Near the close of his remarkable talk, Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said in the Saturday morning session of general conference:
The Joy of Serving as Christ Serves
The Savior finds joy in bringing to pass our immortality and eternal life.23/39 In speaking of the Savior’s Atonement, President Russell M. Nelson said:
“As in all things, Jesus Christ is our ultimate exemplar, ‘who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross’ [Hebrews 12:2]. Think of that! In order for Him to endure the most excruciating experience ever endured on earth, our Savior focused on joy!
“And what was the joy that was set before Him? Surely it included the joy of cleansing, healing, and strengthening us; the joy of paying for the sins of all who would repent; the joy of making it possible for you and me to return home—clean and worthy—to live with our Heavenly Parents and families.”24 (see below)
Similarly, the joy “set before us” is the joy of assisting the Savior in His work of redemption. As the seed and children of Abraham,25 (see below) we participate in blessing all the families of the earth “with the blessings of the Gospel, which are the blessings of salvation, even of life eternal.”26/11
The words of Alma come to mind:
“This is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.
“And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy. …
“But I do not joy in my own success alone, but my joy is more full because of the success of my brethren, who have been up to the land of Nephi. …
“Now, when I think of the success of these my brethren my soul is carried away, even to the separation of it from the body, as it were, so great is my joy.”27/9-10
The fruits of our service to one another in the Church are part of the joy “set before us.” Even in times of discouragement or stress, we can minister patiently if we are focused on the joy of pleasing God and bringing light, relief, and happiness to His children, our brothers and sisters.
When in Haiti last month for the dedication of the Port-au-Prince Temple, Elder David and Sister Susan Bednar met with a young sister whose husband had been killed a few days earlier in a tragic accident. They wept together with her. Yet on Sunday this dear woman was in her place as an usher at the dedication services, with a soft, welcoming smile for all who entered the temple.
I believe that the ultimate “joy of the saints” comes in knowing that the Savior pleads their cause,28/3-5 “and no one can conceive of the joy which [will fill] our souls [as] we [hear Jesus] pray for us unto the Father.”29/17 With President Russell M. Nelson, I testify that joy is a gift for faithful Saints “who have endured the crosses of the world”30/18 and who are “intentionally trying to live a righteous life, as taught by Jesus Christ.”31(below) May your joy be full, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
For Elder Christofferson’s complete talk, click: “The Joy of the Saints”
References:
24. Russell M. Nelson: “Joy and Spiritual Survival,” 82-83; emphasis in original.
25. “And if ye be Christ’s then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise”. . .
31. Russell M. Nelson, “Joy and Spiritual Survival,” 84.
