This Sunday I was sitting in Church when a friend was teaching a lesson, and he pointed out something that was quite poignant to my soul, he stated that the world seems to refute the idea of absolutes. His example was in law that all things "depend", this led me to remember as I was learning French and hearing over and over from my MTC instructors that French has no absolutes, and then also the countless times when people would ask me moral dilemmas on my mission and I would escape with that very same legal response of "it depends." That thought irked me something fierce because it reflected to me that I had missed an actual opportunity to bear solemn testimony on the things that are absolutes in this world.
Take a moment and think for yourself on the things that will have the desired outcome eventually, because absolutes, just like anything else, do not deal with you deciding the time table. A simple examination of an if-then statement would help clarify this. For example, if we are to obey the commandments of God then He is bound to His promises ergo we will be entitled to the glories, beauties, knowledge, power, priesthood, and wonders that await those good and faithful servants. This is an absolute, there is no power in heaven or hell or earth that can change the outcome of this. The circumstances of a disobedient child do not negate nor change this promise, it is true for all of those that are obedient unto the fulfilling of the commandments of the Lord. When this is extended to God's children there are no exclusions from the recipients, the demands are the same, and there is the same help, aid, and guidance to all those the implore for the companionship of the Holy Ghost.
And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father?
And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son.
And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do.
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism --- yea, by following you Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel.
And I heard a voice from the Father, sating: Yea, the words of my Beloved are true and faithful. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved. (2 Nephi 31:10-13,15)
As we watch the world around us, and the portrayals of the world through media and deprecating propaganda, we see the bitterness that fills the hearts of man. We can see the fear that exists in the unknown, the sorrow and anger from those that feel hurt and betrayed. We see the terror that plagues the innocent because of the wicked. We can see the good hearts of men, women, and children failing because they know not where to turn for trust and strength. In the world today we have the war of words and tumults of opinions that demand for the blockading of borders and doors so that those suffering suffer moreso for the sins of their brothers and sisters. The derision that we extend towards those that have played no part in the cruelties of the world. In viewing such atrocities being carried out, how can we continue to contribute to them?
We have been taught to love one another, to turn the other cheek, to kneel when it is to hard to stand, and to give to those that are needy, hungry, poor, and helpless. We have been taught to do the best we can with what little we have been given because the things of this world are not where are hearts are to be placed. As we get closer and closer to Christmas, it is not merely my words that ask this of you all, it is the world around us that is plummeting into chaos and darkness that screams in agony for your help. Together we should be asking, what more will I do to help?
I promise that as you sincerely and humbly extend yourself to the task, though feeling stretched and thinned because of it, the Lord will endow you with the power and strength to do good. Remember that the Lord is the gift that will give people the hope and promise of salvation, of eternal peace and prosperity. One simple testimony, one fervent prayer, one sincere act of generosity can change the world far more than that monarchies and parliaments around the globe. Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. He has come to rid the world of the sins we commit, but we need to believe in Him, show our love through our faith and obedience to His commandments, and then shall we aid in the accomplishing of the work of God.
