Preach My Gospel

By Brother Keith L. Brown

The following Sacrament talk was delivered to the congregation of the Annapolis Maryland Ward, Annapolis Maryland Stake of Zion, on Sabbath Day morning, 19 March 2006.

In keeping with the theme that has been chosen for this month’s Sacrament meetings, “Preach My Gospel”, I should like to take just a few minutes this morning to address the subject of why each of us as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has the responsibility of sharing the Gospel with everyone we meet. All of us, not just those who have been called to serve full time missions, but each and every one of us, are called to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Savior emphasized the vital importance of sharing the gospel when He said to His disciples: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:15, 16). I submit that this charge was not given merely to the disciples that were present at that time, but that this charge was given to everyone who is a believer in and a follower of Jesus Christ. Therefore, as Disciples of Christ, that charge is given to you and to me. We are all called to go forth into the entire world and preach His Gospel.

President Spencer W. Kimball reminded us that, “We are the messengers, and we have the acceptable message.” And, President John Taylor reminded us that, “When men go forth in the name of Israel’s God, there is no power on earth that can overturn the truths they advocate” (JD, 12:396). President Taylor taught us further that, “When men go forth possessing the truths of the everlasting gospel which God has revealed, they have a treasure within them that the world knows nothing about. They have the light of the revelation, the fire of the Holy Ghost, and the power of the priesthood within them – a power that they know very little about even themselves, which, like a wellspring of life, is rising, bursting, bubbling, and spreading its exhilarating streams around.”

Why do we do missionary work? We do missionary work because the very purpose of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to invite, encourage, and assist all of God’s children to come to Christ, and “lay hold upon every good gift” (Moroni 10:30) and “receive a remission of [their] sins, and be filled with the Holy Ghost, that [they] may be numbered with [His] people who are of the house of Israel” (3 Nephi 30:2).

In 2 Nephi 2: 6-8, Lehi taught his son Jacob: “Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth. Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered. Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise.”

The Prophet Joseph Smith also understood the charge of God to share truth with the world. During the most difficult times of his life, he sent forth his loyal supporters to proclaim the gospel when they were urgently needed to support him. In the midst of the trial and deprivation of Liberty Jail he said: “For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it— Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed” (Doctrine and Covenants 123:12. 17).

So, what exactly is this Gospel that we are to proclaim to the world? Allow me to briefly share with you an easy way to explain the G-O-S-P-E-L.

1. Good News. The word Gospel literally means good news. The good news of the Gospel is that Christ came to be the Savior of the world.
2. Opportunity. The Gospel means opportunities for all. Christ is not a respector of persons. All souls are precious in His sight.
3. Salvation. The Gospel means salvation from sin. Christ came to destroy Satan’s works and set all men free from the bondage of sin.
4. Peace. The Gospel of Jesus Christ brings lasting peace.
5. Everlasting. Houses, land, silver, gold, beauty, and youth will all fade away. However, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is everlasting.
6. Love. In John 3:16-17 we read these words: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but t the world through him might be saved.” Love is the basis for the good news of the Gospel. Our Heavenly Father loved us so much that He gave His son. Christ loved so much that He gave Himself. We, as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ must also love one another as we are taught in 1 John 4:11, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.”

Elder M. Russell Ballard warns us that, “As disciples of Christ, we need to feel genuine charity for one another. As we do, new light will come into our own lives. This charity is essential in missionary work, but we must never allow ourselves to treat our neighbors only as potential converts. We must not be so anxious to share the gospel that we become insensitive to the feelings of others. If [nonmember friends] are not interested in the gospel, we should show unconditional love through acts of service and kindness, and never imply that we see an acquaintance only as a potential convert.” (Ensign, November 1988, p.30.) 

May I share with you five things to consider and to remember when sharing the gospel with others?

1. Be Friendly. We must be friendly, cordial, hospitable, and warm hearted if we are to bring others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
2. Be Forgiving. We must forgive others, holding no grudges or resentments. If we do not forgive others, God will not forgive us as we are taught in Matthew 6:14-15.
3. Be Fearless. In Isaiah 44:8 we are taught, “Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it?  ye are even my witnesses.  Is there a God beside me?  yea, there is no God; I know not any.” As we go forth to proclaim the “good news” we must be willing to take a bold stand against the adversary who will try to defeat our efforts by placing obstacles in our path in an effort to persuade us not to share the gospel. We must learn to ignore the voice of the adversary and heed the promptings of the Holy Spirit and then act in faith in sharing the gospel. When the Spirit is present, we will find that people are more open and responsive to our sharing the gospel.
4. Be Fervent. Christ was not discouraged, despondent, or depressed. He taught the great truths of His salvation with enthusiasm and zeal. We should also be fervent in spirit as we share the message of the gospel with others.
5. Be Faithful. In Revelation 2:10 we read these words, “. . .be thou faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Christ was faithful unto death, thus making salvation possible for all mankind. We should be faithful to the tasks that have been set before us. For if we are faithful to the end, a crown of life awaits us.

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught us, “After all that has been said, the greatest and most important duty is to preach the gospel” (TPJS, p. 113), however; brothers and sisters, none of us can effectively teach the gospel if we do not live it. The first act to qualify ourselves to be missionaries is to live the principles that we teach. Christ said, “Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world.  Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do.  Behold ye see that I have prayed unto the Father, and ye all have witnessed” (3 Nephi 18:24). Our task is to “hold up” to the world that which Christ has done for man: the atonement, the example that He set, and the teachings that He has given us personally and through His Prophets, both ancient and modern. The Savior also taught us: “Ye are the light of the world.  A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 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. 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).

As we preach His gospel, the message that we bring to the world is one that testifies of the fact that God still loves the world and that He has spoken again as an indication of that divine love. He has restored precious truths lost over the centuries of Christian persecution, dark ages, and years of confusion – truths that are essential to our peace and happiness – truths so essential to our eternal salvation that our loving Heavenly Father has restored them in their fullness.

President Gordon B. Hinckley further clarified the purpose of missionary work when he said, “The work of the missionary is everlasting in its consequences. Acceptance of the gospel at the hands of a true and dedicated teacher affects not only the recipient, but also generations who are to come after the recipient” (Ensign, May 1983, p. 85). Missionary work affords us the opportunity to manifest our love of the Savior. It also affords us the opportunity to express our love to all mankind. It further affords us the opportunity to testify of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, the Redeemer of the world as well as an opportunity to build our own faith in Christ and to teach His saving and comforting doctrine.

I close with the words found in Doctrine and Covenants 38:40-41: “And again, I say unto you, I give unto you a commandment, that every man, both elder, priest, teacher, and also member, go to with his might, with the labor of his hands, to prepare and accomplish the things which I have commanded. And let your preaching be the warning voice, every man to his neighbor, in mildness and in meekness.” That we all may be found faithful servants laboring in our Heavenly Father’s vineyard, bringing the world His truth is my humble prayer this day. In the sacred name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen.

Tags: Gospel Truth Restoration Jesus Christ

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Encouragement
by Brother Keith L. Brown

Introduction

In early January 1998 I was asked to write a letter of encouragement to the young people of the church where my cousin is the pastor. I decided to take the challenge one step further and write a letter/talk addressed to all the members of the church young and old, single and married. What follows are the notes from the talk that I submitted.

The Lord has really blessed my humble efforts in putting together this little talk as it has now gone to Maryland, Georgia, Nebraska, Minnesota, Utah, and even Holland (the Netherlands). I have also shared this talk with several of my missionary friends. I now pass this talk on to all of you wherever you may be.

Opening Remarks

First of all let me say that I am honored that you would ask me to share a few thoughts with the young people of the church (especially the young men). The following remarks are just a few of my personal thoughts on keys to a successful life. I feel that herein are principles that everyone, young and old, single and married can apply to their lives.

How to be a Success in Life

1. Set goals and aim high.

I meet a lot of people every day that have no real goals for their life. They have no ambition or desire to make anything out of their lives. They just sort of float along and whatever happens just happens.

Now personally, I never make New Year's resolutions but I do set goals for things that I would like to accomplish throughout the year and I believe that this is something that all of us should and must do. When I set goals I like to aim high. By that, I mean I set goals for myself that are challenging and require some effort on my part to achieve. For example, this year I have set a goal to: (1) read the Bible through, (2) learn a new foreign language (including brushing up on my "small" knowledge of Biblical Hebrew and Greek), (3) take more college courses in computers and business management, and (4) keep a journal of my thoughts and things that I learn throughout the year. Now your goals may not be along the same lines as mine, but I think that you get the general idea.

Maybe you could set a goal to get better grades in school. Why not strive to get as many A's and/or B's as you can? Why not strive to make the honor roll? You can start by being a better student. Become determined this year to pay more attention to what the teacher is trying to teach you and pay less attention to what your peers are doing around you. Do all assignments completely and on time. Even if you don't fully understand the assignment, seek help, and give it your best effort. Remember, you can do it if you believe you can. I have found that a lot of students get discouraged because they convince themselves that they can't do something so they don't even try. The Apostle Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13).

For those of you who have already graduated from High School, why not start taking some college courses this year? You are never to old to learn something new. None of us know everything so we can all learn something new.

Another goal that you might set is to read more books and watch less television. Let's face it, there isn't that much on television worth watching anyway, but there is a wealth of knowledge to be read from reading great books (and no I am not talking about reading comic books or romantic novels, etc.) Why not set aside some time each night before you go to bed to just sit quietly in your room and read? Along these same lines, why not set a goal to read a certain amount of the Scriptures each day and even memorize some of your favorite verses? In Joshua 1:8 we read these words: "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." And in Psalm 119:11 we read these words: "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
 

2. Be a wise steward of time.

The Biblical concept of stewardship (the act of managing that which has been entrusted to us) involves more than just being good stewards of money, but it also involves being good stewards of the talents that we have been given and also good stewards of time.

Each of us are given 24 hours each day to accomplish the task before us. We must learn to use that time wisely. Here are a few helpful tips:

a.       Don't try to sleep the day away! Be an early riser. Get up and get going! Note that this is easily done if you go to bed at night at a decent hour.

b.      Start the day with prayer and Scripture reading. Seek guidance and wisdom to get through the day.

c.       Have a plan of attack. Make a list of the things that you need/want to accomplish by the end of the day and check the items on your list off as you complete them. Be realistic! You cannot accomplish everything in a single day no matter how hard you try. On a larger scale, why not get yourself a weekly planner and plan a few things to accomplish each day.

d.      Be productive! Spend less time being idle and more time getting things done. Help out around the house. Take care of those little projects that you have always been meaning to get to, or those things that your parents (or spouses) have been after you to do for some time.

e.       If you find that you have a lot of free time on your hands, why not volunteer to help others get things done.

The point is, be able to lay your head on your pillow at night knowing that you have used the time that God has given you wisely. Go to sleep at night with a sense of accomplishment.
 

3. Family first, friends second.

Always remember to look out for your family first of all. Have friends, yes, but don't allow your friends to take up all of your time.

Spend some quality time with your family. Get to know them and let them get to know you better.

Respect your parents. In Exodus 20:12 we read these words: "Honour thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee." In Matthew 15:4 we read these words: "Honour thy father and mother and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death."

Your parents may not always be right, but they still deserve the love and respect that is due them. A rule to remember about respect: If you expect others to respect you, you must first learn to respect others. Respect is always earned! Along with respecting your parents, remember that no matter how old you are their names are still "Mom" and "Dad". Don't disrespect them by calling them by their first names or by using such degrading terms as "my old man" or "my old lady" when referring to them.

Young men, always love your mothers and be willing to help them whenever you can. Be a gentlemen. Hold doors open for her. Don't let her carry heavy objects by herself. Do your part to keep the house clean so that she doesn't have to spend so much time cleaning up after you. As a general rule I have found that the way a young man treats his mother is a direct reflection of how he will treat his wife some day. Also, get along with your dad. Take an interest in some of the things that he does and get him interested in some of the things that you enjoy doing. Respect his authority as head of the home. Don't always be quick to rebel against the rules that he may set. Here again, as a general rule, our relationship with our earthly father is a direct reflection of our relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Finally, get along with your brothers and sisters. Don't waste precious time always fussing and fighting with each other. Try to solve any disagreements among yourselves as quickly as possible. If you are at fault, admit that you are wrong and ask for forgiveness. Don't hold grudges. If your brother or sister is the one at fault and they ask you to forgive them, do so humbly and move on. Don't continue to bring the matter up. Always settle any disputes, arguments or disagreements with any family member before going to sleep at night. Never go to bed angry! In Ephesians 4:26-27 we read: "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil."

The strength of the family unit is a very vital part of the survival of our society and our nation as a whole. The way that you get along with your family is a direct reflection of how you will get along with others in society.
 

4. Be a good listener.

Don't always try to be right or have the last word in every conversation. Successful communication requires both a speaker and a listener. None of us have all the answers to everything, and therefore, none of us can be right 100% of the time. Take time to listen. You will be amazed how much you can learn just by being silent and listening to what others have to say. There is a "time to keep silence, and a time to speak" (see Ecclesiastes 3:7).
 

5. Choose your friends wisely.

Not everyone that claims to be your friend is your friend. Remember, there is no law that says that you must have a lot of friends. I have found that most of the time, one truly good friend is worth more than ten so called friends.

Never compromise your standards, morals or beliefs just to be friends with someone. If a person isn't willing to accept you for who you are then they are not truly your friend anyway. Also, remember that in order to have friends, you must first prove yourself friendly.
 

6. Be yourself.

Don't try to impress people by being something that you are not. People will respect you a lot more if you are genuine then they will if you are fake. God made each of us unique and He is no respecter of persons. We are all special as far as He is concerned. The only person that He requires you to be is you. The only person that He requires me to be is me.
 

7. Be a person of your word.

Let your word be your bond. If you promise someone that you are going to do something follow through with it. Don't make idle promises (meaning, don't make promises that you know you can't possibly keep). If you make a promise and because of unforeseen circumstances you are unable to keep that promise, let the person(s) know why you had to break the promise and try to make arrangements to fulfill the promise at a later date.

Thanks again for the opportunity to share a few of my thoughts with you. I am sure that there is more that I could say but these thoughts will have to suffice for now. I submit these humble thoughts to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Keith Lionel Brown
USN
Keflavik, Iceland
07 January 1998

** Note: Two months later, on 10 March 1998. I was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

 This article is dedicated to the loving memory of a very dear and special friend, Mrs. Olive Davis Osmond who passed away on Mother's Day 2004 at her home in Provo Utah. She published this article in her ever famous M.O.M. newsletter. She was truly a very special lady.

Tags: Life Hope Peace Happiness Contentment Goals

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Charity: The Pure Love of Christ

By Brother Keith L. Brown

The following Sacrament talk was delivered to the congregation of the Annapolis Maryland Ward of the Annapolis Maryland Stake of Zion on Sabbath day morning, 27 February 2005.

Good morning Brothers and Sisters. The theme for our Sacrament meetings this month is Charity: the Pure Love of Christ. It is a theme that runs throughout the entirety of Scriptures and it now becomes my privilege to share a few remarks regarding this theme. I pray that some of what I have to say this morning will be a blessing to you

I should like to begin by turning in the scriptures to 1 Corinthians 13 which is known as the great love chapter of the Bible and reading the words which we find there.

1 THOUGH I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

7  Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

11 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.

12 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.

13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Now turn with me in the Book of Mormon to Moroni 7: 42-48 and let us read the words that are found there.

42 Wherefore, if a man have faith he must needs have hope; for without faith there cannot be any hope.

43 And again, behold I say unto you that he cannot have faith and hope, save he shall be meek, and lowly of heart.

44 If so, his faith and hope is vain, for none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart; and if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must needs have charity; for if he have not charity he is nothing; wherefore he must needs have charity.

45 And charity 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.

46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth.  Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—

47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

48 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; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure.  Amen.

So then, what is charity? Mark E. Petersen once said that charity in its true sense “is the pure love of Christ which helps us to love both God and our fellowmen.” (Ensign, May 1977, p.75.) Hugh Nibley stated, “For charity there is no bookkeeping, no deals, interests, bargaining or ulterior motives; charity gives to those who do not deserve, and expects nothing in return; it is the love God has for us, and the love that we have for little children, of whom we expect nothing, but for whom we would give everything.” And N. Eldon Tanner reminded us that “it is easy to do things for our own families and loved ones, but to give of our substance for the stranger who is in need is the real test of our charity and love for our fellowmen.”

Of all the attributes of godliness and perfection, charity is the one to be most desired. Charity is more than ordinary love; it is everlasting love, perfect love, the pure love of Christ which endures for all eternity. It is a love that is centered in righteousness. So much so that the person who possesses it has no aim or desire except for the eternal welfare of his own soul and for the souls of those around him. We are taught this in 2 Nephi 26:30:

30 Behold, the Lord hath forbidden this thing; wherefore, the Lord God hath given a commandment that all men should have charity, which charity is love.  And except they should have charity they were nothing.  Wherefore, if they should have charity they would not suffer the laborer in Zion to perish.

“Above all things,” the Lord says, “clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace.” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:125). The Apostle Peter instructed the saints that “above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8).  And in 1 Timothy 1:5 we are taught that “the end of the commandment is charity.” “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity” (1 Corinthians 13:13).

Charity is an essential qualification for the ministers of Christ (D & C 4:5) – no one can assist in the Lord’s work without it (D & C 12:8; 18:19) and the saints of God are commanded to seek and attain it (D & C 121:45; D & C 124:116; 2 Nephi 33:7-9; Alma 7:24). We are taught in 1 Corinthians 16:14, “Let all your things be done with charity.” And we are reminded in Doctrine and Covenants 18:19 that “if you have not faith, hope, and charity, you can do nothing.”

Charity is a gift of the Spirit which must be gained if one is to have salvation. Moroni writes in Moroni 10:20-21 these words:

20 Wherefore, there must be faith; and if there must be faith there must also be hope; and if there must be hope there must also be charity.

21 And except ye have charity ye can in nowise be saved in the kingdom of God; neither can ye be saved in the kingdom of God if ye have not faith; neither can ye if ye have no hope.

To Moroni the Lord said: “faith, hope and charity bringeth unto me—the fountain of all righteousness,” and Moroni replied to the Lord: “I remember that thou hast said that thou hast loved the world, even unto the laying down of thy life for the world, that thou mightest take it again to prepare a place for the children of men. And now I know that this love which thou hast had for the children of men is charity; wherefore, except men shall have charity they cannot inherit that place which thou hast prepared in the mansions of thy Father.” (Ether 12:28, 33-34)

Elder John H. Groberg in a talk which he gave entitled “The Power of God’s Love” made these remarks:

What is it about true love that touches every heart? Why does the simple phrase “I love you” evoke such universal joy?

Men give various reasons, but the real reason is that every person who comes to earth is a spirit son or daughter of God. Since all love emanates from God, we are born with the capacity and the desire to love and to be loved. One of the strongest connections we have with our premortal life is how much our Father and Jesus loved us and how much we loved them. Even though a veil was drawn over our memory, whenever we sense true love, it awakens a longing that cannot be denied.

Responding to true love is part of our very being. We innately desire to reconnect here with the love we felt there. Only as we feel God’s love and fill our hearts with His love can we be truly happy.

God’s love fills the immensity of space; therefore, there is no shortage of love in the universe, only in our willingness to do what is needed to feel it. To do this, Jesus explained we must “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, strength, and … mind; and thy neighbour as thyself” (Luke 10:27).

The more we obey God, the more we desire to help others. The more we help others, the more we love God and on and on. Conversely, the more we disobey God and the more selfish we are, the less love we feel.

Trying to find lasting love without obeying God is like trying to quench thirst by drinking from an empty cup—you can go through the motions, but the thirst remains. Similarly, trying to find love without helping and sacrificing for others is like trying to live without eating—it is against the laws of nature and cannot succeed. We cannot fake love. It must become part of us. The prophet Mormon explained:

“Charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love” (Moro. 7:47–48).

God is anxious to help us feel His love wherever we are.

(John H. Groberg, “The Power of God’s Love,” Ensign, Nov. 2004, 9) 

I will close my remarks this day by leaving you with the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith which I believe puts the final period in place on this discussion about charity and describes to us fully what charity truly is. He said, “Let everyone labor to prepare himself for the vineyard, sparing a little time to comfort the mourners; to bind up the broken-hearted; to reclaim the backslider; to bring back the wanderer; to re-invite into the kingdom such as have been cut off, by encouraging them to lay to while the day lasts, and work righteousness, and, with one heart and one mind, prepare to help redeem Zion, that goodly land of promise, where the willing and obedient shall be blessed. Souls are as precious in the sight of God as they ever were; and the Elders were never called to drive any down to hell, but to persuade and insight all men, everywhere to repent, that they may become heirs of salvation.” (HC, 2:229.) Brothers and Sisters it is my sincere heartfelt prayer that I may exercise more charity in my own live, that each and every one of us may exercise more charity in our own lives in that those around us may come to know of the blessed faith and hope that abides within each and everyone of us and will want to gain more knowledge and understanding of that faith and hope that they too will want to become members of Zion, that goodly land of promise, where the willing and obedient shall be blessed. This is my humble prayer this day, in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen.

Tags: Charity Love Christ Gospel

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Blessed Is the Man Who Is Called Father

By Brother Keith L. Brown

First Counselor, Annapolis Ward Bishopric

The following Sacrament talk was delivered to the congregation of the Annapolis Maryland Ward of the Annapolis Maryland Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on Sabbath Day morning, 17 June 2007, Father’s Day.

There are a lot of things written and said about mothers and rightfully so for mothers are very unique and special people and if it were not for a dear mother none of us would be here. Mothers are choice daughters of our Heavenly Father and are deserving of all of the love, honor, and respect that is due unto them. With that being said, let us not forget that fathers are also very special people.

A son whose father had passed away recently decided that he would honor his father on Father’s Day by writing a simple thank you note. These are the words that he wrote:

Dear Dad,

You may never know just how big an influence you had on my life. So, I pause for just a moment on this special Father’s Day to say “Thank You.”

Thank you for the love that you showed me in your own special way. Thank you for taking the time to pray for me each day. Thank you for all of your hard labors to provide for our family throughout the years and for teaching me the value of hard work and how to make an honest living. Thank you for being there through the good times, the bad times, the smiles and the tears. Thank you for molding me and shaping me into the man that I am today. Thank you for teaching me and showing me the way.  

I love you Dad, more than words can say. I miss you very much.

With love,

Your son,

Whereas mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families.

While preparing this talk I came across an interesting acronym for the word FATHERS. “F” is for faithful. “A” is for always there. “T” is for trustworthy. “H” is for honoring. “E” is for ever-loving. “R” is for righteous. And “S” is for supportive.

By virtue of the Priesthood of God and by the power of the Holy Ghost, fathers can and should be the greatest influence for good in the lives of their wives and children. Every father should rise to new levels of leadership and service in his home. Every young man that is not yet a father should prepare himself for this calling in this life and in the eternities.

President Ezra Taft Benson once gave this important counsel: “A father’s duty is to make his home a place of happiness and joy. He cannot do this when there is bickering, quarrelling, contention, or unrighteous behavior. The powerful effect of righteous fathers in setting an example, disciplining and training, nurturing and loving is vital to the spiritual welfare of his children. . .Remember your sacred calling as a father in Israel—your most important calling in time and eternity—a calling from which you will never be released. (Ensign, November 1987, pp. 50-51.)

And President Howard W. Hunter gave this important counsel: “We encourage you brethren, to remember that priesthood is a righteous authority only. Earn the respect and confidence of your children through your loving relationship with them. A righteous father protects his children with his time and presence in their social, educational, and spiritual activities and responsibilities. Tender expressions of love and affection toward children are as much the responsibility of the father as the mother. Tell your children that you love them.”  (Howard W. Hunter, “Being a Righteous Husband and Father,” General Conference, October 1994; see Ensign, November 1994, p.51.)

One of the most important responsibilities of a father is to bring his children “up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (See Ephesians 6:4). Fathers, working together with their wives as equal partners, are to train up their children in the way that they should go so that when they are old they will not depart from those things that they have been taught. (See Proverbs 22:6). I stand as a living witness that these things are true and I am eternally grateful to have been raised in a home with both a father and a mother who adhered to these very principles. I am thankful for a father and a mother who did their best to establish a family that was maintained on the principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, and compassion for one another.  

Similar principles were taught to the children of Israel as found in the sixth chapter of the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy, verses 4 through 9 and 20 through 23:

4  Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

5  And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

6  And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

7  And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

8  And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.

9  And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

20  And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD our God hath commanded you?

21  Then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh's bondmen in Egypt; and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand:

22  And the LORD shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household, before our eyes:

23  And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers.

Here in these verses the Lord tells the parents that they could not safely assume that the instructions that He had given them as well as all of the miracles that He did for them were going to make it from one generation to another. He instructs them to tell their children how He moved among them. They were to talk with their children about the instructions and commands that the Lord had given them and why He gave them. This was not to be a one-time event but was to be a daily part of their responsibilities as parents.

In the same manner, fathers have the responsibility to daily shepherd their families through means of the principles and ordinances of the gospel. Salvation is a family affair and fathers are called to lead the way by: (1) teaching the doctrines of salvation in their homes (D&C 68:25-28), (2) providing for the temporal and spiritual needs of their families (Mosiah 4:14-15) and (3) lovingly presiding in righteousness in their homes consistent with the principles of righteous priesthood service.

 President Ezra Taft Benson once said, “God established that fathers are to preside in the home. Fathers are to provide, love, teach, and direct.” (Ensign, May 1984, p.6.) President Benson also stated, “Fatherhood is not a matter of station or wealth; it is a matter of desire, diligence, and determination to see one’s family exalted in the celestial kingdom. If that prize is lost, nothing else really matters.” (Ensign, May 1981, p.36.)  And President Lorenzo Snow taught that “If you ever secure a union in any family in Zion, . . . you have got to bind that family together in one, and there has got to be the Spirit of the Lord in the head of that family, and he should possess that light and that intelligence which, if carried out in daily life and conduct of these individuals, will prove the salvation of that family, for he holds their salvation in his hands.” (HC, 4:309.)

One of the best examples of fatherhood is our Father in heaven.  One of the best illustrations of this is found in the story of the Prodigal Son. I want us to notice a few characteristics about the father of this Prodigal Son. First, he was the provider of his family and stood answerable to God for the well being of his family. In the same way, fathers need to realize that they are to be the providers of their family and they stand accountable before God. In 1Timothy 5:8 we read these words, “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” Second, he provided an inheritance for his children.  In Proverbs 13:22 we read, “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children. . .” A good father wants to leave an inheritance for his children – both physically and spiritually. Third, he recognized his son’s right to choose his own path. Perhaps one of the hardest things for a parent to do is to let their children make their own decisions. Our Heavenly Father allows us to choose our own path and if we choose the wrong path we must pay the price. The prodigal son went as far into sin as a person can go. He had wasted his inheritance and now found himself sitting in a pigpen eating the scraps. He finally realizes that there is a way out of the mess that he had gotten himself into. He arose and started for home. There he found his father waiting for him with open arms. Wayward children always need to know they can come home. Fourth, this father was the priest of the family. He pointed the family in the right direction. He led the family in worship. When the prodigal son came to himself he remembered his father and most of all knew that his father still loved him. Today fathers need to be the priest of the home, giving spiritual guidance and love. Fifth, he prayed for his family. Fathers need to pray for their family. When the prodigal son came home his father was watching for him. He had been interceding in prayer for his son to return home. Sixth, he did not condemn or judge his son. He had compassion on his son. He was thankful that his son had come home and honored his return with a celebration. He restored him back to the family as a son rather than as one of the hired servants. And seventh, this father loved his children equally. He did not show favoritism between his two sons. He loved his older son who had chosen to stay with him. Even though the younger son had wasted his life, his father still loved him and did not hesitate to welcome him home. Regardless of whether a child chooses right or wrong, he or she still needs to know that dad loves them. Our Heavenly Father loves us even when we do wrong and when we repent His arms are open wide to receive us and to restore us without grudge or hesitation.

May I close my remarks this morning with a word of counsel that I have shared with several friends in these past few weeks about what it means to be a father? This counsel is based on my 48 years of life experiences and observances, and some of the counsel given to me by my own father through the years and some of the things that he taught me and I know to be true. This counsel is for all those who are now fathers and for those who will one day be righteous fathers in Zion.

My dear brethren,

Just because a male is biologically able to help create a new life, that in and of itself does not  make him a father, nor does it rightfully entitle him to the honor of bearing the title.

Before one can call themselves a father they must be willing to take on the responsibilities of being a father and demonstrate through their love, devotion, and commitment that they are ready to do those things which a FATHER is called to do.

Being a father is more than going to work and putting food on the table, providing shelter, and providing all the other necessities of life. A tremendous part of being a father is being there - in the good times as well as the bad, when the sun is shining its brightest and when the storms of life are raging all out of control.

Being a father means that you are the Patriarch and the Priest of your home. You are the literal mountain that your children run to for comfort in times of difficulties and heartaches when they feel that there is nowhere else for them to run to.

A father does not place the burden of carrying all of the cares and woes on the mother, but realizes that one cannot do it alone, but together, as father and mother, they can conquer the world.

A father shows his children that he loves their mother, that she is his equal, that she is indeed the queen of their home and deserves all the honor, love, and respect that are due her.

A father is also a leader. He doesn't just tell his children what to do, but through his example, through the righteous life that he lives, he teaches his children how to do things the right way. He is there when they make mistakes and stumble and fall as they will and picks them up, dust them off, and starts them on their way again.

A father does not expect perfection because he himself realizes that he is not perfect but is forever in the process of striving to become perfect. He himself, even with the wisdom of all of his years realizes that he is still but a student in the school of life. There are many more things that he himself needs to learn.

I am truly grateful for my earthly father and for all of the time, love and patience that he gave me during the 48 years and 1 month that we shared together here on earth as father and son. He truly helped mold me into the person that I am today. I am thankful to have had a father that prayed daily for me. I am thankful that even in times when I may have totally blown it, he was always there for me. I always knew I had a home to go to and that he would be there to welcome me. I guess that you could say that in some ways my dad was one of biggest heroes. I am also eternally grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that guides my footsteps along life’s pathways. He is the very reason for my existence and I love Him dearly. That I may one day through the righteous example of my earthly father and with the help and guidance of my Heavenly Father become a righteous husband and father in Zion is my humble prayer in the sacred name of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. Amen.  

Tags: Fathers Patriarchs Priests

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Called To Be A Father: What is a father?

By Brother Keith L. Brown

This Sacrament talk was originally delivered on Sabbath day morning, 24 June 2001, Father’s Day, to the congregation of the Annapolis Maryland Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was revised on 17 June 2006.

This morning I would like to take just a few minutes to address the sacred topic of fatherhood and the divine role of fathers in the Plan of Salvation. By virtue of the Priesthood of God and by the power of the Holy Ghost, fathers can and should be the greatest influence for good in the lives of their wives and children. Every father should rise to new levels of leadership and service in his home. Every young man that is not yet a father should prepare himself for this calling in this life and in the eternities.

President Ezra Taft Benson once said, “A father’s duty is to make his home a place of happiness and joy. He cannot do this when there is bickering, quarrelling, contention, or unrighteous behavior. The powerful effect of righteous fathers in setting an example, disciplining and training, nurturing and loving is vital to the spiritual welfare of his children. . .Remember your sacred calling as a father in Israel—your most important calling in time and eternity—a calling from which you will never be released. (Ensign, November 1987, pp. 50-51.)

Concerning this matter of fatherhood, President Howard W. Hunter once stated, “We encourage you brethren, to remember that priesthood is a righteous authority only. Earn the respect and confidence of your children through your loving relationship with them. A righteous father protects his children with his time and presence in their social, educational, and spiritual activities and responsibilities. Tender expressions of love and affection toward children are as much the responsibility of the father as the mother. Tell your children that you love them.”  (Howard W. Hunter, “Being a Righteous Husband and Father,” General Conference, October 1994; see Ensign, November 1994, p.51.)

In latter-day revelation, when the Lord spoke of the great doctrine pertaining to the redemption of little children through the atonement, He declared: “But behold, I say unto you that little children are redeemed from the foundation of the world through mine Only Begotten; Wherefore they cannot sin, for power is not given unto Satan to tempt little children, until they begin to become accountable before me; For it is given unto them even as I will, according to mine own pleasure, that great things may be required at the hand of their fathers.”(D&C 29:46-48) From this we can clearly see that fatherhood carries with it the responsibility of ensuring that their posterity—the future generation, is prepared for the age of accountability.

The most important way that fathers can ensure that their children are prepared for the age of accountability is by bringing “them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Fathers, working with their wives as equal partners, are to train up their children in the way that they should go so that when they are old they will not depart from those things that they have been taught. (See Proverbs 22:6). This very valuable lesson was taught to the children of Israel as found in the sixth chapter of the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy, verses 4 through 9 and 20 through 23 [read verses to the congregation]. Here in these verses the Lord tells the parents that they could not safely presume that the instructions that He had given them as well as all of the stories of the amazing miracles that He did for them were going to make it from one generation to another. He tells them that they must be very deliberate. He instructs them to tell their children the stories of how He moved among them. They were to talk with their children about the instructions and commands that the Lord had given them and why He gave them to them. This was not to be a one-time event or a ‘whenever you get around to it’ thing. This was to be a daily part of their responsibilities as parents.

In the same fashion, fathers have the responsibility to daily shepherd their families through the principles and ordinances of the gospel, qualifying them for the salvation that is in Christ. Salvation is a family affair and fathers are called to lead the way by: (1) teaching the doctrines of salvation in their homes (D&C 68:25-28), (2) providing for the temporal and spiritual needs of their families (Mosiah 4:14-15) and (3) lovingly presiding in righteousness in their homes consistent with the principles of righteous priesthood service. President Ezra Taft Benson once said, “God established that fathers are to preside in the home. Fathers are to provide, love, teach, and direct.” (Ensign, May 1984, p.6.) President Benson also stated, “Fatherhood is not a matter of station or wealth; it is a matter of desire, diligence, and determination to see one’s family exalted in the celestial kingdom. If that prize is lost, nothing else really matters.” (Ensign, May 1981, p.36.) President Lorenzo Snow taught that “If you ever secure a union in any family in Zion, . . . you have got to bind that family together in one, and there has got to be the Spirit of the Lord in the head of that family, and he should possess that light and that intelligence which , if carried out in daily life and conduct of these individuals, will prove the salvation of that family, for he holds their salvation in his hands.” (HC, 4:309.)

In teaching the principles and ordinances of the gospel in the home, a father must be careful not to create any misconceptions about the Heavenly Father. He must always teach by the Spirit. “For when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men.” (2 Nephi 33:1.) 

The following parable of three fathers illustrates how a father could create such misconceptions and how he can easily avoid them.

A parable is told about 3 fathers who each felt the soft hand of his child in his own and realized the responsibility of teaching his child about God.

One felt the awesome responsibility that was his, so he taught the child about the power and might of God.

As they walked down the pathw