SEARCHING FOR CHRIST

President Spencer W. Kimball once said:  "The cultivation of Christlike qualities is a demanding and relentless task -- it is not for the seasonal worker or for those who will not stretch themselves, again and again."

Throughout the scriptures we read stories of individuals who have sought the Lord literally and have found him.  The finding blessed them in different ways.  Some were healed.  Some had increased faith.  Some were fed.  Some had loved ones restored to them. There are others who have sought the Lord on a spiritual level.  This is a little less tangible.  However, the blessings have been great.

The searching was not easy.  In most cases it required great faith and great patience.  The Lord has promised that for everyone who truly seeks after him will find him:

"Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."  - D&C 88:63

Many who have sought the Lord, had such great faith that they were blessed to be in His presence.  They were face to face.  After the Lord revealed himself to these men they were instructed in eternal principles.  These accounts and principles are recorded in the scriptures.  A study of these events will better prepare each of us and show us the path to the Lord.

I believe that each of us is given the same promise as revealed by the Lord through Joseph Smith -  that if we draw near unto the Lord we shall see his face:

"Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will."  - D&C 88:68

The great prophets of old and the latter-day prophets have all testified of Christ.  If you listen to their words carefully you will know that they have sought after Him and have found Him.  They know the Savior intimately and He knows them.

WE LABOR DILIGENTLY TO WRITE

While I continue to study the scriptures and the writings of the prophets I came across a passage in the Book of Mormon that I had highlighted some time ago:

"Wherefore, for this cause hath the Lord God promised unto me that these things which I write shall be kept and preserved, and handed down unto my seed, from generation to generation, that the promise may be fulfilled unto Joseph, that his seed should never perish as long as the earth should stand.  Wherefore, these things shall go from generation to generation as long as the earth shall stand; and they shall go according to the will and pleasure of God; and the nations who shall possess them shall be judged of them according to the words which are written.  For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we  know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do."  - 2 Nephi 25:21-23

As I re-read this passage I was reminded why I started this particular blog.  I have a strong and an abiding testimony of the Savior, Jesus Christ, and his mission on earth.  I have a responsibility to share that testimony with others and I can do that by writing it down.  Sharing my testimony with my family, friends and other members of the church provides blessings to both myself and others.  As a parent I have a sacred duty to teach my children about Christ and to help them to believe in Christ.

I remember giving a lesson in Relief Society many years ago and sharing my testimony of Jesus Christ.  Part of that testimony included my declaration that I was not afraid to share my belief in Christ or my testimony of principles taught by the Savior.  I am not afraid. 

I have been prompted on many occasions to share my testimony with others.  When I listen to those promptings my testimony becomes strengthened.  There have been powerful sacred moments when Spirit speaks to Spirit.  Truth unfolds and touches both the giver and the receiver.  A better understanding of Eternal principles enters the mind and touches the heart.

Our individual testimonies of the Savior should ever be present in our hearts and minds.  We should be ready and willing to share them when prompted by the Spirit.  Nephi records why:

"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." 

- 2 Nephi 25:26

This blog is a record of my testimony of Jesus Christ.  The Lord promised Nephi that his record would be kept and preserved and I believe that the promise is extended to each of us as we record our testimonies in our journals, scriptures, study guides, etc. 

President Spencer W. Kimball counseled members of the Church:

"We renew our appeal for the keeping of individual histories and accounts of sacred experiences in out lives -- answered prayers, inspiration from the Lord, administrations in our behalf, a record of the special times and events of our lives.  From these records you can also appropriately draw as you relay faith-promoting stories in your family circles and discussions.  Stories of inspiration from our own lives and those of our forebears as well as stories from our scriptures and our history are powerful teaching tools.  I promise you that if you will keep your journals and records they will indeed be a source of great inspiration to you, each other, your children, your grandchildren, and others throughout the generations" ("Therefore I Was Taught," Ensign, Jan. 1982, 4).

My challenge to you:  Keep a record of your relationship with Jesus Christ.  Share your testimony in writing so that it is preserved and can be handed down to your posterity.  Read what you have written, assessing your personal growth and testimony of the Savior.  You will find strength in dark times when you reflect upon what you have written.

"For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ." 

 - 2 Nephi 25:23