We Rejoice In Christ

 This song goes along well with what I read today. I Believe in Christ/You Raise Me Up by ELENYI and Cayson Renshaw

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Jesus Christ, sketch by Del Parson (with my bro in law as a model! --not a published art piece)

I love how verses I've read many times before often stand out to me in a new light and with new application. 

Tonight, I was listening to a talk by Elder Neil L. Andersen, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, titled, "We Rejoice In Christ", where he quotes the words from 2 Nephi 25. 

Nephi said: 

23 For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.

24 And, notwithstanding we believe in Christ...[we] look forward with steadfastness unto Christ, until the law shall be fulfilled. 

25 For, for this end was the law given; wherefore the law hath become dead unto us, and we are made alive in Christ because of our faith; yet we keep the law because of the commandments. 

26 And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ...that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

A few things stood out to me.

 First, I know that in these verses, Nephi spoke of the law regarding the law of Moses (vs. 24-25), and how Christ would fulfill that law when He came to the Earth, atoned for our sins, and then would give a higher law. Nephi and his people understood that the law of Moses wasn't the "ultimate" law, but rather a preparatory law to what Jesus Christ would later teach. Yet they didn't let that hold them back from living true to it. They received it full heartedly with the desire to be true disciples of Christ. 

I thought of the commandments we're taught, and covenants we make today. They are what Jesus taught when He lived on the Earth and fulfilled the law of Moses. He taught of the law of sacrifice, the law of consecration, the law of tithing. Jesus instituted the sacrament in remembrance of His atonement, death, and resurrection. He pled with His disciples to "feed His sheep", teach His gospel to all people, not only the direct Jews anymore.  

So, as I read those verses, rather than thinking only, "Oh, this happened. It's done. This is now part of the scriptural history", I thought, "these words Nephi shared are still applicable today!" I remembered how the scriptures teach that there is yet more to come. There is still a whole slue of scripture to be revealed, Christ will be coming again, and there is so much yet to be revealed! So, like Nephi said, we don't quit living these current laws and commandments just because we know they're not the ultimate thing, and that there's more. We live them intentionally, out of faith, the need to grow and become more, and also out of obedience to demonstrate to God our humility, trust, and loyalty to Him. 

The second thought I had was of how Nephi's words in verses 23 and 26 are what I now want for my personal life motto as a parent. Personalizing the words, it says:

23 For [I] labor diligently...to persuade [my] children, and also [my] brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for [I] know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. 

26 And [I] talk of Christ, [I] rejoice in Christ, [I] preach of Christ...that [my] children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

Of all the things I could ever accomplish in this life--musical fame, prestige, high honors, or whatever--I would feel I lived up to my fullest potential by simply living true to these words! As a mother to my precious kids, I want to do everything I can to teach, guide, and persuade them to know, believe, and follow Jesus Christ! I don't aim for perfection. I can't. And I also know that they may very well make decisions in their lives that take them a different direction. Yet, I believe firmly, that even in those cases, I can have left a permanent imprint in their hearts that can come back to mind in the dark struggles they may face. I can be a constant reminder that their Savior stands as a constant lighthouse to guide then through their storms.

He asks us to sacrifice our natural selves and follow Him. Repent of our sins and follow Him. And how alleviating, fulfilling, wonderful, and amazing it feels when we do!

I rejoice in Christ! I believe in Christ. I testify that He lives and is a real and constant as the sun that shines! I know without question that He has steered me through countless storms, hurricanes and tsunamis in my life! I love Him with all my heart and know that His love for me, my children, and every person is eternal.

Love & prayers, 

Jillene

* https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/45andersen?lang=eng