Rekindling a Beloved Truth

Recently I have sought to strengthen my testimony of the reality and role of living prophets and apostles. In doing so I have asked myself several questions: Why do I follow the council of the prophet and apostles? How has my life changed because I follow the prophet? What does it mean to sustain the prophet and apostles today? How can I be sure a prophet is speaking the will of God? 

While seeking answers to the above questions I felt impressed to review past words of prophets and apostles. In doing so I felt the spirit so strong! As I read over their words, I found myself comparing where I was in life at the moment the council was given in comparison to where I am now. I realized that who I am today is in large measure based upon council prophets and apostles have given in past years. Here are just a few quotes that have held special reverence for me. 

“Wonderful, glorious things are in store for you if you will only believe, obey, and endure.” - President Thomas S. Monson. Found here. 

I remember this phrase struck me hard. It came the year I was graduating high school. I was overwhelmed at the future ahead of me. At the time I committed to believe, obey, and endure the teachings of the scriptures, having faith that glorious experiences would come my way. Looking back I can say with confidence that they have! My life has held so many cherished blessings as I continue to believe, obey, and endure. Such blessings include; serving a mission, attending BYU-Idaho, making new friends, and discovering new talents. 

The next connection I discovered came in a series of council from various talks by general authorities. 8 years ago Elaine S. Dalton, the young women general president, gave the following council:

“I truly believe that one virtuous young woman or young man, led by the Spirit, can change the world, but in order to do so, we must return to virtue." Found here.

As a 14 year old young woman I took this council to heart. I felt the urgency of her words, and desired to follow them. In 2011, Sister Dalton declared:

“Being virtuous is a requirement to enter the temple...Prepare now so that you may qualify to receive all the blessings that await you in the Lord’s holy temples.” Found here.

I again felt the urgency of Sister Dalton's words and increased my determination to become more virtuous. In October of 2012 President Thomas S. Monson announced: 

Isn't that amazing! A few years prior to this announcement I had felt impressed to serve a mission, when it was given I knew that my time to serve was quickly approaching. Because I chose to serve I was able to attend the temple at the tender age of 19. This was a sacred experience for me. I know that the only way I was prepared for such an experience at a young age was because I had followed Sister Dalton's call to become a virtuous woman. 

Past council from the prophet that has held special importance to me include;

“My brothers and sisters, the great test of this life is obedience.” 2013. Found here.

“May we begin now, this very day, to express love to all of God’s children, whether they be our family members, our friends, mere acquaintances, or total strangers. As we arise each morning, let us determine to respond with love and kindness to whatever might come our way.” 2014. Found here.

“We read in Proverbs the admonition, “Ponder the path of thy feet.” As we do, we will have the faith, even the desire, to walk the path which Jesus walked” 2014. Found here. 

"As we attend the temple, there can come to us a dimension of spirituality and a feeling of peace which will transcend any other feeling which could come into the human heart. We will grasp the true meaning of the words of the Savior when He said: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. … Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” 2015. Found here. 

As I have reflected on council given by prophets and apostles, my testimony has been greatly strengthened. I have discovered that their words are the Savior's words (1Nephi 22:1-2). I follow the council of prophets and apostles because by doing so I become the woman God desires me to be. To sustain the prophet today I must follow his teachings with faith. I can know the prophet is speaking the will of God when I put into practice the council given and see the fruits of goodness that follow. As I have strengthened my testimony of prophets and apostles, I have greater faith to trust recent council given, council in which I haven't seen immediate fruit. Recent council given that I strive to pattern my life after include; 

"Sisters, I am grateful to be a woman in these latter days. We have opportunities and possibilities which no other generation of women has had in the world. Let us help build the kingdom of God by standing up boldly and being defenders of marriage, parenthood, and the home. The Lord needs us to be brave, steadfast, and immovable warriors who will defend His plan and teach the upcoming generations His truths." Bonnie L Oscarson. Found here.

“Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world … will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different—in happy ways—from the women of the world.”My dear sisters, you who are our vital associates during this winding-up scene, the day that President Kimball foresaw is today." - Russell M Nelson. Found here.

"May we maintain the courage to defy the consensus. May we ever choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong.” President Thomas S Monson. Found here.

Not only do prophets and apostles counsel us to come unto Christ, but they also witness of Christ. As I have reread past talks given by President Monson I have drawn great strength in hearing him testify of his witness and love for the Savior. Here are just a few that I love;

“I bear my personal witness and testimony to you that God lives, that He hears the prayers of humble hearts. His Son, our Savior and Redeemer, speaks to each of us: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him.” May we believe these words and take advantage of this promise.” Found here.

“With all the strength of my soul, I testify that God lives and loves us, that His Only Begotten Son lived and died for us, and that the gospel of Jesus Christ is that penetrating light which shines through the darkness of our lives.” Found here.

If anyone is seeking to strengthen their testimony of a living prophet I would encourage them to live the teachings of the current prophet and see the fruit that is produced. (Matthew 7:15-20)

I am grateful for a Prophet in these last days, I know all he declares will be made known in due time (3 Nephi 1:13). I know that God reveals truths necessary for salvation through prophets and apostles, I also know that I myself, can receive confirmation of this truth through personal revelation. I found this beautiful promise below as I was seeking answers to my questions. I am grateful for the eternal perspective of the council. The promise is profoundly beautiful, and one that I desire with all my heart. 

"You have come from His presence to live on this earth for a season, to reflect the Savior’s love and teachings, and to bravely let your light shine for all to see. When that season on earth has ended, if you have done your part, yours will be the glorious blessing of returning to live with Him forever.” President Thomas S Monson. 2015. Found here. 

Why is Christ known as the Master Teacher?

As I have wondered the question, why is Jesus Christ the master teacher, many thoughts and impressions have come to mind. Christ was a wondrous teacher because...

- He prepared himself (Matthew 4:1-2)

- His intention was to serve (John 4:34)

- He taught to needs (Luke 19:38-42)

- He taught simply (Matthew 5:1-12)

- He taught to understanding (Luke 5:4-10)

- He was passionate about what he taught (John 5:30)

- He asked questions (John 21:15-17) 

- He invited others to act (2 Nephi 31:10)

- He knew his disciples individually and loved them (Matthew 4:18-20)

- He was always teaching, regardless of where he was and whom he was talking to, it was simply part of his nature (John 4:1-9)

- He taught doctrine (Matthew 4:1-11)

- He was bold (John 2:13-17)

Once I made this list I had a discussion with my family and asked them the question, Why was Jesus Christ the master teacher? My brother had an interesting insight that I found worth sharing. He explained that each learner learns differently, so while my list was good, each quality would not be applicable to each learner's learning style. What makes Jesus Christ the master teacher, he concluded, is His ability to minister personally to each learner. In the Book of Mormon, Nephi, an ancient american prophet wrote, 

 For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding.-2 Nephi 31: 3

From this scripture we learn that the Lord "speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding" not only does this mean a learners specific language, but also to their level of comprehension and application. While a great teacher can be bold, ask questions, and teach simply... etc, only a master teacher can tailor each to an individual learner. 

The question posed here is: How is Christ able to personalize his teaching to each learner so perfectly? In the Book of Mormon, Alma, an ancient american prophet wrote, 

 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities. -Alma 7:11-12 

This scripture teaches that through His suffering in the garden of Gethsemane, Christ may understand each individual perfectly, thus being able to "succor his people." Succor means to give aid or assistance. In combining the words of Alma with the words of Nephi, Christ "succors his people....according to their language, unto their understanding." What a magnificent truth! 

The next question that arises in this contemplation is simply: How can one emulate the master teacher? As I have pondered the thought that comes to my mind repeatedly is this; we have to have the Holy Ghost with us. I know there is absolutely no way a teacher may teach like Christ if he does not have the Holy Ghost with them. To have the spirit of the Holy Ghost one must keep covenants. As we renew our baptism covenants each week through the sacrament we are promised to have the spirit of the Holy Ghost as a constant companion. What a blessing!

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. - John 14:16-18

When one has the influence of the Holy Ghost while teaching they will be able to discern the needs of those whom they are teaching and tailor their teaching to the learner, just as the Savior did. This is not something that happens all at once, it is a lifetime pursuit. It is my aspiration to teach my future students "according to their language, unto their understanding."