"Hastening the Lord's Work within Our Own Souls"

Contributed By Robert L. Millet, Church News contributor

While “real growth” or deep conversion is surely the product of consistent and sustained gospel living, what does it look like? How might we know if we are, through the years, experiencing real growth? What might we begin noticing in our own discipleship?

In recent years we have been reminded by our leaders that a significant prophecy is being fulfilled in our day. The Lord said: “Behold, I will hasten my work in its time” (D&C 88:73). To hasten is to urge on, to accelerate, to move or act quickly.

Specifically, the Brethren have called upon the Latter-day Saints to hasten the work of (1) reaching out to those who may not now enjoy the blessings of the restored gospel; (2) extending the blessings of that gospel to those who have died without the opportunity to receive its requisite covenants and ordinances; and (3) searching out and caring for the poor and needy among us.

These selfless acts—missionary work, temple work, and compassionate service—are part of what we are called upon to do as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Apostle James, brother of our Lord, explained that this is what true Christians do; this is what he called “pure religion.” But there was one more thing involved in pure religion—namely, keeping ourselves unspotted from the vices of the world (Joseph Smith Translation, James 1:27). This facet of the Christian faith has to do with personal spiritual development.

In addition to hearing much about hastening the work, we have been told how important it is to encourage and foster “real growth,” that is, deep conversion, complete consecration to God and His Church and kingdom. While such growth is surely the product of consistent and sustained gospel living, what does it look like? How might we know if we are, through the years, experiencing real growth? What might we begin noticing in our own discipleship? Here are a few thoughts to consider:

1. There begins to develop within our hearts a desire to do more to further the work of the Lord and to be better people than we are. This seems to be what Abraham felt when he wrote of how he had previously been a follower of righteousness but had felt the need “to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge” (Abraham 1:2). That is, Abraham wanted to do more and be more.

2. We gradually begin to view commandments, laws, and Church directives differently, to no longer see them as guard rails, barricades, or hindrances to life’s enjoyments, but instead as helps, guides, and kind gestures of a benevolent Father in Heaven. To those Saints who had begun to gather to the land of Missouri, those who had come out of the world and chosen the gospel path, the Savior promised that they would be “crowned with blessings from above, and with commandments not a few, and with revelations in their time” (D&C 59:4). We certainly cannot enjoy the blessings of living a law we do not keep or one of which we are ignorant. John the Beloved explained that “this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous [burdensome, oppressive]” (1 John 5:3).

3. The more we search the scriptures, we begin to see patterns, connections, parallels, and principles for living. Holy writ becomes more and more relevant to everyday life. In a sense, the words of the prophets become our words. Many of us can still remember the final sermon and testimony of Elder Bruce R. McConkie. As he began to unfold the truths associated with Christ’s atoning sacrifice, Elder McConkie said:

“In speaking of these wondrous things I shall use my own words, though you may think they are the words of scripture, words spoken by other apostles and prophets. “True it is they were first proclaimed by others, but they are now mine, for the Holy Spirit of God has borne witness to me that they are true, and it is now as though the Lord had revealed them to me in the first instance. I have thereby heard his voice and know his word” (“The Purifying Power of Gethsemane,” April 1985 general conference).

4. Our personal gospel study becomes more and more enlightening and faith affirming, so that regularly during the week we are fed and spiritually strengthened. Because of this, our attendance at Church—in which we partake of the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, receive instruction and inspiration from those who teach us, and enjoy sweet association with members of the household of faith—need not be our only opportunity for building gospel scholarship and being edified. Sabbath worship thus becomes the capstone for a spiritually productive week.

5. We begin to be more secure and settled in our faith, less troubled by unanswered questions; in short, we begin to have doubt banished from our hearts and minds. Cyprian, one of the great defenders of the faith following the apostolic period, described his own experience: “Into my heart, purified of all sin, there entered a light which came from on high, and then suddenly, and in a marvelous manner, I saw certainty succeed doubt” (quoted by Harold B. Lee, in Stand Ye in Holy Places [1974], 57).

6. We begin to feel a deeper sense of love for and loyalty toward the apostles and prophets, those charged to guide the destiny of the kingdom of God. As the Lord explained in modern revelation (D&C 1:38; 21:5), their words truly become His words. Their counsel becomes His counsel. President Harold B. Lee was fond of teaching, “That man [or woman] is not fully converted until [they see] the power of God resting upon the leaders of this Church and that witness goes down into [their hearts] like fire” (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee[1996], 520). We begin to see and feel about world conditions and the state of society as the Brethren do.

7. With the passing of time and as we mature spiritually, our faith is transformed into certainty. Indeed, our receipt of personal revelation and our regular encounter with the Spirit of God leads us to that point where our faith begins to be “unshaken in the Lord” (Enos 1:11; see also Jacob 7:5). Further, that conviction manifests itself in commitment. Because true faith entails a decision (see Neil L. Andersen,“It's True, Isn't It? Then What Else Matters?” April 2007 general conference), it becomes with us, as it was with the early Latter-day Saints: It is the kingdom of God or nothing!

On more than one occasion I heard President Gordon B. Hinckley comment on the need for the Latter-day Saints to get the gospel from their heads to the hearts. Yes, we as followers of Jesus Christ need to have a reason for the hope within us (see 1 Peter 3:15)—an understanding of the doctrines and principles of the restored gospel that is as stimulating and satisfying to the mind as it is soothing and settling to the heart. In addition, we need a witness and an assurance that produce and result in real growth, in deep conversion, in complete consecration. In this way and through this sacred process, the work of the Almighty is hastened—within our own souls.

Robert L. Millet is professor emeritus of ancient scripture and former dean of religious education at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

Sisters,

I am sending this out early in the week so you will have time to prepare for the lesson this coming Sunday.  Please take time to read Chapter 7 from “Daughters in My Kingdom”and consider the following and be prepared to share.

​1.  How have you been able to become friends with those you Visit Teach?

​2.  What do you do to prepare spiritually for this sacred calling?

​3.  In what ways have you been able to show love to those you visit above the “once a month visit”?

​4.  Have you been able to be creative and make lessons memorable?  How?

5.  Are you keeping track of important dates in their lives?  What might they include?  What do you do?

Thanks in advance for your willingness to participate and bringing your whole selves to our meeting.  It truly makes all the difference.

Love to all,

Sister Armstrong

"Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence"

Elder Klebingat said "Yours is the privilege, if you want it, to come to know for yourself, today or soon, that you are pleasing God in spite of your shortcomings...By applying the atonement of Jesus Christ, you can begin increasing your spiritual confident today if you are willing to listen and act."

I would encourage each of you to reread this talk and ponder the following questions:

1. Do you have a personal witness that your current offering as a Latter-day Saint is sufficient to inherit eternal life?
2. What specific blessings would increased spiritual confidence bring into your personal life?
3. Which of the six suggestions stand out to you as something you could incorporate ingot your life on a regular basis?

I look forward to engaging in a spiritual discussing with each of you on Sunday and hope you will come with thoughts in mind to share.  I testify that your life will be blessed as you read and ponder this inspired message.

Claira Wilson

President Ezra Taft Benson Chapter 2 -- Pray Always

President Benson said, "I would humbly urge all...to keep in close touch with our Father in heaven through prayer.  Never in this dispensation has there been a greater need for prayer."

As you read this chapter you may ask yourself the following:

1. What events in President Benson's life illustrate his reliance on the power of prayer?
2. What suggestions does President Benson give to improve our communication with our Heavenly Father?
3. What will I do to act upon the teachings of President Benson on prayer?

I look forward to discussing this lesson with you on Sunday.

Alison Thorsen

President Ezra Taft Benson & Chapter 1: The Great Commandment -- Love the Lord

Sister Sheri Dew taught, "Studying the life of a prophet is more, much more, than simply recounting events.  It is an opportunity to see the hand of the Lord in action as He prepares and tutors a man to be ready when the moment comes that He anoints him as His mouthpiece on the earth."

This year we have the exciting opportunity to study and learn about President Ezra Taft Benson.  As I have studied and learned about his life this week, I have developed such a love for him and his teachings.  I encourage each of you to take some time to learn about President Benson's life from the following links:

• The Life and Ministry of Ezra Taft Benson
• Prophets of the Restoration: Ezra Taft Benson
• Serving Church and Country: President Ezra Taft Benson

This week we will also be discussing Chapter 1:  The Great Commandment -- Love the Lord.  I love President Benson's teaching, "To love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength is all-consuming and all-encompassing.  It is no lukewarm endeavor.  It is total commitment to our very being -- physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually -- to a love of the Lord.  The breadth, depth, and height of this love of God extend into every facet of one's life."  Please come to Relief Society prepared to discuss what this means to you and one thing you can do to be more fully committed to a love of the Lord.  See you then!

Stephanie Johnson