Anyway, our ward topic is "Enduring to the End," but I think every talk I've heard for the last 3 weeks has been about that, so he told us that the stake topic is "The Light of Christ."
I'm starting to get worried, like I always do about having to speak in church. I don't think it's as bad as it was last time, so that's good.
I was just reading an article called Out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light by Elder Hales. There was something in there that just seemed so incredible to me, so I wanted to share.
When I was a boy, I used to ride my bicycle home from basketball practice at night. I would connect a small pear-shaped generator to my bicycle tire. Then as I pedaled, the tire would turn a tiny rotor, which produced electricity and emitted a single, welcome beam of light. It was a simple but effective mechanism. But I had to pedal to make it work! I learned quickly that if I stopped pedaling my bicycle, the light would go out. I also learned that when I was “anxiously engaged” 17 in pedaling, the light would become brighter and the darkness in front of me would be dispelled.(I added the bold.)
The generation of spiritual light comes from daily spiritual pedaling. It comes from praying, studying the scriptures, fasting, and serving—from living the gospel and obeying the commandments. “He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light,” 18 said the Lord, “and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.” 19 My brothers and sisters, that perfect day will be when we will stand in the presence of God the Father and Jesus Christ.
Sometimes people ask, “Why do I have to go to sacrament meeting?” or “Why do I have to live the Word of Wisdom, pay tithing? Why can’t I have one foot in Babylon?” May I tell you why? Because spiritual pedaling takes both feet! Unless you are fully engaged in living the gospel—living it with all of your “heart, might, mind and strength” 20—you cannot generate enough spiritual light to push back the darkness.
And in this world, the darkness is never far away. In fact, it is always just around the corner, waiting for an opportunity to come in. “If thou doest not well,” the Lord said, “sin lieth at the door.” 21
It is as predictable as any physical law: if we let the light of the Spirit flicker or fade by failing to keep the commandments or by not partaking of the sacrament or praying or studying the scriptures, the darkness of the adversary will surely come in. “That wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth, through disobedience.” 22
In the scriptures we read that some individuals “grope in the dark without light” and “stagger like a drunken man.” 23 Stumbling along, we may become accustomed to the dimness of our surroundings and forget how glorious it is to walk in the light.
Like I said, pretty incredible, huh? Very applicable to our lives.
Also...if anyone happens to have any stories about the Light of Christ that they'd like to share, I would be very appreciative. :)
4 comments:
Ah, both feet- the hard work of exertion... IT reminds me of the talk President Uctdorf gave about recovering from an unknown lung disease because of delivering laundry on his bike as a child to help his family.
As for the light of Christ- I tend to think of it more in terms of the inspiration and inclination to do good and offer service to those around us and recognize what is good and right and true.
One thing that really bothered me when I was being taught by missionaries was them telling me I did NOT have the gift of the Holy Ghost when I knew very well for most of my life, I felt real promptings, real feelings and real love not of this world. I know now that was the Light of Christ- something every single person is able to feel and receive. It is what makes us all able to do the right thing no matter if we "have the Gospel" or not. It is also what I recognized in the missionaries at my door and in the members of the church who loved and accepted me as I began attending meetings. It was something I recognized and responded to. I am so grateful that this gift is given to us all and that all we have to do is be open to it... I could go on forever about this (I just taught on it Sunday) but I will be quiet now...
Anyway, I could use some prayers. I am almost in tears here now...I have to teach tomorrow and while I love my students, I am so anxious. I have been pretty miserable the last several days and standing up for 3 hours might present a problem...
We will pray for you, Crystal.
That is a really great quote, Dana! I thought of two things: one is a talk that Pres. Faust gave a few conferences ago called The Light in Their Eyes. When we're living in harmony with the Gospel (pedaling with both feet, so to speak), it really is physically visible, and others will see it and respond to it, as Crystal was mentioning. That led me to thought #2, that scripture in Alma 5 that talks about receiving His image in our countenances (it's a favorite). Going along the same lines as my other thought, I think this can be taken literally. I bet we can all think of someone like this. They literally brighten up a room when they walk in. Even though people may not instantly identify the source, they can see and appreciate the light.
I loved that talk "we can't hide the light in their eyes..." That is the first one he was seated, wasn't it? Oh, the tender memories... I totally agree with everything you say, Abby! We all know those people in our lives both in and outside the church- they have the light of Christ illuminating their souls and all of us are like moths to the flame. I have seen the lit up countenance in a few peoples' faces after baptism in a way so real that I will never forget it- two times, actually- and I hope to always keep those two in my mind when I remember what the Gospel can do for people...
Off to bed now, not much of anything to do here and my back hurts. By the way, Abby, I hope your first day of class was inspiring and made you think, "I am SO GLAD to be here!"
dana,
thanks for that great quote. i gave a rs lesson years ago on the light of Christ. if you go to lds.org they have an article in 'i have a question' about the light of Christ. it led me to "Another Witness for the Articles of Faith", by elder McConkie. anyway, in that article it talks about how the light of christ is in, around and through everything. there is no where we can look and it is not there. it is literally our for the taking if we will just respond to it. it made me look at the world differently. it is also the conduit that the holy ghost works through so that many can feel the holy ghost at the same time. here is the link, but if it doesn't work, it is an article "I have a question, Ensign, June 1989. Really incredible information. you will do great. did i tell you that marsha lamprecht commented on what a great person you are after you and jason spoke in our ward. she actually said what great people you and jason are. here is the link. xoxo mom
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=b69227cd3f37b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____
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