Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 3:33-35

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 3:33-35

"And in the fifty and first year of the reign of the judges there was a peace also, save it were the pride which began to enter into the church - not into the church of God, but into the hearts of the people who professed to belong to the church of God -

And they were lifted up in pride, even to the persecution of many of their brethren. Now this was a great evil, which did cause the more humble part of the people to suffer great persecutions, and to wade through much affliction.

Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God."

I like how Mormon said "the people who professed to belong to the church of God." These individuals were full of pride, which caused them to persecute those that were humble. I am reminded that there are two churches only, the church of God and the church of the devil. It is entirely possible to be a member of the true and living church, but your membership lies in the church of the devil, simply because of where your heart is. It is sad the damage people can do when they profess to belong to the church and then are a very bad example of what the faith is all about. 

Yet, in this we see the saints that are persecuted by fellow members are made more prayerful, humble and faithful. They turn to God and are purified and sanctified. It is an example of "..all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." (Doctrine and Covenants 122:7) 

I had these notes on the verses. It is powerful to think of what the humble followers of Christ came to understand from all that they passed through.

"The Saints of Helaman’s day continued in good works and became stronger in spiritual qualities, which in turn resulted in sanctification. Elder D. Todd Christofferson explained that sanctification is a step in the path of striving toward perfection: “Personal persistence in the path of obedience is something different than achieving perfection in mortality. Perfection is not, as some suppose, a prerequisite for justification and sanctification. It is just the opposite: justification (being pardoned) and sanctification (being purified) are the prerequisites for perfection. We only become perfect ‘in Christ’ (see Moro. 10:32), not independently of Him. Thus, what is required of us in order to obtain mercy in the day of judgment is simple diligence” (“Justification and Sanctification,” Ensign, June 2001, 24–25). 

The development of humility is a strengthening factor that leads to greater faith and joy in the lives of faithful Church members then and now. 

“To be humble is to recognize gratefully your dependence on the Lord—to understand that you have constant need for His support. Humility is an acknowledgment that your talents and abilities are gifts from God. It is not a sign of weakness, timidity, or fear; it is an indication that you know where your true strength lies. You can be both humble and fearless. You can be both humble and courageous. … 

“The Lord will strengthen you as you humble yourself before Him” (True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference [2004], 86).

Day 1924