Why Serve a Mission?

Why do members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints serve missions?
There are many different reasons why Mormons serve missions. Some reasons why I chose to serve are:
1. I love God.
2. I read in the scriptures that I am commanded of God to share what I know. (D&C 88:81)
3. I want to share the joy and happiness the Gospel brings me with others.
4. It blesses my life and my family's life.
5. It is a lot of fun.
I am thankful for the opportunity that I have to share the message of happiness and of Jesus Christ with the world. It truly has helped me grow so much already.

Tests, Trials, and Turmoil

Abraham 3:25 "And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them." This life is a a  testing period, or a probationary state. Heavenly Father has given us commandments that, if followed, will make us happy and allow us to return to Him.
In life we go through hardships and it is often difficult to know what exactly we should do.  God has given us different tools to overcome these trials. The greatest gift Heavenly Father has given us is His son (John 3:16). Jesus Christ can, and will, help carry our burdens. As we exercise faith, God will grant unto us that our burdens be light, through the joy of his son (Alma 33:23).
Sometimes we can't seem to see how these hard times can be beneficial. We learn from Moroni that, "...ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." (Ether 12:6). So when times get tough I pray that we will turn to Him who can help, Jesus Christ.

Light

Light: an illuminating agent or source, as the sun or a beacon.
Jesus Christ said, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12) The Master Teacher tells us that we must follow His example if we want to live with Him again, but sometimes we think we can  follow after the desires of our own hearts and achieve the same results. Isaiah, however, teaches us that if we choose to walk in the light of our fire it will only lead to sorrow. (See Isaiah 50:10-11) I echo the words of David in Psalm 27, "The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear?" I know that if we make the Lord the light that guides our lives that we cannot go astray. May we all strive to do so.

Sacrifice?

Recently in Sunday School we discussed the definition of the word sacrifice. A few definitions were mentioned. One definition was this: giving up something good for something better. Someone in the class argued that it wouldn't be a sacrifice if we were getting something better, it would be an investment. Then the thought was brought up that perhaps at the time of giving something up it seems like a hard thing, or a sacrifice, but in the end it was really a blessing. Interesting.  

Many times in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints we are asked to make such sacrifices. Paying tithing is something that seems like a trial and in some cases impossible. But in the Bible we read in Malachi 3:10 "...and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." It may seem like a hardship at first but after we obey, Heavenly Father will bless us.

Tithing is one of many sacrifices the Lord asks us to make and in turn will bless us tremendously. Perhaps the most important sacrifice we offer the Lord is that of a 'broken heart' and a 'contrite spirit'. We need to humble ourselves and learn to do the Lord's will, not ours.

Sacrifice to me, at least in the Church, is giving up something temporal for something spiritual. I've given up two years of my life to serve a mission. I could be going to school, working, or a number of others things. I am putting off temporal things in order to build a spiritual foundation and to help others do the same.

As we keep our Heavenly Father's commandments and strive to do our very best I know we will be blessed.

The Keystone of Our Religion

The Book of Mormon? What is it?

The Book of Mormon is a book containing a record of the ancient inhabitants of the Americas. It contains a record of their dealings with Christ and our Heavenly Father. It is comparable to the Bible. It holds in its pages the word of God and His commandments to His children. Through this book we can know if The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is really the true church once again restored on the earth. A prophet from the Book of Mormon gives us all a challenge saying, "And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost." There we have it, a promise from a prophet of God. If we will read the Book of Mormon and pray to God asking if it is true He will answer. I know this is true because I have done it myself. I would challenge everyone to find out for themselves if this book is true.