What is or was the restoration?
Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon
He received priesthood keys, the church was organized.
Those are the basics, over time all things were restored and we have all that we need to move forward. We have temples and endowments, ordinances, organizations, we are done, right?
Article of Faith #9
9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
So what we learn from that is that the restoration is ongoing! It may well go on until the return of Christ
It is a living church, we are led by a living prophet.
The story of Rip Van Winkle
He was a very unambitious man who was very good at avoiding two things: work and his wife.
One day while wandering in the mountains with his dog, he discovers a group of strangely dressed men drinking and playing games.
After accepting some of their liquor, Rip becomes drowsy and closes his eyes for a moment.
When he opens his eyes again, he is surprised to find that his dog is gone, his rifle has rusted, and he now has a long beard.
Rip makes his way back to his village only to discover that everything has changed. His wife has died, his friends are gone, and the portrait of King George III in the tavern has been replaced by a portrait of someone he does not recognize – General George Washington.
Rip had been sleeping for 20 years! And in the process had missed one of the most exciting periods in the history of his country, the American Revolution.
This is one of the most remarkable periods of the world’s history. Ancient prophets yearned to see our day.
When our time here is complete what experiences will we be able to share about our contribution to this period of time? What will we have done to further the Lords work. Did we roll up our sleeves and labor with all our heart? Or were we merely an observer?
Did we all serve a mission? Do we all work in the temple? Is our family history complete?
How do we as individuals serve?
Perhaps we wonder what has the restoration done for me? How does it really affect my daily life?
In the Era December 2006, a Mandi Andre wrote about what the restoration has done for her, how it affects her life each day.
Last Sunday my dad gave me a priesthood blessing. Because of the Restoration, I know he has been given the authority to act in the name of Jesus Christ. My dad can bless me whenever I am sick or need extra help.
On Monday, I woke up for school and said my prayers. Because of the restoration, I knew I was praying to a loving Heavenly Father and that I am his daughter, created in his image. I also read from the Book of Mormon. Because of the restoration, I have another witness that Jesus Christ really lived. That night we had family home evening. Because of the restoration, I am blessed with loving parents who teach me the truth.
On Tuesday I went to the temple my first time and performed baptisms for the dead. Because of the restoration, I was able to help those who have died without the gospel to have eternal blessings.
On Wednesday I went to my closet and picked out something modest to wear. Because of the restoration, I know that my body is sacred and that I need to be a good example to those who see me. I also have the guidance of living prophets and apostles, who have given me for the strength of youth, which contains guidelines to help my make righteous choices.
On Thursday I tried my best to live the gospel. Because of the restoration I have the gift of the Holy Ghost as my companion to help me always. I also have a bishop and young women leaders to watch over me as special advisers. And because of the restoration, I know about the Atonement so that when I make a mistake I can repent and be forgiven.
On Friday I enjoyed being with my friends. Because of the restoration, I have friends who also want to live the gospel. These good friends are a big blessing in my life. I also have opportunities to share the gospel with my friends who are not members of the church.
On Saturday I thought about my brother, Tyler, who is serving a mission in Brazil. I miss him very much, but because of the restoration, I know what he is doing is right. I want to go on a mission someday too.
Today is Sunday again. Because of the restoration, I took the sacrament and renewed my promises to follow Jesus Christ. I was reminded that I am a daughter of God and that his plan has been restored so I can one day return home to him
Because of the restoration, I know the scriptures are true. I know that this is the restored Church of Jesus Christ. I know that living prophets are guiding us today. I know that through restored temple ordinances my family can be together forever.
Because of the restoration we are blessed every day of the week, every day of our lives.
Pretty profound for a young woman!
President Uchtdorf suggests that there are 3 major reasons why we may be sleeping through the restoration.
1. Selfishness
This seems to be the main reason for lots of things that go wrong in our lives!
For the selfish person the central question is always, what’s in it for me? This attitude is contrary to the Lords spirit. We become focused on our own wants, needs, recognition and pleasure.
This year Oxford Dictionary proclaimed selfie as the word of the year. What does that tell us about the level of egotism and narcissism in our lives?
We all want a bit of praise or some recognition for our hard work and relaxing and enjoying ourselves is not a sin, but when do we cross that line?
2Nephi 26:29
He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.
Mark 8: 34-35
And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.
So what do we learn from these scriptures?
Those who serve God and their fellowmen discover a richness in life that selfish people will not find.
The unselfish give of themselves freely, is it hard work? Sometimes, but often it’s very simple:
A smile, a handshake, a hug, times spent listening, a word of encouragement, our opportunities to serve are endless. We need to remember to serve our spouses and children! Often we become so service oriented that we over look the obvious people we should serve.
As we serve, our capacity to love God increases and our capacity to serve increases. Kind of like tithing, we can never repay God for all his blessings.
Who in your life comes to mind as being a person of unselfishness and service??
Give examples of people you know
2. Addictions
Addictions are thin threads of repeated action that weave themselves into thick bonds of habit. Negative habits have the potential to become consuming addictions.
What can we become addicted to?
Pornography, alcohol, sex, drugs, tobacco, gambling, food, work, the internet, solitaire, anything that takes over our lives is an addiction.
The Lord is saddened when his sons and daughter extend their wrists to accept the chains of devastating addictions.
President Uchtdorf said
We are truly sons and daughter of the Most High and are endowed with unspeakable potential. We are designed to soar freely through the heavens. We are not meant to be shackled to the earth, imprisoned in straitjackets of our own making.
So how do we fix it?
3Nephi 12:29
Behold, I give unto you a commandment, that ye suffer none of these things to enter into your heart;
From this we learn a great truth, it’s much easier never to start that to have to quit! Never starting is the best defense, however we can become addicted to even the best things.
Like reading, some cant put down a book until they finish no matter what else happens. The internet is a powerful and wonderful tool for many things, but does it take you away from real life? From real relationships and service?
For those with serious addiction there is hope. Seek help from family, friends, the church has an excellent recovery program. The path may be difficult but the Savior will never give up on you. The Atonement is not just for sin. It may take several attempts before you find success, don’t give up, don’t lose faith.
3. Competing priorities
Are you too busy? What takes your time?
Sports, hobby’s, jobs, etc.
We often are like a cart pulled in many directions by many ponies, but we never actually get anywhere.
How do we fix this?
Matthew 22: 37-39
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Everything else is life is secondary. Now that easy to say but sometimes in our everyday lives we lose focus. We have a lot going on! Even in our church service it can be easy to just go through the motions without your heart being in it.
“We have committed to be a people who love God and our neighbor and who are willing to demonstrate that love through word and deed. That is the essence of who we are as disciples of Jesus Christ.”
“There is too much at stake for us as individuals, as families, and as Christ’s church to give only a halfhearted effort to such a sacred work.
Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is not an effort of once a week or once a day. It is an effort of once and for all!”
D&C 64:33
Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.
We need to add the beauty of our example to the work of the restoration.
How?
Study the scriptures daily
Remain worthy to attend the temple
Give daily acts of service
Pray daily
Be committed
It cant wait til tomorrow
It’s not too hard to do today
Focus on the Savior and you will know what your part is to play in the great restoration.