Broken Record

I hate to sound like a broken record but this is something I feel is extremely important and well, this is my blog so I can say whatever I want.  :-) 

When we choose to be baptized into the Lord's Church, we covenant with Him to follow His commandments. One of which is to help others come unto Christ -- or return to Him for those who have strayed.  We do this by example, encouragement, and love.

In this month's Ensign there is an article by Elder L. Tom Perry, one of the current 12 apostles.  This article really resonated with me at this time.  So I wanted to share some of my favorite quotes from that article. 

It's interesting to me how the answer to almost any gospel question is to pray and read your scriptures daily.  Those are two things that are so important for us to always do in order to keep our testimonies burning and strengthen them.  It seems so simple but how many of us actually pray and study our Scriptures daily?

Yet, what a difference it makes in our lives when we do.  Not only are we much happier, but we are able to help others find true happiness by sharing the gospel with them through example and testimony.

Anyway, here are some excerpts from Elder Perry's article:

"We have moved away from traditional worship. More people say they are spiritual rather than religious. If a teaching fits their lifestyle, they accept it and it becomes part of their faith. If it does not, they develop their own man-made faith. Faith and spirituality are now viewed as consumer products. Materialism has taken over and replaced God.

As Latter-day Saints, our voices must be heard in opposition to these dangerous trends designed to destroy the faith of mankind. The Book of Mormon warns us over and over about replacing our trust in God with things that do not last. 

... Could there be any stronger proof that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of the world, than by studying and living His saving doctrines, which He has revealed throughout the dispensations of the world? He has given us His gospel to guide and direct us during our earthly sojourn.

...You are the generation the Lord has saved for this day. You came out of the waters of baptism with a covenant and a promise to the Lord to represent Him in helping people throw off their worldly ways and return to the blessings promised us if we would follow Him and live His gospel. You can help your Heavenly Father’s children return to their Christian foundation, develop faith in Him, and return to His ways.

What You Can Do

You may ask, “What can I do?” Some months ago our stake president, speaking in sacrament meeting, suggested four things we could do to bring others back to their Christian faith:

1. Pray daily.

President Thomas S. Monson has said: “To those within the sound of my voice who are struggling with challenges and difficulties large and small, prayer is the provider of spiritual strength. … Prayer is the means by which we approach our Father in Heaven, who loves us. Speak to Him in prayer and then listen for the answer. Miracles are wrought through prayer. … Remember to pray fervently.”³

Hold your daily prayers and help others return to their Christian faith by encouraging them to get on their knees and pray to God.

2. Study the scriptures daily.

Could there be any stronger witness of Jesus Christ than the testimonies we find in the Book of Mormon? Of its 239 chapters, 233 mention the Savior.⁴ Isn’t that amazing?

Be certain you have daily scripture study. Then help others return to their Christian faith by encouraging them to also study the scriptures daily.

3. Remain worthy to attend the temple.

Some of you have been to the temple; others have not. It is well to understand what is required to obtain a temple recommend. We understand clearly the process by which we go to a judge in Israel and confirm to him our worthiness to hold a temple recommend and then live by the standards required to keep that recommend.

Live in such a way that your righteous example will demonstrate how to be worthy of temple blessings.

4. Give daily acts of service.

Remember the words of King Benjamin: “And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God” (Mosiah 2:17). The Lord literally answers our prayers through the service we give to others.

Be an example of Christlike service, and help others return to their Christian faith by encouraging them to serve others." -- Helping Others Find Faith in Christ, Elder L. Tom Perry Of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles, December 2014 Ensign

May we all remember our Savior, not only at this special time of year when we celebrate His birth, but always.  May we all follow His example and strive to keep His commandments.  In so doing, may we help and encourage others to find faith in Christ.

That's my two cents.

Merry Christmas!  :-)