President Russell M. Nelson’s message in the final chapter of his book, ‘Accomplishing the Impossible’ (2015), p.144, continued: “One of society’s skirmishes today is over the very definition of marriage. In heated debate is whether two people of the same gender can be married. But that question is only the tip of the iceberg. Below this tip is the weightier matter of free exercise of religion. Contention is raging over two major issues:
- Can marriage survive as the bedrock of our cultural heritage?
- Can precious freedom of religion be preserved?
At stake is our ability to transmit to the next generation the life giving and inseparable culture of marriage and the free exercise of religion. The theistic marriage of a man and a woman allows for the most holy of all human relationships—the begetting of children—through the sacred marital embrace, enabled by the divine design of Almighty God.
Atheistic counterparts were seen in our day by the Apostle Paul, written in an epistle to Timothy. It is a warning to all of us (9): “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
Paul’s prophetic description of our day was followed by his prescription for protection. This was his reassuring conclusion: “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ.” (10)
As you hold fast to the iron rod of the gospel, you will gain strength to fulfill your destiny. Be strong, stalwart soldiers in the army of God, protected by His doctrinal armor, helmet of salvation, and shield of faith.(11)
Your challenges of life are best understood in the light of divine perspective. Trials and tests are necessary for your education and refinement. This doctrine is stated in the 101st section of the Doctrine and Covenants. Speaking of those who will be gathered into the fold of Christ, Jesus said, Therefore, they must needs be chastened and tried, even as Abraham, who was commanded to offer up his only son. For all those who will not endure chastening, but deny me, cannot be sanctified.(12)
Each church leader you sustain as a prophet, seer, and revelator has endured or will endure such an Abrahamic test. At some time you too will be tried and tested, even more than you already have been. Develop now a faith sufficient to sustain you through that difficult time.
As you feast upon the words of Jesus Christ, you will understand His doctrine and be able to apply His teachings in your lives. If you will live as He would have you live, through your example of righteousness, you will become worthy of emulation as a member of the Church that bears His holy name. So I say to you, foster your faith, fix your focus with an eye single to the glory of God. “Be strong and courageous” (13) and you will be given power and protection from on high. The Lord has declared his sustaining help: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”(14)
The Lord has more in mind for you than you have in mind for yourself! You have been reserved and preserved for this time and place. You can do hard things. At the same time as you love Him and keep His commandments, great rewards—even unimaginable achievements— may be yours. Indeed, “(15) The Lord needs you to change the world. As you accept and follow His will for you, you will find yourself accomplishing the impossible!
~President Russell M. Nelson, our Prophet, wrote his book ‘Accomplishing the Impossible’ when a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, published 2015. The previous post (part 1) ‘The World Needs Our Contribution’ and this post, above, is his concluding chapter.
