There was a time many years ago when I felt unworthy to partake of the Sacrament. Whether justifiably or unjustifiably I’m not sure. One Sunday, I passed the tray to my wife and my young son whispered to his mother, “why doesn’t daddy take the Sacrament?” My wife sat silently with thoughts racing through her mind as to how she would explain this situation to our son. Suddenly, he said with conviction, “I know why daddy doesn’t take the Sacrament!”. My wife asked, “Why is that son?” My son exclaimed, “because he only likes banana bread!”
Oh, is it any wonder that the Savior said, “Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God.” (3 Ne. 9:22)
What does it mean to “come[eth] unto me as a little child?” King Benjamin explains, “For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.” (Mosiah 3:19)
Salvation, meaning exaltation and eternal life, cannot come in any other way. It is a complete trust in God that this expression describes. It is an absolute acknowledgment that salvation is to be had only on the Lord’s terms. “Our unconditional surrender to the mind and will of God restores to us that simplicity and faith and unwavering confidence otherwise known only to little children.” (McConkie, Joseph Fielding, Robert L. Millet, and Brent L. Top [vol. 4]. Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon.)
Do we “submit to all things” when we shirk our duties as home and visiting teachers? Are we “full of love” when we fail to “bear one anothers burdens, that they might be light;” [Mosiah 18:8] or fail to show sincere interest in our families who we are assigned to be shepherds to?
Here are 3 ways you can “come unto” the Savior as you exercise your stewardship as a home/visiting teacher:
Show a sincere concern for your families or sisters whom you home/visit teach. Make them feel comfortable enough to discuss with you their concerns and problems. Be a true friend, a trusted friend.
Always have prayer with your families/sisters. Even if they are inactive. Be sure that your prayers are centered on the family/sisters and in their behalf. Pay attention to the conversation and pick up on the subtle things that are mentioned. Ask for the Spirit of discernment before you make your visit.
Bear testimony! Have you ever noticed how most children have no problem getting up in front of the congregation and bearing their testimony? Bear testimony of the Savior and the Prophet Joseph Smith. Bear testimony of the Book of Mormon and latter-day revelation, the power of prayer, and the peace and comfort of reading the scriptures. As you “unconditional[ly] surrender to the mind and will of God” and serve your fellow beings with “full purpose of heart” (3 Nephi 18:32) you will become as a child and put off the natural man and “become[th] a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord”.
Posted by John in Feature Articles