How do we Minister to a fallen world? That is truly the question for our time. What do we do? Do we even have a right to say anything? What right do we have to judge what is right and wrong?
We can be assured that the rising generation is being bombarded by these questions. It is for the rising generation that we must answer these questions. We must openly and unashamedly proclaim that God is Good and works in our day as He has always done from the beginning of time. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2: 13 KJV).
We must first consecrate ourselves to this work and be convinced of the truth of the Word of God. The Church from the beginning has placed its confidence in the things which have been written in God’s Word. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful,…,and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4: 12 KJV). Not only is God’s word able to be used in this world but it can bring peace in the heart and between humans everywhere. “Unto the confounding of false doctrines, and laying down of contentions, and establishing peace among the fruit of thy loins” (2 Nephi 2: 21 1990 Ind. Ed).
The first step then must be to have confidence in the source of all life and all power. “…All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” (Matthew 28: 18). Jesus is the Life of this world. We must believe and know that God is in control if we are to have an impact on this world. He will judge the world and has already given us what we need to find salvation and to effectively witness to those around us. “For the Spirit is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. And the way is prepared from the fall of man, and salvation is free. And men are instructed sufficiently, that they know good from evil.” (2 Nephi 1: 65-67).
Next, we must know that God is with us. God does not dwell in unholy temples. All who have been taught the right way and heard what is written in the scriptures must obey those scriptures. (Mosiah 1: 79-82). The way to honestly discern is by the use of God’s Spirit when we are remembering God’s Word. Has God made us feel guilty? Then the simple truth is that we must return to the Word and to consecration of our lives to God’s purposes and good will toward us. This is how the Holy Spirit works in our minds by reminding us of our own errors. Then, after correcting our own errors we can witness to others.
There is a simple foundation for us all. “…Ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in no wise receive these things. And again I say unto you, Ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Verily, verily I say unto you, that this is my doctrine; and whoso buildeth upon this, buildeth upon my rock; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them.” (3 Nephi 5: 39-41). We must build our own lives upon the sure foundation and rock. One of those chief elements of this concrete foundation is becoming as a little child. No spiritual progress can be made that will fast without laying this foundation.
This humility is exactly applied in a specific direction: “But if he yieldeth to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man, and become a saint, through the atonement of Christ, the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.” (Mosiah 1: 20). This essential part of the gospel foundation is often the first thing put aside. When the tempter comes we put aside God’s Word, seek what we imagine will make us happy and become too proud to admit our error (It is part of the oldest story in the Bible). Then comes shame, which fertilizes pride and leads us into iniquity and self-justification for all we do. Yielding to God once again is the only escape. Repenting nigh unto death (Mosiah 11: 190) is the only cure. Then we must humbly seek the Kingdom of God in faith toward the righteousness of Christ, who alone is able to save (Matthew 6: 33).
“For if there be one among you that doeth good, he shall work by the power and gifts of God.” (Moroni 10: 20). The Spirit of God gives us power to witness and the sincerity to convince our neighbors (which may include our children) to give their lives to God and trust Him alone. You must be the means through the Spirit to provide a moral compass to the world around you. You must call all those around you to a higher plane by your actions, decisions, words and spiritual presence. We must also be willing to be called higher by those around us who are also trying to follow God’s Word…That is when the humility of a child comes into play. This humility is not based on the innocent ignorance of a child, but the knowledge of the perfect Savior Jesus the Christ and faith in Him.
After arriving in this humble obedient condition, we can then speak with the tongue of angels to bless the world with what it needs, that being the way of God more perfectly taught and demonstrated. Yes, and now you have the right (and duty) to extend yourself into this world to do His Good Pleasure in a fallen world. However, that is another subject and the next step forward…
Apostle Alvin Moser
