Similarly, we learn line-upon-line in life and continue to have moments of particular clarity. The old adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” refers to the notion that images—even those drawn in our minds—reveal insights and communicate information where otherwise lengthy prose would be required.
Even complex ideas are understood quickly and easily with pictures. And the Lord Jesus Christ himself used experiences that were pertinent and telling for the people at that time in order to drive home true principles and points of doctrine. The pictures and experiences he drew in people’s minds were memorable, engaging, and have lasted eons. He both clarified and veiled his teachings with parables. So simple a child can understand yet profound enough for the wise, the parables of Jesus are a priceless source of gospel truths. Teaching in parables allowed Jesus to reveal great truths to those who were spiritually in tune and, at the same time, conceal or hide those truths from those who were not ready for them. His life was spent ministering to the people of former times on numerous occasions by healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, unstopping the ears of the deaf, and even raising the dead. Those miracles were wonderful for the people of that time, but they have not ceased in our day.
Miracles continue to follow those that believe (Ether 12:12). God’s works are never frustrated. Some may say “I am not blind or lame or halt or maimed, and today we have fine doctors, immaculate hospitals, and superior medical knowledge. Do we really need his involvement in our lives?”
True. We have wonderful blessing abundant in our world today, but there is also tremendous hardship. At times of difficulty and loss, we have hope in Jesus Christ that our wounds will be healed and our hearts mended. The Lord is not offering to just get us by as important and helpful as that is. But he is offering to enable, empower, and heal us so that we can become more like him and enjoy the kind of life that he lives. And as we become witnesses of him, our lives improve and are refined.
The Savior taught frequently about choosing the better path. “A merchant man, seeking goodly pearls … when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it” (Matthew 13:45–46).
Certainly you have asked the question why this merchant would give up all he had to purchase this one pearl of great price. Even a better question what are the pearls of great price in your life that for which you would be willing to give all? Family, the gospel, the Savior. Perhaps you have other pearls as well.
Parable of the gem of great value buried in the field
There is a series of short parables given by the Savior about the establishment of the kingdom of God in the latter days featuring a mustard seed, leaven, hidden treasure, a pearl of great price and fishing net. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: “Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it” (Matt. 13:44–46).
Sometimes the obvious is staring you right in the face. We say “Why couldn’t I see that?” This happens all around us. Every day we hear of people clamoring to protect architecture / heal the animals / restore the environment / save the whales / keep the peace / preserve the land—yet we are willing to lose peoples' personal accounts every day. What were our pearls again?
Remember and savor what is most important. My belief is that some of our most important treasures are figuratively at our doorstep, in our field, and very much within our grasp today…personal histories.
Wouldn’t it be tragic to lose a most important possession that today lies right at our fingertips?
We certainly don’t want to throw the baby out with the bath water.
“I know my grandpa very well, because he wrote a journal that told much of his life’s experiences. I am so grateful for that. If I were to lose everything I had, and could only save a couple things, I’d grab my scriptures and John S. Stucki’s Journal. It means that much to me. “
–William Richard Stucki (grampa)
Grampa’s testimony was built with his predecessors and continues to bless posterity today:
When we feel and express adoration and praise for the Savior, we are achieving our most important goal of establishing in the hearts of our families even a greater love for Him. Friends may betray us, spouses may leave us, health may fail, and our possessions burn up. But Christ, His promises, understanding, and love will never fail us. With some trials and most tragedies, only this can get us through. When we can take a thankless, demanding calling; give up something we wanted greatly, so we can pay our tithing; or help out someone who has badly hurt us ... and say "I wouldn't do that for anyone, but I'll do it for Christ!" ... then the power for good he can have in our lives is becoming a reality.
He must be the foundation of our lives.
"I think about the great sacrifices my parents and fore bearers made for me, and the great example they set of complete faithfulness to the Savior and His teachings in their lives. Now it's my turn. I would surely feel amiss to pass on to my posterity something less.
"As sweet to me and powerful in my life as the numerous blessings I have received, nothing brought more peace, and hope, and joy than has come from discovering the marvelous qualities of the Savior and all the gracious, loving and merciful things He has done for me and my loved ones. I cannot in any way repay Him, or properly thank Him. But this I can do, and seek with all my heart to do, and that is stand as a witness of the goodness of the Father in giving us such a leader and friend as the Savior.” I will stand as a witness that Christ is divine, has risen from the dead, and out of his love for us has overcome every barrier to our return to Heavenly Father, and enjoyment of the unspeakable joys of eternal life. I know that His teachings are the only way to happiness and peace in this life, for individuals and nations, and to joy in the life to come. All I do and say is in the hope that I might further His cause and help others come to Him for the proper guidance in life and the strength to do what's right. I know that through Christ, sins can be overcome and forgiven, and lives changed, and hope restored."
Discover Why We Need a Savior
Jesus Christ, our Savior
