- ..."the world is not bashful in offering numerous new answers to every problem we face. People run from one new idea to the next, hoping to find something that will answer the burning questions of their souls. They attend seminars and buy books, CDs, and other products. They get caught up in the excitement of looking for something new. But inevitably, the flame of each new theory fades, only to be replaced by another “new and improved” solution that promises to do what the others before could not. It’s not that these worldly options don’t contain elements of truth—many of them do. Nevertheless, they all fall short of the lasting change we seek in our lives. After the excitement wears off, the hollowness remains as we look for the next new idea to unlock the secrets of happiness.
In contrast, the gospel of Jesus Christ has the answers to all of our problems. The gospel is not a secret. It is not complicated or hidden. It can unlock the door to true happiness. It is not someone’s theory or proposition. It does not come from man at all. It springs from the pure and everlasting waters of the Creator of the universe, who knows truths we cannot even begin to comprehend. And with that knowledge, He has given us the gospel—a divine gift, the ultimate formula for happiness and success.- How do we become a disciple of Christ? Faith, repentance, baptism, the Gift of the Holy Ghost, making covenants, & service. The more we are filled with the Spirit of God, the more we extend ourselves to others. We become peacemakers in our homes and families, we help our fellowmen everywhere, and we reach out in merciful acts of kindness, forgiveness, grace, and long-suffering patience. These are the first steps along the true way of life and fulfillment. This is the peaceable way of the follower of Jesus Christ.
- The first step on the path of discipleship begins, luckily enough, in the exact place where we stand! We do not have to prequalify to take that first step. It doesn’t matter if we are rich or poor. There is no requirement to be educated, eloquent, or intellectual. We do not have to be perfect or well-spoken or even well-mannered.
- Discipleship is a journey. We need the refining lessons of the journey to craft our character and purify our hearts. By patiently walking in the path of discipleship, we demonstrate to ourselves the measure of our faith and our willingness to accept God’s will rather than ours.
- Discipleship is not a spectator sport. We cannot expect to experience the blessings of faith by standing inactive on the sidelines any more than we can experience the benefits of health by sitting on a sofa watching sporting events on television and giving advice to the athletes. And yet for some, “spectator discipleship” is a preferred if not a primary way of worshipping....we need to get off the sidelines and practice what we preach.
- There are some who believe that because they have made mistakes, they can no longer fully partake of the blessings of the gospel.... One of the great blessings of living the gospel is that it refines us and helps us learn from our mistakes. We “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God,” yet the Atonement of Jesus Christ has the power to make us whole when we repent.
- To those who feel inadequate because they have not been members of the Church all their lives, to those who feel that they can never make up for the time they have lost, I testify that the Lord needs your specific abilities, talents, and skills. The Church needs you; we need you. It is always the right time to walk in His way. It is never too late.
Thank you Deb for your preparation and dedication as one of our wonderful Relief Society teachers. We hope that each of you find strength in the words of Pres. Uchtdorf as he invites each of us to greater discipleship beginning right now, wherever we are in our lives.
Sheryl gave a beautiful talk in Sacrament Meeting about Relief Society and her words of commitment, participation, and service tie in with Presidet Uchtdorf's message of discipleship. May we find joy in our sisterhood as we reach out and support one another in our lives, beginning with those we visit teach. As Sheryl expressed, your many acts of service are truly appreciated. Each of you sisters are vital to the worth and strength of our collective Relief Society. Each of you bring talents, life experience, and strength unique to your life, and we are a better Relief Society because of you. May we each press forward from where we stand at this very moment, and see the great blessings (individually & as a sisterhood) of active participation in Relief Society.
Love,
The RS Presidency
Sheryl, Jan, Rebecca & Tammy
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