This talk, titled "Redemption," was given by Elder D. Todd Christofferson, someone I've actually interacted with several times while growing up, long before he was an apostle. He talks about the Savior's role as our Redeemer and the different aspects of that title, and discusses how we as Christians "seek to participate in and further His redemptive work." After mentioning missionary work and temple work, Elder Christofferson notes that as Jesus provided temporal service for others during His ministry, we can also assist in that meaning of redemption:
"This kind of redemptive work means helping people with their problems. It means befriending the poor and the weak, alleviating suffering, righting wrongs, defending truth, strengthening the rising generation, and achieving security and happiness at home. Much of our redemptive work on earth is to help others grow and achieve their just hopes and aspirations."
I do not feel like I was a lost soul or anything before all of this drama occurred this month, yet I clung to this quote last night with relief to find a word for how I felt regarding everyone's service. I feel redeemed. Like this miracle has freed me to a new level of appreciation for life, for family, for time, for the people around me. Those who assisted me and my family during this time truly did assist the Savior in His work. I will forever be grateful for this experience, for that reason.
As I think I've mentioned before, I have felt a deep responsibility to document and share this story. I have tried to bear witness of miracles, but in reviewing Elder Christofferson's words, I don't think my posts are complete without more directly sharing my testimony. For one thing, my experience (among countless others you could find) demonstrates that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a well-oiled machine in terms of members taking care of one another (and of non-members in need - read the entire talk for proof of that). Elder Christofferson states,
"Some forms of temporal redemption come by collaborative effort. It is one of the reasons the Savior created a church. Being organized in quorums and auxiliaries and in stakes, wards, and branches, we can not only teach and encourage each other in the gospel, but we can also bring to bear people and resources to deal with the exigencies of life. People acting alone or in ad hoc groups cannot always provide means on a scale needed to address larger challenges. As followers of Jesus Christ we are a community of Saints organized to help redeem the needs of our fellow Saints and as many others as we can reach across the globe."
Through my bishop, home teacher, Relief Society president, Relief Society Compassionate Service Leader, and other individuals serving in assigned callings, the blessings and support we received were carried out in an extremely organized, systematic manner - which enabled everything to occur quickly and seamlessly. No one had to wonder what had been done already or had not been done yet. That fact deserves to be highlighted.
Elder Christofferson closes his remarks with the following:
"As disciples of Jesus Christ, we ought to do all we can to redeem others from suffering and burdens. Even so, our greatest redemptive service will be to lead them to Christ. Without His Redemption from death and from sin, we have only a gospel of social justice. That may provide some help and reconciliation in the present, but it has no power to draw down from heaven perfect justice and infinite mercy. Ultimate redemption is in Jesus Christ and in Him alone."
Thus, the responsibility that I have felt to share our story won't be fully satisfied without declaring that I know Jesus is the Christ, and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holds the fulness of His Gospel on the earth today. I know we are led by a living prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, and apostles who receive revelation from our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, to let us know Their will for us right now. I know that I receive revelation for myself and my family through prayer, scripture study, and temple attendance; Heavenly Father knows who I am, loves me, and guides me personally. I know the Book of Mormon is true, and that it enhances my study of the Bible and provides me endless insights into the purpose and plan of my life here on earth. If you are unfamiliar with the LDS Church and have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask me anything. If any of this story has touched your heart, I invite you to listen to or watch the General Conference of the LDS Church occurring this coming Saturday and Sunday, October 5 and 6. You can view it live (10AM-Noon and 2PM-4PM, Mountain Daylight Time, both days) here, or use the same link to watch/listen/read it after the fact, or watch/listen/read talks from previous Conferences. Listen to words from those we sustain as living prophets and apostles, and see for yourself what you think of their authenticity.
There. Now I'm done. :-) Thanks for reading!
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