Having Humility

Being humble and having humility is defined in The Guide to the Scriptures as: ” To make meek and teachable, or the condition of being meek and teachable. Humility includes recognizing our dependence upon God and desiring to submit to his will.”

We know that we must be humble but I think many of us wonder if we have sufficient humility or exactly what it is. The scriptures give us many blessings from being humble such as ” Whosoever shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:4)

Richard C. Edgley, in the October 2003 General conference said, ” Many of us live or work in an environment where humility is often misunderstood and considered a weakness….Yet as we learn about the workings of God, the power of a humble and submissive spirit becomes apparent. In the kingdom of God, greatness begins with humility and submissiveness. These companion virtues are the first critical steps to opening the doors to the blessings of God and the power of the priesthood..”

We must humbly submit to the will of the Father. Elder Edgley continues, “.. It is the power to meet life’s adversities, the power of peace, the power of hope, the power of a heart throbbing with a love for and testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ, even the power of redemption. To this end, the Savior is our supreme example of the power of humility and submissiveness.”

In the 1976 April issue of the New Era there is an interesting story about having humility between Joseph Smith and Brighman Young:

A story is told of an encounter between the Prophet Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. In the presence of a rather large group of brethren, the Prophet severely chastised Brother Brigham for some failing in his duty. Everyone, I suppose somewhat stunned, waited to see what Brigham’s response would be. After all, Brigham, who later became known as the Lion of the Lord, was no shrinking violet by any means. Brigham slowly rose to his feet, and in words that truly reflected his character and his humility, he simply bowed his head and said, “Joseph, what do you want me to do?” The story goes that sobbing, Joseph ran from the podium, threw his arms around Brigham, and said in effect, “You passed, Brother Brigham, you passed” (see Truman G. Madsen, “Hugh B. Brown—Youthful Veteran,” New Era, Apr. 1976, 16).

Everyday we should strive to humble ourselves before God and do His will. By doing so He has said, “Humble yourselves before me and you shall see me and know that I am.” (D&C 67:10)

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The Eternal Life of Man

 I recently came across a talk given by Spencer W. Kimball in the April 1977 Priesthood Session titled “ Our Great Potential” , and in it he begins with a quote by President Brigham Young, which I too will start this post with, as it is the basis of what i’d like to share my thoughts on.

“It is supposed by this people that we have all the ordinances in our possession for life and salvation, and exaltation, and that we are administering in those ordinances. This is not the case. We are in possession of all the ordinances that can be administered in the flesh; but there are other ordinances and administrations that must be administered beyond this world. I know you would like to ask what they are. I will mention one. We have not, neither can we receive here, the ordinance and the keys of resurrection.” (Journal of Discourses, 15:137.)

When I first read this today I never really thought about Priesthood Ordinances beyond the grave, yet that’s how Jesus Christ, under the direction of our Father in Heaven, organized matter into our Earth, as well as every thing in existence. That is how Jesus Christ instituted the Atonement and the Resurrection of all bodies to be reunited with their spirits, never to be separated again.  Theres so much on this Earth and in the Heavens that are done through ordinances, and it makes sense there are more ordinances beyond the grave.

Kimball goes on to talk about our potential as well as was Lorenzo Snow said, “As man is, God once was; and as God is, man may become.” Speaking of the Pre-Existence, “They came with the definite understanding that they could return to become like God and go forward in their great development and progress. Many people may think that once we die, and the veil is lifted, then we will know everything – even i thought that until recently. But, we continue to progress and become perfected in the after life, and learn line upon line. With that said, I now realize the importance of the revelation given in D&C 130:19, “ And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience tan another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.”

“We have no such ordinance here,” said Brigham Young. “We organize according to men in the flesh. By combining the elements and planting the seed, we cause vegetables, trees, grains, etc. to come forth.” But we do not give them life. “We are organizing a kingdom here according to the pattern that the Lord has given for people in the flesh, but not for those who have received the resurrection, although it is a similitude.” (JD,15:137.)

“Millions of us have contributed toward the creation and the development of a spirit, but “the germ of this, God has placed within us. And when our spirits receive our bodies, and through our faithfulness we are worthy to be crowned, we will then receive authority to produce both spirit and body. But these keys we cannot receive in the flesh.” (JD, 15:137)”

Spencer W. Kimball relates many good points about eternal life, and once we realize that our time on Earth, though may be difficult and cuppulled with stress, depression, difficulty,happiness, sadness and busy lives, where even at some points seem like theres no end or hope,  it is but the tiniest fraction of time, in an eternal life that we are living.

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The Meaning of Eternal Life

The work and glory of God is to bring to pass the immortality and the eternal life of man (Moses 1:39). Immortality and eternal life are two very different states of being, which makes sense why the scriptures would describe God’s purposes two fold. To immortalize His children (us), and exalt us to eternal life and abiding in His presence again.

There is a big difference between immortality and eternal life, and thats difference really has been on my mind recently. As put well by the Encyclopedia of Mormonism ” Immortality is a free gift from God because of unconditional grace, and does not require works of obedience. “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Cor. 15:22).” (eom.byu.edu)

“Eternal life” is a higher state than immortality alone and means to live forever in a resurrected condition in the presence of God, and to become like God. ” (eom) the only way we can reach this state is by obeying all the commandment of God and recieving all the ordinances of the Gospel, as described in the articles of faith “We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins ; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.” and all this will also include the ordinances performed in the Temple, including eternal marriage.

For me, eternal life is one of the greatest blessings that our Father in Heaven can give to us, through the atonement of Jesus Christ. For narrow is the gate that leadeth to eternal life, it is one that will truly give us a fullness of joy. This world can be very hard, but we must remember we are in the the world, but not of the world.

” I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” (John 17:14-15)

Remember than times may be hard, and you may be faced with serious trial, but these trials are for our good, and if are strong, and endure to the end, and are faithful in all things, then we may be crowned with eternal life and celestial glory.

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Fear Thou Not; For I am with Thee

 In the months leading up to me getting married, I experienced a tremendous amount of opposition trying to prevent me from doing right and being fully repented, and marrying in the temple.

I was going through alot of personal issues and trying to resolve those, and everytime I tried to do good, it felt like I was pushed 2 steps back. I prayed alot and did what I thought was good, but still I felt alone; that is until I read the following scripture introduced to me from my brother.

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10)

When I read that I felt so comforted knowing my Heavenly Father was there for me. He will strengthen me and uphold me, as long as I am doing whats right. Each and every time I felt down, I quickly read that scripture and it made me feel so good! I know there will always be opposition, but when you do whats right,  conquer it, it makes it all the better.I feel you must know the bad to appreciate the good (stemmed/referenced from 2 Nephi 2:22)

I know, and have a strong testimony, that if you do the Lords work, obey the commandments and do all things with the magnifying of your calling you will be blessed, and granted all that you desire:

” And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (Luke 11:9)

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I am He who Liveth

 There has been one thing stuck on my mind all day today. And that is the the scripture I’m about to share with you. A revelation given to Joseph Smith and Olivier Cowdery in the Kirtland, Temple, the first temple in this dispensation.

I couldn’t help but think how I would feel after working so hard to build this temple – the sacrifice and time it took, the best crafstmanship, design, work and perfection we can put into creating the House of the Lord – if I was revealed this. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, even Jehovah, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords , show himself unto me and tell me “your sins are forgiven you….rejoice….I have accepted this house.” (D&C 110:5-6)

The following is that revelation in the Kirtland, Temple. Try to place yourselves there.

“The veil was taken from our minds, and the eyes of our understanding were opened. We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us ; and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber.

His eyes were as a flame of fire ; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow ; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun ; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah saying:

I am the first and the last ; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain ; I am your advocate with the Father.” (D&C 110: 1-4)

I read that over and over again, and each time I feel the spirit so strong, and the Holy Ghost bear truth that Jesus does live, and he is the way and the light for us ” …I am the resurrection, and the life : he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (St. John 11:25)

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Fear Thou Not; For I am with Thee

 In the months leading up to me getting married, I experienced a tremendous amount of opposition trying to prevent me from doing right and being fully repented, and marrying in the temple.

I was going through alot of personal issues and trying to resolve those, and everytime I tried to do good, it felt like I was pushed 2 steps back. I prayed alot and did what I thought was good, but still I felt alone; that is until I read the following scripture introduced to me from my brother.

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10)

When I read that I felt so comforted knowing my Heavenly Father was there for me. He will strengthen me and uphold me, as long as I am doing whats right. Each and every time I felt down, I quickly read that scripture and it made me feel so good! I know there will always be opposition, but when you do whats right,  conquer it, it makes it all the better.I feel you must know the bad to appreciate the good (stemmed/referenced from 2 Nephi 2:22)

I know, and have a strong testimony, that if you do the Lords work, obey the commandments and do all things with the magnifying of your calling you will be blessed, and granted all that you desire:

” And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (Luke 11:9)

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