Parables

     When Christ was on the earth, He often taught in parables; a parable being a story of comparison to teach some spiritually divine truth. It is a story that teaches us gospel truths. However, understanding the meaning has more to do with where we are spiritually than intellectually. This means that it doesn't matter how much education one has; if we are not humble and pray for personal inspiration, having faith that Heavenly Father will answer our questions, we will never understand the meaning of what is being taught or how it applies to our own life. This is very much like the Pharisees of Christ's time. They knew a lot about the religious law but would not humble themselves to truly know who Christ was and learn from the Master. Christ's disciples understood who He was and were humble enough to ask Christ what He meant when they did not understand (See Matthew 13:10).

     While Christ was on the earth, He talked about our day and the growth the Church is experiencing today. He knew that in the last days, the Church would very much be like a little mustard seed, a smallest of seeds that grows is to a great tree. (See Matthew 13: 33-34)
     He also compared the growth of the Church to leaven, or yeast, used in baking bread. Just as yeast helps bread to rise, the gospel helps us to become better people. (See Matthew 13:47-50) To become more like Christ and be able to return home to our Heavenly Father. As we allow the gospel in enrich and uplift our lives, we can in turn share that with others so they can experience the blessings of the gospel in their own lives.

     Because of the remarkable growth we have seen in the numbers of new members, our Church leaders have requested missionaries to help teach those that are ready to hear the gospel. Many young men, women, and couples have answered and will answer the call to serve at a cost and a sacrifice that many in the world don't understand until they feel the happiness the gospel brings to their lives. It is that happiness we have and feel that so many leave behind their worldly wealth, recognition and other things deemed of worth in the world to obtain and maintain membership in the Church.

     On the other hand, it is the little things that often drive away people from the Church as well. This week in our group, we talked about these little things. It could be someone was offended, on purpose or not. It could be illness that kept them away for a time and they just got out of the habit of coming. It could be sin. In General Conference this past weekend, a general authority shared a story from his family where they left Church after one of their meetings and decided to go on a Sunday drive rather than return for their latter meeting. They did not return to regular attendance for some time after that one drive. Sometimes, it's the little things we neglect to do that keep us from feeling the Spirit and drive us away from the Church. 

     On the flip side of that, it is the "little" things that also keep us active in the gospel. You can probably name them in your sleep but just to name of few, personal prayer and scripture study can give us a solid anchor so that when the winds begin to blow and the storms around us howl, we have our testimony and faith in Christ that can carry us through whatever the world has for us.

     As I think about the sacrifices we make as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I scarcely think of them as sacrifices. My testimony of the truth of the gospel and my faith in Christ and His Atonement mean more to me than any amount of money or successful career could ever bring. We have been taught that as we look for the opportunities to share our time, talents and resources in helping those in need around us, we will be blessed beyond imagination. I know this to be true. Heavenly Father has sent  us what we have needed when we have needed it. I have personally witnessed His hand meet our needs when I didn't know how it was going to be meet and I know it is because our family has chosen to put Him first.

     The gospel is the net that is being cast out into the world. It is gathering in all those that want to hear and feel the happiness it brings into their lives. (See Matthew 13:47) The missionaries and members of the Church are working together to gather in those that are ready and helping to prepare those that need a little more time. If you would like to learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, go to mormon.org and take the opportunity to talk to someone who is a member of the Church or a missionary. We are wanting and ready to share what we know about Christ.