Receive it with Gladness

2 Nephi 28:28 (page 109): "And in fine, wo unto all those who tremble, and are angry because of the truth of God! For behold, he that is built upon the rock receiveth it with gladness; and he that is built upon a sandy foundation trembleth lest he shall fall."

This chapter in the Book of Mormon prophesies about the last days - a time that Latter-day Saints, along with other Christians, believe that we are living in. This chapter warns of apostacy and how Satan will lead people astray from the church of God. What can we do in order to keep ourselves from falling away and becoming lost? How can we withstand the temptations that are thrown at us? 2 Nephi 31:19-20 (page 114) states: "And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save. Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."

There is a lot of information in these two verses that should be studied, but for today's motto, I would like to focus on the importance of "feasting on the word of Christ". Isaiah 40:8 says: "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever." Latter-day Saints believe that the word of God comes from two sources: the scriptures and the modern day prophets and apostles called of God. It is not enough to simply hear or know the word of God. We must act according to the word. Sometimes the Lord may tell us things that are not easy to hear. We might disagree politically. We may feel that the task is too difficult. It may seem trite or unneeded. It is at these moments that we must check ourselves and realign our hearts and souls with God. As it stated in second Nephi, "he that is built upon the rock receiveth it with gladness." In verse 30 (page 109) it continues, stating: "For behold, thus saith the Lord God; I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have." I love the promised blessing that we will learn wisdom as we receive the counsel of God and as we continue to receive it, He will continue to give more.

This last weekend was General Conference where Latter-day Saints around the world listen to the prophet and apostles speak. Some may say that they are just a bunch of old men, what would they know, but I testify that they are called of God. They testify of Him and give us His guidance. As I listened to the talks, I wondered how I could receive their messages with gladness. I felt renewed strength to do as President Gordon B. Hinckley often counseled and to "try a little harder to be a little better". Talking about the people of Berea, Acts 17:11 states: "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so". It is my hope and prayer that we will be as the people of Berea and be ready to receive and act upon the word of God with gladness. I know that the word of God will lead us on the path to eternal life. This I share in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.