The One

In a recent interview with my mission president I was counseled to focus on the one.  The one person that I can reach. The one person who needs me the most. The spirit touched my mind that day and I have thought about that direction again and again.

True disciples of Jesus Christ have always been concerned for the one.  Jesus Christ is our greatest example. In this way we can become more like the Savior who was perfect in his efforts

to reach each one.

Whether he was speaking to thousands:

“And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth” (3 Ne. 11:15) “And when he had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them”

(3 Ne. 17:21)

Or if he was ministering to an individual:

“And he ministered unto him even as he ministered unto the Nephites; and all this, that this man might know that he was God, because of the many great works which the Lord had showed unto him.”

(Ether 3: 18) 

As a missionary I am blessed with the opportunity to enter peoples homes and make life changing connections with them. As I minister to the one as Christ did, we are both edified together. My prayer as I enter each home is to be window to the love that Christ has for each one of the people in that home. 

Paul K. Sybrowsky posed the question. “What would our Savior do with the opportunities that we have to affect the one?” Each one of us can make a difference in someone’s life, even his or her eternal life, but we must act; we must do; we must labor diligently.

We are to be our brother’s keeper. We cannot neglect this commission given by our Savior. We must be concerned for the one.  Linda Burton said, “For some, serving or ministering one by one, following the Savior’s example, doesn’t come easily. But with practice, each of us can become more like the Savior as we serve God’s children. To help us better love one another, I would like to suggest four words to remember: “First observe, then serve.”

After my interview I have received a renewed enthusiasm to minister and care for the one. I know that each of us is a child of God and a “chosen vessel” to him. I pray that I will be an instrument in his hands to share that love with each one that I encounter.

Family, isn't it about time!

 

One of the very first principles of the gospel that missionaries share with a new investigators is that the family is ordained of God and central to His plan for us here on Earth. 

Preach My Gospel states, "Because families are ordained of God, they are the most important social unit in time and in eternity. God has established families to bring happiness to His children, allow them to learn correct principles in a loving atmosphere, and prepare them for eternal life."

Recently I asked a new investigator of ours why she thought the family was so important. The spirit bore testimony to me of the truths she spoke. She said, "Jesus Christ has to be at the very center of our lives and our family is the supporting circle that surrounds Him." I can testify of that happiness that comes from a family that was structured this way.

On Sunday I was blessed with the opportunity to call my family for Mother's Day. Almost 11 months to the day since I had seen them and I couldn't love them anymore! My only niece, little Payton Jane was center stage as the video chat connected. She was a little shy at first but quickly warmed up to tell me all about her small world. The neighborhood kangaroo is sick (yes we have a neighborhood kangaroo) and she was terribly worried about him. She told me about everything from her pony ride to her "pretties" in her hair. 

 

As the time wore on we had the opportunity to turn the conversation towards the gospel and we began to share our testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ and His love for our family. The spirit was there in abundance as together my family built that supporting circle around Jesus Christ.  Whether we were sitting around the dinner table or around a camp fire, I've always been blessed to have that strength in my life.

"Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities." -Gordon B. Hinckley

I am grateful to belong to a family that exemplifies what President Hinckley said. I know my life has been blessed as we focused on principles of faith, had regular prayer and scripture study, and participated in "Family Home EVENING not Family Home hour". We've loved, and fought, and learned and played our way through a complicated world, but each of us knew that the walls of our own home could be a sanctuary from it all. A holy place.

Mantle of Charity

I remember the conference not long ago when with our hearts and with our hands, we formally sustained President Monson as our inspired leader for this day. The mantle of the prophets now rests upon him. He holds the authority in the holy priesthood. All the keys and powers given by the angels to the Prophet Joseph Smith have been conferred upon President Monson. He is today’s authorized and divinely chosen successor in a long line of prophets.

As the mantle of the prophet fell onto his shoulders a change came over him. He was still "Tommy Monson" but he was now holding the weight as the prophet of the world.

In the church we use and understand the word mantle in many ways:

The Mantle of a prophet:"He has summoned them to high callings in his ministry. A sacred mantle has descended upon them, the mantle of their divine commission, the mantle of prophecy!" -Mark E. Peterson

The Mantle of a bishop: "He can sit in a a sacrament meeting and look out at his flock and know who is in trouble, look at his Aaronic Priesthood and know which ones need his counsel." -Robert D. Hales

Have you ever considered the mantle that comes along with being a priesthood holder?

The Mantle of the priesthood: "There should be nothing casual, nonchalant, or indifferent about holding the  priesthood. Once accepted, it should not be ignored, neglected, or cast aside. It is a mantle of honor and power that may be ours forever." -Ray H. Wood

After being set apart as a missionary last June I became very aware of the mantle that comes upon The Lords Missionaries.

The Mantle of a missionary: "You have authority to preach the gospel... As you prayerfully and worthily exercise that authority, you will receive spiritual power, which is evidence of the reality of your call... When you were set apart by priesthood authority, you received the right and privilege to represent the Lord." -Preach My Gospel.

When we recieve The Lords Mantle, "We speak with new voices; we are guided by a heavenly light. We are ordinary no longer! We are the anointed ones—the chosen ones—chosen by Almighty God!" -Mark E. Peterson

Many callings and responsiblities in the church are cloaked with this Mantle, but we each need remember that membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints carries its own mantle and it is not "a cloak of comfort but rather a robe of responsibility."

So what exactly is our mantle as members of the church? D&C 88:125 say, "And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle."

"In a hundred small ways, all of you wear the mantle of charity. Life is perfect for none of us. Rather than being judgmental and critical of each other, may we have the pure love of Christ for our fellow travelers in this journey through life." -Pres. Monson

It's a scary thought that in a short time I will be released from my call as a missionary and will be asked to remove my black name tag. My mantle as a missionary will be removed, but I'm comforted to know that I can still carry the Mantle of Charity! Each of us have been so freely blessed with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and through Christ-like love I can share that joy with other people for the rest of my life.