Latter Day Saints Devotional

As I was reading this morning before church I ran across one of my favorite talks from General Conference this Spring. The talk is by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, and it is titled “Concern for the One” Which its full text can be found here.

http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-851-6,00.html

In this talk Elder Wirthlin brings out a set of important principles.

#1.) True Disciples of Jesus Christ are always concerned for the one.

This is such a true principle that even Christ taught when he uses the analogy of sheep and states, who would not leave the ninety and nine to find the one that has strayed? I believe that this is true because Christ has deep concern for each of us individually which is what makes our relationship with him so personal and so amazing. He is not some untouchable blob that cannot be reached but by those with the biggest callings, he is our friend and our keeper who always watches over us and helps lead us back to the fold when we go astray.  Since we are striving to be more like him we can see how important this truly is for us to have concern for all who have gone astray and lend ourselves as a vessel and a friend to that person to help them return to the church.

#2.) Some are lost because they are different.

Many people may feel that they do not fit into their ward because of their thoughts or maybe even unsightly things from their past. However, the truth is that all people sin and no matter how different you may feel from the rest of your ward family, we all are different yet we all are the same. We all have struggles, we all have trials, we all have different talents and lifestyles. The one thing that unites us is our love for our Heavenly Father, and that drive within us to be more like him.

#3.) Some are lost because they are weary.  

We all get discouraged at points in our lives. We have so many pressures in our lives that constantly demand our attention. Sometimes we fail at those pressures and other times we succeed. Regardless of this know that you just because you feel like you are tired or unable or unworthy even, that does not necessarily mean it’s time for you to give up. As Elder Wirthlin states in his talk,

“The prophet Isaiah proclaimed that the Lord “giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.”⁴ When I feel tired, I remember the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith:

“Shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad.”

#4.) Some are lost because they have strayed.  

All of us make mistakes in our lives. It’s part of having agency. If any single one of us were perfect, then how would we ever be able to experience that free agency? Even more, what reason would there have been for Christ to atone for our sins? He had to because NONE of us are perfect. It is true that some sin more than others, and some sins may seem greater than others. However, regardless of the size or frequency of our sins, there is this great gift called forgiveness. It is not only available to active members of the church, it’s available to all. It just takes those first few steps. You have never strayed too far from the love of your Heavenly Father, and anyone or any feeling that tells you different is acting under the influence of Satan who wishes to destroy you. If you have strayed I want you to know you are always welcome back. It’s a hard road, but it’s the only way to relieve the suffering and guilt that have been feeling for your actions.

Elder Wirthlin goes into much greater detail in the talk, but hopefully this has helped to expound on what he has already said. I know from personal experience that it is hard to come back to the church once you have left it. It takes a lot of humility and strength. But it’s worth it. I know more than anything else that it is so worth it.

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