to accomplish this.

Latter-day Saints also turn to the Book of Mormon for guidance and insight. “The Book of Mormon is more than just a history book. It is a book of healing and comfort—of guidance and direction that leads us to Jesus Christ—it is literally the word of God.” (See the article “Answers for life.”)

After finishing the book of Psalms, I began reading a personal meditation on the book of Psalms.1 While reading the author’s thoughts on Psalm 94:18, I was reminded of a favorite scripture from the Book of Mormon. In the history, a man named Alma, and his followers, have been conquered and forced to be subjects to a new king. Alma and his people were given “heavy burdens upon their backs” and physically abused. (See Mosiah 21.) They were not allowed to pray for God’s help and were threatened with death if they attempted it. They did not pray vocally, but they “poured out their hearts” to God asking for relief from their afflictions (see Mosiah 24:10–12). God heard their prayers and answered that he would “ease the burdens” placed on them by strengthening them so that they can “bear up their burdens with ease” (Mosiah 24:13–15).

Reading this passage in the Book of Mormon was like running into an dear old friend. I have read the Book of Mormon virtually every year of my adult life and I have experienced many occasions when I felt the weight of the challenges I was facing. During almost every adversity that I have experienced, I have found that Heavenly Father helped me get through the challenge rather than get out of the challenge. In other words, I have felt strengthened or enabled to endure, learn, and grow from my hardships.

Through prayer during my difficulties, I have felt closer to Heavenly Father and have understood that he is interested in me and what is important to me.

At this moment, I have not found a new job; but I am not worried. Through my prayers to Heavenly Father, and by reading accounts in the Bible and the Book of Mormon about his tender care of his children, my feelings of loss, embarrassment, heartache, discouragement, anger, resentment, fear, and worry for my future don’t afflict me much. Like the people of Alma, I feel able to “submit cheerfully, and with patience” to the will of the Lord (Mosiah 24:5). Eventually, God provided a way for Alma and his people to escape their difficult circumstances (see Mosiah 24:16–25). I start each day with hope and confidence that I will find a job that will provide me and my family with what we need.

This article was written by Paula Hicken,  a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Paula Hicken was an editor with the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship from 2000 to 2013. She earned her BA degree in English from Brigham Young University. She edited Insights, the Maxwell Institute newsletter, and was the production editor for Faith, Philosophy, Scripture, Hebrew Law in Biblical Times (2nd ed.), Third Nephi: An Incomparable Scripture, and was one of the copy editors for Analysis of the Textual Variants of the Book of Mormon. She also helped manage the Maxwell Institute intellectual property and oversaw rights and permissions. She has published in the Ensign, the Liahona, the LDS Church News, and the FARMS Review.

References:

1.  Jeffrey R. Holland, For Times of Trouble: Spiritual Solace from the Psalms (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2012).

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