Dear Elders and Sisters,
The start of a new year is a great time to briefly pause and
consider the progress we have made over the past year and the blessings we have
received. It is also a time to take stock of our current location and check the
direction in which we are headed. One
of my favorite passages in the Book of Mormon is Nephi’s simple statement that
“we lived after the manner of happiness” (2Nephi 5:27). This was actually a very
difficult time for him: his father had recently passed away, his family had
separated into two groups and they were having serious contention with one
another. As I have pondered the life of Nephi, and what I can learn from him, one
of his greatest qualities is strict obedience. Nephi knew that he would be
blessed and prospered in all things if he was obedient to the commandments of
the Lord.
As we begin this new year, let us recommit ourselves to
being obedient to the commandments, mission rules and the promptings of the
Holy Ghost. Each of us have received a letter, signed by the president of the
Church, that states, “You have been recommended as one worthy to represent the
Lord as a minister of the restored gospel. You will be an official
representative of the Church. As such, you will be expected to maintain the
highest standards of conduct and appearance by keeping the commandments, living
mission rules and following the counsel of your mission president. You will
also be expected to devote all of your time and attention to serving the Lord,
leaving behind all other personal affairs” (MH, p. 3-4). These things may seem difficult (even
impossible) at times, but we can be like Nephi as we say, “ I will go and do
the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no
commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them
that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them” (1Nephi 3:7).
Exercising our faith and striving to be obedient will allow
us to see the hand of the Lord in our lives and in our work. We will be able to
receive the Lord’s promised blessings. “As you do these things, the Lord will
bless you and you will become an effective advocate and messenger of the
truth…. As you obey with a willing heart, you will show the Lord your love for
Him, earn the trust of the members, and qualify for the companionship of the
Holy Ghost” (MH, p. 4). I can think of no greater blessings for a missionary to
receive, blessings that will enable you to be successful in your missionary
purpose! I invite each of you to consider what you might do to be more obedient
and to more fully “live after the manner of happiness” during your mission
experience.
President Blickenstaff
Mentor of Happy Champions
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