Worthiness

One of the interesting traditions in the Church of Jesus Christ is the concept of worthiness. Before any ordinance is performed, priesthood conferred, ordination made, or calling advanced, the person is interviewed by someone in authority to determine if they are worthy. I have always thought this was a mere formality because nobody is ever really worthy, in the sense of deserving, to receive any blessings, callings, or gifts. This makes me wonder about what it means to be worthy.

Using the definition of "worthy" to mean, "meritorious," "deserving," or "virtuous," I don't think anyone is ever worthy of salvation, or any blessing. Jesus Christ has paid the price so how could anyone merit anything? I have felt the problem that on my own I can never be worthy of any gift from God in the sense of deserving. I cannot earn the gift of the Holy Ghost. I cannot earn gifts of the Spirit or a place in Heaven, it's impossible. Therefore, I could never be deserving of even the least blessing. This would make all blessings from God arbitrary. For this reason, the sense of being worthy to receive a blessing was an enigma to me.

However, another meaning in the Scriptures of the word "worthy" is "ready," or "prepared." These words are often used interchangeably. When I am worthy to receive knowledge, wisdom, or some gift it means I have the proper preparation to receive it. When I am worthy to go to the Temple, it means I'm prepared. Worthy for baptism means ready for baptism. The interview by the bishop or other authority is only an opportunity to review my preparation or readiness to move on to the next step on the path to Eternal Life. For me, this concept of "readiness" sheds a whole new light on the issue of worthiness.

Commandments are blessings

In the Doctrine and Covenants we read: "There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated --

And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated." (D&C 130:20-21)

I think the key words here are "all" and "any." I cannot receive any blessing without keeping the law -- all blessings must be received by obeying the law upon which it is based. In other words, there are no arbitrary blessings from God. He doesn't randomly hand out blessings to those he believes are trying. If I don't keep the law, I will not get the blessing. If I keep the law, I will get the blessing. Thus, being worthy of a blessing is simply keeping the law that governs it. It's the law, then, that prepares me to receive a blessing, making me worthy to receive it.

This being true, a knowledge of the laws is the key to all blessings. When I desire a blessing, and pray to God for Him to bless me, I will be given the knowledge I need. However, in order to receive it, I must keep the law. "For behold, God knowing all things, being from everlasting to everlasting, behold, he sent angels to minister unto the children of men, to make manifest concerning the coming of Christ; and in Christ there should come every good thing." (Moroni 7:22) Every good thing comes from Christ. Angels are sent to minister to men, meaning to teach them about Christ, and how they can receive every blessing from God. Thus, knowledge is essential to receiving any blessing because ignorance cannot help me to be blessed. This is why "It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance." (D&C 131:6)

Receiving blessings

Moroni tells us about the ordinance of baptism in the ancient Church in America. "And now I speak concerning baptism. Behold, elders, priests, and teachers were baptized; and they were not baptized save they brought forth fruit meet that they were worthy of it." The next part tells us what makes them worthy: "Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the church that they truly repented of all their sins. And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end." (Moroni 6:1-3)

This goes right along with the third commandment: "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain." (Exodus 20:7) Baptism is taking upon ourselves the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ. If we are not prepared to make that commitment to "serve Him to the end" by repenting of all our sins then we should not take His name at all because it is not helpful -- it is vain, or useless -- we will not be cleansed, forgiven, or become guiltless.

Worthiness is knowledge

Being worthy to receive gifts from God, then, is as simple as learning and keeping the law that governs it. For example, if I want to be cleansed from all sin I need to repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Ghost. If I want to "open the windows of Heaven" then I need to keep the law of tithing and offerings. I have often heard those who are called to some position of authority in the Church state in front of the congregation that they are not worthy to hold an office or perform a calling, but they are willing to do what they can. The law of being worthy to do the work of the Lord is desire. In the D&C we read: "if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work." (D&C 4:3) That's all it takes! The keeping of the law makes me "worthy," or prepares me to receive the gift.

The ministering of angels is so important because angels, or servants of God, teach people the laws so we can receive blessings from God. The Scriptures also take on greater meaning and importance when we realize that the laws of God are contained in them that allow us to know how to receive blessings. By keeping the commandments of God we prepare ourselves to receive the gifts He has waiting for us. This is how we make ourselves worthy. Worthiness is as simple as repenting and obeying a well-defined law. We know we are worthy to receive any blessing from God when we are able to keep the commandment that governs the blessing.

The Seven Veils of Truth

When the famous atheist Richard Dawkins was asked what he would do if he died and found himself standing in front of God, he replied, "I would ask, 'Why did you hide so well?'" It may be that God is hidden so we would have to seek Him. Active seeking is a requirement. 

"O how... blind and impenetrable

are the understandings

of the children of men

for they will not seek wisdom!"

(Mosiah 8:20)

 

Sir Winston Churchill (1874 - 1965) is often quoted as saying, "Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened."  The truth, or the knowledge of the Lord, is very effectively kept from the world so that only those who are actively seeking wisdom will find it. It is hidden, as Paul says, "We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom." (1 Cor 2:7) While in our blindness we may stumble over it, nobody ever randomly stumbles upon truth because it is hidden behind seven veils.

The Veil of Paradox

First, Truth is hidden by being so different from the world that it is unexpected, or paradoxical. There are so many apparent contradictions that must be reconciled. It's hard work, and most are unwilling to make the effort. "Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory." (Isaiah 6:3) The word "holy" means "separate," or "set apart." Yet, at the same time, God is the most connected, and is in all things. God is absolutely just, and yet completely merciful. He is hidden from view, and yet open and available to all. The things of God are so completely different from those of the world that truth is often just the opposite of what we expect so we are blind to it. The Lord specifically tells us, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord." (Isaiah 55:8) We literally cannot see the truth that God is holy, and at the same time the whole earth is full of His glory. It's too paradoxical. 

The Veil of Arrival

The second way it's hidden is through multiple levels of understanding. When people receive some spiritual enlightenment they often say, "Now I understand!" They feel they have "arrived" at enlightenment and feel it is enough and quit looking for more. Enlightenment seems so all-inclusive when it is received; knowing something makes one assume he knows everything. They have all they need, all they can understand, or, really, all they want. A few delve deeper into the "mysteries," but never actually come to know God. They have a "hobby" of justifying their understanding that consumes all their efforts. Some may actually discover the "Pearl of Great Price," but are content to admire it from afar. They don't take the necessary steps to obtain it by making the required sacrifice of selling all they have to get it. Having seen it and knowing it exists, is enough, they don't actually want to possess it so it remains distant from them, completely out of reach. They have learned all they want to know; they're content, it's enough. They have arrived.

The Veil of Desire

The third level of security is that truth is hidden within a mass of "red-herrings." It is "hidden in plain sight" by being characterized with all the other "churches" that say they teach truth. There is no way to get through this barrage of error without a lot of work, and some discernment. These churches of the world filter out everyone that isn't seeking absolute truth by offering whatever else they could want. Some want to deny the existence of God altogether. Some want to believe they are gods, self-created and powerful. Others want to believe in a god of nature, making the created into the creator. Still others want to believe in a god that is like a cross between Santa Claus and Superman -- he has all power to give me what I want. Whatever a man could desire to believe is out there, readily available. These philosophies are more logical and appealing to the natural man and will coincide with his desires so those who aren't really seeking the truth will preferentially choose them.

The Veil of Distractions

The fourth obstruction to finding truth is the distractions of life. There are so many things in the world to do it's easy to procrastinate our spiritual growth. We need to work. We need to earn money. We need food, clothing and shelter. We have families to raise. We can travel. We can learn and grow in so many ways. We can spend all our time learning about the world around us that we totally neglect our own spiritual growth, God, and the truth. As the Apostle Paul explained, people are "ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." (2 Tim 3:7) Moreover, the people we associate with aren't seeking growth so it's easy to fall into complacency. In short, the distractions are all the things of the world that we seek instead of God. We choose to spend our time with the world, instead of the Lord.

The Veil of Unbelief

The fifth way that God is hidden is behind many layers of doubt. The human brain is set to take in certain information and filter out whatever we don't believe. For this reason, we only see, hear, or feel what expect according to our beliefs. Our society, our family and those around us give us the foundation upon which we build our beliefs. These are "the traditions of our fathers" that bind us to what we already know and prevent us from learning new things. These beliefs are maintained through self-justification, and the truth is discredited. For example, if a prophet reveals the Word of God, people don't attack the truth that was revealed, but rather the prophet as a human with weaknesses and therefore unworthy of revealing the truth. This hides the truth that was revealed. If people don't read the words of that prophet, or don't believe that he could speak the words of God, they won't be able to find this truth. The Scriptures are also discounted based not on evidence, but rather lack thereof. People then don't know where to look for truth. Those who don't believe raise doubt, they ask, "Where's the evidence?" "How do you know Christ lived?" "It's unreasonable to believe in miracles." "Science is based on reason, religion is based on faith." "It's primitive to believe in a powerful God." Like crabs in a bucket, non-believers are constantly pulling-down any who would try to escape to find the truth.

The Veil of Physical Senses

The sixth protection from finding Truth is our own physical senses. Humans are dual beings: we have a set of senses of the spirit and a set of the physical body. The natural, or default senses that are used are those of the body. The large majority of people don't automatically see, hear, or feel their own spiritual nature because these senses must be trained, and developed over time. So, when people aren't seeking God they will automatically see only the things that are of the world. Joseph Smith explained, "Neither is man capable to make them known, for they are only to be seen and understood by the power of the Holy Spirit." (D&C 76:116) Since the things of God are holy and not discernable by the natural man, not with the eyes, ears, or feelings of the body, most people will filter it out, passing it by as if it weren't there at all. The senses of the body are so overpowering that those of the spirit are easily pushed aside. We feel "love" when we're with a person we need. We feel "peace and rest" when we are on vacation. We use the word "joy" when our child graduates from school. We feel "happy" when we hear our favorite song, or get what we want for Christmas. We "see" light, but it's only a metaphor for spiritual enlightenment. We "hear" voices, but that isn't the same as hearing the word of God. We use all the same terms of seeing, hearing and feeling, which confuse many to think it is the same as the senses of the body. Thus, it's easy to assume we know and remain spiritually deaf, dumb and blind while the truth remains a mystery.

The Veil of Definitions

The seventh way Truth is protected is by how words are defined. All Scripture is written in an alien tongue. The words of God only represent the truth in a metaphorical way. There is no way for a human being to understand something he hasn't actually experienced, no matter how words are used. For example, you could use all the metaphors and descriptive terms you want to try to explain a rainbow to a person blind from birth, but he will never really understand. Likewise, we don't understand the things of the Spirit prior to experiencing them so we use metaphors. Aside from the senses, as described above, all the words of Scripture have spiritual meanings. As Steve Martin exclaimed, "Those French have a different word for everything!" No scripture is written in an Earthly language. The language of Scripture is called "The words of the prophets" or "the tongue of angels." Though we may read it in English, Latin, German and so forth, those are only "reference languages" to the language of the Spirit. For example, "mountain" always refers to a "Temple" which refers to the "house of the Lord" which is metaphorical for "Heaven," finding our bearings and getting directions "home" which also is metaphorical for "Heaven," meaning "the place where God dwells." However, even the word "place" is metaphorical. For this reason it is impossible to learn or understand the words of the prophets without the Holy Ghost. Nobody will be able to get at the truth without His help.

The Labyrinth

It's impossible to find our way through all of these veils by accident. Even if a person is trying with all his might, it is impossible to reach the door without a Guide. Yet, in reaching the door we find multiple combinations and keys preventing entry. This is better security than any bank or fortress could provide. It's truly impenetrable. Within this unsearchable labyrinth shrouded in mystery, locked inside an impenetrable vault lies the Pearl of Great Price, the Tree of Life, and all that is truth, freedom, peace, joy, love, happiness, fulfillment and rest. The door accepts only one person at a time; each must go in alone. The Holy Ghost is the one that leads us through the maze to the door of the vault of truth. "They that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived... shall abide the day." (D&C 45:57)

Those who are or have been within the walls and have understanding are forbidden from revealing what they see, hear, and feel, except for that small part that is made generally available. Alma explains, "It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him." (Alma 12:9) They can only say that they have seen, testifying that it exists and pointing the way for others to obtain it for themselves.

Why Hide the Truth?

We are here on Earth as a probation. Lehi explains that "the days of the children of men were prolonged... that they might repent while in the flesh; wherefore, their state became a state of probation..." (2 Nephi 2:21) God has given us a choice, and if the answers were known ahead of time there would be no choice. The terms of our probation are simple: "the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in [Christ]. And whoso believeth in [Him], and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God. And whoso believeth not in [Him], and is not baptized, shall be damned." (3 Nephi 11:32-34) It all starts with belief. We have to believe before we can see because one of the veils is unbelief, which hides the truth better than any other.

The truth is hidden out of mercy. God does not want His children to fail their probation and be cast out forever. He wants them to succeed and be happy. He loves His children -- all of them. Part of the reason for all the security surrounding the truth is so those who aren't interested don't learn too much, rebel and be cast out of Heaven. Because of the Great and Last Sacrifice of the Lord, Jesus Christ, we aren't responsible for anything we don't know. We may transgress the laws and will of God in ignorance and be forgiven. "And they that knew no law shall have part in the first resurrection; and it shall be tolerable for them." (D&C 45:54) Ignorance really is bliss!

Thus, it's extremely important to God that those who are unable, for whatever reason, to repent not learn the truth. They are then protected, and will be able to be in Heaven with a measure of glory that they are willing and able to bear. Thus, hiding the truth under so many layers and behind so many locks is a manifestation of God's mercy. He is so kind! He loves all His children! What a great Father! What an awesome God!

Charity

Charity is a word commonly used to indicate giving to those in need. The full meaning of charity refers to the gift of life given to us by our Savior. We are all in need. Jesus Christ came down from Heaven to willingly sacrifice that all may be saved. His gift is charity. What He did was charity. Charity is the love He had. He came to suffer and die that we may return to God. Moroni explains: "And now I know that this love which thou hast had for the children of men is charity; wherefore, except men shall have charity they cannot inherit that place which thou hast prepared in the mansions of thy Father." (Ether 12:34) Unless we possess the love of Jesus Christ, or His Atonement, we cannot be saved in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Once we accept the suffering and death of our Lord for ourselves we can then learn to have charity for others. First we must receive charity, then we can give it. When our concern is less for ourselves and more for the salvation of others we have charity. We would do anything, suffer any pain or deprivation, and expend every effort for the salvation of one person. Everyone is a candidate for salvation, if they so desire it is theirs for the asking.

Mormon had charity for everyone. He understood the love of God. He had tasted of the goodness of the Lord. He knew the need for repentance, and what Jesus Christ had done for him, and the rest of us. At the young age of fifteen he was put in charge of an army of tens of thousands. At this same time, he began to teach his people about Jesus Christ so they might be saved, however, the Lord told him not to waste his breath because of their rebelliousness, they had rejected the word of God already.

Nephi also had charity, and explains this concept very clearly:

I glory in plainness; I glory in truth; I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell.

I have charity for my people, and great faith in Christ that I shall meet many souls spotless at his judgment-seat.

I have charity for the Jew -- I say Jew, because I mean them from whence I came.

I also have charity for the Gentiles. But behold, for none of these can I hope except they shall be reconciled unto Christ, and enter into the narrow gate, and walk in the strait path which leads to life, and continue in the path until the end of the day of probation.

(2 Nephi 33:6-9)

Nephi starts by declaring his sure knowledge that Jesus had redeemed his soul. Then he talks about charity for his people because those who have faith in Christ will be with him. Then he says he has charity for both Jew and Gentile, that they can also be saved by obedience to Christ.

I too have felt to sing the song of redeeming love. I have charity for others because I know what Jesus Christ suffered for me -- and them. As I have come to understand what Jesus did for me, I realize that I'm not the only one. He suffered and died for every person who ever lived. That means I don't have any feelings of judgment or envy for any others, but rather I desire that they would accept the suffering and death of Jesus Christ for themselves so they won't have to suffer. I want them to be saved. This is charity. I have charity for all. I would suffer anything for any individual to come to know Him.

The process of helping others come to know Him is often long and hard. Most are heavily invested in the physical body and feelings, and have little, weak, and ignorant spirits. To nourish the spirit back to health requires time and effort. For example, if someone is lying in bed for years with little nourishment, they will be weak in body which would require time and effort to overcome. The spirit is no different. Longsuffering is required to nurse a spirit back to health. However, if the weak person doesn't desire to be strong, there is no way to force them just as the body will not get muscles without a person making the effort.

The greatest poetry in all of scripture comes from the Apostle Paul regarding charity:

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

(1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

Those who know the Lord, and have tasted of His goodness possess these qualities because they know what the Lord did for them. As I have come to understand what salvation means I find it easy to be longsuffering, kind, and unselfish. I see everyone as a child of God with the potential to be part of Him through the merits of Jesus Christ. I feel sorry for those who wander aimlessly in life, not knowing their full potential, without hope of a glorious resurrection. It doesn't matter if one is rich or poor, male or female, in bondage or free, all that matters is their knowledge of, and commitment to, Christ. On the other hand, I feel joy for all those who know our Redeemer.

My greatest desire is to give to others what I have, to teach them what I know, that they may love the Lord as I do, that they may also have hope, joy, peace -- and charity.

A witness of the heart

Yesterday I went to the crafts store and to Trader Joe's in Santa Maria. I was by myself because Charly wanted to stay and have dinner with her friends at Bella's house. Driving there, I was thinking about the business, both my medical practice and the business I was going to do in Santa Maria. However, when I was done, I just drove home. I was singing in my head Reverently and Meekly Now (Hymn 185), and when I got to the part, "With my blood that dripped like rain, Sweat in agony of pain..." I could see the Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane, suffering Eternal torment. He came out to His sleeping apostles and, still in pain gave Peter a gentle rebuke, "...could ye not watch with me one hour?" But they kept sleeping; He was alone. He went back and asked that He not have to suffer. But he did, sweating blood. I could see His suffering.

I felt so much compassion for Him, I wanted to cry. He did suffer damnation and Eternal suffering. This is so bad that nobody even knows how bad it is, as recorded in D&C section 76:

"And the end thereof, neither the place thereof, nor their torment, no man knows;

Neither was it revealed, neither is, neither will be revealed unto man, except to them who are made partakers thereof;
Nevertheless, I, the Lord, show it by vision unto many, but straightway shut it up again;
Wherefore,the end, the width, the height, the depth, and the misery thereof, they understand not, neither any man except those who are ordained unto this condemnation." (D&C 76:45-48)
We may think we suffer pain, deprivation, a broken heart, or misery of any kind, but comparing this to Eternal torment is like comparing a candle to the Sun. There is nothing on Earth to compare to what Christ suffered.

Nobody knows how bad it really is, but He knows. He went there. He knows "the end, the width, the height, the depth, and the misery thereof." He was there. He records it himself: "Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit -- and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink..." (D&C 19:18) He didn't want to do it, but He humbly submitted to the will of the Father in all things from the beginning. 

I've known this for a long time -- in my head -- but this is the first time I have felt it in my heart. I love the Lord. I am so grateful to Him for finishing His work, for suffering the will of the Father, for taking upon Himself my sins, my pain, my suffering. I know that would be me -- I would be in Perdition, suffering for all Eternity with the Devil and his angels. But, as it is, I will never know the results of my sins and transgressions because He suffered all these things for me, so I don't have to. I thank and praise Him for His mercy, grace, and charity towards me. I will do all He asks because I love Him. I love Him because He loved me first! I am so grateful that He has given me a heart that can feel compassion for His suffering. I feel, and I know.

I am a witness of Him. I know He paid the price for my sins, as well as the sins of all mankind. Everyone needs to know this! If they don't, they will have to suffer. All are doomed if they don't believe in Him and accept His sacrifice for them. "If they would not repent they must suffer even as I..." (D&C 19:17) There is only one way out of this pain: repent! Turn to the Lord and ask for forgiveness. He is quick to forgive. It's so easy, anyone and everyone can do it. There is nothing else. Whatever else you do is less important than putting your trust in the Lord. There is no pain on Earth to compare to what we will have to suffer if we don't turn to Him. Believe me! I adjure everyone to believe in Jesus Christ, repent of all your sins, and be baptized in His name for the remission of sins. I feel there is an urgent need, for the end is near wherein no man can work, and it becomes everlastingly too late. Don't put it off! Do it, NOW! This is important, the most important thing in the whole world!

 

It's going to be the best Christmas ever, as I celebrate the birth of Him who has loved so much, who offers His gift to all.

The Best of the BEST

The Bishop was at our house a short time ago.  We talked about a "burning in the bosom," the feeling of joy, and peace, and love. Micah Ashby spoke up and said, "that's what I feel when I finish a cross-country race!" He went on to describe how good it felt, especially when he beats his previous time. "It feels so good!"

A recent study on meditation showed that with twenty minutes of instruction people could be taught how to meditate to relieve chronic pain as well as taking narcotic pain medication. Most people who take pain pills find that they don't completely relieve the pain, but rather mask it temporarily, "It still hurts, but I can tolerate it with the drugs," is the typical response. Meditation can do the same thing.

I have many patients with diabetes who want drugs to control their blood sugar. I try to explain how they can change what they eat, and their exercise, and reverse the disease altogether, but they say that's too hard. It's easier to take a pill. The drugs work, sort of, but never really make them normal, and cause many side-effects such as lack of energy, and heart-attacks. Controlling blood sugar with diet is better.

There are many ways to get, at least partially, the same effect. When we choose the ways of the world to achieve an end, we can get close, but we never really get satisfaction. It seems like it should be enough, but never really is. The drugs and all chemical means of making us feel better are limited either as to effects, or to time -- they may work for a time, and then quit working. The diabetic may be controlled by the chemicals, but he can never be cured, and will always get worse.

As good as it gets

The physical and chemical means of feeling good are limited. Once we try them, and they work, we feel better immediately. We want that effect to last, or to be just a little better so we can rest. A little more alcohol, a little more sex, a little more food, or a little more of the drug seems like it should satisfy, but in reality that is all there is -- that's as good as it gets! We can never reach the highest high, or the plateau where rest can be achieved so we continually search for more.

The largest reason why we cannot find satisfaction in the senses of the body is because that is not where the problem lies. We yearn for a connection with God, our Heavenly Father, but cannot understand that hunger. Many try to fill it with food. They eat incessantly and gain lots of fat. It feels almost like a little more food would fill their hunger, and, in fact, it seems to relieve it for a time. However, the feeling returns, and they go on to eat more.

Feelings are fickle. When we understand why we feel we can do something about it. However, most of the time the cause of our feelings is obscured by our senses. Touch, smell, taste, sight, and hearing are so overwhelming to the quiet, soft, gentle whisper of the feelings of the spirit that we completely miss them. If we remain oblivious to our inner feelings, we will never find satisfaction in the things of the world.

The best of the best.

Peace, joy, happiness, and satisfaction only come from one source -- a connection with our Creator -- and this only happens through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ -- there is no other way. All the other ways touted by people lead to "lives of quiet desperation," depression, anxiety, and hopelessness. Many say they are satisfied, and may be for a time, because they don't know anything better. They feel that, this is as good as it gets, and live with it. They learn to accept what is, no longer hoping for fulfilling joy and happiness.

I have lived a life of two-dimensions, without passions, just going along in the best way I knew how. I had satisfaction in things I did, but my life was a series of pictures, drawings, photographs, maps, spreadsheets, blueprints, and other two-dimensional objects. I knew there must be more, I wanted more, but I didn't even know what "more" meant. I don't think human beings can understand anything they haven't experienced. Even the "connections" I had with my wife and children were two-dimensional. I didn't know how to be in that third dimension because I had never experienced it -- and they couldn't show me because they hadn't either.

The third dimension is the heart, feelings, and spiritual understanding. These are things that are not understood with words, they can only be experienced. They are experienced as we seek for them. Karyn has been my angel of mercy, bringing me the third-dimension of love. I feel it for the first time. When she isn't there, I feel like something is missing. The word "miss" no longer has a two-dimensional meaning -- I feel it. And, because I feel it with her, I can feel it in other ways. I miss my Father in Heaven. I feel my need to be close to the Lord.

Joy is found in connecting the body with the spirit. This comes from a connection with God. Those who haven't felt it just remain ignorant and can lull themselves into thinking there is nothing more.

Those who only feel the senses of the body will never know the best of the best -- the feelings of the Spirit, or the feelings of God.

Those who have sexual relations to gratify their natural desires will never know the joy and love of real human intimacy.

Those who seek security in wealth will never know the Rock of peace and rest.

Those who eat for comfort will never be comforted.

Those who use legal or illegal drugs to feel good will never know happiness.

Those who are only seeking information will never know wisdom.

All of these will know pain and suffering as they must stop them at some point and have nothing. If they wait until the end they will "cold-turkey" off of everything at death -- and really be miserable. Whereas, those who have made a connection with God just continue to feel the peace, love, joy, and comfort that they have always felt in the Spirit.

Connection

Making the connection is simple, but very difficult. It requires changing from our physical world into a spiritual world. It requires constant prayer, and the sacrifice of all things. The Rich Young Ruler said he kept all the commandments, and then asked Jesus what he lacked to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus replied, "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor." (Matthew 19:21) Likewise Jesus gave a parable of the Pearl of Great Price. A man who was seeking pearls, "when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it." (Matthew 13:46)

The price is all you have, or everything of the world. "All" means "all," and "all" is all "all" means. This means that we cannot hold back even a few pennies for ourselves -- or we die. Peter explains graphically when "a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, and kept back part of the price..." (Acts 5:1-2) Both died at Peter's feet, telling us the consequence of holding something back. You must give up all your food to be healthy. You must give up all your money to be wealthy. You must give up all your love to find charity. You must give up all your learning to find wisdom. In short, you must give up the lesser to find the greater. Having the best requires a sacrifice of all that is second-best.

Fasting from the feelings of the body helps us to feel the things of the spirit. These are the sacrifices we make to subdue the feelings of the body so we can make a connection with our spirits. Fasting from food is an essential part of that -- everyone can fast for spiritual strength. The other things we fast from would include all those things we have found that we like because they relieve our pain or give us comfort. These might include medications, cars, vitamins, sex, tobacco, money, drugs, sports, houses, alcohol, lands, and so forth. All the things that we like of the world must be sacrificed in order to connect with the Infinite.

 

Finding the best of the best is the goal of every person who is a child of God. And that means all. Through the Lord, Jesus Christ, we can have the greatest peace, joy, happiness, comfort, love, and connection available in the entire Universe! Anything else, drugs, sex, food, money, learning and so forth, is just less.   Micah Ashby may feel good about finishing a race, but it isn't anywhere near the feeling of joy from the Lord.  Almost getting there isn't the same as being there.

Deeper Meaning

I have always looked at life in two dimensions, or the surface. I assumed that I had work to do that included getting an education, earning money, raising children, buying a house, cleaning my room, buying a car, fixing the leaky roof, making a good, healthy dinner, working in my business, being successful, and so forth. All of this "doing stuff" occupied all of my time, and gave me a sense of accomplishment -- I was doing "LIFE."

However, now I am beginning to see a different side of life -- the underlying reason for all this stuff. I see that all of the things I do have a different purpose than to occupy my time and be "successful." I'm not just filling my needs, sustaining life, and giving the leftovers to others. Each situation, each need, each activity, every talent and ability and every problem have another underlying purpose: to learn, grow, and become close to God. There is a spiritual growth that happens especially as we encounter problems, difficulties, suffering, pain, and hardship. One pioneer who traveled to Utah pulling a handcart through a snowstorm said:

"... [We] came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives for we became acquainted with him in our extremities.

"I have pulled my handcart when I was so weak and weary from illness and lack of food that I could hardly put one foot ahead of the other. I have looked ahead and seen a patch of sand or a hill slope and I have said, I can go only that far and there I must give up, for I cannot pull the load through it. ... I have gone on to that sand and when I reached it, the cart began pushing me. I have looked back many times to see who was pushing my cart, but my eyes saw no one. I knew then that the angels of God were there.

"Was I sorry that I chose to come by handcart? No. Neither then nor any minute of my life since. The price we paid to become acquainted with God was a privilege to pay, and I am thankful that I was privileged to come in the Martin Handcart Company."

The handcart wasn't important. Arriving in Utah wasn't important. Walking wasn't important. Food, or lack thereof, wasn't important. The snowstorm wasn't important. All of these things were only tools to achieve an end that really was important: "to become acquainted with God." It is in the extremities that we really come to know Him. When we cannot do what we feel we need to do, then God helps us and we realize we are not alone. Without coming to the point of exhaustion, the "end of our rope," or the absolute limit of our abilities, we may consider that we did something to fix the problem. Only when we can say, "I cannot do it, I need help..." we look to God. Then when help comes we can really recognize the hand of the Lord.

Right now I took on a business that I don't know how to run. The Lord directed me here. It took me a short time to figure-out that I am in way over my head. I could quit my own business and just take a cushy job working 9-5 and making sufficient to live, having time off for vacations, and so forth. I have often thought I would rather do this, however, I have learned so much during these past few years that have helped me to come to know God. I have seen His hand in sending angels to help me when I was at the end of my rope and completely discouraged. I have looked at the books and realized that there was no way we were going to make it through the month -- over a year ago. We're still here! It just keeps working. I know it's His hand helping me.

Because of these problems I have prayed with more feeling than ever in my life. He has spoken to me, calmed my troubled heart, and sent the Holy Ghost to comfort me. He has taught me about what is really important: accepting the sacrifice of the Lord, Jesus Christ. I feel it. I know it. I know why. I know that no amount of suffering in this life can compare to Eternal torment, and He has already paid that price. I know that every person already agreed to accept His Atonement before even coming to Earth, and must keep their promise to repent or they will suffer. Everyone needs to know these things. I know He loves all of His children and makes it easy for them, if they will choose Him. I have come to know God in my extremities! I'm so grateful for the problems, pain, hardship, and suffering -- "the price is a privilege to pay." I would be willing to suffer anything to know what I know now.

Spiritual Muscles

When Micah Ashby wanted to build muscles we bought a weight machine. The tendency for a boy is to do what he can, but that doesn't really build bulk -- it's only in doing one or two reps more than he can that the muscles get bigger. Nobody can do it for him, or force him to do it. He has to want to push that bar up. Spiritual muscles are like that. When we are only doing what we can in life, we don't build spiritual strength. It's only when we are doing more than we can that we grow, learn, and improve. We also have to want to grow. Others can tell us how, but unless we do the work we won't get the benefit.

I have a picture of two of my children on a steep incline in Space Mountain at Disneyland. One has a grimace and white-knuckles, and the other has her hands in the air with a big smile. The first seems to be saying, "STOP!" and the other is enjoying the ride. I have noticed that most people have quiet and easy lives -- until they come to Christ. As a Ward Mission Leader, I have often counseled people who are about to be baptized to prepare them to find more difficulties. I tell them, "You just got off the merry-go-round and got on the roller-coaster. Hang on! The more problems you have, the more you will learn. Don't try to stop it, this is the hand of the Lord helping you to grow up spiritually."

The deeper meaning to every experience in life is to ask, "What can I learn from this?" The situation in which we find ourselves is not really the issue, but rather the potential for learning that it creates. If there is no potential for learning; if a circumstance doesn't cause us to stretch and grow and change, then it isn't useful -- we are just spinning our wheels. A quiet, easy, stress-free life is not what will bring us to know our Creator, but rather lots of ups and downs. When we really understand this concept we can be grateful for all our pain, trouble, and adversity. We can forgive easily, knowing that whatever problems others cause us is for our growth and benefit. The idea of spiritual growth as a purpose of life changes my whole perspective. The sense of: "this (hardship) is not supposed to happen!" is gone, I'm no longer on the roller-coaster screaming, "Stop!" but rather enjoying it -- and I have peace. It is supposed to happen, and it's for my benefit. Every experience can be a lesson that brings me closer to my Father in Heaven.

The Man, the Boy, and the Donkey

One bright day a man woke up and went in to his little son, "Get up, little one, today you go to the marketplace for the first time. We're going to sell our donkey so we can get tools for the farm." The little boy jumped right up. He was so excited to see the market for the first time. He had been anticipating it for his whole life, it seemed.

They didn't even stop for breakfast, taking some bread, cheese, and fruit with them to eat on the way. They would find plenty to eat once they arrived. The distance wasn't far, but it would take them a couple of hours. The three set out for the market, walking together.

They hadn't gone far when a woman out beating her rug noticed them on the highway, "That's silly," she said, "why don't you use your beast of burden, then one of you can rest on the journey." The man thought this to be wise advice and set his son on the donkey.

They all went along happily until a fat woman all dressed-up in yellow robes and a big headdress chided them, "Why does your youth sit on the donkey? You should be riding because you are the man of the house." The man thought that was reasonable and took his son down and sat on the donkey.

They hadn't gone far when a group of men all standing around laughing pointed at them and said, "Look at that! The father makes his young son walk! What kind of dad is that? He should let his son ride with him." The man thought that was a great idea so he brought his son up on the donkey.

The ride was good, and they were getting close. They could hear the noise of the marketplace in the distance when an old man coming back from the market pointed his cane at them, "Shame on you for both riding that poor donkey, you'll overburden it and it will be of no use to you." The man got worried so they both got off. They didn't want a lame beast, and there was nothing left to do but carry the donkey. The man and the boy picked up the donkey on their backs and carried it into the market.

Word immediately swept the entire market: "A man and his boy are carrying their donkey to market!" The man, the boy, and the donkey worked all day, but nobody would buy their donkey because, who wants a donkey that has to be carried?

The weightier matters

Focusing on who walks and who rides is really not important. What is important is getting the donkey sold for a good price so the family can get the tools needed for the farm. I think if the man had a clear idea of what he wanted, he would have been able to ignore the talk of others and continue on his way. I see the story as a man who didn't focus on his primary purpose so he let others sway his thinking.

This is why my business is in trouble. I don't know what I should be doing so I take the advice of others. It sounds reasonable, at the time, and probably doesn't matter very much. I don't know what is important, and what is not. Because I don't have a clear vision of what should happen, or how to get there, I rely on others out of fear. The Lord had something to say to Joseph Smith about this when he lost the 116 pages of the Book of Mormon.

And behold, how oft you have transgressed the commandments and the laws of God, and have gone on in the persuasions of men.

For, behold, you should not have feared man more than God. Although men set at naught the counsels of God, and despise his words, yet you should have been faithful; and he would have extended his arm and supported you against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of trouble. (D&C 3:6-8)

The storms of life

Peter stepped out of the boat into the water and began to walk on it, but he looked around at all the waves and feared, lest he should fall, and began to sink. He cried out, and the Lord was there to pick him up. Fear and faith cannot coexist. As long as Peter focused on Christ, he was doing well in spite of the wind and waves, boisterous.

The storms rage all around, but the house that is built upon the Rock will not fall. Everyone has storms. Everyone has times of trouble. Everyone has problems that are insurmountable. The Lord is there. If He is in your boat, it cannot sink. If He is in your house it cannot fall. You may make mistakes and be tossed by every wind of doctrine. You may be sinking because you focus on the storm instead of the Savior. He is there. He will save you. Look to God -- and live! Call out to Him for salvation from your own mistakes, ignorance, and fear. He will reach out His hand and pull you up out of the water. You will not sink. You will not perish. He will put you back in the boat, and calm the storm. He will be your shelter from the storm. He has already finished His work, it is done, and all are saved who look to Him.

Do not fear man. If men point the finger and say, "you should do this, or that..." heed them not. Hold your course. Keep going. Don't give up! Never give up! Keep your primary focus on the Lord and He will bring you through the storms, and the advice of others.