The Ultimate Reality

Feb 18, 2007

Covington, Virginia

(talk never given, due to snow cancellation)

It is said that ultimately, there are two realities in life. Death and taxes. Well, I’ve paid my taxes this year and I know what that’s like. And I know it will be something of a similar experience next year. But death is not something that I’ve gone through, and I’m only going to go through it once. It is the great reality but also the great mystery; as none of us have really gone through it. So what is it going to be like? Will it be scary, like the feeling of falling into a never ending gulf? Will it simply be the end of my personal existence, with no conscious part of me remaining—am I just a collection of electrical impulses and neurotransmitter chemicals that has simply made up this whole thing about the purpose of life? Or was Jesus really telling me the truth? Was he really who he said he was? The historical evidence backs up that there really was a man named Jesus who really did live in Palestine. We also have a record of what he said, did, and taught. Should we believe him when he said the things he did about his heavenly father being our heavenly father, and that there is a mansion that he is preparing for each of us? Are we prepared at that final minute of stretching our faith, are we ready to make that leap into the Savior’s arms over that awful gulf of hell? Do we trust him as a tour guide who has been through this trail many times? He knows what the ending of the trail looks like, and he can explain it to his tour group of followers, but do we trust him?

How can we know what will happen?

Our Heavenly Father wants us to know, so that we can prepare for what is coming. So how does he let us know? Does he physically appear to each of us on a daily basis to talk us through all our challenges? Does he send down his loud voice from the sky to remind us about how we are supposed to act? My earthly father would do that—“Robbie, why are you opening up the back of the television set?” I knew my earthly father was always around to tell me what to do, even if I couldn’t see him as he would yell down the stairs.

So how does Heavenly Father choose to communicate his reality to us? Primarily, he seems to choose ways that are not always seen with our physical eyes. But there is evidence of these things that we cannot see, but which are true. Faith—the evidence of things not seen. We do have some hard evidence- scientists and historians and archeological expeditions have brought us the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Shroud of Turin, the writings of contemporary historians like Josephus, which all lend support to the historicity of Jesus. Especially impressive evidence are the many ancient writings from that time period that have been collected into our present day scriptures. But I believe the real evidence that we end up relying on is not that hard evidence. The evidence that we rely on are those special spiritual feelings and moments. They are hard to transfer over to other people, as they are very individual to each of us. And somehow, those indescribable moments write deeper on our memories and on our soul than any evidence that scientific or historical proof can establish. Why does the Lord operate like that?

Think of those moments you have had—maybe an answer to a prayer, a spiritual feeling while listening to a talk or music, special ways the scriptures have affected you. These moments are what can form the basis of our testimony. After the Savior’s death, two men were walking along the road to a place called Emmaus. While walking, another man approached them and asked them questions about what they were thinking about. They explained about the recent news of the passing of their special friend and master. The stranger then spoke to them about these matters, and offered comfort through what was already written in the scriptures. While he was talking with them, they noticed their hearts burn within them. Later they recognized this stranger as their beloved Master, and spoke about that special feeling. “Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” They had the Savior right there before their physical eyes, but the memorable part of that experience for them was the witness of the Holy Ghost within their hearts, as the Savior spoke with them. We who have had spiritual experiences may not have physically been there on that occasion, but we know exactly what these two men are talking about.

Similarly, we can identify with Oliver Cowdery, when he was going through a moment of doubt. The Savior told Oliver Cowdery, “Behold, thou knowest that thou hast inquired of me and I did enlighten thy mind; and now I tell thee these things that thou mayest know that thou hast been enlightened by the Spirit of truth. Verily, verily, I say unto you, if you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might know concerning the truth of these things. Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?” When we read that, we can think of our own moments of when we cried unto him, and felt his peace as an answer to our prayer. So we have these spiritual moments, and then we are asked to recognize them and remember them. Later on we may feel more distant at times from our Heavenly Father, but we can cast our minds upon those times when He did enlighten our minds and speak peace to us. We need to record these experiences in a journal, so we’ll have them. And they can stand next to the journals of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; Nephi, Mormon, Moroni, and Joseph Smith. We can rely on those spiritual moments as we form the basis of our testimony. We can even increase our testimony by bearing our testimony, because every time we bear our testimony we will feel the swelling motions in our hearts that remind us that what we say is really true.

My collection of spiritual memories includes my experience when I prayed to find out if I should be baptized into this church. I did not know exactly what the missionaries meant when they said that Heavenly Father would answer my prayer when I asked Him this question. I did know that if I were to join this church it would upset members of my family, whom I didn’t want to upset. But I also knew that what the missionaries had presented certainly seemed feasible, and if they were telling the truth then it would be very important for me to act on it.

So despite my uncertainty how it might happen, I did indeed receive an answer to my prayer. It came in a way that left no doubt in my heart, as I couldn’t have any doubt about a big change like this. And it came in a way that it was so memorable that close to twenty years later I can still recall what it was like. This was fortunate, because several months after I was baptized I came in contact with people who seem to make it their meaning in life to search out recent converts to the church and try to destroy what they have without offering anything in return. They came after me with all sorts of details about their version of church history. The missionaries told me one thing and now these guys were telling me something else. If I hadn’t had that experience of a very private individual answer to a prayer from my Heavenly Father, I would have been quite confused, I’m sure. I didn’t know much about church doctrine or history at that time, but I was armed with a spiritual experience. I was protected and could see these guys for who they were. Now I have close to twenty years of experience in the church, and know a lot more about the history and doctrine, and with 20/20 hindsight I can still say it was the right decision. But after close to twenty years, I still remember that feeling that I had as an answer to a prayer, and that stands foremost as I contemplate my testimony, even above all the things that I have learned about the church and how things logically make sense.

However, because the world is crazy, Heavenly Father knew we needed as much help as we could get. He made it a little easier for us to figure out that he was real, and that Jesus was His Son and our Savior. He has offered us logical as well as spiritual proof. He brought forth the Book of Mormon in a simply miraculous manner. The Bible testifies of the divinity of Jesus, so that is one witness to the truth. But there are so many other voices out there. Some of those voices twist what is in the Bible; some deny what is in the Bible altogether. Then, here comes the Book of Mormon. Boom. It cannot be denied. It is here. How did it get here? Either it was given to us through the power of God, or it was not. There is no grey area there. No “sort of true,” like what some people are saying about the Bible. The Book of Mormon is either the word of God and better be respected as such, or it is not.

Elder M. Russell Ballard once spoke about Joseph Smith’s account in the grove of trees on that beautiful spring morning in 1820. He said that we could decide whether or not events really happened as Joseph said, because they either did, or they didn’t. If these things did really happen, it tells us a lot about Heavenly Father and Jesus and that we can anchor our lives on this knowledge. If it didn’t, then Joseph Smith spent the rest of his life defending such a lie that he knew hurt himself and his family, and that he would later have to defend to his Heavenly Father. Which sounds more likely, knowing what we know about the character of Joseph Smith?

Joseph Smith produced the Book of Mormon in 60 working days—about 10 pages a day of deep doctrine and complicated character studies. Either he was a brilliant playwright and philosopher on par with Shakespeare and Plato while people were tarring and feathering him, or he was simply a prophet of God, reporting on revelation as fast as he could. Which seems more likely, for this humble farm boy?

And finally, it seems that every year Time Magazine puts out another article asking, “So who do we think Jesus is now?” The Savior himself once asked his apostles, “Whom do men say that I am?” And they said, “Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. Time Magazine might add—great philosopher, great ethicist, social revolutionary. He was indeed all of those things. But we hope that when Jesus asks us, “But whom say ye that I am?” We’ll be able to answer, as did Simon Peter, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

That may be the most important question of all, and an answer that should stir our souls more frequently.

A testimony of these things is not something that we can give to each other. It is something that comes directly from that God who gives us life and who wants us back. We as brothers and sisters can share our own experiences with our testimony, and edify each other spiritually, but a testimony comes directly from our heavenly father. As many of you have had these spiritual experiences, you’ll know what I mean when I say I know these things. So with that in mind, I bear you my testimony that I know that my Heavenly father sent his Son into the humblest and vilest of circumstances for the sole purpose of dignifying and ennobling us. He was born in a stable filled with buzzing flies and smelly animals, to a young mother who simply said, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord” when she was asked to do this thing. He was cared for by a man who humbly accepted what had happened with Mary and who brought him up as well as he could. He was baptized not because he needed sins to be washed away, but to show us an example of obedience and submissiveness. He taught, cared for, and healed whomever he met, often leaving great truths with those whom the world would have otherwise forgotten. When the time came to enter Jerusalem, he entered as a king, as had been prophesied, with palm leaves lining the way. Soon those who were jealous of him who misunderstood his power and their own authority, arrested him and sent him to their Roman occupiers for the worst punishment ever devised by man—crucifixion. Romans were nothing if not good inventors of various forms of punishment. But despite this cruelest of punishments, man did not slay his own God. Rather, he gave his life willingly, when he was finally able to say “It is finished.” He had conquered the awful effects of sin in Gethsemane and physical death on Calvary. With that, he left this earth and organized his church in the spirit world. And then he came back as the first to resurrect in a glorious immortal body. With that power, he allowed each of us to resurrect and to overcome our own sins and weaknesses. He later resurrected his own church in a similarly miraculous manner, never to be taken from the earth again. I testify that despite my own sins and weaknesses, that I too can take part in this, as each of us can, because of his love and mercy for each of us. For that greatest of gifts I am eternally grateful.

I know these things are true, and that knowledge is the greatest source of strength in my life. I don’t have to be tossed to and fro, as different people tell me different things. My testimony of the gospel can be an anchor in stormy seas, and the light of Christ can be a beacon in the harbor of peace. As we all make our journey in life, some for a short time and some for a long time, we can trust in our master and our guide. He knows not only the right way, but ultimately the only way to returning home. With our loving heavenly father waiting for us, it will be a beautiful homecoming. Rely on those spiritual moments you have had, keep those moments close to your heart, especially when times seem rough, and stay strong. Let the Holy Spirit stir our souls, and let’s remember those moments and base our testimony on that rock of revelation. With that, there is no need to fear, but only feel the peace that He wishes us to feel as we make our journey through life.

A few other thoughts…

With Heavenly Father as his father, the Savior was divine. And with Mary as his mother, he was mortal.

Jesus as a mortal man got tired, as the crowds pressed against him and demanded that he free them from their temporal afflictions. He felt frustration, as the crowds seemed to turn a deaf ear to his spiritual message. He felt fear, as the crowds turned against him, and as he faced what he knew he would have to do in Gethsemane and Calvary regarding a very bitter cup. He felt temptation, as Satan did all that he could to somehow foil the Savior’s mission. He felt loneliness, as it was up to him to carry his burden alone, finally even without his loving Father by his side. He also felt love, the kind of love that comes from knowing and loving each of his children in a very personal way. As he looks out at each of them, his heart is drawn to them and he wants to help them be happier.

Yet, with all these feelings and emotions, he remained without sin. However, he did not remain perfect as an unapproachable God, to be placed on a high, but rather cold, marble altar, but as a Come Follow Me God, who invited all to learn of his ways and do what he did. Jesus was able to overcome so-called weaknesses of the flesh and choose the right. We can follow that example. We too could feel tired, frustrated, scared, tempted, and alone. We too could feel real love for our children and our friends, as we see them experience life’s joys and sorrows. Yet with all these positive and negative feelings, we can still follow him and walk in his steps, because he condescended and walked in our steps. He knows exactly what we are going through, either from his own experience or because he knows and loves each of us so well that he suffers and worries when we suffer and worry. He is not beyond our reach, indeed He is there right by our side bearing us up when the storm becomes too great and our ship seems so small. It may seem messy for a while, but we can come off conqueror and do what he did, if only we continually turn to him in prayer and study. I know this to be true, as I make my own journey through life.

Through his gospel and his church he has laid out so many chances and ways to follow him, and we should try it at every opportunity. We could try to be kinder with each other, gentler and more forgiving. We could seek more opportunities to help, and take fewer occasions for retribution. As we do this, we will be happier, our burdens will be lifted and yokes will be made light.

A lot of talk has been made lately about the raising of the bar for missionaries. Certainly we have been blessed in this branch with some fine missionaries, and can be thankful for this guideline. However, I think the time has also come for us to raise the bar for ourselves as members of his church.

I believe it saddens the Savior if we take him for granted, or think he’s not worth the effort, or that we are not worth the effort. The efforts that we are asked to make result in our personal progress and increased strength, while some of the things that distract us from him may seem important now, but in the end are finally fruitless or even worthless. In the end, those things that seemed so important will just crumple up and blow away, and we will be left with whatever is left of our character and integrity.

One of the efforts that we have been asked to make was revealed to us through President Howard W. Hunter. As prophet, he stated, “It would be the deepest desire of my heart that every member of the Church be temple worthy. I would hope that every adult member would be worthy of—and carry—a current temple recommend, even if proximity to a temple does not allow immediate or frequent use of it.”

That’s something that we can do. The temple is fairly far, about a four hour drive, so a weekly visit may not be very feasible. But if we could abide by President Hunter’s counsel, that each adult member of this branch carry a current temple recommend, we would be blessed individually, and in our own families, and as a people.

A current temple recommend can become a symbol of our commitment to the Savior. It can remind us that we take the example and teaching of the Master as a pattern for our own lives. We will find that it will become easier to become consistent and loyal in every walk of life, as we gain integrity and, as a people, we become one in him. Certainly that does require effort, repentance, and humility, but that is the purpose of life, and the reasons that keep any of us from holding a current temple recommend will just seem silly and wasteful when we have eternity to look back on our mortal lives.

The Savior is right by our side through this whole process. The temple is there for our benefit and chance to partake of the peace and sanctity and refuge found within those hallowed walls. If we are living worthy of a current temple recommend, then we know that we can have peace and sanctity within our own lives, as the requirements for a temple recommend are also the requirements of living a celestial life and qualifying for every blessing that Heavenly Father has in store for us. We should not waste such an inheritance on a bowl of pottage.