King Benjamin

Over the last few years, I have recognized more often how the things I read and ponder in the scriptures and the thoughts I have relate to other experiences I have in learning the gospel at Church or in conversations or other ways. Often, scriptures or exact words are repeated in another instance.

This "In His Name" project, of course, has the potential to relate to everything in the gospel, but it most directly relates to the Primary lesson I taught today about King Benjamin. The objective of the lesson is "To strengthen the children's commitment to keep their baptismal covenants and follow Jesus Christ."  Well, that's exactly what this project is about.

We studied King Benjamin's words to his people in Mosiah 2 and 3.

A major point of the lesson is taking the name of Jesus Christ upon us.

We talked about how when we are born into the world, we are born to a family and take that family name upon us.  We are given a heritage.  In a similar way, when we are baptized, we are spiritually born of God and take Christ's name upon us:


In Mosiah 3:17, King Benjamin says,

"there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent."

King Benjamin explains the role of Jesus Christ and asks the people to enter into a covenant to keep His commandments. The people make that commitment.

I am thankful for the Book of Mormon and how clearly it testifies of the plan of salvation. I am thankful for the Primary program and the other auxiliaries and meetings of the church that allow us the opportunity to feel of the Spirit and grow in our knowledge and conviction of the truth.

Testimony

I did something today that I might not have done if it weren't for this project:  I bore my testimony in sacrament meeting. It's been several months since I have done so. I usually get so concerned about what I'm going to say and how I'm going to say it, that I avoid even thinking about sharing it. Yet, I considered the idea yesterday and didn't think of it again, until this morning, when I thought, for the sake of this project, bearing my testimony would help me do something more "in His name." Then the Spirit compelled me, you know—with the rapid and strong heartbeat, sweaty palms and butterflies in the stomach, so I had to do it.

But I kept it simple and short, just to the basic testimony of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost; the Church; and prophet and leaders. And I shared how a line in the sacrament hymn we had sung related to the Primary lesson we were teaching today about renewing our baptismal covenants by keeping the commandments. The hymn was No. 113 "Our Savior's Love," and the line was "We love thy law; we will obey."

During the sacrament ordinance, I pondered on that line and how I do love God's law: I love the safety and peace that the commandments bring. I don't see them as limitations but as opportunities to grow, to feel peace and joy, and to have the guidance of the Holy Spirit in my life. I want to live God's law and live the way He lives. I know that may sound simplistic, since I don't have a clue about what trials and hardships may come my way and how difficult I may find it at times to live His law, but I want to put greater trust in Him that He can lead me forward, repenting as I go, on the path that leads to eternal life. And I am happy to know that you, my friends, and others around me are striving toward the same goal.  Thank you for your friendship and examples. You don't know how much you mean to me!

“Yes, Jesus Loves Me”

By Lori Smith

In between waking and sleeping early this morning, the Christian song, “Yes, Jesus LovesMe” began to play in my mind:

Yes, Jesus Loves Me,

Yes, Jesus Loves Me,

Yes, Jesus Loves Me,

The Bible tells me so.

That chorus brought peace to my soul. My mind went back to my childhood and visits with my elderly next-door neighbor, Mrs. Ella Fletcher. Sometimes my brother and I would go over to her house, and visit for an hour or two. I think our mother sent us over when she had to run an errand or something. Maybe it was in the summer or on Saturdays. I remember enjoying these visits. Mrs. Fletcher would invite us into her living room—I would call it a parlor—I don’t remember what she called it, if anything, but as I remember, it was decorated in a Victorian style. 

I believe she had a sofa that we would sit on opposite of her chair. She would tell us stories of her younger days. Having been born in the late 1800s, Mrs. Fletcher had seen many changes in society during her lifetime. She would offer us treats, also. And she would sing the song, “Yes, Jesus Loves Me,” and talk some about Jesus. I cannot remember any of the other details, but I knew that she was a kindhearted person. I have fond feelings for Mrs. Fletcher. 

The idea of God was not discussed in my home. My parents and grandparents on both sides did not attend a church or talk of God. Mrs. Fletcher’s words and example, along with the influence of other school friends and extended family, introduced me to Christianity. I began pondering on the meaning of life and thought there must be more to life than just living and dying and that’s the end of it. At the invitation of some childhood friends, I started attending the Presbyterian church in town. 

Although I was at times quite uncomfortable, often sitting by myself among strangers in the congregational meeting and jumping when the pastor raised his voice during his oratory, I wanted to absorb all I could. When they passed the collection plate around, I would add a few coins when I could. I looked forward to the Sunday school class where I could meet with children my own age, and I had a kind and patient teacher, Mr. Carl Anderson. We learned from the Bible, and I asked him many questions and pondered on the things he said. We did some scripture memorization, too.  I remember learning John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.”

I received a brand new Bible with a red cover. I don’t remember if my parents bought it for me, or if I received it as a gift from Mr. Anderson, or if everyone in our Sunday school class was given one, or what. That Bible was a treasure to me: I remember it came in a gold-papered cardboard box, and I kept it in the box to protect it when I wasn’t using it.

I could go on sharing several other experiences related to my early Christian leanings, but I want to get back to the thoughts I had this morning that relate this story to the “In His Name” project.

Some thoughts I had earlier this week while pondering the scriptures come to mind when I think of the good Christian people, not of my church, but yet who are—in significant measure—of my faith, who have helped me along the path of discipleship. They helped prepare the way for me to embrace the fullness of the gospel when it was presented to me.

Earlier this week, I was listening to the Doctrine & Covenants: 

“Ask the Father in my name in faith, believing that you shall receive, and you shall have the Holy Ghost, which manifesteth all things which are expedient unto the children of men.

“And if you have not faith, hope, and charity, you can do nothing.

“Contend against no church, save it be the church of the devil.

“Take upon you the name of Christ, and speak the truth in soberness.

“And as many as repent and are baptized in my name, which is Jesus Christ, and endure to the end, the same shall be saved.

“Behold, Jesus Christ is the name which is given of the Father, and there is none other name given whereby man can be saved;

“Wherefore, all men must take upon them the name which is given of the Father, for in that name shall they be called at the last day” (D&C 18:18-24).

I feel that my Christian acquaintances who are not LDS have taken upon them His name as far as they are able at this time, and although they haven’t received the full gospel and been baptized with the proper authority, which is essential for their salvation eventually, they have done amazing things with that which they have, and I can learn much from their examples. I strive to have an open-minded view of the gospel, although I have sometimes had a tendency to think narrower, which thinking might be influenced by living in Utah for so long. But I can’t blame any skewed thinking on others: I am responsible for rejecting cultural influences that do not align themselves with what the Spirit testifies to me.

I have no doubt that Heavenly Father perfectly knows our hearts, and since we do not perfectly know other people’s hearts, we may be surprised to learn who among our acquaintance would be considered among the righteous and who would not.  I listened to another scripture earlier this week that alludes to our potentially improper judgment of others. It was related to Joseph Smith losing the 116 pages of translation of the Book of Mormon. The Lord counseled Joseph to show the translation to no one at that time:  “you cannot always tell the wicked from the righteous” (D&C 10: 37).

I believe my Christian acquaintances of other denominations—and even those who do not affiliate with any denomination—who sincerely believe in Christ and who try to be Christ-like will have reason to rejoice. Despite not having a fullness of the gospel, they have had a measure of it, and they have lived good lives and impacted others for good:

“Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God” (Ether 12:4).

I am grateful for all those who have acted “in His name” in whatever capacity, who have shared their faith to influence me for good: “For I say unto you that whatsoever is good cometh from God” (Alma 5:40). I have learned a lot from them about being a Christian, and a feel a fellowship with them, as my brothers and sisters who rejoice in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Project Details

In His Name Project

Prepared by Lori M. Smith

February 7, 2016

 

What

For 40 days, do everything in the name of Jesus Christ.

 

Why

During sacrament meeting on August 16, 2015, I was pondering on the sacrament prayers. As covenant people, as Christians, we take Jesus’ name upon us. I thought, what if I were to end every action, every thought, every conversation I had with, “in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen”? What would happen? Would anything change? Would it change what I did or thought? Would it change who I am? Would it affect my environment or the people around me?

After pondering on this for a while, I decided I would like to share a project with some of my covenant sisters to dedicate our thoughts and actions “in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen” to see what a difference this focus could make in our lives. Then, I want to share these experiences with a wider audience by compiling them in a book with the intent to publish it.

The reason I chose 40 days for the duration of the project is that the number 40 is significant in receiving instruction for dedication to the work of God: 

• Jesus prepared himself for His earthly ministry by fasting for 40 days and communing with His Father in the wilderness.
• The resurrected Lord spent 40 days instructing His apostles in preparation for their ministry before He ascended into heaven.
• Moses fasted and spent 40 days with the Lord on Mount Sinai to be instructed of the Lord.
• I feel that 40 days of devotion to the Lord would prepare us, as covenant women, for greater devotion to His service.

 

Forty Days Resources

Jesus went into the wilderness and fasted for 40 days to prepare himself for His earthly ministry:

Matthew4:1-2; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-2

After His resurrection, Jesus spent 40 days with His apostles, instructing them:

Acts 1:3

Moses fasted and spent 40 days on Mount Sinai with the Lord being instructed by Him:

Exodus 24:18

Who

I am asking fellow latter-day saints women to do this project with me.

 

When

I would like to start on February 16, 2016, so that the 40^th day will be the day before Easter, and that Easter, March 27, will be a day to reflect and celebrate the Savior’s resurrection and our devotion to Him.

 

How

 

Prepare

• Read D&C 88. Especially study verses 118-126. Verse 120 is the theme of the project:

“That your incomings may be in the name of the Lord; that your outgoings may be in the name of the Lord; that all your salutations may be in the name of the Lord, with uplifted hands unto the Most High.”

• Another related scripture is Moses 5:8:

“Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore.”

•  Read the other project resources in the links at the left.

•  Obtain a journal or notebook to record, reflect and review your experiences for the 40 days.

•  Plan your days as you normally would.

 

Act

• Pray daily.
• Read the scriptures daily.
• Try to consciously dedicate each act in the name of Jesus Christ. You may want to think the words, “in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen” as you dedicate the act to Him. In some cases, you may want to say it out loud. Some acts you will have planned, some you will do without having planned them, since human interactions and circumstances are often spontaneous. You can choose to what level you want to consider this. For example, you could consider getting ready for the day as one task, or you could consider each subtask separately, such as brushing your teeth, and ask yourself, “How do I dedicate brushing my teeth to the name of Jesus Christ?”
• Record your thoughts. Try to dedicate them to Christ as well as your outward acts.

 

Record

Write down the tasks you complete and evaluate whether or not you indeed could say with confidence that you did it in Jesus’ name. By “with confidence,” I mean you would evaluate each task by this measure:  “Could I dedicate this act to Him as an act of devotion as far as I understand the principles and commandments of the gospel?” 

You can use whatever method you prefer for recording. Maybe you want to take photos or draw pictures.

 

Reflect

Write a reflection on the thoughts and activities of each day (if you can’t do it each day, just as often as you can). Consider these and any other questions that come to mind:  What did I feel? What went well? What didn’t go so well? What did I learn? What will I keep doing? What will I change? What are others’ reactions to what I am doing?

Note any scripture references or other resources that relate to your experiences.

 

Review

At end of 40 days, review recordings and reflections. 

Ponder these questions and any others that come to mind: How did this intense focus change your overall perspective? Your actions? How did this experience change your relationship with Christ? With Heavenly Father? With the Spirit? With others? How will you use the experience going forward? 

Create an overall reflection for the entire project. This could be a piece of written prose, a poem, a song, a drawing, painting, scrapbook, video/audio recording, or other art or craft.

 

Motivation

Consider sending participants daily/weekly inspirational thoughts or exercises or reminders to keep them going.

 

Artifact

If each member of the group is comfortable with it, at the very least, I would like to share all or some portion of their experiences with the rest of the group by compiling it in a book for each group member. If we find insightful material that I feel would benefit other sisters, I would like to try to publish the work for a broader audience.