The Pure Love of Christ

Following our baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, we Mormons are commanded to 'endure to the end,' a phrase that I must confess leaves a bit of a bad taste in my mouth. When I think of 'enduring,' the image I get is that of being tied to a pickup truck and dragged along the gravel road. Just survive; that's the aim.

This is not, I believe, what the phrase intends.

"Stay faithful to the end" or "Overcome all obstacles till the end" or "Grow and develop to the end." These might be better translations. This last one is the one I want to elaborate on, for we are on earth to change and improve ourselves and this means seeking after spiritual gifts.

The Prophet Joseph was once asked about the objectives we have after joining the Church, to which he responded:

"Suppose I am traveling and am hungry, and meet with a man and tell him I am hungry, and he tells me to go yonder, there is a house of entertainment, go and knock, and you must conform to all the rules of the house, or you cannot satisfy your hunger; knock, call for food, sit down and eat; --and I go and knock, and ask for food, and sit down to the table, but do not eat, shall I satisfy my hunger? No. I must eat. The gifts are the food; and the graces of the Spirit are the gifts of the Spirit."

Each of us has natural propensities for certain gifts which may be augmented and expanded under the influence of the Holy Ghost. Some have a knack for learning foreign languages, others have the gift of leadership. There are many gifts, but the greatest of all is the gift of charity -- the capacity to love. This gift is for everyone.

Think of someone you admire -- you look up to. Someone who has been really influential in your life. Chances are, you picked a generous and kind person. These attributes are the ones we appreciate and prize most in others, and we can all apply ourselves to obtain them.

The Book of Mormon prophet, Moroni taught, "...pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ..." (Moroni 7:46-48)

I have learned from experience that this prayer does not cause the proverbial wand to wave. As with all things we learn on earth we take it step by step and this prayer is a first, but necessary step. Take it, and you will begin to see the Lord's hand in changing your heart.

What Do Mormons Believe? - The Basics

I don't pretend to know all the answers, but I know where I can find them. The basic beliefs of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are spelled out as part of the restoration by Joseph Smith in the "Articles of Faith". He states in 13 articles:

1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.
3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisaical glory.
11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let the worship how, where, or what they may.
12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul--We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

These are the beliefs that set Mormons apart from the rest of the religious world. That is not to discount all the truths of other religions around the world. Bring your truth and we will add to it. Of course these articles will spark many more questions. Hopefully we will be able to address them on this blog being directed by comments of all curious readers.