Loyalty to Christ

Dear Sisters and Elders –

Are we loyal to the Savior?

Certainly, Christ demonstrated His loyalty to the Father and to us through the Atonement. He “hath overcome and trodden the wine-press alone, even the wine-press of the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God” (D&C 88:106). Jesus explained that His Great Sacrifice caused Him “to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men” (D&C 19:18-19). 

Christ is fully, completely, and unequivocally devoted to the Father and to us. Are we sufficiently devoted to Him?

The scriptures highlight many who, despite desperate circumstances, were loyal to the Savior. Several examples include:

When offered his life to retract his testimony of Christ, Abinadi asserted: “I will not recall the words…for they are true…I will suffer unto death, and I will not recall my words” (Mosiah 17:9-10).

After losing family, friends, wealth, and health, Job proclaims: “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15).

With decree of death over her people, Esther risks her life to petition the king. She explained: “I go in unto the king…and if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16).

When their brethren came against them to war, and in order to keep their covenant with God, the Anti-Nephi-Lehites: “Would lie down and perish, and praised God even in the very act of perishing under the sword…” (Alma 24:23).

When commanded to worship a golden idol or be burned, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego responded: “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up” (Daniel 3: 17-18). 

Each of these individuals was willing to show their loyalty to Christ through personal sacrifice.  

This week, please review the examples above. Identify additional examples in the scriptures of those who demonstrated loyalty to Christ through personal sacrifice. Recognize positive examples from your own life. Then, ask yourself: “What can I do as a missionary to demonstrate even greater loyalty to the Savior through personal sacrifice?” You can also ask: “Do I extend a sincere effort each day to prepare, to find, to teach, and to baptize others?” Or, “Have I totally left the world behind?”

Ultimately, we love that for which we sacrifice. As we make personal sacrifices for the Savior, our love for Him will grow until it is perfect.  

Thank you for your extraordinary examples of loyalty to the Savior. I have learned so much from your consecration to the Lord.  It is an honor to serve with such a devoted group of disciples.

Love,

President Pingree  

Final Week of Interviews

Interviews/training continued this week in Melbourne, Hafer, Conroe, Spring and Klein. Please find pictures below.

My Missionary Commission

Dear Sisters and Elders –

How are things going with the Book of Mormon challenge? For me, I have already gained new insights into the Atonement of Jesus Christ and a deeper appreciation for Him. This focused study has also helped me to understand better our role as missionaries.

I am grateful for the opportunity we have to represent our Savior and Redeemer to the world. Despite our weaknesses and shortcomings, He uses us to spread His gospel to all that will listen (see 1 Cor. 1:27; D&C 35:13). He asks us to be living examples of Him (see MH, 8). He has given us the authority to represent Him and endows us with His power as we faithfully fulfill our responsibilities (see PMG, 4-5).

Our high privilege and responsibility as missionaries is described by Bruce R. McConkie (1915-1985), a former member of the Quorum of the Twelve, in a statement entitled My Missionary Commission:

“I am called of God.

“My authority is above that of kings of the earth.

“By revelation I have been selected as a personal representative of the Lord Jesus Christ.

“He is my master and He has chosen me to represent Him--to stand in His place, to say and do what He Himself would say and do if He personally were ministering to the very people to whom He has sent me.

“My voice is His voice, and my acts are His acts; my doctrine is His doctrine.

“My Commission is to do what He wants done; to say what He wants said; to be a living modern witness in word and in deed of the divinity of his great and marvelous Latter-day work.

“How great is my calling!”

Please review the above statement with your companion and discuss any insights you gain. Strive to “conduct yourself at all times in such a way that everyone who sees you will recognize you as a representative of Jesus Christ” (MH, 8).

I am grateful for your devotion to the Savior and for your consecrated efforts to serve Him effectively.

With love and gratitude,

President Pingree

Interviews/Training

Interviews/training continued with missionaries serving in Bear Creek, Cypress, Spring and The Woodlands. Included are pictures of missionaries serving in those areas, along with others from the week.