I can live righteously despite the wickedness around me.
From Come, Follow Me :
Beginning in the first chapter of Mormon, you will notice major differences between Mormon and the people around him. As you read Mormon 1, consider contrasting the qualities and desires of Mormon with those of his people...What do you learn that inspires you to live righteously in a wicked world?
Elder Holland gives a description of our day, the work we have been sent to do, and the gratitude of those prophets who have gone on before as they cheer us on to accomplish our part in the "drama of history."
"In short, apostasy and destruction of one kind or another was the ultimate fate of every general dispensation we have ever had down through time. But here's my theory. My theory is that those great men and women, the leaders in those ages past, were able to keep going, to keep testifying, to keep trying to do their best, not because they knew that they would succeed but because they knew that you would. I believe they took courage and hope not so much from their own circumstances as from yours ...
Ours, not theirs, was the day that gave them heavenly and joyful anticipations and caused them to sing and prophesy of victory. Ours is the day, collectively speaking, toward which the prophets have been looking from the beginning of time, and those earlier brethren are over there still cheering us on! In a very real way, their chance to consider themselves fully successful depends on our faithfulness and our victory.
I love the idea of going into the battle of the last days representing Alma and Abinadi and what they pled for and representing Peter and Paul and the sacrifices they made. If you can't get excited about that kind of assignment in the drama of history, you can't get excited!" Jeffrey R. Holland, Terror, Triumph, and a Wedding Feast Watch the entire presentation here.
President Nelson: "Just think of the excitement and urgency of it all: every prophet commencing with Adam has seen our day. And every prophet has talked about our day, when Israel would be gathered and the world would be prepared for the Second Coming of the Savior. Think of it! Of all the people who have ever lived on planet earth, we are the ones who get to participate in this final, great gathering event. How exciting is that! ...I testify that the gathering is now, and it is real." Worldwide Devotional for Youth
See activities centered on gathering Israel on both sides of the veil, invitations from President Nelson to do our part, and the promises in store as we do:
"When messengers are sent to minister to the inhabitants of this earth, they are not strangers, but from the ranks of our kindred [and] friends . . . . In like manner, our fathers and mothers, brothers, sisters, and friends who have passed away from this earth, having been faithful, and worthy to enjoy these rights and privileges, may have a mission given them to visit their relatives and friends upon the earth again, bringing from the divine Presence messages of love, of warning, of reproof and instruction to those whom they had learned to love in the flesh." Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine (Read more here).
"Interrupting Angels" by Annie Henrie Nader
How can you learn more about these loved ones who may be the ones cheering you on, right alongside the prophets? How can getting to know about their lives help open the door to receive their influence in your life? Try some of the activities below to learn more about your ancestors.
The Family History Guide Activities Index offers a myriad of ways to find, learn, record, be inspired by, and share ancestor stories to inspire others. Here are a few examples from the Index:
Temple Opportunities—See "Recommended Tasks" on the FamilySearch home page and click the Temple tab for a list of names for possible ordinances. Be sure to check each name for possible duplicates or other issues before reserving them.
As a family (or an extended family), look to the future. You could each share what you would say to an ancestor (or another person) for whom you have vicariously performed temple ordinances, or what you would say to a loved one in the spirit world who has influenced your life. Perhaps you could all write a letter of gratitude and add it to FamilySearch Memories, or audio record what you would say using the Memories app (find more instructions here). To find stories about your ancestors, see Week #22. This activity is great for individuals also.
From Come, Follow Me :
Mormon recorded a weakness he saw in the Nephites: they failed to acknowledge the ways the Lord had blessed them. President Henry B. Eyring urged us "to find ways to recognize and remember God's kindness. ... Pray and ponder, asking the questions: Did God send a message that was just for me? Did I see His hand in my life or the lives of my children? ... I testify that He loves us and blesses us, more than most of us have yet recognized" ("O Remember, Remember," Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 67, 69).
Your Personal History
Write (or audio-record) the tender mercies in your life every day both for yourself and for generations to come.
