BrotherClark

This is where I share my thoughts, experiences, and feelings about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am working through life like most, doing my best to live up to the charge to be like Him.

[brotherclark]

Changing Locations

Hi. I’ve been posting here in Tumblr, but have decided to move my posts to Blogger because it is easier for my family and friends to access, etc. I am sorry if this means any of you will not see my posts anymore. If you want to read what I am posting, please visit me here:  http://broclark.blogspot.com/

Thanks so much. Brother Clark. 

[brotherclark]

Do His Work

In 2 Nephi 3:8 of the Book of Mormon, it closes with this statement, “And I will make him great in mine eyes; for he shall do my work.”

I really like that. So simple. Sometimes we focus on OUR salvation, and on whether we will “return to him” that we lose focus on the simplicity of just doing His work. I think instead of always focusing on saving myself, I should probably spend more time on how to help others - how to do His work, rather than my own work.

In our Church we often quote the book of James in the New Testament where James says, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” (Jame 2:26).  And yes, I do believe that we faith is dead without proof of our faith in obedience. However, maybe, just maybe that the “works” that he talks about here could be not work for ourselves, but work for others. Maybe, it means doing the kind of work Jesus did - serving and loving and healing others.

After all, it is said in the Book of Mormon (Mosiah 18) that when we are baptized we are witnessing to take upon us Christ’s name and that we are willing to bear the burdens of others. Beyond just obedience, the gospel is as much about what we do for others as it is about what we do for ourselves.

I have a lot of work to do to be more aligned with this idea. It was a great thought and reminder to me today.

Have a great day today! Love ya.

[brotherclark]

Choice

I took my time the past few days with 2 Nephi 2 in the Book of Mormon. I really love the doctrine and how it is explained in that chapter. It is truly remarkable. And while it is the chapter that talks about “opposition in all things”, I really feel the theme of the chapter is Choice. It is that we are free to choose.

I found verses 16-18 of interest, especially. in 16 is says, 

“Wherefore, the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself. Wherefore, man could not act for himself save it should be that he was enticed by one or the other.”

I thought quite a bit about this verse and the truth it explains. It’s not just that opposites exist, it is that they are in “opposition”. Opposite can be static - it can simply exist. However, opposite is not the word used in this chapter. It is opposition. Opposition requires action, force. It literally means “resistance or dissent, expressed in action or argument” (google.com) This makes a lot of sense, and it is even mirrored in nature everywhere.

It is so important to recognize this because it means that evil, in opposition to good, does not just stand there waiting for us to come to it. It actually works to oppose good. To think we are neutrally standing through this on-going war for our thoughts and soul, is naive. Evil and good are constantly in opposition, at war, per se for us, and there is no way we can stand by and be neutral to it.

In verse 17, in talking about the devil, it says, “...wherefore, he became a devil, having sought that which was evil before god.”

Then, in verse 18 it states that, “...because he had fallen from heaven, and had become miserable forever, he sought also the misery of all mankind.” 

The word, “sought” is very important. Not only did the devil seek evil, but then seeks to bring its consequence upon all of us. This is not some passive yang to a ying that looks good in some symbol. It is an act of aggression.

Sometimes we do not see the subtle, small enticings of evil as acts of aggression. And from our “safe” position in the good, it feels harmless. But the devil is always reaching as far as he can across that line and trying to make contact - to make just simple, “flaxen chord” attachments to us. he wants us to never lose contact with evil.

It is indeed opposition, and the only way to remain safe is to likewise to be in opposition to evil. If we are free to choose, then we must, forcefully and purposefully seek out good, equal to the seeking the devil did after evil.

the way we live our lives must be a “protest” of that which is evil - not just in what we say, but in the way we act and live. We must be in opposition to it.

A great thing to remember today.

Love ya. Have a great day!

[brotherclark]

To Truly Prosper

Today I started 2 Nephi of the Book of Mormon over again (I like to read a book and then repeat it over and over during a year). In chapter 1 of 2 Nephi, Lehi is giving his last thoughts to his children before he passes on. One thing he keeps repeating is the covenant that the Lord made with him concerning the promise land that they had inherited. For example, in 2 Nephi 1:20, it says,

“And he hath said that: Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land; but inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall be cut off from my presence.”

Lately as I have read this scripture, I have been particularly struck by the second part - the consequence of not keeping the commandments: “...ye shall be cut off from my presence.”

If being cut off from the presence of the Lord is the consequence of disobedience, then surely, we must assume that the Lord’s version of prosperity truly means to be brought INTO his presence!

Often I think we have interpreted prosperity as wealth, safety, strength, etc. And because the first part of that scripture says, “in the land”, there seems to be a very physical, real temporal aspect to what prosperity means. And I think that is correct to a degree. Even earlier in the chapter (v. 9-12, etc) it talks about liberty and protection from other nations, etc as being part of the blessing of the covenant.

However, we know that the Lord has, “...not at any time...given unto you a law which was tempora; neither any man, nor the children of men; neither Adam, your father, whom I created.” (Doctrine & Covenants 29:34)

So, while there are temporal results/blessings/consequences, all covenants and commandments are spiritual first in nature. And that makes sense in the case of the verse in 2 Nephi because the consequence certainly is spiritual in nature.

And when put in a greater context of the entire Book of Mormon, you do see both prosperity evident as wealth and safety, but not always. temporal wealth usually comes to the people who were able to maintain peace and happiness through obedience for some extended periods of time - even if it were a few years. The temporal wealth FOLLOWED the spiritual prosperity.

BUT...and I mean a BIG BUT....temporal wealth and saftey/peace are not a requirement for that prosperity. For instance, just look at the lives of Jacob and Nephi themselves - the children of whom the covenant was originally given...

Nephi was beaten, harrassed, surely made fun off, nearly killed, and put through many hardships many of us would fail (try 8 years in the wilderness with most of it without fire). And then after getting to the promised land, he is then chased for fear of his life, out of that land to another place and never quite lives in peace.

Jacob describes that lack of peace and ease by saying,

“...the time passed away with us, and also our lives passed away like as it were unto us a dream, we being a lonesome and a solemn people, wanderers, cast out of Jerusalem, born in tribulation, in a wilderness, and hated of our bretheren, which caused wars and contentions; wherefore, we did mourn out our days.” (Jacob 7:26)

When I consider this, I realize the truth about prosperity. You see, the Lord didn’t fail Jacob or Nephi. No. What he provided was the true prosperity...the the presence of the Lord through His Spirit.

Prosperity truly is measured by our ability to “come unto” Jesus each day through the presence and companionship of the Holy Ghost. Prosperity should truly be measured by this because the only real, valuable return for us should be to become like God. To become more like our Savior by learning from him, from being close to him. And nothing I know assists in that process more than the presence and gift of the Holy Ghost.

What a great gift we have. I hope we all seek it more, and find the prosperity of peace of heart, spiritual safety, and wealth of knowledge that it brings us.

Love ya. Have a Great day out there!

[brotherclark]

The Gospel Summarized

This morning as I was finishing 2 Nephi in the Book of Mormon, I read  2 Nephi 33 verse 9:

“I also have charity for the Gentiles. But behold, for none of these can I hope except they be reconciled unto Christ, and enter into the narrow gate, and walk in the strait path which leads to life, and continue in the path until the end of the day of probation.”

After explaining the “gospel of Christ” in chapters 31-32, this verse provides a great summary of it, and I don’t think I had ever noticed it much. So the Gospel of Christ, summarized is:

1. Be reconciled unto Christ

We show faith in Christ by repenting. We can continually do this as we sin and err because of the atonement, represented and re-administered through the sacrament.

2. Enter into the narrow gate

In other words, witness unto God you have come unto Christ and are willing to follow Him by walking through the gate through obedience. Be baptized, as this is the Gate to the path. BY doing so, we witness we are willing to take His name upon us and be one of His disciples. It is our proof/declaration of commitment. And the sacrament each week helps us place a small gate, per se before us and re-affirm our commitment to Him.

3. Walk in the strait path which leads to life

We stay on the path by following the words of Christ. This will be through his servants (Prophets, scriptures) through angels, and through the Holy Ghost. as we listen and follow those words, we remain and progress on the path. We call it obedience, but it is much more than that, since it is really just guidance along our path. In the sacrament prayers we are promised that if we keep the commandments, we will always have his Spirit to be with us (prayer on the bread). But if we leave the path, we start over at step one.

4. Continue in the path until the end of the day of Probation

Enduring to the end has little to do with just hanging on. It is the idea of continual progression down the path - always moving forward through a constant repetition of the three steps before this, consistently working to get on the path, stay on the path, and move down the path. And Christ becomes the “finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12 - first few verses) through the mercy and grace of his atonement. 

How simply beautiful, right?! I love this.

Have a great day.

[brotherclark]

At Ease in Zion

As I was reading the Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 28, verse 24 caught my attention in particular. It says, “Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion!” In a prior verse (v 21) Nephi describes how the devil will “...pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well--and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.” These verses really stuck out to me as I read because I think the times that I am most at danger and at my weakest are not when things are tough, but when they are well. And I think it is because I become “at ease” in my own “zion”. I relax and become casual about the gospel. It’s nothing big, of course. Just small things - just little “cheats” you might say. 

It might be just reading my scriptures less or with less intent. It might be taking my role as the priesthood holder in my family too lightly and not exercising that responsibility to bless and lead my family. It might be that I am more casual about my meetings at church and let them become primarily social constructs for me instead of valuable opportunities for connection with the Spirit and instruction. It could be that I pray more routinely instead of with purpose and focus. It could be that I become more relaxed in the type of media content I watch (cause I’m ok and strong, right?!). Or it could be that I allow myself to make small criticisms and complaints against a leader.

There are a lot of little cheats we make that are honestly a lazy and dishonest and insincere approach to the gospel. We certainly do often take the gospel too lightly and treat it with a degree of casualness that puts us in danger. I know I do far too often.

I am not saying that we have to be more “serious” and severe in our spirits or demeanor. Taking something serious and doing it with full purpose of heart does not have to be dreadful. In fact, I believe that when we really live the gospel with full purpose of heart and do our best effort, that we find an almost reckless joy - a growing faith and hope that seems almost unrealistic. But it’s not - it’s true joy and happiness.

I look forward to trying better to be less “at ease” and to DO well in zion rather than say all IS well.

have a great day! Love ya.

[brotherclark]

Lead by Women

Yesterday afternoon I was enjoying my Sabbath day by relaxing at the table, doing a puzzle. As I did the puzzle, I put on the Mormon Channel app and listened to a bunch of great audio materials they have put together. I spent some time listening to the “Gospel Solutions for Families” in the audio content area and in particular, listened to the 2 part “How to Know if You are a Good Parent”  - (episodes 89, 90).

This was a fantastic 2 part piece. I highly recommend listening to it. As I sat listening to it, the counsel from the women in the group discussing the topic just really struck me - and not necessarily because it was great advice (although it was), but because I could just feel how strong, faithful, and inspired these women were. I could feel their strength in the things they said - as they shared their experiences, their feelings, and their testimonies.

It was a great reminder again to me that the women of the Church have no less influence or power than any man - without or without the Priesthood. It was inspiring to feel their strength and their perspective. Theirs is a type of leadership all should strive for.

I am thankful that women like that are helping to lead and guide the Church. They are in many ways, the bedrock of the people of the Church and those that anchor so many of us. Their unfailing efforts and love for all of us. I know I have felt that influence from my own wife, mother, grandmothers, and even further in my ancestry.

It was a nice experience and and nice reminder of that truth.

[brotherclark]

Another Proof

I have been studying 2 Nephi recently and just finished up the “Isaiah” chapters. Now I generally don’t mind the Isaiah chapters. In fact, some of my favorite scriptures and most powerful experiences have come with these chapters. That said, it’s still pretty difficult reading. I mean, Nephi himself admits that those who aren’t Jews will not understand them without the spirit of prophecy, etc. So yes, they are difficult to get through at times - some chapters being hard than others, of course.

Anyway, as I was reading them, and then thinking about Nephi’s rejoicing in those words, I thought to myself - “there is no way a young 20 something Joseph Smith, who has very little education, etc decides to put a few chapters from Isaiah in the Book of Mormon on his own.” Seriously, think about it. What possible idea would be in his head to put those in the book if he were the one who wrote the book? It’s not like Isaiah was a highly discussed prophet, etc during Joseph’s time, or that anyone really understood it - the least of whom would be Joseph himself. These chapters, to the non-understanding, uninspired mind, seem incongruous and random. But they are not.

No, these chapters, when considered in the whole of the book, its message, and the context of it - seem smoother and more integral to the book with time - not less. To me they seem to be more inspired with time, and feel so perfectly fit into the Book of Mormon.

I certainly do not understand them as well as I would like, but the deeper I look, the more I find in them - kind of like they are “zip” files stuck in the book, waiting for those who seek to unzip and find a depth of information that is almost shocking.

To me, as I considered this, I realized that this was just one more proof of the divinity of the Book of Mormon. That it was one more proof that the book was inspired and written by prophets of God, indeed. No regular, even highly intelligent man would, of all the scriptures available, have put those scriptures in the Book. No - only the inspired, the truly called of God.

It was a great thought and I am so grateful for it. I do know the Book of Mormon is true.

Have a great day today, and may you enjoy your discovery of the Book of Mormon.

[brotherclark]

We are All Struggling Musicians

This is a letter I am writing in response to a number of people I have seen post online lately about wanting/thinking about leaving the Church because of how they see members of the Church acting, etc.

Dear friend. I noticed your comments that you were leaving the Church. I sincerely hope this is not so and hope it has not happened yet. As I read your comments I felt I should write you a message and, unsure of what exactly to say, here is a thought...

I am 2nd of 11 children. In my family, music has always a big part of life. We sang, we played, and I eventually got into writing music as well. I play a few instruments and generally have a very big love of music and how it makes me feel. Music is kind of a part of my senses and helps me express and feel emotions in a way I can't do without it. One of my favorite musicians to listen to is Olafur Arnalds. Very beautiful music. When I listen, sometimes it fills me with such emotion that I have a hard time breathing and I want to burst open. It's amazing to me.

There is something so perfect and God-like about some music. I think I am moved as often by the Spirit of God by music as I am any other form of testimony and expression. One of my favorite hymns is "There is Sunshine in my soul today". My mom thinks that's odd (she isn't a huge fan of that one). Anyway, the second verse in that hymn says, "There is sunshine in my soul today, a carol to my King. And Jesus listening can hear the songs I cannot sing." I love that - and I know exactly what that means.

One of the things that I sometimes struggle with, being a trained musician, is not being critical of music when I hear it in church or just about anywhere else, for that matter. I can hear every off-tune note, bad pronunciation, bad breathing, and many other things that tend to annoy me. Well, one Sunday, I was listening to someone sing a solo in church. He wasn't that good, to be honest. In fact, it was pretty below-average. At first, I sat there bugged and frustrated with it. But then the Spirit whispered that verse from my favorite hymn (the one I just wrote about above). And I was suddenly struck that perhaps this person was just trying to express their love and appreciation for the Lord in their own imperfect, but sincere way. That somehow, this was a "song they could not sing." And I knew that "Jesus listening" could indeed hear. Thinking about it now makes me emotional. So many times I have felt inadequate to the tasks and expectations of the gospel and all it offers and teaches. So many times I have failed. And yet, He forgives. And I feel joy in my repentance. And when I fail to adequately "sing my song", He listening can still hear my even feeble effort.

I don't know what your expectation of the "Church" or of others is, but I think sometimes we all tend to be "trained musicians" and have a hard time listening to the songs that others do not sing adequately enough for us. Sometimes we just hear the bad notes, the bad breathing, and everything else that doesn't work for our trained ears. It seems that you have a trained heart - one that sees the Savior's message about love and service. Many, as you know, do not sing that song well. They fail at it often. But the song is still true. And Jesus listening can hear. He even hears you in whatever efforts you make.

I think maybe you forget that the Church is not a perfect body. It is a learning body. It is just about individuals trying to hold on to each other and doing their best to be better, to sing as well as we can. Some are better than others. Some don't try very hard, if at all. But the Church, the Gospel, is still true. Your membership in the Church is not about what everyone else does or about anyone else's imperfections or what songs they do not sing. It is just about how through the beauty of the gospel ordinances and teachings, Jesus hears your effort, your song and gently forgives, loves, and improves us.

On the other hand, Satan is the Great Distracter. He will try to make you focus on anything he can, to get you to forget what you know and what you have felt. You see, what was true is always true (truth does not change). If you knew it was true, then it is still true - you may just be forgetting because you've been distracted. Even my love of music (a very good thing) can be a distraction, when I forget the songs I should hear and sing in exchange for the songs I am hearing with my earthly ear. But when I close my eyes and TRULY hear, I can hear what Jesus hears...the testimony, the reaching heart, the trial of doubt and the hope of obedience, the struggles of life, and the joys of eternal hope.

I know you can hear it. Close your eyes and listen to the smallest of songs around you. I know we don't all serve enough. But I see love of God and man all around me as people  try to sing even their most feeble song of service. It certainly may not be our best. But it is a try. It is a step - a single note, perhaps. And maybe, just maybe, you can hum with them and help them find the note. This Church, you see, isn't about what the Church does. It's about what YOU do and how Christ turns our willingness into the song of a thousand angels.

I have a feeling that with your love of service, you could make a difference. You could, by singing the beautiful song of tolerance, of love, of service, of forgiveness, help others hear that same song and maybe, just maybe, with time the Church will finally live up to the expectations of not just us, but of our Savior. Wouldn't that be amazing?! And you - yes you - could play a part. I feel it is so.

Lastly, I just want to let you know…I KNOW that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints is the true church of God. I know that Jesus is my Savior. I know that he indeed does hear our little, inadequate songs. For someone who must hear the best of all music in heaven, He still loves MY songs - the ones I do not sing well and even those I cannot yet sing.

Love, a member of the Church and a guy just trying to be a disciple of Christ.

[brotherclark]

Lehi is obedient, thus obeys the Lord’s commands.

[brotherclark]

My thoughts on the story of Nephi obtaining the Brass Plates