Steve has suggested our first study to revolve around a BYU speech by Elder Bruce C. Hafen entitled, "A Disciple's Journey."
You can read, listen, or watch this talk at the below link:
https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/bruce-c-hafen_disciples-journey/
Something that stood out to us is one of the terms Elder Hafen used to describe Jesus Christ. The term he used was "the uniter." A theme throughout the talk was the concept of opposition in all things - so if Christ is the uniter, then Satan is the destroyer.
ReplyDeleteEvery day is a battle for each us between good and evil. A good way to know which force is pulling us is when we can look at our actions, and ask ourselves, "Am I uniting myself with Christ, or am I destroying my ability to come to Christ?" One example can be in our ability to forgive others. When we choose to forgive, we can be united with Christ and with those around us more fully. We feel as though when we choose to forgive, we can glimpse into the perspective God has for that individual.
I (Jamie) just finished the book "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand. Louie, the main character, was a POW in Japan under the control of a man they referred to as "The Bird." The Bird abused Louie and the other POWs with much force and brutality. After the war, Louie struggled for several years. He felt the only way he could gain peace was to kill The Bird for ruining his life. However, Louie eventually came to know Christ, and learned to have compassion for his enemy. Towards the end of his life, Louie wrote a letter to The Bird informing him that he loved him and forgave him. It is only when Louie was able to forgive his captor that he was able to find joy in his life again.
It is our hope that we will be able to follow the example of Jesus Christ and forgive others their trespasses in our lives. As we do so, the love of Christ will unite us with those we associate with. Charity will abound, and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ will be easier.
I really liked how analytical his approach was in this talk. His speech was complete with a diagram and specific points along our journey. I was impressed with the dynamic pull that we feel on this journey. Everyday our actions are bringing us closer to Christ or further away from him.
ReplyDeleteThe two sacrifice lines represent our baptismal covenant and our temple covenants. Young children get baptized, and they feel a cleanliness and closeness to God. But, we all know that eventually that cleanliness leaves as we sin. It is hard to always remember Christ and keep his commandments. Especially for an 8 year old. They try. Adults try, but we all feel that dynamic pull. Thank goodness for repentance and for the sacrament that pulls us closer to Christ.
At baptism we are willing to take upon us the name of Christ. In the temple we covenant to take upon us the name of Christ. Attending the temple is similar to baptism, because you feel that closeness to Christ when you go. That closeness can get distant, as we enter the world again and feel the pull to the dark side. ��
I really liked that Elder Hafen said Christ is seeking us out. I believe that is true. As a member of the church, I especially feel him pulling me towards him at church during the sacrament and when I attend the temple.
Thank you for setting this up Ryan, Jamie, and Steve. Thank you for suggesting this talk Steve. I really loved it. It also makes me feel nostalgic for Pres. Hinckley. I loved the way Elder Hafen described him.
Great insight Nikki. I am excited to do this as a family. I believe we have so much to learn and who better to learn from then those who we will spend eternity with.
DeleteI really like your comment about forgiveness. I have to think about how both of you have demonstrated that same attitude through the accident and the loss of your eye. Dedra, my nurse, stated that when bad things happen to us, we can either go home and be wound up and let it eat at us. Or, we can go home and pray for love, charity, and the ability to see individuals as Christ sees them. In the end, you reflect how you respond to others in your countenance. I can see light emanate from Jamie because I know that she is more Christlike because her response is more loving then revengeful. She must be letting Christ strengthen her though the grace of the atonement.
ReplyDeleteThis talk to me was spot on about our pathway in life to sanctification. I believe that the struggles we face in our tug of war with the adversary are really brought on by our choices. However, when we learn to move beyond the effects of sin in our lives, the Savior really molds us into the person we are to become. Ultimately we will become like Christ and our Father in Heaven through the grace of the atonement.
ReplyDeleteI think back over the challenges I have faced in life that I believe have helped me turn to the Savior for strength and they have been tailored for me by the Master. The night when Bryce decided to run into our glass cabinet and turn our house into a bloody mess was a definite humbling experience for me. I remember waking up in the middle of the night and just crying because I didn't know if I could handle this challenge anymore. I got on my knees and pleaded with God to understand why. Like anyone in the crucible of an event, he spoke peace to my soul. Because of the events of that night, I felt God's love and had strength to face the day.
I love a quote from Elder Haden's book, The Broken Heart.
"Elder Talmage believed that the physiologic cause of Christ's death was, literally a broken heart. One who offers his own broken heart acts in similitude of the Son's terrible personal sacrifice of himself. Thus, the figurative breaking of our own hearts, represented by our repentance and our faithful endurance of the mortal crucible-our own taste of the bitter cup-is a self-sacrifice that mirrors the Savior's own sacrifice. He is the Father's, and we are his. The Father is in him, and he is in us. Perhaps in this sense only those whose own sacrificial attitude resembles his, even if only slightly, are prepared to be endowed with his grace."