18 (5/30/23) Our Works Testify of how we feel about Christ

 18- (5/30/23)

Dear Family,

I really enjoy sitting down and writing to you every week. It makes me feel closer to each of you!

I’ve loved reading the Book of Mormon at a quicker pace this month. I was telling Mama and Emma earlier in the week how it has really stood out to me more than ever before in my study, that time after time, prophet after prophet of the Book of Mormon testifies of the importance of “our works” during mortality. We all know that it is only through Jesus Christ that we can be saved, but the temple teaching that salvation comes through the atonement of Christ “after all we can do” is the same Book of Mormon message that is repeated over and over agin.

Early in the week I listened to Sister Bonnie Cordon’s talk given this past conference titled Never Give Up an Opportunity to Testify of Christ. She taught that our actions (our works) can testify of Christ if they are governed by our faith in and a desire to become like Him.

Here is some of her talk. Consider how our “works” testify to ourselves, to those around us, and most importantly to God, that our faith is sure in Christ.

Sister Cordon: “Our closeness to Christ grows through worshipping (our works) frequently in the temple, repenting daily, studying scriptures, attending church, pondering our patriarchal blessings, worthily receiving ordinances, and honoring sacred covenants. All of these (works) invite the Spirit to enlighten our minds, and they bring added peace and protection. But do we honor them as sacred opportunities to testify of Christ?

I have attended the temple many times, but when I worship in the house of the Lord, it changes me. Sometimes while fasting, I find myself simply going hungry, but other times, I feast on the Spirit with purpose. I sometimes have mumbled prayers that are repetitive and routine, but I have also come eager to receive counsel from the Lord through prayer.

There is power in making these holy habits less of a checklist and more of a witness. The process will be gradual but will grow with daily, active participation and purposeful experiences with Christ. As we consistently act on His teaching, we gain a testimony of Him; we build a relationship with Him and our Heavenly Father. We begin to become like Them.

The adversary creates so much noise that it can be difficult to hear the Lord’s voice. Our world, our challenges, our circumstances will not get quieter, but we can and must hunger and thirst after the things of Christ to “hear Him” with clarity. We want to create muscle memory of discipleship and testimony that will bring into focus our reliance on our Savior each day.

Look for Christ everywhere―I promise He is there! True joy rests on our willingness to come closer to Christ and witness for ourselves.”

I loved this thought or correlation. Our actions, (works) aren’t what qualify us for exaltation, but they are what transform us into becoming more like the Savior. This process of becoming like Him is what will lead us back into the presence of our Heavenly Father. We must choose to testify of Christ in all that we do.

Invitation - In a quiet moment reflect on what you are doing, or not doing. How can you more fully experience these actions (works) with Christ at the very center of them?

I love you all like cray! I hope you have a wonderful week.

Dad