Hey everyone, just wanted to let you know that I'm still alive and freezing in the humidity down here in Uruguay! Its amazing how much humidity can effect the weather and temperature. I have learned a lot here on my mission... especially about sacrifice.. sometimes its really hard. We as missionaries are telling people to sacrifice those things that keep them from the Lord. The people here need jobs they have so many needs, but I've seen so many who's lives have change so greatly by following the Lord, Jesus Christ! So what is sacrifice? To me its giving the Lord whatever He requires of our time, earthly possessions, talents, strengths and abilities to further His work. The Apostle Paul taught, that we must become living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God. Now how can we be living sacrifices? To me that didn't make sense. But this is what I and learning, to be a living sacrifice is to be willing to give EVERYTHING we have to the Lord, to build the Kingdom of God upon this earth. Many of us who have a very hard time thinking about this. Isn't just obeying the commandments good enough? There is a parable of a young rich man who asked the savior, "what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" and Jesus answered,"Thou knowest the commandments, do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, etc."and the rich man said,"All these have I kept from my youth." then when Jesus heard this, He said," Yet thou lackest one thing; sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come follow me." The young rich man was a good man, but when he was put to the test, he was not willing to sacrifice his worldly possessions... Are we ready to be put to the test? If Christ came to us right now, would we be ready? The Lord's Apostles, Peter and Andrew, were willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of the kingdom of God. "Follow me... they straightway left their nets, and followed Him" (Matthew 4:19-20). Like the disciples we could offer our daily activities as a sacrifice to the Lord, by reading the scripture and going to church, by doing the simple things that have been placed right in front of us! It is hard to let some things go, trust me I know... I have let everything that I held dear to my heart go...but it is only through sacrifice that we can become more like our Father in Heaven. We need to be like Abraham of old and say,"thy will be Done" But there is a promise that we have that comes from the Lord, "everyone that have forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father,or mother, or land, for my names sake, shall receive an hundred fold, and shall inherit everlasting life."( Matthew 19:29) It is hard at time to give up what we love for the Lord but we can do it! We have the Lord on our side. I love you all so very much, have Faith!
Always and Forever,
Elder Timothy V. Gomm
No comments:
Post a Comment