I love learning the book of Mormon. We
are not just reading it. We are studying it. My focus in most of my
studies this week was 2 Nephi 9.
I wanted to share with you something
that stood out to me in this chapter. This chapter is so full of information.
One of the focuses in this chapter is the atonement of the Savior. That
he died so we can return to live with Heavenly Father through His grace. We
talk of how the Savior suffered for all of our sins, hurt anguishes so we will
not have to go through these pains and anguish alone. There are so many words
written about the atonement of Christ. 2 Nephi chapter 9 is one such writing.
Verse 7 is one that talks about the infinite atonement. Infinite: limitless
or endless in space, extent, or size; impossible to measure or calculate. This
means this atonement goes on forever and cannot be measured, yet we are
counselled to use it in our daily lives.
My questions are: What exactly does
this mean? What does using the atonement in our daily
lives actually "do" for us? How does one
use the atonement? Isn't the atonement something that was
already done? How do I use it? I know I need to live righteously, but
that is just following the commandments, trying to be honest in all my doings.
Is that all it is? I wondered. I didn't think that was the case, because
"just praying, reading scriptures, going to church and trying to be a good
person" didn't feel like I was using anything. I was
just doing what I was trying to do.
I mentioned what it is.
The
Bible Dictionary gives a further explanation. It also refers us
back to this Chapter in the Book of Mormon. 2 Nephi 9:5-24. Verses 23
& 24 tell us what we have
to do to get or have the blessings of the atonement but it still does not answer how.
But in the following verses and through the end of the chapter we learn more. We are given a list of what to do
and what not to do.
In our gathering in
class and discussing this chapter we talked of the atonement and using in our
daily lives.
Using the atonement in
our daily lives means always "Remembering Him and having his Spirit to be
with us." We are reminded of this each Sunday as we take the
sacrament. In doing this we will see what the atonement does for us.
What does it do for us?
On a daily basis we can repent and be forgiven of our sins. We can have hope
and faith that we will make it to true eternal happiness. It gives us the
knowledge and comfort that we are not alone. The Savior, Jesus Christ, felt
these pains, hurts, frustrations, imperfections, illnesses, all of it so that
each and every one of us would never be alone in our struggles, trials and
life. Our pain is real and some one does know exactly how you are feeling in
your painful time. You really are never alone.
How? How do we use it
in our lives? How do I make this something real that I use? How do I do it so I
can get these blessings and this comfort the knowledge and the power the atonement
give? Sunday. Attending church and partaking of the sacrament. This renews
the covenants. Pondering the sacrament prayer each week and keeping Jesus in
our thought and hears through the week.
Everyday. Pray. Often. Pray to our Father in the name of the son, Our
Savior Jesus Christ. Ask for help,
blessings, understand, the capacity to learn to change to get out of the
situation. Pray for the desire to know the Savior to get to happiness. Pray and
praise and give thanks. Honestly just pray.
This open line of communication comes from Christ so praying is using
the atonement. Think about the savior.
And give him your troubles. Do not ask the Lord to take away your pains. Let
him know through your agency you are ready to let them go. As you give the
painful, hurtful sinful things in your life to the Lord you are accepting the atonement.
You are believing that He is there and you are not alone and he has the power
to pick it up.
So it is more than
living a “righteous” life, or going to church. It is more than just praying and
going through the motions. It is more than believing. Using the atonement in
our daily lives requires action. It is Believing, Feeling, Asking, Doing, Living
and Loving. I was using the atonement in my life without knowing it. I wasn’t
giving the personal attention and focus I needed to. As I had the desire to
strengthen my relationship with my Savior I knew I needed to find out the
answers to these questions. I am glad the Lord provided me a way to find
them.
Now with this post if I
forget or feel myself needing a refresher I can come back here and read it and
know.
No comments:
Post a Comment