"Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917–2008) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles applied the message of the parable of the lost sheep when he taught about why people stray from the Lord and Church activity:
“Some are lost because they are different. They feel as though they don’t belong. Perhaps because they are different, they find themselves slipping away from the flock. They may look, act, think, and speak differently than those around them and that sometimes causes them to assume they don’t fit in. They conclude that they are not needed. …
“Brothers and sisters, if only we had more compassion for those who are different from us, it would lighten many of the problems and sorrows in the world today. …
“Some are lost because they are weary. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. With all the pressures and demands on our time and the stress we face each day, it’s little wonder we get tired. Many feel discouraged because they have not measured up to their potential. Others simply feel too weak to contribute. And so, as the flock moves on, gradually, almost imperceptibly, some fall behind” (“Concern for the One,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2008, 18–19)."
It got me thinking about our Stake Conference last week. There is a need to hasten the Lord's work and help "feed his sheep" with his word. I wish I could be a better missionary and be fearless in sharing the gospel with others. I tend to keep to myself for the most part. The gospel is something I value and for me to share that part of me and have people scoff and scorn or trample it under there feet is heartbreaking for me. I know people who know the church is true but refuse to follow its teachings because they don't want to give up their current lifestyle or do what is required to have everlasting joy. If only they knew what they were giving up. I hope that I can be enough of a good example to be some sort of a light for them to bring them to a desire to "come back to the fold." I am not perfect by any means, but I am trying. I pray that I can be an instrument in bringing others to a remembrance or a knowledge of the gospel. I hope I can be enough to help others.
Another parable that I had read about was the parable of the "prodigal son." In the institute manual, it read:
"The parable of the prodigal son teaches us much about the nature and attributes of our Father in Heaven. Like the father in the parable, God will not control us, keep us from straying, or keep us from making selfish, foolish errors. Yet His love never diminishes. He is so anxious to have us return that He will run to us when we are still “a great way off.” He knows us so well that He can recognize our better selves when no one else can. Each of us, male or female, will be able to recognize something of ourselves in each of the sons in the parable.
The parable also teaches us about what the Savior does for us when we turn from sin and return to Him. Through the Atonement, He runs to welcome us home and does not require us to make the trek of repentance alone." I absolutely love these parables because it does show the true nature, love and compassion of our Heavenly Father. We can't even begin to comprehend the love he has for each of his children. I love the scriptures! Aren't they a wonderful thing? They have so much wisdom for us to learn and apply to our lives!
No comments:
Post a Comment