Oh Brother

If you don’t know him, I’d like you to meet my older brother, Burke. Let me introduce you to a champion basketball player who speaks Japanese, has a background in CAD design, loves to travel, specializes in IT support, and manages an electronic vault for his national company. He likes digital scrapbooking and web page design, loves adventure, and above all, he’s a family man. Burke is very well-rounded and fun loving. Not only is he someone I have looked up to all my life, he is confident, friendly, charismatic, energetic, and very dependable. My only fault with him is that he got the lion’s share of good looks between the two of us. Well, I got over that, and I still love him. Grin. Recently his example has given me even more to admire.

Burke has spent the last several months learning to deal with cancer. It has been challenging for me to watch, and much more challenging for him to face. His first set of treatments was unsuccessful, and we are now waiting to hear the results of the second attempt. Typical of my brother, he has been very positive and calm. He has a lot of faith. He has also experienced a lot of discomfort without complaint. Family members have rallied around him, but there are some challenges where you feel helpless to do anything. This has been one of them. I have felt like I couldn’t do more than listen and pray.

My present anxiety for my brother has caused me to think about one of my personal heroes, Mahonri Moriancumer. He is an example of great faith that has taught me a lot about prayer. Fortunately he was a writer, and it was important for him to keep a record of his life. Were it not for this brief account of his experiences, we may never have known about this man. It was said of him that his words were so great that they were overpowering for man to read them. (Ether 12:24) One thing that is significant in his record is his relationship with his brother.

It is not the relationship of the two brothers that intrigues me as much as the example of their faith, prayers, and how those prayers were answered. I believe in this there is a significant lesson to be learned if we desire to return to God.

For reasons that remain unknown, we would only know Mahonri as “the brother of Jared” were in not for a modern source. While Jared is named in the record, and his brother is not, we know even less about Jared. Both lived a few thousand years ago in the Western Hemisphere. Before coming to this continent, however, they were contemporaries of Nimrod in the Old Testament and lived in Babel which later became Babylon. These two brothers left Babel with their friends and family and became a large nation of people.

At the time that God confounded the languages when the sons of men built the tower of Babel, Jared was worried for their families and friends, that they would be confounded too. The account does not say how Jared knew this, or why he was worried. It does not clearly say why God was disappointed in His children. What it does say is that the Lord “swore in his wrath that [the people] should be scattered upon all the face of the earth; and according to the word of the Lord the people were scattered.” (Ether 1:33) Somehow Jared had warning of this, yet it is his response that was significant.

Jared believed in God enough that he knew where to turn for help in his troubles – he understood the power of prayer. What is curious about the account is who he preferred to do the praying. It was his brother. Again, his reasons are not known, but we do know that the brother of Jared was “a man highly favored of the Lord,” so Jared asked him to appeal to the Lord for help. It was as if he said, “Oh brother, can you help me?” Jared said, “Cry unto the Lord, that he will not confound us that we may not understand our words.” (Ether 1:34) His brother did so and the Lord answered his prayer. Similarly, he prayed for their friends and their families, and they were not confounded.

Having had successfully received the desired answers to prayer, Jared again asked his brother to pray, saying, “Go and inquire of the Lord whether he will drive us out of the land, and if he will drive us out of the land, cry unto him whither we shall go. And who knoweth but the Lord will carry us forth into a land which is choice above all the earth: And if it so be, let us be faithful unto the Lord, that we may receive it for our inheritance.” (Ether 1:38) Jared’s request suggests that there was some concern that they would have to leave. It also suggests that he had enough faith in God to believe that he would provide a way. What that way was, he could only hope. However, Jared did have the desire to be faithful and he was again rewarded.

When the brother of Jared prayed again, the Lord told him to gather their possessions and make preparations to leave and He would lead them to a land that was choice above all other lands of the earth where they would become a great nation. The part of the Lord’s response that intrigues me the most is a simple sentence that explains why he would do such a thing. He said, “And thus I will do unto thee because this long time ye have cried unto me.” (Ether 1:43)

The Lord led this group of family and friends through a part of the wilderness where man had not yet been before. He spoke to the brother of Jared in a cloud, and gave directions where they should travel. These directions led them to a great sea where they pitched their tents for four years. At the end of those four years, the Lord again spoke to the brother of Jared in a cloud for three hours. It is unique that, during that conversation, the Lord chastened the brother of Jared for not remembering to call upon the Lord in prayer.

I have often wondered at this passage because it appears to be a strange contradiction. Here is a man who knows how to pray and is highly favored of the Lord. Not only did he pray and successfully receive answers to his prayers, but the Lord continually spoke to him to direct him. So what happened? Was the brother of Jared the type of person who would suddenly forget what the Lord had done? Perhaps, but I am not certain.

Four years seems a long time to camp on the beach. I wonder if this group of family and friends felt they had arrived at the promised land or if they were waiting for additional instructions, whenever it happened to be that they came. The record does not say. If, however, they were not convinced that they had arrived, then the sea would have seemed an interesting obstacle for them, one larger than they had faced to that point. At least it was enough to stop them for four years. Whether they were satisfied with a partial blessing as an answer to their prayers, or they saw the sea as an obstacle to their goal, I can find a personal application.

I know in my own life that I have had a pattern of prayer that has been consistent since I was little. I have prayed morning and night and often throughout the day. Yet there have been times that I have forgotten to pray with real intent. I haven’t forgotten Father. I have just forgotten to make a concerted effort to show him that I was serious. If my needs seem to be taken care of, it is easy to ease up in my intensity. Living on a beach may not be such a bad thing, unless it keeps you from praying for help to get to a better land or place.

There have also been other times that I have had obstacles placed in my way. For a long time I may consider the obstacle or trial, wondering how I am going to overcome it. Like the sea, it may seem impossible to cross or go around. Then, after some time, I decide to pray and ask for help. As often as I have prayed, the Lord has directed me. He hears and answers prayers. Repeatedly in the scriptures, he reassures us, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” (Matthew 6:7-8) For whichever reason the brother of Jared did not remember to call upon God, when he repented and cried unto the Lord, the Lord again heard and answered his prayers.

There are some interesting lessons we can learn at this point from Jared and his brother. Both provide valuable insight on our own requests to the Lord. As we follow their example, we may increase the likelihood of receiving similar answers.

Jared was conscientious of the Lord’s warnings and took them seriously. He knew that God could help with his troubles, and he believed in prayer. Jared had the desire for his family and friends to be faithful so that the Lord could bless them. He believed that the Lord would provide a way for their deliverance.

The brother of Jared was highly favored of the Lord. The Lord answered his prayers because he cried unto the Lord for a long time. Perhaps the importance was not the duration of a single prayer, but the duration of a heart-felt habit. Because of his faith, the Lord spoke to the brother of Jared and gave him directions that led him where man had not been before. This in and of itself is an act of faith.

After their stay at the beach, the Lord told the brother of Jared that he would take them across the ocean to another land, and that they would need to build barges to travel in. The barges were to be water-tight and could not have windows. They were to have an opening in the top and in the bottom for functional reasons such as letting in fresh air.

After the brother of Jared had completed making the barges, he prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord, I have performed the work which thou hast commanded me, and I have made the barges according as thou hast directed me.” (Ether 2:18) Simply put, he was diligent in making sure that he had done everything the Lord had asked of him before asking for another blessing. Since blessings are predicated upon obedience, the brother of Jared wanted to do everything possible to increase the likelihood that the Lord would help him. But then he discovered a problem.

The barges built to the specifications the Lord had given to the brother of Jared did not allow for any light when the openings were sealed. This would have made for a long journey in the dark. When the brother of Jared asked the Lord what to do, His response was, “what will ye that I should prepare for you that ye may have light when ye are swallowed up in the depths of the sea?” (Ether 2:25) The Lord expected him to be part of the solution.

To that point, the brother of Jared was used to receiving unique answers to prayer. While languages of other people had been confounded, his group’s had not. When they traveled through the wilderness where no one had been before, the Lord was their guide. As the brother of Jared pondered what he wanted the Lord to do for him, he again came up with a possibility that was unique. He fashioned sixteen stones out of molten rock that were transparent and white. And then he prayed.

“O Lord, thou hast said that we must be encompassed about by the floods. Now behold, O Lord, and do not be angry with thy servant because of his weakness before thee; for we know that thou art holy and dwellest in the heavens, and that we are unworthy before thee; because of the fall our natures have become evil continually; nevertheless, O Lord, thou hast given us a commandment that we must call upon thee, that from thee we may receive according to our desires.

“Behold, O Lord, thou hast smitten us because of our iniquity, and hast driven us forth, and for these many years we have been in the wilderness; nevertheless, thou hast been merciful unto us. O Lord, look upon me in pity, and turn away thine anger from this thy people, and suffer not that they shall go forth across this raging deep in darkness; but behold these things which I have molten out of the rock.

“And I know, O Lord, that thou hast all power, and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man; therefore touch these stones, O Lord, with thy finger, and prepare them that they may shine forth in darkness; and they shall shine forth unto us in the vessels which we have prepared, that we may have light while we shall cross the sea.

“Behold, O Lord, thou canst do this. We know that thou art able to show forth great power, which looks small unto the understanding of men.” (Ether 3:2-5)

Following that moment of prayer, something wonderful occurred. The Lord stretched forth his hand from the cloud and touched the stones with his finger, and the veil was taken from off the eyes of the brother of Jared. As unique of an occurrence as it would have been to have seen the finger of God, the part I feel is most unique is the fact that the veil was removed from his eyes. It was the veil of unbelief that withholds our memory of premortal things; the veil that separates us from God. Similar to the veil of the Israelite tabernacle or temple, it is light enough that it can be lifted when the time is right. It may be lifted when our faith is sufficient.

After seeing this sight, the brother of Jared fell to the ground out of fear because he did not expect to see the finger of the Lord. When the Lord asked if he saw more, he replied that he did not and then asked the Lord to show Himself to him. Just as the brother of Jared described that God’s commandment for us to pray for our desires, the Lord granted the brother of Jared his desire and showed Himself unto him, and said, “Because thou knowest these things ye are redeemed from the fall; therefore ye are brought back into my presence; therefore I show myself unto you. Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ.” (Ether 3:13-14) The brother of Jared saw the Lord in spirit as he would appear when born on the earth over two thousand years later. The Lord then showed him all the inhabitants of the earth from the beginning to the end, and withheld them not from his sight. (Ether 3:25)

Again, to me it is less important what the brother of Jared saw, and more important that he did see because he could not be kept from within the veil any longer. Regarding these things, the prophet Moroni invites us to follow the same pattern of prayer. He invites us to cast off our doubt and fear and have faith like unto the brother of Jared.

“Come unto me, O ye Gentiles, and I will show unto you the greater things, the knowledge which is hid up because of unbelief. Come unto me, O ye house of Israel, and it shall be made manifest unto you how great things the Father hath laid up for you, from the foundation of the world; and it hath not come unto you, because of unbelief.” (Ether 4:13-14) His invitation is not to the prophets, but to Israel and the Gentiles alike. It is to all, which implies that it is within the reach of all to do. It is also not a matter of if, but of when.

Moroni continues, “Behold, when ye shall rend that veil of unbelief which doth cause you to remain in your awful state of wickedness, and hardness of heart, and blindness of mind, then shall the great and marvelous things which have been hid up from the foundation of the world from you—yea, when ye shall call upon the Father in my name, with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then shall ye know that the Father hath remembered the covenant which he made unto your fathers, O house of Israel.” (Ether 4:15)

There is a certain amount of irony in the fact that the people of Babel were trying to reach God. It was their approach that failed. The brother of Jared not only reached the Lord, but he invited the Lord to reach toward him and touch the stones he had made. It was not the sky that separated the tower of Babel from the Lord, it was the veil of unbelief. It was something more intangible and less visible than even a veil.

So as I pray for my own brother, and consider the example of the brother of Jared, I wonder, “What is it I lack yet? What does it mean to have faith as the brother of Jared? What would it take for my requests for my brother to be heard and answered?” This is worth pondering. In part, it may be more than believing that God can answer our prayers and grant according to our desires. It may be more than believing that he can do all things. What would I need to change in my life if having more faith also meant making sure that what I ask for is aligned with what God wants? Here is a simple clue of how to find such faith.

When Jesus visited the people on the American continent after His resurrection, he prayed, and they prayed with Him. In the Book of Mormon we read, “And it came to pass that when Jesus had thus prayed unto the Father, he came unto his disciples, and behold, they did still continue, without ceasing, to pray unto him; and they did not multiply many words, for it was given unto them what they should pray, and they were filled with desire.” (3 Nephi 19:24) When we turn our hearts to the Lord, we turn our desires so they are properly aligned. When we are filled with His desire, then the Holy Spirit can teach us what to pray for and what not to pray for. Trusting in the Holy Spirit takes a lot of faith. Learning when to pray for our desires and when to yield takes a lot of restraint. It is an exercise in faith, trusting that God will deliver us. When we choose to follow the Lord, and we choose to follow His Spirit, the answer may not be what we want, but it will always be better.

Look again at the story of the brother of Jared. From the Lord’s perspective, He said He would scatter all the people on the face of the earth. He didn’t change His mind with Jared or his brother. The family and friends of the two brothers were still scattered, but they weren’t confounded. Something that seemed like a terrible thing, turned out not to be so bad because the Lord was with them. He spoke to them, He directed them, and He answered their prayers. He didn’t set them on a cruise liner for a vacation voyage across the sea for 344 days. Instead he put them in a place that was doable, though not exactly comfortable or desirable.

As they traversed the ocean, we learn that “when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters.” (Ether 6:7) This was by design so that they would turn their hearts to God. The brother of Jared had not remembered to call upon the Lord at one point. The Lord provided an experience that would help ensure that that mistake was not repeated a second time.

My prayers for my own brother have not ceased. Perhaps I need to cry unto the Lord for 344 days. Perhaps it is the habit of heart-felt prayer that is more important.

For me, the story of the brother of Jared is less about an obstacle of water, and more about a veil of unbelief. It has less to do with merely praying for what we want, and learning how to pray in a way that will help us to rend the veil. Whether it is your own trial, or that of your brother’s, these experiences are designed to help us lift the veil and behold the Lord.

It is a great comfort when you can turn to someone like a brother and ask them to pray for you. Praying is especially comforting when you know the key to successful prayer.


http://saltypockets.blogspot.com/

Veils and Nutshells

About twenty years ago I stood on a street corner at the Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco watching a panhandler very closely. He had tricked me. He hadn’t taken my money, but he had hoped that I would give him some because I was amused. The man was very good. His art was with his hands. Repeatedly he led me to believe one thing, and then showed another.

You may have seen a similar nutshell game at some point in your life. The person performing the trick attempts to conceal a small ball or object beneath one of three nutshells. The point of the trick is to move the nutshells around so that you loose track of where the ball is. A good performer uses other slight-of-hand tricks to hide the ball. Rather than move the shells quickly, they will conceal the ball in some other way so that even slow moves will confuse the observer as to which shell actually hides the ball.

I carefully watched the panhandler for a while before leaving for my next destination. His game was rather interesting to see. Each time I would note which shell he used to cover the ball. Time after time, I was certain I knew where the ball was. Each time I was wrong, or at least he had a very good way of tricking me because I couldn’t see it. Though he would only perform when someone would pay to see his trick, there were enough people who paid the piper that I could observe without buying into his game. The man’s trick was harmless really, and it generated enough income that he gained some meager subsistence from it.

After leaving the Wharf and the tourist attractions at Pier 39, I went with my family up along the coast of Northern California. The weather and terrain was much different than what I was used to along the southern coasts. Instead of warm sandy beaches and perfectly clear skies, the northern coast had beautiful rock formations that jutted abruptly into the water. They were white from the flocks of oceanic birds that roosted on the tops of the rocks. The steep slopes of the coast were lightly covered in a sea of ferns that disappeared into forests of beautiful redwoods. Everything about the scenery seemed slightly hidden and veiled. And then there was the sky.

The marine layer of the coastal air adds another characteristic to the veiled landscape. Clouds that touch the ground in the form of fog shroud the beauty of the water and the slopes in varying amounts. Sometimes the clouds roll in from the distant horizon of the ocean. Sometimes the fog is so thick and present that you can scarcely see trees that are not far in front of you. Not everyone likes clouds, but I find them very beautiful at times, especially when I can have stretches of clear blue sky in between.

I am especially intrigued by moments of entering. The point at which a low flying cloud approaches the rocks of the coast can be very slow and imperceptible. Often it is as though the sky merely thickens until you realize it isn’t just sky anymore. It is fog also. Things that were once clear are not easily identifiable. Objects you may have recognized just minutes before take on a different appearance and seem less familiar. This can be disconcerting if you are already in a new place or experience. However, if you are on an established road with a good road map, you can take in the view a little more leisurely. The historian John R. Stilgoe said, "Storm makes sense of shelter, and if the shelter is sound, the shelter makes the surrounding storm good...." (Gaston Bachelard, The Poetics of Space, p. viii)

In recalling my memories of that particular trip to California, I noticed a few similarities between the nutshells and the fog. Both tend to move. In both cases, the perception of the experience didn’t change reality. Though the nutshells moved back and forth, the ball never really disappeared. It just wasn’t visible. The same thing could be said of the waves, the rocks, and the forest along the coast. They didn’t vanish from existence temporarily, but their appearance was hidden. If there was one difference that stood out to me between the shells and the fog, it was the intent behind the things that were hidden. The fog had no intent, it was just there. It’s then up to the observer to formulate an opinion as to whether the fog is good or bad. The funny thing about the nutshell game was that the man performing the trick had the intent to deceive. Not only was he good at it, but the people who were watching him were entertained by the fact and were willing to pay him to do it again and again.

For the faithful Salty Pockets reader, you probably see the lack of subtlety in comparing a harmless nutshell game with the deception of the adversary. Were nutshells the main topic of this post, I would be guilty of being too obvious. But this post is not about nutshells. Rather, my point is to show what the fog is not. Remember that the fog has no intent. It just is. It is merely a condition for us to respond to. Before I leave the subject of nutshells altogether, however, let me just give my opinion about spiritual matters. I think you are nuts if you pay someone to trick you.

Changing circumstances can really make us uncomfortable, particularly when we cannot see clearly. Unless I am careful, it is easy for me to be grumpier when I am not comfortable. I have to be cautious so that I don’t take out my frustrations on others, especially those who are closest to me. During difficult periods of our lives it may be tempting to question God, wondering if he is trying to trick us, or wondering why he doesn’t offer more help when we can’t see clearly. While the fog, of itself, may not have an intent, it helps me to remember that Father in Heaven does. He has a careful plan that works toward that intent and that plan includes a very important veil.

It is a fascinating thought to consider that we are in the middle of eternity. Forever stretches in both directions. While you can’t measure forever, the distance behind us and that which is ahead of us is the same, which places us right in the middle. I may not be able to comprehend eternity, but I can focus on the importance of now. Every decision we make leads to another decision. It is a series of good decisions that will help us get back to our heavenly home.

As a condition of this mortal life, each of us has a veil that is placed over our minds. While we existed as spirits before being born into mortality, our premortal existence is hidden from our view. Reducing our memory of the first half of eternity to what we experience here on this earth affords us the opportunity to be tested on what we feel and not just what we see or know. We have to put our trust in something greater than ourselves, and that something greater is God.

The prophet Mormon taught, “For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night. For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God. … And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully….” (Moroni 7:15-16, 18)

Because the knowledge we gained previously needs to be brought back to our remembrance as we learn from our experience, this veil also blurs our current understanding from time to time and causes us to feel as though we were in a cloudbank or a dense fog. However, when we turn to the Son, and His light becomes strong enough to evaporate the fog, we begin to make sense of things that we may not understand otherwise.

Whether our vision is obstructed so we cannot see, or that we see so clearly the things in front of us that they become obstacles for our faith, vision problems, and learning how to deal with them, are an essential part of life.

Just as change can make us uncomfortable, we are often afraid of what we don’t know. We fear the things we don’t understand. In a spiritual sense, the veil is something we cannot see. Because it is not tangible and is merely an explanation of why we can’t remember, we may be afraid of making decisions with the veil present. This fear can be an unfortunate road block that may impede our mortal progress. It is similar to being surrounded by a cloudbank in the redwoods and then deciding to stop until the marine air clears. Understanding why the Lord refers to this reduction of memory as a veil in the scriptures may give us some insight on how to make better choices.

In the writings of the scriptures, a veil is used to describe a piece of cloth that separates two rooms or spaces. It also refers to an article of clothing that may be worn for various reasons, many times in association with prayer or a marriage. A veil is also used symbolically to describe a covering or a separation of the mind from understanding. In each case, the meaning of the word suggests something temporary that may be easily removed under the appropriate circumstances. Knowing when and how to remove it is very important and worth consideration. But first consider the reasons the veil was used.

Separation
Anciently, the veil of the tabernacle or the temple separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. The Holy Place contained an altar of incense, a candlestick, and the table of shew bread. Temple workers would perform some of their duties in the Holy Place. The Holy of Holies was the place where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. It was the throne of God. I think it significant that there wasn’t a wall or a door between the two places, but instead a piece of light fabric hung to separate or conceal. What does the Lord intend for us by suggesting such a light separation? It was His desire to have the ancient Israelites enter into His presence as did Moses, but they were not ready. Until such a time that they were ready, the veil was sufficient a separation to help them. (Exodus 26: 31, 33, 35)

Reverence
A veil is often draped over something to show honor or respect for what is beneath. When the camps of Israel were to move, the veil before the Ark of the Covenant was to be taken down and placed over the Ark. The altar of incense, the candlestick, and the table of shewbread were also to be covered. (Numbers 4:5-15) Those who were to carry the holy items were not to touch them lest they were to die. The Lord wished for them to understand that holy things are not to be treated lightly. The practice of covering is used today in worship meetings where the Lord’s sacrament is administered.

Covering
After Rebekah consented to marry Isaac, his servant brought her to him. As she approached and saw him in the distance, she asked the servant, and he confirmed that the man was Isaac. It was then that Rebekah took a veil and covered her face. She did not cover her face as she traveled with the servant, it was only when she was about to meet her husband-to-be that she felt she needed this propriety. (Genesis 24:61-65) While this may only be a custom, it is worth noting when the covering took place. Covering is an act of modesty and defines personal space.

Revealing
It was a Jewish custom at weddings, and still is in other cultures, for a bride to wear a veil as part of her wedding attire. The veil is then removed after the wedding is performed, symbolic of revealing and giving one’s self to a marriage partner. There is a difference between being acquainted with and knowing someone intimately. Lifting the veil is a symbol of removing the separation that keeps two people apart. This is significant in light of the description of separation above and the analogy used by Paul to describe the marriage between the Lord and the Church. (Ephesians 5:21-33)

Shielding
A veil may also be used as clothing to protect the eyes from dirt and dust. In a spiritual sense it may be used to protect us from other worldly things that may pollute things that should be kept clean. It is also possible for that veil which shields the eyes to obscure what we see with our natural eyes so that we focus more on a deeper meaning rather than what is on the surface. In the case of a wedding ceremony, it is suggestive of marrying for inner beauty and not looks that will fade with time.

Each of these examples of a veil can teach us about our relationship with God. There is a sacredness that is not to be taken lightly, and yet the veil is light enough to be removed when we have sanctified our hearts. The Lord intends for each of us to remove this veil at the appropriate time, when we are prepared to meet him, when the Bridegroom returns for the wedding. Until that time when we are ready to present ourselves, we should not be afraid of the veil, or making choices with it present. Instead we need to rely on the Holy Spirit who will teach us all things and bring all things to our remembrance. (John 14:26) We need to consider when we should veil our face in prayer and when we cover other sacred things that we carry with us or wear as an outward expression of an inner commitment to follow the Savior Jesus Christ.

The Lord told Joseph Smith that this veil is often of our own making. “And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received – Which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation. And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all.” (Doctrine & Covenants 84:54-56) Vanity and unbelief will hinder our progress, just like stopping in the fog. The solution to correct this is to replace our fear with faith.

We demonstrate our faith when we are willing to do hard things. We exercise our faith by acting upon the circumstances that are given to us and making correct choices when we are surrounded by fog. Our faith grows as we gain experience in mortality, by trusting our spirituality, or by following the promptings of the Holy Spirit. When our faith becomes such that we not only believe in Jesus Christ, but we believe Him enough to follow Him through any circumstance, then we are prepared to meet Him. Then we are ready for the wedding where we can rend the veil of unbelief. We do not have to be perfect. We merely have to turn our hearts to Him so that He can show us the way. We only need to find a good place to start and begin.

The prophet Moroni taught us, “Behold, when ye shall rend that veil of unbelief which doth cause you to remain in your awful state of wickedness, and hardness of heart, and blindness of mind, then shall the great and marvelous things which have been hid up from the foundation of the world from you—yea, when ye shall call upon the Father in my name, with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then shall ye know that the Father hath remembered the covenant which he made unto your fathers, O house of Israel.” (Ether 4:15) The decision to rend the veil of unbelief starts with a prayer and requires a broken heart and a contrite spirit.

Knowing that the veil provided us by a loving Father in Heaven is not meant to be a trick or a deception can help us trust Him more completely that He will help us and He will not lead us astray. He has promised to comfort us, direct us, and inspire us as we close our eyes and listen with our hearts and our minds. It is more important to focus on what we feel and not just what we see and what we know. In a nutshell, it all comes down to faith. If you rely only on your eyes, the great deceiver may yet deceive you again and again. But if we learn to trust in the Lord by using the veil to help us, at least until our faith is sufficiently strong to rend it, we will be prepared for the wedding when the Bridegroom returns. I look forward to that day. In the meantime, I am grateful for my veil.


http://saltypockets.blogspot.com/

Fear, Treasure, and Love

I love a good story. My current circumstances may not allow me to travel as much as I would like, but I have found a well crafted story can take me places I could never go to otherwise. Through books, movies, plays, histories, and even songs, I have been to other parts of the world. I have travelled in time, and I have met some amazing people. Whether they are actual or not is not as relevant. The power of a good story is the potential for me to consider things that I have not considered before. While a story may not be real, my application of ideas most certainly is.

As I place myself in the position of a fictitious character and consider how I would respond under a given set of circumstances, I wonder how my experience would compare with theirs. When the narrator of the story understands more than the main character, we often get insight and information that the character does not. More information makes it easier for us to make decisions, or so it seems. While the whole story is not revealed to the reader, it is easier, perhaps, to judge the character in the story unfairly. It may be easy to wish that you could give them some help because you have a clearer perspective. This may be similar to the way a devoted sports fan watching television will shout fruitless advice to a referee who can’t see very clearly. No matter how loud you shout, it may not change the outcome of the story.

Not all stories are told with clarity to the listener. When I am given a story problem to solve, and I have no more information than the main character, we are on equal ground, except for the fact that I am likely more comfortable and I can choose to ignore the problem when I am tired of reading. While I am engaged, however, very often the main character and I are both confused and perplexed. And yet, there is something that keeps me reading. There is something about the ingredients that holds my attention. The story is engaging and I can’t put it down.

Have you ever stopped to consider what makes a good story? Why is it that things which are unclear hold our attention so well? In the case of these questions, I think the power of fiction comes very close to the truth. For me, it’s in the relevance of the story.

The Savior Jesus Christ often taught in parables, or stories, that helped to emphasize a truth. During part of his ministry, “without a parable spake he not unto them.” (Mark 4:34) The examples of his stories were relevant but the meaning was veiled. Many were the times that he would share an example and would then have to explain what the story meant to his closest disciples because they did not understand. His response, “Know ye not this parable? And how then will ye know all parables?” (Mark 4:13)

When His disciples asked Jesus why He taught in parables, He said, “Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.” (Matthew 13:11) To those who are willing to receive shall be given more. But to him that chooses not to receive, he will lose the understanding that he has. Jesus chose to teach this way because the learner could listen and choose whether or not to understand depending on his desires and willingness. The faithful disciple will stop to look for the meaning in the story and then apply it.

Whenever we experience a significant trial in our lives, it may seem as though we are living inside of a parable. The circumstances are relevant by default. They are given to us to act upon. The meaning of the experience may be veiled behind the circumstances, unless we choose to look to the Savior as His disciples did and ask for an interpretation. “Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 13:9)

As I consider my own question, “What makes a good story?” I find that in many instances I like the story when there is some kind of conflict where the resolution is not clear at first. It is the mystery and the hope of resolution that make the problem worth solving. Usually I can relate to the main character because I can empathize with what they are going through. My experience may not match theirs even closely, but I can relate to their emotions and motivations. Most often I hope to get something out of my investment in the story – I hope to see a different approach to a familiar problem. I like that kind of application.

Most often our emotions are tied to our expectations. If our expectations are met, we feel positive emotions. When they are not, we are left with sadness, frustration, and disappointment. Whether it is a story that we are reading, or whether we are watching the circumstances in our own lives, it is helpful to understand both our emotions and our motivations, that is if you agree with my assessment of what makes a good story.

Ironically, it is the motivations that we enjoy watching in stories of others that make us the most uncomfortable in our own stories. We don’t mind conflict when we can sit in an “easy chair” and observe. But when we are on trial, the fire seems much hotter. It still makes for the best stories, and I like recounting the story a lot more after I know there is a happy ending.

For the purpose of illustration, think of the writings of Shakespeare which can be grouped into three classifications, namely histories, tragedies, and comedies. Histories look at the way a story unfolds based on actual events and choices. Tragedies tell a story about powerful motivations that often do not have a happy ending. And, simply put, you may say that comedies are stories about people where bad decisions turn out all right in the end. Each of us may have a variety of stories in our own lives that are a direct result of our choices.

The determining factor for me as to whether my life’s story has a happy ending or not will depend on my ability to attain my ultimate purpose in life – to return to the presence of God. If I am successful, many of my tragedies may turn out to be comedies after all. My assertion that a good story is composed of relevant motivations and good choices is critical if I want any control over my own outcome. I liked choose-your-own-adventure books when I was a kid, and that hasn’t changed. I still find great happiness knowing that I can choose my own ending in spite of the circumstances that are given to me to act upon. It all comes down to good choices.

So, if our motivations are so critical to our decisions, what is it that motivates us to make good choices? What motivates us to be obedient to God’s commandments? I believe there are three key motivations – fear, treasure, and love. Not much different than good literature, these are the makings of a good story.

Fear is a powerful master when we let it be. It provides motivation to obtain our desires when it seems there is no other way. Choosing to do something we don’t want to do may appear to be a better option than feeling the threat of negative consequences, especially when those consequences may be applied immediately. Fear operates best when there is present danger or risk. Often, but not always, there is a focus on now rather than later. What will I have to give up now if I don’t? What will happen to me if I choose not to? What if it doesn’t work out? Fear has less power when consequences are prolonged. Because it may be hard to tell whether a story is a tragedy or a comedy until the ending, I believe it is safe to say that fear is not the most powerful motivator, not when there is hope.

Treasure gives us something to hope for. When life isn’t as pleasant as we would like, we can always hope for something better. Positive rewards and consequences reinforce the idea that good things happen to people who make good choices. The nature of hope takes the focus off of now and stretches it further and further ahead, usually in the form of some blessing or reward. The more we look forward to such blessings, the more we treasure them. We keep them close to our hearts. In fact we have to eliminate some of our fears to make room for the treasure we hope for. Unfortunately, hope is not the end-all if it is only treasure we seek. Once we have obtained some treasure, it is not difficult for fear to return in greater strength. Instead of resuming old fears, we may fear losing the good things in our lives. What if my treasure is lost? What will I do if I lose everything and have to start over? What if? Treasure may inspire us to act, but it may not have sufficient strength to overpower our doubts. Similarly, hope can do much in the face of fear to fight off the tragedies of life. But like fear, hope is not the most powerful motivator. Hope is too conditional.

Love is another powerful motivator that is often confused with many things. For instance, love and desire are often interchangeable expressions. If I love something, I may desire it. While love may generate desire, desiring something isn’t necessarily love. It is also possible to treasure an object without truly loving it. Loving someone may only be an expression of admiration. In these instances, desiring, treasuring, and admiring are only components of love. They are not the full expression. If we look at a part and forget the whole, love cannot be complete. When love increases to encompass greater aspects of good, it becomes more and more powerful. Without the full expression, love is still prone to weakness. In its perfect form, love is the most powerful motivator. It is without flaw.

Perfect love, or charity, is the pure love of Christ. Because it endures forever, it is both timeless and unconditional. Fear exists in the moment. Hope stretches our patience and endurance. Perfect love, however, knows no bounds. In order to be perfect, this love is completely selfless. As Mormon described, this love “suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” (Moroni 7:45)

It is a little frightening to look at this powerful motivator because it is so selfless. The implication is that one who desires to have this power must likewise be selfless or the power of love will be ineffective. You can’t use a tool you don’t possess. First you have to seek it. In the case of charity, you seek it by eliminating lesser motivations.

Fear may be an acceptable force when we are less experienced if it points us in the right direction. It is a beginning for our learning. As powerful as it is, fear is not a sufficient motivator to get us past the most difficult trials in life. It is not enough to get us to our eternal home. Fear can start out being a helpful tool, but as we begin to look for the deeper meaning in the parables of our lives, it is not a friend but only a foe.

Treasure and the hope of reward can likewise only get us so far before we run out of gas. The apostle Paul acknowledged this difference when he said, “But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child. I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” (1 Corinthians 13:11) If we truly believe in God, then we have no need to doubt what He said was true. If we do not doubt, then there is no more need for fear.

President Thomas S. Monson has counseled us that “faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other.” (“Come unto Him in Prayer and Faith,” Ensign, Mar. 2009) Likewise our hearts cannot house both faith and fear. Our hope can also do much to crowd out our fears, but the most powerful is still charity. In a letter to his son Moroni, Mormon also taught that “perfect love casteth out all fear.” (Moroni 8:16)

While fear, treasure, and love are powerful motivators, they seem a less likely combination when they are restated as fear, hope, and charity. If we take Paul at his word, and we are ready to find a better way, then it is time to replace fear with faith and rely on faith, hope, and charity instead. In preparation to meet the Lord, Paul counsels, “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” (1 Corinthians 13:12-13)

Similar to looking through a glass darkly, the veil that is placed over our minds is to test our faith, not our fear. The meaning behind our circumstances is veiled and slowly revealed one clue at a time, according to our faithfulness and capacity to apply spiritual things. Like watching the main character in a story, it is easy to judge and offer suggestions on how to live these principles. Yet, when we are in the story ourselves, overcoming our fears is one of the biggest obstacles we face. Perhaps the only challenge that is more difficult is getting to the point where we do everything out of love and not fear.

If we wish to cast out all fear, Mormon tells us how to obtain the gift of charity. “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ….” (Moroni 7:48) When we seek this gift, the Lord will expand our capacity to love and feel love. He will help us to love one another as He loves us. As we pray for charity, His love will push out the fear in our heart, which will make room for greater faith. As our faith grows brighter and brighter, the veil becomes thinner and thinner.

Just like a good story, we should expect a certain amount of conflict in our lives. Good days and bad days alike are punctuated with opportunities to find a different approach to familiar problems. As we learn to replace our fear with faith and in turn act out of love, we stop fighting the trials that make us stronger. Instead, we tap into a power that is much greater than our own, which allows us to face our fears head on. When we live and love as the Savior did, the parables of our lives begin to make more sense. The meaning behind difficult experiences is unveiled and our hearts are made whole again.

So what makes a good story? Perhaps it is fear and treasure in the beginning, but it is love that makes a perfect ending.


http://saltypockets.blogspot.com/

The Cost of Admission

Dad tells me stories of a time when he could see a movie for the sum of ten cents. As a kid I found that hard to believe, especially when I was the one asking for a few dollars to see a show with my friends. Plus there was the cost of concessions which I usually couldn’t afford. Mom and Dad were good to help me once in a while, though I didn’t appreciate what the cost meant to them.

Recently, my wife Liz and I considered seeing a movie in 3D at a nicer theater. The cost was close to $10 a ticket. Funny thing is, I still can’t afford concessions. Sigh. Some things never change. The price was more than we would usually pay for a movie, but the previews we had seen looked captivating and our curiosity was piqued. We went back and forth, debating whether or not to spend the money and go see it. In actuality, there was another cost we were considering.

If you have ever asked a friend for an opinion about something and found that sometimes it matches yours and sometimes it doesn’t, then you know a lot about uncertainty. Friends don’t always agree or see things the same way. In those times where your friend’s opinion does match yours, it feels good to have that in common. When it doesn’t, you feel alone. In this case I was glad that I had talked to a close friend, and that we saw eye to eye.

Prior to viewing the movie, Liz and I acknowledged the possibility that we might not stay for the whole show. There were a few things we had read in the movie reviews that we were unsure about. In doing our homework, we looked at online reviews in the local periodical movie section as well as sites such as www.rottentomatoes.com and www.kids-in-mind.com. We decided a long time ago that it just isn’t worth sitting through a movie that makes you uneasy.

After arriving at the theater, the film started, and we ended up sitting through the whole thing. It was a very enjoyable film. There were a few things that we didn’t like, but it didn’t make us uncomfortable enough that we felt like we had to leave. Instead we were both glad we went. I suspect that the threshold of discomfort may be different for each of us. But that is not my focus here. Instead I think it more important to consider what you do when you are uncomfortable.

Things could have been different for us watching the film that night. While discussing movies with a friend of mine this week, he told me about a recent date with his wife where they had also decided to go see a show. Unfortunately, they did not have the same good fortune that we did. They were so embarrassed after the first few minutes that they got up and walked out. Having done the same thing before, I knew what they were feeling. I understood how much they wanted to see the film. I could also relate with their disappointment that something they wanted so much ultimately made them feel awkward.

Another type of show comes to mind that makes me feel awkward. I suspect that most have had a dream at one time or another that is very disconcerting. Often the person having the dream has a varying amount of clothing on, which is enough to catch them off guard and make them feel out of place or embarrassed. Tension in the dream may increase if the person dreaming has to perform some task in front of other people. To make matters worse, there may be a lack of preparation, knowledge, or skill that intensifies the moment of embarrassment. Suddenly there is a spotlight and all attention is on you. Then… well, you can insert your own ending. You have probably had this dream before and know it well.

It is hard to make a good decision when you are under pressure and the focus is on you. You may not find success in real life when you are not having a nightmare, but wish you were so you could get out of the situation by merely waking up. In this instance, the cost of admission makes all the difference.

I was surprised a few years ago, after boarding a small plane, to discover that a flight attendant who was not part of the crew came on board and asked for a certain individual to identify themselves. I’m not sure how the passenger got there, and I don’t know how the attendant made the discovery, but the individual had gotten on the wrong plane. The likely conclusion to that trip may seem a little funny to the outsider, but I doubt it would have seemed very humorous to the individual had they realized their mistake after the plane had taken off the ground. The ramifications of being in the wrong place could have had some very expensive consequences. In this case, the cost of admission was salvaged with enough time to make a change.

Whether you are watching a movie in a theater, or you happen to be the star of the show in your own life, we may have times of discovery or awakening where we find ourselves in the wrong place. Failure to make appropriate changes may result in a very disappointing destination, especially if loved ones are waiting for you on the other side of the flight.

Another type of admission that comes with a cost is simply being willing to admit that I am in the wrong place and then fix it. Whether it is a movie or an airplane flight, our choices will take us to another destination. We are often less concerned with a destination that does not involve any travel, thinking that if I finish where I started I’ll be fine. Not necessarily so. Who can see the distance the mind travels while the traveler is stationary? Who can see how far the mind will take the heart when there are no travel restrictions? Why is it that we won’t permit someone to take us to a physical place against our will but we will allow others to direct our minds and hearts when both will tell us it is a bad idea? Hmmm. It is worth considering.

So why do we choose not to listen to our hearts and our minds when we receive warnings? Perhaps we are too afraid of the embarrassment we feel in our dreams to take a stand in a crowd that is sitting. Maybe it is because we are afraid of admitting our weaknesses, knowing that once we do we will have to fix them. We may also be afraid of hurting a friend’s feelings because we know they share a different opinion. Weaknesses, mistakes, and sins are not fun confrontations with yourself. It may be weakness that admits you to the wrong movie, the wrong plane, or the wrong decision. It may be a mistake to decide that your choice won’t be that bad after all. At some point, when you realize that you have made a mistake and you choose not to fix it, but just ride it out instead, you are in the realm of sin. A conscientious decision not to do anything about a problem is still a decision to do wrong.

In addition to considering what you should do when you are uncomfortable, I think it is also worth considering what you should do if something should make you uncomfortable and doesn’t. Is it because I am confident and unafraid? Or is it because I am unable to recognize that I have made a mistake? It may be difficult to tell. Since we don’t often choose to be wrong, it stands to reason that we would assume the default position of being right most of the time. This is a dangerous place to be. Someone who is casual in their faith in God may not have a reason to question their choices. I believe a deliberate disciple of the Savior will always recognize that they are imperfect, and will measure their actions against the only perfect example who has ever lived.

Jesus, in speaking to the people of ancient America after His resurrection, said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always, lest ye be tempted by the devil, and ye be led away captive by him. … Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation; for Satan desireth to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.” (3 Nephi 18:15, 18) We have a need to be watchful and prayerful, even when we are not on our knees.

There is another cost of admission that is very important. Our purpose for coming to this earth is to be tested so that when we are proven faithful, we may be admitted into the presence of the Lord. For the deliberate disciple of the Savior who wishes to do so, there is a cost. Jesus also said, “ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit.” (3 Nephi 9:20) It is not a coincidence that the cost for us to admit our sins is the same cost to be admitted into heaven. Both require complete integrity of the heart and a willingness to do the right thing, just because it is right.

When we have to take a stand for what is right, in spite of the crowd who remains sitting around us, we may have a need to call upon the Lord for more courage than we possess. It is a great comfort to know that he is willing to grant according to our desires. Jesus taught His disciples, “Therefore ye must always pray unto the Father in my name; And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you. Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed.” (3 Nephi 18:19-21) It takes faith to have courage in the face of fear. Faith alone is not sufficient, but faith in Jesus Christ is “the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth….” (Romans 1:16)

I am happy when I see someone that has faith in Jesus Christ because I know that path will lead them to greater happiness. I am delighted when I see that same person take a courageous stand to do what is right, for no other reason than they know it is right, because they are paying the cost for admission. They are learning a simple truth; you never stand alone when you stand with God. He can give courage, comfort, and strength to the faithful disciple who seeks His help.

Moses encouraged Joshua in his task to lead the people of Israel. It would be difficult. He was one among many, and the Israelites were among many, many more. Moses said, “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Sometimes, after having paid the cost of admission to the wrong movie, we may be tempted to make our own concessions, which we probably cannot afford. If we concede our will, our choices, and our agency because we are afraid, we may find it harder and harder to choose the right. If we justify our actions and we become too comfortable with incorrect choices, we may be choosing to leave the gift of the Holy Ghost behind. Ironically, a choice to sit in the crowd and not stand leaves us feeling far more alone than if we were the only one standing for the right. To see this truth for what it is requires great faith.

Integrity is an attribute of power. It does not come easy, but it can be bought for a price. The cost is the cost of admission, one ticket at a time. We purchase integrity when we choose to do the right thing instead of worrying about getting our money’s worth out of a movie ticket. That same ticket can be used to admit that you were wrong, and nothing is worth being wrong. When we recognize we have made a bad decision, and we call upon God for strength, He can grant us the faith necessary to fix it. This is the cost of admission into the kingdom of heaven.

Is the cost a heavy price? Yes and no. If you had to come up with the full measure of discipleship in one deathbed repentance payment, you would likely find yourself short of the cost. On the other hand, if you make a conscious choice to follow God, one decision at a time, you will still come up short. The difference in the latter case is that He will make up the difference. He has promised that He will save us after all we can do. God also has integrity, and he keeps His promises. This knowledge is worth the cost of admission to any movie.


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