Peaceable Followers of Christ

 Peaceable Followers of Christ

Elder Cook shared in the most recent General Conference;

“We live in a time where “peaceable followers of Christ” experience unique challenges. Those who believe in, humbly worship, and testify of Jesus Christ have always experienced trials, tribulations and adversities…. We recognize that almost all of us have experienced physical and spiritual storms in our lives, some devastating. A loving Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ, who is the head of His restored Church, have provided us scriptures and prophets to prepare us, warn us about dangers, and give us guidance to prepare and protect us. Some directions require immediate action, and some provide protection for many years in the future. The Lord’s preface to the Doctrine and Covenants, section 1, admonishes us to “give heed to the words of the prophets.” Section 1 also cautions us, “Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come.” The Lord provides His people a chance to prepare for the challenges they will face.” (Be Peaceable Followers of Christ, Oct 2023)

How do we prepare for the coming tribulations? We give heed to the words of the Prophets; past and present. Through scriptures and General conferences. When the words of our Prophets are sunk deep into our hearts we can go boldly to the Lord and humbly asks for his grace and mercy to cover us. Then shall our confidence wax strong in the presence of God (D&C 121:45) and we shall rend the veil of unbelief (Ether1-5)and be able, ready and worthy to receive the Lord when He comes again.(President Nelson,Oct, 2022)

I love reading about the missions of Alma the younger. I can relate to him as he wrestled through a painful repentance and knows of the peace and joy of the gospel and wants that for all people. 

In Alma 8 he has much success in Melek and then goes to the people of Ammonihah where he is rejected, reviled, spat upon and cast out of the city. I love how the Lord gave him a good experience to strengthen his faith before he suffered this affliction. 

Verse 10 states that he labored much in the spirit, wrestling with God in mighty prayer that the Lord would pour out His Spirit upon the people that they might repent. Despite his sincere preparation these people hardened their hearts and would not listen.

Verse 14 we read that while being weighed down with much sorrow, wading through much tribulation and anguish of soul because of the wickedness of the people of Ammonihah, an angel (the same one who commanded him to repent earlier) came and told Alma to lift up his head and rejoice because Alma had been faithful in keeping the commandments since the angel's first visit and now he was commanding Alma to return to the city and declare repentance to those people or the Lord God will destroy them. And why was the Lord going to destroy them?

Verse 17 tells us this was because the wicked people of Ammonihah were studying or plotting to destroy the liberty of their people, which is contrary to the statutes and judgements  and commandments which the Lord has given.

 So it seems for those who plot to destroy others' freedoms, unless they repent, it is totally feasible that God will destroy them. Later in Alma 10:22  Alma warns them their destruction will come via famine, pestilence and the sword. 

I like how even though Alma returned speedily to the city, he did not go back the same way. I imagine considering he was meant to come across Amulek, that Alma was prompted or told which way to go. He was given a companion and they prepared many days until they were filled with the Holy Ghost and when they had power given unto them they were commanded to teach.

One of the ways we are being asked to prepare for the Lord's second coming is to become peaceable followers of Christ. Despite being constantly confronted by wickedness and rebelliousness, our Prophets are inviting us to be peacemakers and entreating us to experience joy during times of strife and struggle.

President Nelson 2022

I love you. I assure you that our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, love you. They are intimately aware of your circumstances, your goodness, your needs, and your prayers for help. Again and again, I pray for you to feel Their love for you. Experiencing Their love is vital, as it seems that we are accosted daily by an onslaught of sobering news.

But, my dear brothers and sisters, so many wonderful things are ahead. In coming days, we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior’s power that the world has ever seen. Between now and the time He returns “with power and great glory,” He will bestow countless privileges, blessings, and miracles upon the faithful. Nonetheless, we are presently living in what surely is a most complicated time in the history of the world. The complexities and challenges leave many people feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.

You can overcome the spiritually and emotionally exhausting plagues of the world, including arrogance, pride, anger, immorality, hatred, greed, jealousy, and fear. Despite the distractions and distortions that swirl around us, you can find true rest—meaning relief and peace—even amid your most vexing problems. (Overcome the World and Find Rest, Oct 2022)

President Nelson 2023

“Brothers and sisters, the pure love of Christ is the answer to the contention that ails us today. Charity propels us “to bear one another’s burdens” rather than heap burdens upon each other. The pure love of Christ allows us “to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things”—especially in tense situations. Charity allows us to demonstrate how men and women of Christ speak and act—especially when under fire.”

“Charity is the spiritual gift that helps us to cast off the natural man, who is selfish, defensive, prideful, and jealous. Charity is the principal characteristic of a true follower of Jesus Christ. Charity defines a peacemaker. When we humble ourselves before God and pray with all the energy of our hearts, God will grant us charity.”

“Let us show that there is a peaceful, respectful way to resolve complex issues and an enlightened way to work out disagreements. 

As you demonstrate the charity that true followers of Jesus Christ manifest, the Lord will magnify your efforts beyond your loftiest imagination.”

“Now, I am not talking about “peace at any price.”( footnote 18; now being a peacemaker does not require us to agree with the ideas or beliefs of others). I am talking about treating others in ways that are consistent with keeping the covenant you make when you partake of the sacrament. You covenant to always remember the Savior. In situations that are highly charged and filled with contention, I invite you to remember Jesus Christ. Pray to have the courage and wisdom to say or do what He would. As we follow the Prince of Peace, we will become His peacemakers.” (Peacemakers Needed, April 2023)

Pres Oaks taught in 2019

“This walk requires us to seek divine inspiration on what to support and what to oppose and how to love and listen respectfully and teach in the process. Our walk demands that we not compromise on commandments but show forth a full measure of understanding and love. Our walk opposes recruitment away from the covenant path, and it denies support to any who lead people away from the Lord. In all of this we remember that God promises hope and ultimate joy and blessings for all who keep His commandments.” (Two Great Commandments, Oct 2019)

I thought of the words of our Prophets a few months ago when I felt prompted to request that my three adult children not expose Eve to the woke ideologies that are going on in the world, especially via media. 

Just as Alma found people plotting to destroy people's liberty, we are being assaulted with the same issue. I told my children I loved them and spoke truth calmly and clearly. They struggled to accept my words, they saw hate where I spoke love. I shared with them I have no hate for anyone but I do need to be prepared and ready to discern good from evil. I felt I had followed the Prophet by not compromising my standards yet spoke in love and respect. I believe this is how the Lord is asking us to be, just as Alma did, not hide from these difficult conversations but declare truth in love and respect, then walk away if people become angry and contentious. As Elder Bednar said in 2021 “We don’t need to defend the doctrine, we need to declare it.” (Face2Face, 13/9/21)

I had done as Pres Nelson asked us last year to love God more than anyone or anything else and despite it being hard, I knew I had spoken what was required. I had done much preparation to heed the Spirit and could not deny the truth I had received.

Over the next few weeks relationships were strained and I was very sad, but I knew that trials and tribulation have a purpose to help us exercise and strengthen our faith and I recalled these words of comfort from President Nelson in 2020.

“Why do we need such resilient faith? Because difficult days are ahead. Rarely in the future will it be easy or popular to be a faithful Latter-day Saint. Each of us will be tested. The Apostle Paul warned that in the latter days, those who diligently follow the Lord “shall suffer persecution.” 

That very persecution can either crush you into silent weakness or motivate you to be more exemplary and courageous in your daily lives.”

 (Nelson, The Future of the Church, Preparing the World for the Second Coming, Apr 2020)

There is a scripture in 2 Nephi 2:1–2. Which teaches that the Lord will consecrate our afflictions for our gain. When we turn to the institute manual for further understanding, we find this:

Elder Marion G. Romney taught the following about difficulties and afflictions:

“If we can bear our afflictions with understanding, faith, and courage, . . . we shall be strengthened and comforted in many ways. We shall be spared the torment which accompanies the mistaken idea that all suffering comes as chastisement for transgression.

 “. . . I have seen the remorse and despair in the lives of men who, in the hour of trial, have cursed God and died spiritually.  And I have seen people rise to great heights from what seemed to be unbearable burdens” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1969, pp. 59–60).

Now back to my story. Just as I began to wonder if we would get past this, an interesting turn of events happened which changed everything in my family. My children were out one weekend, came across an old school friend and were invited back to his place with some others that were convening there. They found themselves in the exact situation that I had warned them about. They said it was so uncomfortable they decided to leave.

 It was a memorable experience for them and I am so grateful because relationships are good in our home once more and our children are respecting our parental decision.

A couple of days later I received a prompting that I hadn't written about this latest incident in my journal and while writing it all down I received the understanding that Heavenly Father allowed this experience as a testimony to the words I had shared. I was given to know by the power of the Holy Ghost, that the Lord always upholds the righteous choices we make, especially when we sacrifice all that we love for Him. 

I do believe this is an example of being a peaceable follower of Christ. Sometimes we have to make hard choices as we follow the Lord. Sometimes it's painful, not because we've done something wrong but often because we're doing things right. It's through the struggle that we exercise and grow our faith. Being a peacemaker does not mean that we will never find ourselves in difficult situations, but it does mean that as we strive to follow the Spirit and have the courage to speak and act as the Saviour would or wants us to, then we shall have that peace and confidence that the Lord is with us. He will uphold us and we shall be rewarded accordingly. 

Elder Cook

“In Hebrews we are counseled to “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Jesus Christ is “the author of eternal salvation.”

“In His atoning sacrifice, Jesus Christ took upon Himself our pains, afflictions, and infirmities. Because of this, He knows ‘according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities’ (Alma 7:12; see also verse 11). He invites, ‘Come unto me,’ and as we do, He gives us rest, hope, strength, perspective, and healing (Matthew 11:28; see also verses 29–30). “As we rely on Jesus Christ and His Atonement, He can help us endure our trials, sicknesses, and pain. We can be filled with joy, peace, and consolation. All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.” We can joyfully be peaceable followers of Christ.” (Peaceable Followers of Christ, Oct 2023)

I know as we strive to keep our focus on the Lord, repent daily and give to Him anything and everything that would jeopardise our peace within, He will bless us with joy and rest. I would like to close with these powerful words by our Prophet and President who is endeavoring to help us prepare;

“As I have stated before, the gathering of Israel is the most important work taking place on earth today. One crucial element of this gathering is preparing a people who are able, ready, and worthy to receive the Lord when He comes again, a people who have already chosen Jesus Christ over this fallen world, a people who rejoice in their agency to live the higher, holier laws of Jesus Christ. I call upon you, my dear brothers and sisters, to become this righteous people. Cherish and honor your covenants above all other commitments. As you let God prevail in your life, I promise you greater peace, confidence, joy, and yes, rest.” 

“With the power of the holy apostleship vested in me, I bless you in your quest to overcome this world. I bless you to increase your faith in Jesus Christ and learn better how to draw upon His power. I bless you to be able to discern truth from error. I bless you to care more about the things of God than the things of this world. I bless you to see the needs of those around you and strengthen those you love. Because Jesus Christ overcame this world, you can too. I so testify in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.” (Russel M Nelson, Overcome the World and Find Rest, Oct, 2022)