From his book by the above name, Ronald A. Rasband of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
President Russell M. Nelson has taught: “We . . . increase the Savior’s power in our lives when we make sacred covenants and keep those covenants with precision. Our covenants bind us to Him and give us godly power” (“Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into our Lives,” Ensign, May 2017).
When we keep promises to one another, we are more likely to keep promises to the Lord. Remember the Lord’s words: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40).
Reflect with me on examples of promises in the scriptures. Ammon and the sons of Mosiah in the Book of Mormon committed “to preach the word of God” (Alma 17:14). When Ammon was captured by Lamanite forces, he was taken before the Lamanite King Lamoni. He committed to the king, “I will be thy servant” (v. 25). When raiders came to steal the kings sheep, Ammon cut off their arms. So astonished was the king, he listened to Ammon’s message of the gospel and was converted.
Ruth in the old testament promised her mother-in-law, “Whither thou goest, I will go” (Ruth 1:16). She lived true to her word. The good Samaritan, in a parable in the New Testament, promised the inn keeper that if he would care for the injured traveler, “Whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee” (Luke 10:35). Zoram, in the Book of Mormon, promised to go into the wilderness with Nephi and his brothers. Nephi recounted, “When Zoram had made an oath unto us, our fears did cease concerning him” (1 Nephi 4:37).
What of the ancient promise “made to the fathers” as described in the scriptures that “the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers” (Doctrine and Covenants 2:2, Joseph Smith 1:39)? In the pre-earth life when we chose God’s plan, we made a promise to help gather Israel on both sides of he veil. “We went into partnership with God,” Elder John A. Widtsoe explained years ago. “Working out the plan became not merely the Father’s work, and the Savior’s work, but also our work” (“The Worth of Souls,’ Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, Oct. 1934, 189).
“[The] gathering is the most important thing taking place on the earth today,” President Nelson has said as he has traveled the world. “When we speak of the gathering, we are simply saying this fundamental truth: every one of our Heavenly Father’s children, on both sides of the veil, deserves to hear the message of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ” (“Hope of Israel” [worldwide youth devotional, June 3, 2018], )”Hope of Israel” Church of Jesus Christ.org, 8).
In addition, as we keep our promises to the Lord, we can more easily trust the Lord and His promises. I know that all His promises will be fulfilled.
Your greatest strength is in the Lord Jesus Christ. He has promised: “I will be on your right and on your left” (Doctrine and Covenants 84:88). “I know my sheep and they are numbered” (3 Nephi 18:31). “[My] peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you” (John 14:27).
“Come unto me ye blessed, for behold, your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth” (Alma 5:16).
“For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have take the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day” (Doctrine & Covenants 45:57).
This is why we should not be troubled by the turmoil of today, by those in the great and spacious building, by those who scoff at honest effort and are dedicated to the Lord, Jesus Christ. Optimism, courage and even charity come from a heart not burdened by troubles or turmoil.
~Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Be Not Troubled [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2020), p. 32-35
