January 4, 2011

Tonight I read an Ensign article by Dallin H. Oaks that he gave to the faculty and students at Harvard early last year. It is called Fundamental to Our Faith and talks of 3 basic fundamental truths that are the foundation of our beliefs as Latter-day Saints. The three are:

1. the nature of God
2. the purpose of life
3. sources of truth

I really enjoyed this article. It was interesting to read, knowing it was directed towards those who may be unfamiliar with my religion. In the first part he talked of our "unique belief" in the separate identities of the Godhead as well as the fact that God and Jesus Christ have bodies of flesh and bones. What he said next stood out to me. This belief is "vital to us" but according to interviews with those not of our faith, "we have not effectively conveyed this belief to others." I want to make a point of really internalizing this truth and strengthening my relationship with the Godhead so that when I have the opportunity to share my testimony with others, they will recognize that this truth is "vital" to me. 

In his second section he talks of the purpose of life and I love this part: "We look on bearing and nurturing of children as part of God's plan and a sacred duty of those given the power to participate in it. We believe that the ultimate treasures on earth and in heaven are our children and our posterity." I really do believe this and I am so thankful for the power I've been given to bear children. I love being pregnant and knowing I am involved in the Lord's work in helping to bring His spirit children to earth. I am honored and humbled by the responsibility to nurture my children and to teach them to walk in the ways of the Lord. It is such a blessing and I really do want to have as many children as possible... as many as God feels to bless me with. 

In the third section he talks of sources of truth. I am a truth-seeker. I loved this quote: "We respect our leaders and presume inspiration in their leadership of the Church and in their teachings. But we are all privileged and encouraged to confirm their teachings by prayerfully seeking and receiving revealatory confirmation directly from God." I am so thankful for this privilege and for righteous leaders. I am grateful to be a member of this Church and to be encouraged to seek after knowledge and truth. I am especially grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost to help me discern between the teachings and truth of God and the teachings of man. I hope to always be a good example and a faithful disciple of Christ. I am thankful for my membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I treasure it.