Giving a talk in Sacrament Meeting today!
I am not the type of person who is comfortable in speaking in front of people. I sweat like crazy and my nerves are out of wack! Let's just say I'm an emotional wreck! lol This past monday, one of bishopric came over to my place and asked if I could give a talk on Sunday. To my surprise I wasn't hesitant to accept and than I asked if it was just only or for me and my husband. But he kindly said no for the my husband but that the Bishop specially asked for me. After a few moments of conversing, we said good bye and I sat on my coach wondering about this talk. I was given the topic from this past General Conference from Elder David A. Bednar called "Meek and lowly of Heart". This was a wonderful talk and I was excited to read it again and speak upon it to my ward. It took this whole week to pounder and reflect on the important principles that was given that I may relay it to the congregation. Sunday arrived and i was extremely nervous. Sacrament program began and than it was time to speak. The first sister took the majority of our speaking time, so I prayed real quick to see what the Lord wants me to relate in this wonderful message that I now have to shorten. As I got up I stumbled on a few words because I was overwhelmed with my nerves. I gave my talk as brief as I can and felt a bit good about it. So I wanted to share my full talk on my blog because it was a awesome message and because I wasn't able to share it completely in church. lol
My Brother & Sisters Aloha!
I am filled with joy this morning in the opportunity to speak to you on a wonderful message given in this past General Conference by Elder David A. Bednar. The title of his talk is
"Meek and Lowly of Heart".
I pray the Holy Ghost will teach and enlighten us as we learn together about a vital aspect of the Savior’s divine nature that each of us should strive to emulate.
Elder Bednar presented a few examples that highlighted this Christlike quality and attributes which Ill briefly share.
Example #1
In the New Testament, we learn about the rich young men who asked Jesus what can he do to have eternal life? The Savior told him to keep the commandments and "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me."
“But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.”
Compare the response of the rich young man with the experience of Amulek.
Amulek was an industrious and prosperous man with many kindreds and friends. He described himself as a man who was called many times but would not hear, a man who knew the things of God but would not know. A basically good man, Amulek was distracted by worldly concerns much like the rich young man described in the New Testament.
Even though he had hardened his heart, Amulek obeyed the voice of an angel, recieved the prophet Alma and took care of him. He was spiritually awakened during Alma’s visit and was called to preach the gospel. Amulek then forsook “all his gold, and silver, and his precious things … for the word of God, [and was] rejected by those he knew.
Example #2
During a dangerous period of war described in the Book of Mormon, Moroni exchange epistles with Pahoran the governor of the land. Moroni's army was suffering from the lack of support from the government, wrote to Pahoran “by the way of condemnation” and accused him and his fellow leaders of thoughtlessness, slothfulness, neglect, and even being traitors.
Pahoran easily might have resented Moroni and his inaccurate allegations, but he did not. He responded compassionately and described a rebellion against the government about which Moroni was not aware. And then Pahoran declared:
“Behold, I say unto you, Moroni, that I do not joy in your great afflictions, yea, it grieves my soul. …
“… In your epistle you have censured me, but it mattereth not; I am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness of your heart.”
Example #3
In general conference 6 months ago, President Thomas S. Monson’s invited EACH OF US to study, ponder, and apply the truths contained in the Book of Mormon.
President Russell M. Nelson describe his response to that invitation.
He said: “I have tried to follow his counsel. Among other things, I’ve made lists of what the Book of Mormon is, what it affirms, what it refutes, what it fulfills, what it clarifies, and what it reveals. Looking at the Book of Mormon through these lenses has been an insightful and inspiring exercise! I recommend it to each of you.”
President Henry B. Eyring likewise emphasized the importance in his life of President Monson’s request. He observed:
“I have read the Book of Mormon every day for more than 50 years. So perhaps I could have reasonably thought that President Monson’s words were for someone else. Yet, like many of you, I felt the prophet’s encouragement and his promise invite me to make a greater effort. …
“The happy result for me, and for many of you, has been what the prophet promised.”
the Savior and His prophets have highlighted an essential quality that all of us need to more fully understand and strive to incorporate into our lives.
In the scripture, the characteristics the Lord used to described himself were: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Also the Lord declared, “Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.”
the Savior chose to emphasize meekness from among all the attributes and virtues He potentially could have selected.
Meekness is a defining attribute of the Redeemer and is distinguished by righteous responsiveness, willing submissiveness, and strong self-restraint.
This quality helps us to understand more completely the respective reactions of these 4 noble servants.
For example, President Nelson and President Eyring righteously and rapidly responded to President Monson’s encouragement to read and study the Book of Mormon. Though both men were serving in important and visible Church positions and had studied the scriptures extensively for decades, they demonstrated in their responses no hesitation or sense of self-importance.
Amulek willingly submitted to God’s will, accepted a call to preach the gospel, and left behind his comfortable circumstances and familiar relationships.
And Pahoran was blessed with perspective and strong self-restraint to act rather than react as he explained to Moroni the challenges arising from a rebellion against the government.
The Christlike quality of meekness often is misunderstood in our contemporary world. Meekness is strong, not weak; active, not passive; courageous, not timid; restrained, not excessive; modest, not self-aggrandizing; and gracious, not brash. A meek person is not easily provoked, pretentious, or overbearing and readily acknowledges the accomplishments of others.
Whereas humility generally denotes dependence upon God and the constant need for His guidance and support, a distinguishing characteristic of meekness is a particular spiritual receptivity to learning both from the Holy Ghost and from people who may seem less capable, experienced, or educated, who may not hold important positions, or who otherwise may not appear to have much to contribute.
Meekness is the principal protection from the prideful blindness that often arises from prominence, position, power, wealth, and adulation.
Meekness is an attribute developed through desire, the righteous exercise of moral agency, and striving always to retain a remission of our sins. It also is a spiritual gift for which we appropriately can seek. We should remember, however, the purposes for which such a blessing is given, even to benefit and serve the children of God.
As we come unto and follow the Savior, we increasingly and incrementally are enabled to become more like Him. We are empowered by the Spirit with disciplined self-restraint and a settled and calm demeanor. Thus, meek is what we become as disciples of the Master and not just something we do.
The most majestic and meaningful examples of meekness are found in the life of the Savior Himself.
The Great Redeemer, who suffered, bled, and died “to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, provides the ultimate example of righteous responsiveness and willing submission as He suffered intense agony in Gethsemane.
And when he was at the place, he said unto [His disciples], Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
“And he … kneeled down, and prayed,
“Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”
The Savior’s meekness in this eternally essential and excruciating experience demonstrates for each of us the importance of putting the wisdom of God above our own wisdom.
Mormon identifies meekness as the foundation from which all spiritual capacities and gifts arise.
“Wherefore, if a man have faith he must needs have hope; for without faith there cannot be any hope.
“And again, behold I say unto you that he cannot have faith and hope, save he shall be meek, and lowly of heart.
“If so, his faith and hope is vain, for none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart; and if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must needs have charity; for if he have not charity he is nothing; wherefore he must needs have charity.”
The Savior declared, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Meekness is an essential aspect of the divine nature and can be received and developed in our lives because of and through the Savior’s Atonement.
Brothers and Sisters,
I love this gospel! It has brought me great joy of enhancing my spiritual understanding. I love my Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ for their never ending LOVE they have given unto me regardless of my flaws. I love my family! They're my greatest support and because of them I am who I am today. I love the Holy Spirit! It has testify many great & important things that has strengthen my faith & testimony. I promise that our redeemer Jesus Christ will guide, protect, and strengthen us as we walk in the meekness of His Spirit. I testify these truths and promises in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
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