Sunday Report

The lesson for this week was given by JoAnn Bohlin.  Based on the talk by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve given at October conference, the message encourages each one of us to be steadfast and unwavering in our discipleship of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Entitled "Never Leave Him" the talk begins be emphasizing that we live in a remarkable yet challenging time where the Lord is aware and warns us repeatedly of the dangers that lie in that world for those who would live the gospel of Jesus Christ and keep the covenants we have made. 

Christ, during His earthly ministry, witnessed the turning away of former disciples because of the "hardness" of the doctrine that He taught, and He was even moved to ask the chosen Twelve if they too would leave Him. How would we answer that question?  We are all vulnerable spiritual discipleship is no easy task.  We have been told that we must love the Lord with all our heart and soul and mind, and to deny ourselves and take up the cross of true discipleship.  As we follow the Savior there will be challenges which, approached with faith, will become refining experiences which bring deeper conversion and stronger testimony.  The same challenges, approached in the ways of the world,   may cloud our view and weaken our resolve to be steadfast and immovable in our commitment to the Lord. 

To remain true we have been counseled to become as little children with their uniquely believing hearts, their humility and teachability, their submissiveness and quickness to love and their natural patience and obedient spirits.  If we become as children it will be easier for our changed heart to protect itself from the two things that are most likely to make us choose to leave the Savior for the ways of the world.  We must learn not to be offended, though there are many, many ways that we could become offended, if we so choose.  Then Satan steps in and seeks to steal our spiritual promises and defeat the Plan of Happiness, at least as far as we are concerned, until we are brought back to our spiritual senses through the Atonement and the gift of repentance we have been offered by our Savior. 

Or like many in Lehi's dream who grabbed hold of the iron rod and made their way to the tree of life and partook of the fruit that grew thereon, only to then become aware of those in the adjacent great and spacious building who were laughing and mocking and scorning them for partaking of the fruit.  Suddenly ashamed of their actions, they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.  As disciples of Christ there will be times when we stand apart from the world, feeling uncomfortable as those things we hold sacred are mocked and scorned.  We must choose not to be ashamed of the truths that we have been given in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Because of all that has been given us in this amazing gift, the knowledge and the power and the covenants we have made, the gift of the Holy Ghost we have been given, the roles we are playing in the preparation for His glorious return, all these things set us apart from even the most devoted Christians who love the Lord, for they have not yet received the truths that we have.Where much is given, much is required.  Our testimony, constantly nourished,  will keep us safe from offenses and feelings of shame and we will be strong enough to "never leave Him."

Next Week Gospel Principles Chapter 26 Sacrifice given by Sharon Pringle

Have a great week and see you Tuesday night!

The Relief Society Presidency