I was given this quote by my mission President and I wanted to add it to my email as a good reminder to all of you and for myself. I love you all so much and I really want to see what God can use us all to do.
I want to talk about how we can make sure God is able to use us today. When I ask people how they stay worthy, I always receive the same answers: Read scriptures, go to church, or keep the commandments. Though many of these suggestions are simple and easy to remember, I believe that many of us forget the impact that they have on our lives and our families.
To start, I want to address scripture reading. Back at home, I was not good at this at all. Though I would listen to my scriptures as I fell asleep most every night and I participated in family Scripture study every night that I can remember while growing up, that was not all that I should have been doing. To read scriptures is not enough, we need to understand them (that includes Isaiah). To understand scriptures it takes an active and present mind. A mind like that takes both faith and effort to have. As I have been reading through the Book of Mormon and the Bible on my mission, I have found greater understanding. Before when I would read I would lose track of the names, the people, and the wars. I could hardly keep track of where I was and how the stories were supposed to help me. Now, however, I am reading it as I would another story book but with more diligence and greater purpose in understanding how everything fits together and how one prophet influenced an entire nation and how nations were destroyed or made to prosper through their obedience or pride. It has helped me to see how all the stories and the books fit with one another. Whereas, before it just seemed like random accounts that seemed at first glance unorganized but now that is different. I would suggest reading a few verses if not chapters a day, and doing all you can to follow the story even if you have to draw it out (during the end of Alma and beginning of Helaman I had to keep reading for long periods in order to keep everything flowing and making sense and in order to follow the wars, strategies and outcomes). The stories in there are much more then we realize so make sure to pay attention and I will improve alongside you.
Going to Church is one of the most influential but underestimated times of the week. We cannot afford to put aside our absolute need for the sacrament and the forgiveness it can bring when we have gone through the right processes. I want to address the importance of the other classes at church, too. I attend all of the classes and meetings here in Nkanfoa, of course, but one of the downsides of not learning the local language in this mission is that those classes are often difficult to understand. I sit through much of them without knowing what is being said. But, nonetheless, I have come to see just how uplifting they can be when used the right way. This is a time to center your mind and learn about the Gospel, honestly right now I can hardly imagine going a day without talking about God. Use these classes to find ideas of what to study, things to look at, and adventures to take. They are not a time to talk with friends and socialize but to expand your mind about God and His plan for you and me. I miss those classes and the chance that I was given to participate and I regret all the time I sat there with a frown on my face because I had decided I had no more to learn. You would be surprised how much you can grow by having a weekly reminder of basic doctrines. When you have these classes do not leave until you have made a goal or have an idea on what you can do better in the coming days. Share it with the class, your family, your friends, make those classes special.
Last but not least (by a long shot) Following the commandments. This is an obvious one. When we follow the commandments we stay worthy.... But how should we follow? As I have done before, I want to bring up Laman and Lemuel, these two people are the perfect Sunday Church goers. Both followed their father and even listened to their brother but they did not let what they practiced into their hearts. For example, Alma the younger got visited by an Angel and became a powerful Prophet who converted nations, while Laman and Lemuel got a visit and still became a scourge to the Nephites. When we follow because we are forced to follow, one day we will lose the person requiring this of us and we will stop following because it was not our personal choice or conviction. Don't rely on others telling you about the commandmnts for you to follow them. Take it upon yourself to build upon Christ just as it states in Helaman 5:12. When we center ourselves we are far more dilligent then when we have been compelled.
All of these things allow us to be servants in the Hand of God. I have learned that "God will not work through dirty Gloves" While we may think we are there for Him we have to make sure that in all aspects we are worthy to participate in the work. If we keep ourselves clean rather then being forced to do so by our leaders, God will be much more trusting in us. He can only use those He believes He can qualify. Start qualifying yourself and you will be amazed how fast the work will start to come.
Keep working; never cease; at all times be ready and willing to follow when a whisper comes. Do not let a moment pass by.
Love you all
Elder Edison
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