June 11th - Hello There

"And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls. And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus." - Moroni 6:6

This past Sunday in one of our Wards we were talking about the Sacrament during Sunday School and I feel impressed to share my thoughts. 

Amongst many scriptures that advise us "partake not of the sacrament of Christ unworthily" (1Cor. 11:29; 3Ne 18:29; Morm 9:29; D&C 46:4) there are many more things which I personally consider that will help us to "keep in remembrance" Christ and enable us to FULLY indulge in His atoning sacrifice. We read in the Sacrament prayers (Moroni 4:3; Moroni 5:2 etc.) that we must always remember Him. There is no better time than at church to look back on our previous week and move forward in the next. Once a week the Lord has set aside this sacred time solely devoted for this purpose. As we show God that it is important to us, our effort and repentance can make us whole. "For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered [week by week] continually make the comers thereunto perfect." - Hebrews 10:1

The Atonement, the great and everlasting sacrifice of Jesus Christ made it possible to be "at one" with Heavenly Father's personal path for us. Without the Atonement we would be lost and without hope. Because He did die and He does extend His mercy, we can be spiritually lead to a life the Lord would want us to live. For God is no "respecter of persons", but thoroughly concerned with the individual salvation of all of His children. So individually we must "work out [our] own Salvation" (Acts 10:34; Philipians 2:12). Personally we need to be concerned for the welfare of our souls. How can we do this when we are not thinking of Christ first, especially at church, especially during the sacrament? We are renewing our covenant with God, an Eternal promise, to remember His Son. Do you honestly think you'll do so during the week if you do not do so during a time specially sanctioned by the Creator?! How are you showing Him that it is important to you? Are you bowing your head in humility or just arching your neck to see the screen of your phone? Do you close your eyes in precious prayer or out of boredom? Are you making the Sacrament special or just something we do at church?

In symbolism to partaking of His goodness, let's look toward another instance where there is a group of people gathering and consuming. "And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree."

"And after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed.

And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost." (1Ne 8:24-25; 1Ne 8:28)

We may partake but not internalize the impending importance of the ordinance of the Sacrament. Our we may just taste and just do so without thought or feeling. I can't stress enough how much I love and appreciate my Savior and the gift of the Sabbath and the chance I have to indulge in His Atonement. 

Enjoy your week!

Elder West

P.S.

I ate 15 Dennys pancakes today. I now hold the ATM record.

And part of a video we made... 

Kbye