It is interesting that Moroni, who we now see active in the Second Invitation as an angelic messenger of God, wrote the final words of the Book of Mormon and also the first words of the Sealed Book. In my mind this is no coincidence; it establishes continuity between the First and Second Invitations and imparts a very real sense that the work of the Father is continuing to roll forth to bring the Gospel of Christ to every nation and every person on earth.
Over 1600 years ago Moroni engraved on the sacred plates some of the words of his father Mormon. These simple yet profound words speak with thunderous tones to the children of God today confirming that there is still a godly labor to perform: “… let us labor diligently; for if we should cease to labor, we should be brought under condemnation; for we have a labor to perform whilst in this tabernacle of clay, that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness, and rest our souls in the kingdom of God” (Moroni 9:6).
Yes, there is a labor to perform! Accordingly, I am very happy to introduce the February Herald which features wonderful faith-building article by Sister Baukje Wierda-Schaafsma, plus instructional comments from Patriarch President Samuel Gould. Each article is a must-read. You will be glad you did.
Sister Wierda-Schaafsma’s article is titled “Dwelling in Unity.” She quotes from Psalm 133:1 which says: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” Skillfully using the scriptures she describes this unity and discusses how to make unity sustainable. I particularly like the toolbox of effective ways to maintain sustainability by identifying, confronting, and overcoming negative feelings. It is through unity that the Lord’s purposes and designs will be accomplished. I appreciate the choice of Psalm 133. It includes, in verse 3, the words, “the Lord commanded the blessing, even life forevermore.” Through unity we all certainly will understand much more about the meaning of this great gift of life forevermore with our Savior as the fruits of unity are perfected in each person to form living stones for the Lord’s spiritual temple.
Emphasizing the Lord’s commandment for members of the Second Invitation to construct the Spiritual Temple, Patriarch President Samuel Gould highlights our responsibility as stewards of the holy ordinances of God and instructs the church about the proper procedures to be strictly followed in performance of the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. While all church members need to know these procedures, it is of paramount importance for the priesthood to understand how to properly prepare and serve the emblems of the body and blood of our Savior, Jesus Christ. To paraphrase Prophet Berger, the Sacrament is the basis of everything. Everything depends on getting this ordinance right. If we do this ordinance wrong, everything is wrong. Yes, there is a labor to perform, including the correct observance of the ordinances of the church so that the power of godliness is once again manifest in the Body of Christ on earth (D&C 84:20-21).
I know that each reader will enjoy and be encouraged by the articles in this month’s Herald. I invite all to participate in this labor of which Mormon spoke “whilst in this tabernacle of clay, that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness, and rest our souls in the kingdom of God” (Moroni 9:6). Amen.
