Because my Doctrine and Covenants Class is part of BYU's Honors Program, I've had the opportunity to incorporate the Joseph Smith Papers into my regular reading. The University provided the books on a check-out basis (I think they run around $200- that'd be a whole lot for a student to devote to a two credit class, don't ya think?). Anyway, I appreciate the generosity of the Honors Program because reading from this incredible book has increased my testimony. Last night I studied revelations originally recorded by Orson Hyde-- my great-great-great grandfather. My eyes teared up a bit (mind you-- I'm not much of a crier) as I looked over a copy of his exact hand-writing. His cursive was gorgeous! I appreciate this line in my heritage because it reminds me of how my ancestors have taken the gospel AND the church seriously. My grandparents in the Hyde Family always magnified their callings and went out of their way to build the kingdom. In fact, it's fair to say they devoted their lives to building the kingdom. I appreciate their example, and was humbled to see just how much my grandfather Hyde did to help record messages now contained in the Doctrine & Covenants.
On page 382 of the papers, we read about what the saints should do as they prepare for the coming of Christ. The Lord offers this simple, sure command: "Stand ye in holy places and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come." I've heard this over and over through the years, but it's much more than a rhetorical phrase. This is literal, and it's possible. As wickedness increasingly expands over the earth and penetrates ever deeper, it is easy to rationalize a lowering of good morals in conjunction with that. But the Lord tells us to "be not moved," and we know that he doesn't command us to do anything outside our capacity. Outside our comfort zone? Often, yes. But he always provides a way for us to accomplish what he has commanded us to do. Nephi said it well: "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them" (3 Nephi 7). We may not be prophets, but we can do it too.
So, standing in holy places-- that's usually likened to being as righteous as we can, attending the temple often, being in places where the Holy Ghost can accompany us, and so forth. All of these are wonderful and things I should strive for more earnestly. But I wondered how this particular command could be likened to what our prophet, President Monson, has emphasized in his recent General Conference addresses. He has encouraged us to be more loving, and to be charitable.
I am from Northern California, and as many of you know, we are really fond of the gorgeous redwood trees that blanket our mountains. Redwood trees can only be found in this region of the world. Are you familiar with the story of the redwood tree? Let me give you a quick synopsis. I think that, of the many wonders we find in nature, the redwood tree is a tremendous example of what it means to stand in a holy place that is rooted in fellowship and charity.
Redwood trees are mammoth (not to mention BEAUTIFUL) and stand hundreds of feet tall. If you've ever seen them, you know their size and strength is just stunning. Most are very old. Some had been living for nearly a century even before Christopher Columbus discovered the continent. But they're battered-- scarred by fire and vicious wind storms and lightening strikes alike. It seems they are so filled of life that nothing can kill them. So what's the secret to their success? They always grow in clusters-- in groups called groves. The might and majesty of the tree does not lie in itself. You see, for every foot in height the tree grows vertically, the redwood tree sends its roots not down but three times outward to intertwine with surrounding roots. After a few hundred years, their roots are so tightly woven with one another that no tree could ever fall down. It is upheld by the strength of its brothers and sisters.
Our Savior Jesus Christ was truly a giant among men, standing in all the holiest places. But when we read about his ministry and life in the New Testament and Book of Mormon, his love and charity are emphasized most. The scriptures also teach that no matter how excellent we are in any number of religious fields, that if we "have not charity, [we] are nothing." I believe the redwood trees are a fine example of how we can stand tall and stand in a holy place if we are loving and reach out to those around us. When we couple this charity with obedience and faith, we will be immovable.
On page 382 of the papers, we read about what the saints should do as they prepare for the coming of Christ. The Lord offers this simple, sure command: "Stand ye in holy places and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come." I've heard this over and over through the years, but it's much more than a rhetorical phrase. This is literal, and it's possible. As wickedness increasingly expands over the earth and penetrates ever deeper, it is easy to rationalize a lowering of good morals in conjunction with that. But the Lord tells us to "be not moved," and we know that he doesn't command us to do anything outside our capacity. Outside our comfort zone? Often, yes. But he always provides a way for us to accomplish what he has commanded us to do. Nephi said it well: "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them" (3 Nephi 7). We may not be prophets, but we can do it too.
So, standing in holy places-- that's usually likened to being as righteous as we can, attending the temple often, being in places where the Holy Ghost can accompany us, and so forth. All of these are wonderful and things I should strive for more earnestly. But I wondered how this particular command could be likened to what our prophet, President Monson, has emphasized in his recent General Conference addresses. He has encouraged us to be more loving, and to be charitable.
I am from Northern California, and as many of you know, we are really fond of the gorgeous redwood trees that blanket our mountains. Redwood trees can only be found in this region of the world. Are you familiar with the story of the redwood tree? Let me give you a quick synopsis. I think that, of the many wonders we find in nature, the redwood tree is a tremendous example of what it means to stand in a holy place that is rooted in fellowship and charity.
Redwood trees are mammoth (not to mention BEAUTIFUL) and stand hundreds of feet tall. If you've ever seen them, you know their size and strength is just stunning. Most are very old. Some had been living for nearly a century even before Christopher Columbus discovered the continent. But they're battered-- scarred by fire and vicious wind storms and lightening strikes alike. It seems they are so filled of life that nothing can kill them. So what's the secret to their success? They always grow in clusters-- in groups called groves. The might and majesty of the tree does not lie in itself. You see, for every foot in height the tree grows vertically, the redwood tree sends its roots not down but three times outward to intertwine with surrounding roots. After a few hundred years, their roots are so tightly woven with one another that no tree could ever fall down. It is upheld by the strength of its brothers and sisters.
Our Savior Jesus Christ was truly a giant among men, standing in all the holiest places. But when we read about his ministry and life in the New Testament and Book of Mormon, his love and charity are emphasized most. The scriptures also teach that no matter how excellent we are in any number of religious fields, that if we "have not charity, [we] are nothing." I believe the redwood trees are a fine example of how we can stand tall and stand in a holy place if we are loving and reach out to those around us. When we couple this charity with obedience and faith, we will be immovable.
1 comment:
Impressive, young lady! I teared up myself at the Redwoods as you described them. I have seen them and they are a Wonder.
Post a Comment