Following the Savior

I had the opportunity to speak this week in sacrament meeting. I enjoyed preparing and giving this talk so much I wanted to post it here so that those who were not in attendance could at least read it. I omitted my introduction since all of you know me but the rest I tried to keep as true to the presentation as possible.


Today we have those who are with us for the first time. The incoming freshmen who are just starting their careers in higher education. But I would venture that among us today we have for the first time brothers and sisters at all levels of collegiate development. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to extend our hands and open our hearts as we grow together in our faith. Just as Paul taught the Ephesians, I know that here we “are no more strangers and foreigners, but followcitizens with the saints” (Eph 2:19) While our individual reasons for coming today are varied, we are all here because we share a common testimony of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Earlier this year Elder Quentin L. Cook shared his general conference address on following Jesus Christ. I find it appropriate today to remind us of his words, and share with you some of my thoughts and personal testimony of the Savior. One of the greatest blessings of membership in the Church of Jesus Christ is our opportunity to partake of the sacrament. During this sacred ordinance we renew our baptismal covenants and rededicate ourselves to living the gospel. Worthily partaking of the sacrament “allows each of us to express with broken hearts and contrite spirits our willingness to follow the Savior, to repent, and to to become a Saint through the Atonement of Christ.” (84)

The Atonement “is the transcendent event in the history of mankind.” (83) Our redeemer's suffering in Gethsemane, his crucifixion on Calvary overcame death in all its forms. Because of Jesus Christ, “We will be resurrected from death and have our spirits reunited with our bodies. Based on personal worthiness, we may through His grace have the glorious opportunity of entering back into the presence of God.” (83-84) His sacrifice offers so much while requiring so little in return. Are we willing to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ? Are we willing to always remember him? To keep his commandments? This is what we committed to when we were baptized. This is why the sacrament is so important.

In the university setting I have found that this is where a person's testimony truly becomes their own. For some this may be their first experience of independent living. Here we are all adults. We are free and unrestrained to make our own decisions. Not all of these decisions will be in harmony with the teachings of the gospel. When this happens we can repent. We can make an even greater effort to follow the example of the Savior. If we choose to keep the commandments and listen to the Holy Ghost our time in school can be the best of our lives. A time where living the gospel's principles changes from 'what we do' to what we want to do.

As I have reflected on the Savior and His invitation to follow Him my mind often returned to the hymn “Lord, I Would Follow Thee.” The second verse is a beautiful reminder of how we can outwardly follow Christ by heeding his council to love one another. I also find these words particularly poignant in addressing our situation in this ward:

Who am I to judge another When I walk imperfectly?

In the quiet heart is hidden Sorrow that the eye can't see.

Who am I to judge another? Lord, I would follow thee.

If we are to be His disciples and follow Christ we must create an environment in His church that fosters healing the Atonement can provide. All of us have personal weaknesses. For some these are weaknesses we are comfortable discussing openly. For others they may be more serious transgressions which will require confession with the Bishop. We have among us those who carry sorrows which are hidden in their quiet hearts. There are those here today who struggle with the word of wisdom, addiction to pornography, and attraction to those of the same gender. We can gauge our commitment to following Jesus Christ in the effort we make to love one another. To encourage all to come unto Christ, to repent and experience the miracle of His forgiveness. To say as Christ said: “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” (John 8:11)

In closing I invite all to more closely follow the Savior. I can think of no better phrasing for this invitation than the words used by Christ himself. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matt 11:28-30) While I may not fully comprehend the atonement, I know that Christ's supernal sacrifice does provide healing and peace.

I testify that Jesus Christ lives. He is our Savior and as we draw near to him he will not draw away from us. May all of us partake in the blessings only he can provide by taking upon ourselves His name, remembering him and keeping his commandments. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Proposition 8 Reversed

Yesterday Vaughn R Walker, United States District Chief Judge in the Northern District of California, enjoined enforcement of Proposition 8 (the California Marriage Protection Act). This action has rekindled the debate on the definition of marriage and the right of gay and lesbian couples to legally marry. There are staunch supporters celebrating the latest decision and devoted resisters bemoaning the current situation. As a reader, whichever side of the debate you find yourself on, this is not a post of persuasive argument. I expect that you will, as I have, come to your own conclusions of what is right.

For your reference the complete decision can be found here. Its introduction states: "Plaintiffs allege that Proposition 8 deprives them of due process and of equal protection of the laws contrary to the Fourteenth Amendment and that its enforcement by state officials violates 42 USC § 1983."

I would also reference a press release issued the same day by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I add my support to their communication and "urge people on all sides of this issue to act in a spirit of mutual respect and civility toward those with a different opinion." With such strong feelings on both sides of this sensitive issue, it is unlikely that this latest decision will be the end of its discussion.