Better than ever

In my household, running is a big deal. I myself am a walker, but even then I am not as diligent as my wife. She walks on a regular schedule and has been doing so for years. But it is really my children that are the runners. One daughter runs religiously every morning. She did ten miles today before I was even out of bed. Others in the family are similarly impassioned. Another daughter and her husband run frequently with the baby in a stroller and the dog on a leash. I have seen them and others perform this feat for years. Other children ran track when they were in high school. They never feared pushing through the last leg of the relay when the coach and team needed the most effective surge. That’s why they exercise. The moment for which they had trained regularly and endured all this pain was the very reason they exercised in the first place. And their diligence paid off then, and it is paying off big time now.

Maybe you’re not a runner. I understand that, but you no doubt have other passions for which you give your all: drama, education, auto mechanics, family, art, history, rodeo, outdoors, or other interesting quests or exciting activities. Whatever your passion, you are faithful to your goals, and you find joy in that pursuit.

That is good and right and the way it should be, but I am going to make a claim that may sit funny with you when you first hear it. Okay here goes:

Whatever you do and whomever you do it with—the gospel of Jesus Christ will help you do it better. And it is guaranteed to bring you more happiness along the way. Period.

Do you believe that? There are many illustrations of this principle:

Example 1 - The Atonement is “the very root of Christian doctrine. You may know much about the gospel as it branches out from there, but if you only know the branches and those branches do not touch that root, if they have been cut free from that truth, there will be no life nor substance nor redemption in them.” (Boyd K. Packer, “The Mediator,” Ensign, May 1977, 56).

Example 2 - “I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness” (President Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, May 1980, p. 67).

Example 3 - “True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. Preoccupation with unworthy behavior can lead to unworthy behavior. That is why we stress so forcefully the study of the doctrines of the gospel“ (Elder Boyd K Packer Conf Rpt Oct 86, p20).

I purposefully took these quotes from long ago to demonstrate the accuracy of their prophetic claims. Now I have had the benefit of putting their words to the test. And looking back with hindsight, were the assertions made accurate? Did the predictions prove correct and factual? While you consider those questions, let’s take a look at some other people whose views coincide with my own.

Effectively, the gospel of Jesus Christ is the fuel that makes this world go around. President Gordon B Hinckley once said the following in the context of the other churches around the world:

“Let me say that we appreciate the truth in all churches and the good which they do. We say to the people, in effect, you bring with you all the good that you have, and then let us see if we can add to it.”

I believe that this statement is not limited to churches only. The gospel of Jesus Christ can add to and exalt everything it touches. That too is not new. That is the power of Jesus Christ.

There is power in ordinances. As we make covenants with Jesus Christ, live in accordance with those principles, and renew our ordinances regularly, we are empowered beyond our natural abilities and find hope, solace, and peace in our lives despite the uproar all about us.

I recommend thee unto God, and trust in Christ that thou wilt be saved.” Moroni 9:22 Temple recommend* (baptism, repentance, commandments, ordinances)

 1. Power in the word of God
 2. Power in the gift of the Holy Ghost
 3. Power in the priesthood
 4. Power in the house of the Lord
 5. Power in the atonement
       a. Have faith
       b. Repent and obey .. The happiest people I know repent regularly and obey
       c. Diligently seek

Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. Isaiah 40:28

I the Lord delight to honor those that serve me. Doctrine and Covenants 76:5

Wow. Did you read that? Did you hear what the Lord just said? “I the Lord delight to honor those that serve me.” What does that really mean.

The God of heaven and earth delights to honor those that serve him. That is a pretty good position to be in. It all comes down to whether we believe in that promise or not.

I believe it.

And I Nephi did go into the mount oft…

True Doctrine, Understood, Changes Attitudes and Behaviors