I’ve
always been a big fan of Chapter 29 for two reasons. 1) It is a gorgeous song by Wanda West
Palmer, and 2) I desire the opportunity to share my testimony with others that
they might have the joy of the gospel in their lives.
However,
I noticed something this time around that hasn’t stood out to me quite like it
did this morning. Perhaps it is because
of Elder Pliler’s talk in sacrament meeting last week and the theme of his talk
was that God grants us according to the desires of our hearts. Alma says this very thing in verses 4 and
5. God grants us blessings according to
our desires – unto death or unto life.
These are unalterable, according to our own will whether to the degree
of salvation or destruction (4). To
those who know good and evil – in other words, have read the Book of Mormon,
accepted it as truth, and accepted the Savior as their redeemer - his wishes
for life or death, joy or remorse, will be granted. This is a sobering thought.
As
I ponder this thought I think back to my careless youth. I was taught the gospel in my home as a
child. I had a testimony and I knew the
gospel was true. However, there were a
few things I desired to experience that I did not want to leave this world
without experiencing. My weakness in
obedience to the commandments chipped away and these desires were soon realized
– much to my sorrow. I see this same
pattern in the lives of others who have walked a similar path. The only way for it to have a happy ending is
through the power of the Atonement and the gift of repentance. We are so very blessed to have a Savior,
Jesus Christ, who was willing to pay the price for our mistakes so that we can
return to the path that will lead us to our Heavenly Father. How grateful I am for this blessing and this
brings me full circle to the beginning of Chapter 29 – O that I were an angel
and could have the wish of my heart, that I might go forth and speak with the
trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every
people!
How
I love our missionaries who are doing just that. I love reading their letters to their
families and the strong testimonies they bear to the truthfulness of the gospel
and the joy that comes from embracing it, living it and sharing it. This too is the desire of my heart I hope to
attain as soon as my husband retires.
In
the meantime, I pray for opportunities to share my testimony with others – and watch
carefully for that opportunity.
No comments:
Post a Comment