Let your light shine!

I had the honor of serving as the assistant to President Bunker for 9 months.  Part of this assignment was the duty and privilege of picking up the new incoming missionary, straight out of the Missionary Training Center in Provo Utah, at the Oakland International airport.  To the left is a picture of one of these occasions.

At this moment, there are a mixture of emotions going through these young missionaries.  But the one I would like to touch on at this time is "RELUCTANCE."

I, like these new missionaries, am naturally a reluctant person.  As I have studied and prayed for this tendency of mine to be removed. The words from a beloved prophet, Spencer W. Kimball, has brought this characteristic of mine into perspective.  He teaches us that there are two major causes for us holding back.  I will share with you one.  (You will have to read his talk to get the other)

"the reluctance... to stretch just a little bit more in the service, instead of being too slow to see the power of their example or too shy about letting their light shine." -Let Us Move Forward and Upward

Why are we reluctant?  Why are we shy?  Why are we slow to see the power of our examples?
We can do more.

Let us heed the words of the Lord given to an ancient prophet; 14) Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

 15) Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

 16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."  Matthew 5:14-16

I know that we are indeed the "light of the world".  Let us not hide.  The Lord will work through us as we work for Him.  I know this.  I have seen this come true in my own very life.  So, my advise for you and I is the same I give to the new and incoming missionaries, let your light shine!

Patience

I have found in my short life that good things come to those that wait.

"The children of Israel waited 40 years in the wilderness before they could enter the promised land. Jacob waited 7 long years for Rachel. The Jews waited 70 years in Babylon before they could return to rebuild the temple. The Nephites waited for a sign of Christ’s birth, even knowing that if the sign did not come, they would perish." - Pres. Uchtdorf

Life is good :)

"Its free, just like Salvation!"...

Just the other day, the Salvation Army was having their annual red kettle kickoff for this coming Christmas season.  There was great music sung by local members of the Salvation Army.  The spirit of Christmas was indeed in the air.  To top of the warm and friendly welcome of the volunteers, they served some good ole hot chocolate!

So one of the lady's at the hot chocolate both yells out to me, "Would you like to have some hot chocolate?"

I reply, "How much is it?"

She answers, "It's free!"

I quickly walk up to her with no hesitation.

After she pours me a cup, she hands it to me and says "It's free, just like salvation."

Now that got me thinking.

Is salvation free?

How does it work?

Put on the whole armor of God

Everyday is a battle.  We are constantly bombarded with the forces of the evil one; perverse entertainment, pornography, drugs, alcohol, anger, depression, fear, doubt, I can go on...

The Scriptures call this "the fiery darts of the wicked."

How can we protect ourselves

 and our families from these fiery darts?

  

Ephesians 6:11-18

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

  12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritu al wickedness in high places.

  13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

  14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;  

  15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

  16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

  17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

  18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication fo r all saints;  

Lets never forget to put on the whole armor of God.

There is a battle that is raging on this earth

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.".

Don't be a casualty.

Put on the whole armor of God.