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