Tuesday, January 17, 2012

THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST

King Benjamin said:

"There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives.  And it shall come to pass that whosoever doeth this shall be found at the right hand of God, for he shall know the name by which he is called; for he shall be called by the name of Christ."  - Mosiah 5:8-9

Through the ordinance of baptism we covenant to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, always remember Him, and keep His commandments.  As we keep our part of the covenant, God promises the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, a remission of our sins, and being born again.

Each week we renew the covenants we make by partaking of the sacrament.  Partaking of the sacrament weekly is a commandment.  It helps us remain worthy to have the Spirit with us always.  It is a weekly reminder of our covenants.



Jesus Christ introduced this ordinance to His Apostles just before His Atonement.  We can read the account of the Last Supper in Luke 22:15-20.  After the Lord introduced the ordinance of the Sacrament he offers an example to the Apostles.  In John 13:4-15 we read another account of the Last Supper. 

After Jesus washes the feet of the Twelve He says:  "Know ye what I have done to you?  Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.  If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.  For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you."



The service rendered by the Savior caught the disciples by surprise.  The washing of the guests feet was considered a lowly act.  An act that only a servant would have performed for the master of the house.  As the Savior had always done he used this act of service as an opportunity to teach.

When we engage in service we are representing the Savior.  We are doing as he would do.  To take upon the name of Jesus Christ we become true disciples.  Our commitment to true discipleship is evidenced when we can consecrate our lives to the serve the Lord.  We have opportunities daily to show this commitment:
  • We can speak kind words to each other
  • We can seek opportunities to serve or help another
  • We can listen for and follow the promptings of the Spirit
  • We can find opportunities to help ease another's burden
  • We can give comfort
  • We can stand as a witness
Several years ago when I was the Young Women's President the annual theme was:

"Be steadfast and immovable always abounding in good works."

The complete verse reads:  "Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Ominpotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all."  - Mosiah 5:15

Our good works are a reflection of who we are.  We honour our names.  We honour our family names.  And we honour the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

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