"Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities."
Since Thanksgiving is tomorrow and I've of course been thinking of all of the things that I'm grateful for, one thing has continued to come to the forefront of my mind. The Gospel of Jesus Christ. Most all of the other blessings in my life, the many things that I am thankful for, stem from my knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, of His teachings and commandments. I know that the gospel blesses our lives. It provides us with happiness, success, strength and guidance. I know that as we live it, we are significantly happier and healthier - physically, emotionally and spiritually. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is our Heavenly Father's plan for us to be happy and experience all of the many blessings that He is so anxious to bestow upon us. Obedience to the gospel qualifies us for His blessings, His love, and eternal salvation. It also is a way for us to show our love for Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. I would be so ungrateful if I didn't take a moment and share what I know about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is something that I am so thankful for and I want everyone else to know it as well.
The gospel includes five simple things:
The gospel includes five simple things:
First is to develop faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement. We do this as we pray, read the scriptures, and strive to be obedient.
Second is repentance. Repenting means changing and improving our behavior, actions and attitude to be more in harmony with the Lord. It includes a change of heart and a desire to do good and be good.
Third is making and keeping covenants. A covenant is a promise between you and the Lord. The first covenant any person must make is baptism in the correct way by the proper Priesthood authority. Making that covenant qualifies a person to be worthy to return to the presence of God after this life. Other covenants include partaking the Sacrament and promising to keep the commandments, as well as covenants made in the Temple where we promise to always do the will of Heavenly Father and live a life like Christ. Covenant keeping allows us to receive some of life's sweetest blessings. It is only through covenants made in the temple that families can be sealed for time and all eternity - meaning that even after death, they will never be separated, but live together in the presence of God. This covenant gives me so much hope and happiness.
Fourth is receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and following His promptings throughout your life. After a person is baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, they are then given the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Bible calls this "baptism of fire". The Holy Ghost is Heavenly Father's gift to us to help us know right from wrong and live in accordance with the plan Heavenly Father has for us. The Holy Ghost is what helps us to know the truth. The Holy Ghost is also called the Spirit and it is described many different ways - a still, small voice, a burning in the bosom, a gentle nudge, warm-fuzzies... I know it feels different for all of us and it's hard to put into words. But I love a verse in the Bible that helps us to understand when we are feeling the Spirit. In Galatians 5:22-23 it reads, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance..." I feel it when I look into the faces of my nephews, open my scriptures to read, hug my mom, or share my testimony. I felt it ever single day on my mission as I sought to help others live the gospel. I also feel it when I'm lost, unsure of what to do, and I pray for help. It's like a voice that speaks, without words, in a language you can perfectly understand. A verse in the Book of Mormon tells us the importance of the Holy Ghost, "For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way (through baptism), and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto all things what ye should do." Our very own little tour guide through life. What a wonderful gift!
Fifth is what we call enduring to the end. To me, it simply means repeat steps 1-4. Continue developing faith, continue to repent, keep on keeping your covenants and never stop following the Holy Ghost.
So there it is. The Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that it is the way, the path, the plan. It's Heavenly Father's plan for our happiness. His plan to help us return to live with Him again. It's the path that we should take in this life. It's the way to return to Heavenly Father. It's the way that we receive greater blessings and experience happiness. It is through living the Gospel that even when trials, troubles or tragedy strike, we have the strength to press on. I know that living the gospel strengthens and blesses individuals and families. And that the reverse is also true. When we fail to apply the gospel in our lives or our families, they fall apart. I've seen both cases first hand in my life. And I've come to know that we all desperately need the gospel. Because the blessings that come from gospel living are incredible and cannot be found any other way. We cannot make it through life without them. And because of what I feel and know, I want all people, especially those that I love and care about, to receive the gospel in their lives. So I'm pleading with you... take the next step in living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Because I promise you, that as you do so, you will find greater strength and power in your life. You will see the Lord's hand in every moment of your day. Whatever your struggles or trials or problems, the gospel is the answer. I know that it will help you and bless your life more than you can ever imagine. So, will you try it? Will you take the next step? Will you live it? I know you'll be so thankful that you did.
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