39- 10-23-23 Sacrifice - deny yourself all ungodliness

 39- 10-23-23 Sacrifice - deny yourself all ungodliness

Hello Family,

I have been thinking a lot about Miles this week as it has been one of the harder ones for him lately. He had a family that they have been teaching, with a date to be baptized on November 4th, stop progressing and meeting with them as they were taught about the Law of Tithing. As I have thought about that a lot this week, it’s led me to study more about the sacrifices we must offer to maintain our faith and progression to become more like the Savior.

For this family it was tithing that is holding them back. What is it for each of us? The prophet has warned that all of us have our “favorite sin”. That one we sometimes may try to rationalize or justify in order to maintain or hold on to. 

Last night the Youth around the world had a 24 hr testimony meeting of the Savior. President Nelson addressed them on a prerecorded message. What stood out to me the most from his remarks was his plea for them to be exactly obedient in keeping the Word of Wisdom and the Law of Chastity. We have received the invitation from the prophet before to be exactly obedient. It seems a bit overwhelming at times when you consider every way you can be obedient. But this challenge to the youth was specific. Two areas they could focus their efforts on. I really liked that.

If you were to sit and do a personal inventory of where you are spiritually, what one or two areas would the Holy Ghost prompt you to change ? What sacrifice would He have you make?

The temple teaches us that the Law of Sacrifice for our day is to to offer up a broken heart and contrite spirit to the Lord. Feeling genuine remorse and sorrow for our sins and short comings. Humbly kneeling before our Heavenly Father seeking forgiveness. 

I shared a talk with Miles this week by President Ezra Taft Benson (He was the prophet that called me on a mission). Here is a small portion of that talk. Quoting Joseph Smith he stated:

“It is in vain for persons to fancy to themselves that they are heirs with those … who have offered their all in sacrifice … unless they, in like manner, offer unto him the same sacrifice (Lectures on Faith, 6:8; italics added).

“Come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ” (Moro. 10:32; italics added).

The Savior himself declared: “Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day” (3 Ne. 27:20; italics added).

To deny oneself of all ungodliness is to come to Christ by ordinances and covenants to repent of any sins which prevent the Spirit of the Lord from taking precedence in our lives. To deny oneself of all ungodliness is to “offer a sacrifice unto the Lord thy God … , even that of a broken heart and a contrite spirit” (D&C 59:8).

It is a willingness to forgo personal bad habits … habits which cause us, the children of God, to be less than our destiny.”

When I approach my Heavenly Father in Prayer, with a broken heart and contrite spirit, the Holy Ghost whispers to my heart and mind ways to improve. I feel a sense of strength and motivation to do and be better. I believe this is the power of Godliness promised us as we strive to keep our covenants.

Invitation - Ask yourself this question. How am I doing in allowing God to make me the best version of myself? 

We can try to make self improvement changes on our own, but if we go at it alone we will fall far short of our divine potential. We need to seek the help of Jesus Christ through daily repentance. What does this look like in your day to day? If we need to make changes (and we all do) it is the perfect time to start. Pick one or two things that you are prompted to work on, and let’s get after it. :) 

I love you all so much. Mama and I say it all the time, but we are unbelievably blessed with amazing children. You are each so special to us. I hope you have a wonderful week.

Love Dad