Elder Randy D. Funk of the Seventy said in the Sunday afternoon session of April 2022 general conference:
. . . . As one of the missionaries in that humble, faith-filled home 49 years ago, I have witnessed in them what King Benjamin taught in the Book of Mormon: “I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual.”3 The blessings that flow into the lives of those who follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ, who choose to be counted among His disciples, are numerous, joyful, and eternal.4
The Fold of God
Alma’s baptismal covenant invitation to those gathered at the Waters of Mormon begins with this phrase: “Now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God.”5
A fold, or sheepfold, is a large enclosure, often constructed with stone walls, where the sheep are protected at night. It has only one opening. At the end of the day, the shepherd calls the sheep. They know his voice, and through the gate they enter the safety of the fold.
The people of Alma would have known that shepherds stand at the narrow opening of the fold so that when the sheep enter, they are numbered6 and their wounds and ailments noted and cared for one by one. The safety and well-being of the sheep depend on their willingness to come into the fold and to stay in the fold.
Among us there may be some who feel they are at the edge of the flock, perhaps thinking they are less needed or valued or that they don’t belong in the fold. And, as in the sheepfold, in the fold of God we sometimes step on one another’s toes and need to repent or forgive.
But the Good Shepherd7—our true shepherd—is always good. Within the fold of God, we experience His watchful, nurturing care and are blessed to feel His redeeming love. He said, “I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.”8 Our Savior has graven upon His palms our sins, pains, afflictions,9 and all that is unfair in life.10 All are welcome to receive these blessings, as they “are desirous to come”11 and choose to be in the fold. The gift of agency is not simply the right to choose; it is the opportunity to choose the right. And the walls of the fold are not a constraint but a source of spiritual safety.
Jesus taught that there is “one fold, and one shepherd.”12 He said:
“He that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. …
“And the sheep hear his voice … ,
“… and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.”13
Jesus then stated, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved,”14 teaching clearly that there is only one way into the fold of God and only one way to be saved. It is by and through Jesus Christ.15
More topics included in Elder Funk’s address include. . . .
Blessings Come to Those in the Fold of God
Trust in Christ and Act in Faith
Come Fully into the Fold of God
For Elder Funk’s complete talk click “Come into the Fold of God.”
