Unity

I have been doing a lot of thinking about unity lately. Look at these quotes:

"The command to "Be one" embraces all other commands. There is no law, statute, ordinance, covenant nor blessing, but what was instituted to make the Saints one. This is the ultimate end and aim of the great plan of salvation. For this, Jesus suffered and died; for this, his servants have toiled and labored day and night in our fallen world; for this, all the powers of heaven will be exerted, until Satan shall be overcome, and the Earth be redeemed, and all the glorified inhabitants thereof become one." (John Taylor, The Seer, p. 289, 1854.) 

"If it is so important, then, that this people be a united people, we might well expect that upon this principle the powers of Satan would descend for their greatest attack. We might well expect, also, that if there be those of apostate mind among us, they would be Inclined to ridicule and to scorn this principle of oneness and unity as being narrow-minded or as being unprogressive. We would likewise expect that those who are enemies would also seek to fight against that principle."  (Harold B. Lee, Conference Report, April 1950, pp. 96-102)

I have thought of the implications of these principles in a classroom, a nation, a workplace, and especially in a family. This study led me to John 17 where repeatedly The Savior begs The Father for the blessing of oneness to be given to His followers. Then, after asking for oneness, He himself goes immediately into the garden to perform the Great At-One-Ment which made true oneness possible. It is as though the conversation was something like this:

Jesus: Father, make them one as we are.

Father: That will require you to pay for them.

Jesus: If that is what is required for them to be At-One with Thee... then I am willing.

 What great reason we have to rejoice in The Lord!

2  We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
3  Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

(New Testament | 1 Thessalonians 1:2 - 3)

Hope on!

Photos

Good times working on the house, burning garbage, and playing at the park with some ward members. Life is good!


Check out this awesome Hope scripture:

1  THEREFORE being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4  And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

(New Testament | Romans 5:1 - 5)

My thoughts on this scripture: Tribulation endured well builds my patience; my personal patience leads to more sacred experiences in my life; sacred experiences from The Lord build my hope and faith in Him and His promises; and as my hope and faith increases, so does my ability to testify, teach and love. 


Hope on!