Watch...And Learn

Many people are visual learners, meaning they learn by seeing.  I believe to a degree we all learn visually.  We can "watch and learn" from the people around us.  It's interesting to me how by just watching someone we can learn things.  We can learn things from them, and we can learn things about them. 
In the last week I have been able to work closely with some great people who I love and adore.  People who I have associated with for my entire mission, but have never been able to be around for long periods of time.  I have learned so much about them and from them, just by simply watching, listening and trying to duplicate their actions to become a better person.

We do that with the life of Jesus Christ all the time right?  We visualize his life and his mission.  We can see his perfect example for exactly what it is; Perfect.  We want to be able to help others, and we of course would like to become more like him as well.  So we do out best to follow his teachings.  To become better.  As Christmas day approaches much quicker than I had anticipated and I'm sure many of you feel the same, I pray that we will be able to learn from our Great Master, even Jesus Chirst.  He has truely carried our griefs and sorrow.  We are forever indebted to him.  We have much to be thankful for this Chirstmas season.  Be joyful and know that God is with you and he listens.  Learn from him, learn from those around you..BECOME.  Watch and Learn.

My Dream two Nights Ago

Two nights ago I had dream that I can't seem to get out of my mind.  I had been in some sort of an accident, and had been hospitalized.  Something had happened to my head, and I needed surgery right away.  I was not conscious, but I was watching everything happen from above.  I heard a voice and was told that through this procedure I would lose part of my memory.  I had the choice of what I would get to remember.  The decision I would make would effect me the rest of my life.  I was asked to choose between the two things I love more than anything else in this life.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ, or my Family.  I can still feel the confusion, sadness and pure distaste for the idea of forgetting one of them.  Then I would have to start over, with my family, or with my testimony of this gospel.  As I looked down from above as different nurses and doctors worked to begin surgery.  I contemplated the seriousness of the decision I needed to make.  I thought of my amazing family, the blessing and help they have been to me; known and unknown.  I also thought of the time and effort I have put into gaining a strong testimony of the things I have come to believe so deeply.  Through all of this thinking and contemplating my decision, I could not make one.  I was not trying to be defiant to the voice that asked me to make that decision, but I merely could not come up with an answer to give. 
As I woke up without a decision made I still have thought over and over again the decision I would make.  I cannot make the choice.  I would rather have one mightier then I make that decision.  I love this Gospel, I love who I have become and continue to become because of it.  I love my family.  They have helped me to gain this testimony.  They have helped me to become who I am.  I believe that Family and the Gospel of Jesus Christ are inseparably connected.  The family is the basic social unit of time and all eternity.  I do believe that if I did "forget my testimony"  my family would be at my side helping me to gain it once again.  I believe that if I forgot my family the Gospel of Jesus Christ would lead me to them.  I hope I will never have to make that decision, but I am glad that God has given me this time to think more deeply about what those two things mean to me.  How truly important they are to me.  I hope that we all can notice the way we REALLY feel about our families and the Gospel.  Just a little food for thought.  Hope you enjoy.

Everything Denotes That There is a God

There is a story in the Book of Mormon that I love.  I'd like to share it with anyone who take the time to read my blog.  This story takes place many years before the coming of Christ.  The story is about a man named Korihor.  Korihor was an anti-Christ, which means he did not believe in Jesus Christ, or of the coming of Jesus Christ.  He went about the land of Zerehemla teaching his false doctrine to the people of the church of God. He taught things like people could not truly believe in something they had never seen.  He would preach that there would be no Christ. He said, "Oh ye that are bound down under a foolish and a vain hope, why do ye yoke yourselves with such foolish things? Why do ye look for a Christ? For no man can know of anything which is to come.

  Behold, these things which ye call prophecies, which ye say are handed down by holy prophets, behold, they are foolish traditions of your fathers.
   How do ye know of their surety? Behold, ye can not know of things which ye do not see; therefore ye cannot know that there shall be a Christ.

   Ye look forward and say that ye see a remission of your sins. But behold, it is the effect of a frenzied mind; and this derangement of your minds comes because of the traditions of your fathers, which lead you away into a belief of things which are not so."

He also taught that the leaders of the church would teach people these things to gain favor and wealth.
  Because of the things that Korihor taught he led away the hearts of many.  Korihor was brought before the High Priest Alma.  Alma tells Korihor that Korihor knows that he and the other leaders of the church labored with their ownto support themselves and their families.  That he never abused his leadershipe postion.  Then Alma asks Korihor a couple of great questions. "Believest thou that there is a God?"  Korihor said, "nay".  Then Alma asks, "What evidence do ye have that there is no God, or that Christ cometh not? I say unto you that ye have none, save it be your word only.
   But, behold, I have all things which are a testimony unto you that they are true."
   Korihor tell Alma that if God showed him a sign he would believe.  To which Alma replies, "Thou hast had signs enough; will ye tempt your God? Will ye say, show unto me a sign, when ye have the testimony of all the holy prophets?  The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote that there is a God; yea, even the Earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and it's motion, yea, and also all the planets which do move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator."
   I like Alma know that there is a God.  I do believe that Jesus Christ came and that he was the Son of God.  He took upon himself the mistakes, pains, sicknesses and all other things.  So that we can return to live with God.  For no unclean things can dwell in the presence of God.  There had to be a way for us to become clean.  That can only be done through Jesus Christ.  Gaining Faith in Jesus Christ can be done in many ways.  My faith in Jesus Christ was first gained through the Book of Mormon.  That's how I came to know that he was not only a man, but my savior, my redeemer, my way to live with God and my family forever.  I hope this touches your hearts and helps you to know that there is a God, who knows your situation and Loves and truly cares about you.  He is waiting for you to doubt not, but to be believing.  In the Sacred named on Jesus Christ, Amen.

 
 

Baptism, My Purpose.

  My Purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the Restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ, and his atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy ghost and enduring to the end. 
   I feel like I need to do more to fulfill that purpose online.  So as I read from the scriptures this morning I decided to try to find something to write about and I found my topic; Baptism.  Baptism is essential to our salvation. In John 3:5 in the New Testament is says, "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."  Being born of the water means to be baptized, and of the spirit means to receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  This Scripture I quoted has a story behind it.  Christ is talking to a Pharisee and ruler of the Jews named Nicodemus.  Now Nicodemus comes to Christ in the night and says, " Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him."  Then Jesus says what I quoted earlier.  So he tells Nicodemus that he needs to be Born of Water and of the Spirit or he wont be able to live with God.  And Nicodemus asks a classic question, "How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?"  He thinks logically and says, "how in the world can I be born again, I can't enter my mothers womb again!"  To which Jesus responds, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.  The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit."
The answer of course is Baptism.  Christ set the PERFECT example.  It is always amazing to me people who believe that baptism is not necessary.  Of course it is necessary, Jesus Christ was perfect, and he was baptized...hmm sounds like we should be baptized, as imperfect as we are.  In the Book of Mormon it says, "And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!"  Christ was baptized.  "And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them.  And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father?  And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son."
Follow the perfect example, Jesus Christ.  Find the path for you and be baptized.  Baptism is the gate by which ye should enter.  Then stay on the straight and narrow path which leads to eternal life.  If you have questions please look me up of facebook by searching, "Elder Austin Goff".  Ask any questions you may have.

I second the voice of Alma to the people of Nephi when he says,
"And now I say unto you that this is the order after which I am called, yea, to preach unto my beloved brethren, yea, and every one that dwelleth in the land; yea, to preach unto all, both old and young, both bond and free; yea, I say unto you the aged, and also the middle aged, and the rising generation; yea, to cry unto them that they must repent and be born again.

  Yea, thus saith the Spirit: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, for the kingdom of heaven is soon at hand; yea, the Son of God cometh in his glory, in his might, majesty, power, and dominion. Yea, my beloved brethren, I say unto you, that the Spirit saith: Behold the glory of the King of all the earth; and also the King of heaven shall very soon shine forth among all the children of men.

  And also the Spirit saith unto me, yea, crieth unto me with a mighty voice, saying: Go forth and say unto this people—Repent, for except ye repent ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of heaven."

Christ being baptized by John

Hope

Every one of us has times when we need to know things will get better. My declaration is that that is precisely what the gospel of Jesus Christ offers us, especially in times of need.
Thirty years ago last month, a little family set out to cross the United States, every earthly possession they owned packed into the smallest trailer available. No money, an old car, they drove exactly 34 miles up the highway, at which point their beleaguered car erupted.
The young father surveyed the steam, matched it with his own, then left his trusting wife and two innocent children—the youngest just three months old—to wait in the car while he walked the three miles or so to the southern Utah metropolis of Kanarraville, population then, I suppose, 65. Some water was secured at the edge of town, and a very kind citizen offered to drive back to the stranded family. The car was attended to and slowly—very slowly—driven back to St. George for inspection.
After more than two hours of checking and rechecking, no immediate problem could be detected, so once again the journey was begun. In exactly the same amount of elapsed time at exactly the same location on that highway with exactly the same pyrotechnics from under the hood, the car exploded again. Now feeling more foolish than angry, the chagrined young father once more left his trusting loved ones and started the long walk for help once again. This time the man providing the water said, “Either you or that fellow who looks just like you ought to get a new radiator for that car.” He didn’t know whether to laugh or to cry at the plight of this young family.
“How far have you come?” he said. “Thirty-four miles,” I answered. “How much farther do you have to go?” “Twenty-six hundred miles,” I said. “Well, you might make that trip, and your wife and those two little kiddies might make that trip, but none of you are going to make that trip in that car.” He proved to be prophetic on all counts.
Just two weeks ago, I drove by that exact spot. For just an instant I thought perhaps I saw on that side road an old car with a devoted young wife and two little children. Just ahead of them I imagined that I saw a young fellow walking toward Kanarraville, the weight of a young father’s fear evident in his pace.
In that imaginary instant, I couldn’t help calling out to him: “Don’t you quit. You keep walking. You keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead.” Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven. But for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come. It will be all right in the end. Trust God and believe in good things to come.

Always have hope, if we do we will be able to have that faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

Miracles

 Mormon 9: 15-21.

15 And now, O all ye that have imagined up unto yourselves a god who can do no miracles, I would ask of you, have all these things passed, of which I have spoken? Has the end come yet? Behold I say unto you, Nay; and God has not ceased to be a God of miracles.

 16 Behold, are not the things that God hath wrought marvelous in our eyes? Yea, and who can comprehend the marvelous works of God?

 17 Who shall say that it was not a miracle that by his word the heaven and the earth should be; and by the power of his word man was created of the dust of the earth; and by the power of his word have miracles been wrought?

 18 And who shall say that Jesus Christ did not do many mighty miracles? And there were many mighty miracles wrought by the hands of the apostles.

 19 And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles.

 20 And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust.

 21 Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth.

  

I add my testimony to Mormon's testimony of miracles.  They exist, they do happen, but we need to have faith that they can and will happen in our lives.  A lot of the time we have miracles happen in our lives day after day, however, we don't acknowledge or recognize them as miracles.  In the bible dictionary is says that,  "Miracles should not be regarded as deviations from the ordinary course of nature so much as manifestations of divine or spiritual power.  Some lower law was in each case superseded by the action of a higher."  Miracles are Divine or spiritual power.  God is in our lives everyday!  Sounds like a miracle to me.  We are able to see a being greater than we are help and protect us.  Plus he gives us what we need.  I know that miracles were never wrought without prayer, felt need, and faith.  I hope that we all can notice the miracles in our lives.  Not just the incredible, almost unbelievable miracles; but the little miracles that we receive each and everyday.  As we notice those miracles I can promise you all that our faith in miracles and the power of he who is mightier than we will increase.  I know that miracles have not, and will not cease.  For God is the same yesterday, today and forever.  He was a God of miracles in the past.  He is a God of miracles now and he will be in the future as well.  Take these things into your heart and pray earnestly unto God to help you notice those miracles.  If you do so he will help you.  Have a happy Thanksgiving family and friends back home and in my recent homes, and also to those in Worland, Wyoming.  God Bless.

"Lost and Found"

By: Greg Olsen

My Blog

Having this blog has been good for me.  I have been able to write some of my feelings.  My thoughts, and been able to actually know about people reading it.  I hope that as I share my thoughts and feelings that everyone who reads it will be able to get something out of it.  I had someone tell me they had read some of my blogs, and it made me really think.  Am I writing things that will help others, or am I writing things that will help me.  If there is a particular subject you would like me to write about feel free to ask.  I'll try to write about it.  I am on here to help other people.  Not to just write because I was asked to.  I want it to be good for everyone.  Love, Elder Goff

Football and the Gospel.

So the other day I thought back to my high school times.  More specifically,  about the Football team I was able to be a part of my senior year.  I remember long before we were actually together when I was a senior we all started playing together in 7th grade.  We all loved the game, we loved playing as a team.  Seeing the things that could happen when we would play as a team.  Seeing the great things we could accomplish individually when we would listen to what the coach told us to do, and what we had practiced all week before we went out Friday under the lights.  I remember having an English class my freshman year.  We had a writing assignment and I remember myself and Casimiro Zarate our great running back and line backer writing about taking state someday.  So, as you can see this is something we wanted for yourselves.  A goal we wanted to accomplish.  It was only through working as a team and listening to what our coaches taught us.  Then going out on the field and fulfilling the assignments we had practiced all week that we would ever be able to meet that goal.  We eventually met that goal.  It wasn't easy, we never expected it would be.  We truly had to work hard, study our defensive scheme for the week, listen to our coaches.  There were so many things we had to do to make it happen.  One of the best coaches I had would ask us often as we watched game film when we made a mistake because we didn't fulfill our job, "How did that work for you?"  We would usually then say, "It didn't coach."  And he would then say, "All right, well how about we do it my way next time."  To which we would agree and do it the way we had been coached.
All of these things I learned playing football can apply to the Gospel as well.  We know what we need to do to reach our goal of living with God and Jesus Christ again.  We know when we do it our way it doesn't work.  We have to work at it everyday.  We have to study, pray, go to church.  There are things that God tells us to do and we disregard it.  Which doesn't bring us happiness.  When we get it right is when we feel joy.  I hope that when we see others down we will help them up, and be a team.  We are all in this together.  I am grateful for the great friends and coaches that helped teach me about these things.  We must fulfill our jobs, and make our goals happen.  READY...BREAK.

Elder Austin Gene Goff #3

A lot of thinking, and thanking.

Elder House got his appendix out on Tuesday night. I had to leave him with 2 other Elders that night to go to a meeting in Billings on Wednesday. Since then I have sat here in his room, and thought a lot about Missionaries. What a missionary does and becomes. I believe I have wrote somewhat about this subject before, but the things I have both seen and heard on my mission concerning other missionaries' struggles never cease to amaze me. As I drove with Elder Merrell and Elder Horspool to Billings on Tuesday night we talked about missionaries. I specifically talked about how amazing missionaries are. Everyone has personal struggles and trials. Missionaries are not exempt from that, I have both seen and heard about Missionaries who have had things go on during their missions that would be tough for anyone. Things that I would guess would be harder for someone away from all family. And yet they take these hard things and put them on the back burners and try to help anyone they can to feel happiness. That's what it is all about. Sharing what we know to be true with others. It has brought us happiness even through the hard things in life. Why wouldn't it be able to bring them happiness as well?

I know that this Gospel is a Gospel of change. Change for the better, change for lasting happiness. This Gospel changes so many people, and missionaries. Why not live the Gopsel of Jesus Christ? It will only bless those who do, and in turn it allows us to bless the lives of many more who have not yet found the Gospel. I am so grateful for strong people. My Companion, Elder House, President Gardner, My family, My sister Tiff. Tiff is so strong. With all the pain and medical things plaguing her she still trusts in our lord. She understands that this is happiness. No matter the cost, this is the way to be happy and to spread happiness. At this time of Thanksgiving I pray that we will be more sensitive to the small things people do for us everyday. I don't believe this time should be the only time we notice those things. We need to be more sensitive to the service others provide. All the time, thank those who help you, acknowledge those whom you admire, and be the person who helps others be happy. Notice the things be believe are "little things."




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wi0tqhedHIU

Neither am I Mighty in Writing

   Ever since we started this online proselyting work I have been thinking about how hard it is to express myself through written words.  I have had the chance of teaching some friends online through Facebook, and have been updating this blog site.  As I have done both I have decided that I am better at expressing my thoughts and feelings through my spoken words,  rather than written.  As I read from The Book of Mormon today I read Nephi's words at the end of the book of 2 Nephi.  Nephi seems to have felt the same way I have. So I will use his words from 2 Nephi 33 and insert my name.
   1.  And now I, Elder Goff, cannot write all the things that were taught to me today; neither am I mighty in writing, like unto speaking; for when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the children of men. ( I don't feel that I am mighty in speaking either, but I feel like I can speak better than I can write.)
   2.  But behold, there are many that harden their hearts against the Holy Spirit, that it hath no place in them; wherefore, they cast many things away which are written and esteem them as things of naught.
   I hope that something in what I write on my blog will touch the hearts of those who read it.  I do not proclaim to be a writing genius or to have the spirit at all times.  However I do feel like these things I write mean a lot to me, so I hope that they could mean something to others as well.  If only because I know them to be true.  I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I am trying so hard to be someone different than who I used to be.  I know it's only through Jesus Christ that that can happen.  I feel that he has helped me change things already.  I'm still constantly trying to improve. There are many areas I need to work on, and I am doing my best.  The past is the past.  I hope it can stay there.  I know where I stand with God and that's what matters.  I hope all who read this can realize that we can always be better than we were yesterday. 
   4.  And I know that the Lord God will consecrate my prayers for the gain of my people.  And the words which I have written in weakness will be made strong unto them; for it persuadeth them to do good; it maketh known unto them of their fathers; and it speaketh of Jesus, and presuadeth them to believe in him, and to endure to the end, which is life eternal.
   10.  And now, my beloved bretheren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ.  And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach men that they should do good.
   It is my prayer that as I use this as a means of helping others that Christ will help me to write the words he would have me write.  That he will bless you to feel of the Love and Effort I try to put into these entries.  I love Jesus Christ, I love my Father in Heaven, they love me.  I hope I can help you to all feel of their love for you as well, and that you can grow to love them. And see the happiness that can be found through them.

He invites All men, Everywhere.

     Today during my Personal study I was reading from The Book of Mormon.  I came across some scripture in 2 Nephi 26 that I have read time and time again, but it always hits me different.  Today as I read it I thought about non-members and less actives who believe that if they set foot in a church building it will fall into a heap of flaming rubble on top of them.  Why would God do that?  We all have things that are keeping us from being the "perfect person."  That's why we go to church right?  To better ourselves.  "For he doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation." (2 Nephi 26:24) He died to draw all men unto him.  Not to keep them away.  He desires for all to partake of Salvation.
    "Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying: Depart from me? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price.

     Behold, hath he commanded any that they should depart out of the synagogues, or out of the houses of worship? Behold, I say unto you, Nay.

     Hath he commanded any that they should not partake of his salvation? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but he hath given it free for all men; and he hath commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance.

     Behold, hath the Lord commanded any that they should not partake of his goodness? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but all men are privileged the one like unto the other, and none are forbidden.

wherefore, the Lord God hath given a commandment that all men should have charity, which charity is

love. And except they should have charity they were nothing. Wherefore, if they should have charity they would not suffer the laborer in Zion to perish.

     For he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile." (2 Nephi 26:25-28, 30, 33)

   We are all worth just as much as the next person.  God will never esteem one above another.  No one can read these scriptures and say that God will not accept them.  God will accept all who accept Him, and do the best they can to keep His commandments. 

A Friend From Home

“This cause will roll on in majesty and power to fill the earth. Doors now closed to the preaching of the gospel will be opened. The Almighty, if necessary, may have to shake the nations to humble them and cause them to listen to the servants of the living God. Whatever is needed will come to pass.”
( “Look to the Future,” Ensign, Nov. 1997, 68.)

“The Standard of Truth has been erected. No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing. Persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame. But the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and dependent till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, until the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the Great Jehovah will say, ‘The work is done.'” -The Prophet Joseph Smith

   As I think about these two quotes, a friend from home comes to my mind.  I do not know or understand the whole story of her conversion, because I have been on my mission since she started investigating and decided to be baptized.  However,  I do know that these two statements are true.  God will do whatever it takes to help his children find the answers they seek.  Whether it be through a friend, neighbor, complete strangers in a white shirt and tie, or through online proselyting. 
  Ever since we found out about this new online proselyting opportunity it has rolled forth.  I have had many chances to share the Gospel with old friends from home.  I have been able to fellowship people I have taught in past areas, and been able to share the gospel through this blog page as well. 
   Now back to my Friend From Home.  She was baptized last night.  Being able to answer questions, and encourage her has been a great thing for me.  A great testimony builder.  I don't feel like I have done much of anything.  I did not get to teach her,  I did not get to be in attendance for her baptism, and yet I feel as much joy for her being baptized as I have for anyone on my mission.  Sharing the Gospel can and will roll forth.  Even if it needs to be done through the Internet.  There is a talk by Elder M. Russell Ballard I would like to share with you all.

Sharing the Gospel Using the Internet

By Elder M. Russell Ballard

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

  

The Internet: A Modern Printing Press

Today we have a modern equivalent of the printing press in the Internet. The Internet allows everyone to be a publisher, to have his or her voice heard, and it is revolutionizing society. Before the Internet there were great barriers to printing. It took money, power, influence, and a great amount of time to publish. But today, because of the emergence of what some call “new media,” made possible by the Internet, many of those barriers have been removed. New media consists of tools on the Internet that make it possible for nearly anyone to publish or broadcast to either a large or a niche audience. I have mentioned some of these tools already. The emergence of new media is facilitating a worldwide conversation on almost every subject, including religion, and nearly everyone can participate. This modern equivalent of the printing press is not reserved only for the elite.

Now some of these tools—like any tool in an unpracticed or undisciplined hand—can be dangerous. The Internet can be used to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and can just as easily be used to market the filth and sleaze of pornography. Computer applications like iTunes can be used to download uplifting and stirring music or the worst kind of antisocial lyrics full of profanity. Social networks on the Web can be used to expand healthy friendships as easily as they can be used by predators trying to trap the unwary. That is no different from how people choose to use television or movies or even a library. Satan is always quick to exploit the negative power of new inventions, to spoil and degrade, and to neutralize any effect for good. Make sure that the choices you make in the use of new media are choices that expand your mind, increase your opportunities, and feed your soul.

As you know, the new media has already profoundly impacted the old world of newspapers and other traditional media. Once upon a time, as a Church leader I might give a newspaper interview, then wait a day or two for it to appear somewhere deep inside the newspaper. Then that newspaper was thrown away, and whatever impact it might have had dissipated rather quickly.

Now, as I am leaving one appointment to go to the next, the report of my visit or interview begins almost immediately to appear on the newspaper’s Web site or on blogs, where it can be copied and distributed all over the Web. You can see how important the right words are today. Words recorded on the Internet do not disappear. Any Google or Yahoo! search is going to find one’s words, probably for a very long time.

A case in point: In 2007, NBC television came to Salt Lake for an interview with me as part of a piece they were producing on the Church. Reporter Ron Allen and I spent an hour together in the chapel in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. We discussed the Church at length. A few days later the story appeared, and in the four-minute segment that aired, there was one short quote of about six seconds from the one-hour interview. That was just enough time for me to testify of our faith in Jesus Christ as the center of all we believe. I repeat, just six seconds were used from a 60-minute interview. Those six seconds are quite typical, actually, for members of the traditional TV media, who think and air in sound bites. The big difference from the old days to today is that the reporter also ran 15 minutes of our interview on the NBC Nightly News Web site. And those 15 minutes are still there. What we say is no longer on and off the screen in a flash, but it remains as part of a permanent archive and can appear on other sites that reuse the content. People using Internet search engines to hunt for topics about the Church will come across that interview and many others.

These tools allow organizations and individuals to completely bypass the news media and publish or broadcast their messages in their entirety to the intended audiences. For instance, last year the Church Public Affairs Department conducted an interview with Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Elder Lance B. Wickman of the Seventy regarding the Church’s position on same-gender attraction. In the old days, to communicate our message to the public on an issue like this we would have had to rely on the news media. But this probing interview was conducted by Church Public Affairs staff and posted in its entirety on the Church’s Web site, unfiltered by the news media.

Joining the Conversation

There are conversations going on about the Church constantly. Those conversations will continue whether or not we choose to participate in them. But we cannot stand on the sidelines while others, including our critics, attempt to define what the Church teaches. While some conversations have audiences in the thousands or even millions, most are much, much smaller. But all conversations have an impact on those who participate in them. Perceptions of the Church are established one conversation at a time.

The challenge is that there are too many people participating in conversations about the Church for our Church personnel to converse with and respond to individually. We cannot answer every question, satisfy every inquiry, and respond to every inaccuracy that exists. We need to remember that there is a difference between interest and mere curiosity. Sometimes people just want to know what the Church is. And some who seek answers want them to come directly from a member of the Church. They appreciate one-on-one conversation.

All of you know that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are reminded and encouraged continually to share the gospel with others. The Church is always looking for the most effective ways to declare its message. Preaching the gospel of the Restoration has always been special to me. I loved being a missionary in England. I loved being a mission president in Canada. And I love my present calling, which allows me opportunities to share the message of the Restoration of the gospel to the world and to testify that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1820. Through Joseph, the gospel that Jesus established in New Testament times was brought back. It had been lost with the deaths of the Apostles of old. I can share with the world the knowledge that priesthood authority, the doctrine, and the ordinances of the New Testament Church are once again on the earth. This is the most important work that we can participate in.

Now, may I ask that you join the conversation by participating on the Internet to share the gospel and to explain in simple and clear terms the message of the Restoration. Most of you already know that if you have access to the Internet you can start a blog in minutes and begin sharing what you know to be true. You can download videos from Church and other appropriate sites, including newsroom.lds.org, and send them to your friends. You can write to media sites on the Internet that report on the Church and voice your views as to the accuracy of the reports. This, of course, requires that you understand the basic principles of the gospel. It is essential that you are able to offer a clear and correct witness of gospel truths. It is also important that you and the people to whom you testify understand that you do not speak for the Church as a whole. You speak as one member—but you testify of the truths you have come to know.

Far too many people have a poor understanding of the Church because most of the information they hear about us is from news media reports that are often driven by controversies. Too much attention to controversy has a negative impact on peoples’ perceptions of what The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints really is.

Recently a columnist writing in a major U.S. newspaper was irresponsibly inaccurate in his description of the Church and our beliefs and practices. Dozens, perhaps even hundreds, of Church members and others who understand our beliefs commented on the newspaper’s Web site, correcting the misconceptions he was spreading and calling for accuracy.

Examples of What You Can Do

Let me give you a few other examples of how Church members are using the new media.

A Church member living in the Midwest of the United States makes a concerted effort to share the gospel every day, in person. He then writes a blog about his daily endeavors to share the teachings of the Book of Mormon and to give pass-along cards to all he meets. His effort to share the gospel so diligently is admirable, and his further effort to write about it no doubt inspires many others to do the same.

Others have recorded and posted their testimonies of the Restoration, the teachings of the Book of Mormon, and other gospel subjects on popular video-sharing sites. You too can tell your story to nonmembers in this way. Use stories and words that they will understand. Talk honestly and sincerely about the impact the gospel has had in your life, about how it has helped you overcome weaknesses or challenges and helped define your values. The audiences for these and other new media tools may often be small, but the cumulative effect of thousands of such stories can be great. The combined effort is certainly worth the outcome if but a few are influenced by your words of faith and love of God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

The Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ has no doubt had a powerful impact on your life. It has, in part, shaped who you are and what your future will be. Do not be afraid to share with others your experiences as a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. We all have interesting stories that have influenced our identity. Sharing those stories is a nonthreatening way to talk to others. Telling those stories can help demystify the Church. You could help overcome misperceptions through your own sphere of influence, which ought to include the Internet.

   I add my witness, as insignificant as it is compared to this Special Witness of Jesus Christ.  Internet Missionary work WORKS!  Do your part to take the Internet back, to use it for what it was intended for, To Preach the Gospel.

http://new.lds.org/church/share/share-your-testimony-with-the-world?lang=eng

Worland, WY. 6 more weeks.

Well,  Transfer calls are always a nerve racking time.  It seems as though all the people you have talked to come to your mind.  You think of the members, and the good times you have had with them.  You think of the companions.  You think of what might come.  Where you might go, and what your next adventure will be.
   Elder House and I found out that we will both be staying which will be great, while at the same time we will be getting new faces in our zone. 3 missionaries will be taking 3 others places as they leave to embark on a new adventure.  I always hate seeing great Elders leave too, but I love getting to know new ones.  There are pros and cons to each situation. 
   When these times come I always think of a particular hymn many of you have heard lots of times. "God Be With You."  I have always been a huge fan of this hymn, but since I came on my mission it has continued to grow on me.  I remember the Sunday before I left Helena, The Bishop's Wife, Sister Mangum played that hymn as the closing song for Sacrament.  The words imply so much Love.  I'm grateful to have experienced it.  Once again this Hymn has come into my mind.  God be with You til we meet again.  Think of those you love who have gone away.  To them your mind may wander, and when it does remember, we shall all meet again.

Team ups and learning from everyone.

Hello again.
   It's been interesting having the opportunity to be a District Leader and then Zone Leader.  I never thought in one day I could learn so much from another missionary.  I remember when I was pretty new in the mission, and the Zone Leaders came on team ups with my trainer and I.  I looked up to them and what they had to say.  I think about myself in that position now and it seems like once again I am learning from the others around me.  Just as I did when I was brand new.  I don't think it matters whot the person is that is near you, there is something worth while to learn from them.  I think about it as a missionary,  every Elder or Sister I have had the chance of hearing talk about gospel related things I learn something.
   I believe that could be applied to any of us.  No matter what moment in time we are dealing with.  Whether we are in college, have kids, empty nesters, or in any situation.  If we open our minds and hearts to the people around us we will be completely suprised by the amount of knowledge people actually have.  Plus the fact that we can learn things from EVERYONE!
  As a missionary I have learned to love people.  Love watching how they act in certain situations.  Loving to watch how they respond.  Will we respond as the world would respond or will we respond as God would want us to.  Will we take the great opportunities around us and learn from the people in our lives.  I hope and pray I will always be able to react the way God wants me to and to also learn from others.  We can Learn from everyone.
   Love, Elder Austin Gene Goff.

Faith.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).  It all starts with that faith Paul is talking about.  Faith is the first principle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  In order to gain a greater faith in Jesus Christ, we must follow his teachings.  We can look at a cake all day long, however, until we experiment, or in other words, we try the cake we wont know if it tastes good.  The same concept applies to Jesus Chirst.  Until we actually try keeping the commandments and see the great things that come from it, we wont be able to gain a great faith in him.  We can do it through keeping any commandment he has given us.  For each and every commandment we follow we are promised by God certain blessings. "There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated (Doctrine and Covenants 130:20-21)."
  So Faith is something that needs to be acted upon to see the results.  If we keep the commandements we will be able to see the blessings those decisions have brought.  Faith is gained through actively seeking it.  I testify of these things.  I know these things are true.  I have tried the experiment and Planted the seed of Faith in my heart.  I try to nurture it, and give it things that will help it grow.  Reading my Scriptures, Praying, going to church, boy these things sound like things God commands us to do don't they?  Keep the commandments and your faith will grow.  I Promise you that. I love you all.  Gain that Faith!!! 

                                    http://new.lds.org/study/topics/faith?lang=eng

Talk given on Sunday in Sacrament.

Hey Everyone,
   Elder House and I had an opportunity to share a 7 minute talk each on Sunday.  I was struggling as always with a subject I believed all would benefit from.  I began every study I had with prayer asking for help to know what I needed to speak on.  Elder House seemed to know very quickly what he would speak on, The Scriptures.  It was a great choice because the youth speaker right before Elder House spoke spoke on using the scriptures too, so it all worked out. 
   Saturday night I was feeling pretty sick, and had still not truly decided on a subject to speak about.  When we went to dinner I had remembered something I had read form the Book of Mormon during my personal study that morning.  So I used it as a chance to teach that family about blessings.  When Elder House and I got home later that night I went back to that same scripture.  That was what I needed to speak on.  I knew it.  So I began thinking of how I could use it and came up with a few things with the Divine help of a much higher power, God himself.
   The scripture is Alma 44:4-5  
  4. Now ye see that this is the true faith of God; yea, ye see that God will support, and keep, and preserve us, so long as we are faithful unto him, and unto our faith, and our religion; and never will the Lord suffer that we shall be destroyed except we should fall into transgression and deny our faith.

  5. And now, Zerahemnah, I command you, in the name of that all-powerful God, who has strengthened our arms that we have gained power over you, by our faith, by our religion, and by our rites of worship, and by our church, and by the sacred support which we owe to our wives and our children, by that liberty which binds us to our lands and our country; yea, and also by the maintenance of the sacred word of God, to which we owe all our happiness; and by all that is most dear unto us—

I thought about the hard things that we go through in this life, and how they shape and refine us.  However,  I though about blessings and how we gain true and lasting happiness through living the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Just like the Armies of the Nephites in the story in the Book of Mormon.  They had the Armies of the Lamanites surrounded, and Captain Moroni at this point was telling Zerihemnah and his armies why they had fallen into the Nephites hands.  It's because they did what they were asked by God and they relied on him.  Rely on God.  If we rely on him and do the things he asks we will always be happy.  The love of God will spread itself abroad.  The love of God bring Joy to the soul.  1 Nephi 8:10 says: And it came to pass that I beheld a tree, whose fruit was desirable to make one happy.  But what was the fruit?  If you remember, Nephi had a great desire to see the thing that his Father Lehi had seen, and because of his faith he was able to see.  The fruit is the Love of God, Which is most joyous to the soul. 

   So always do all you can to do the things you know you should.  That's what brings happiness.  Not doing things we know we shouldn't.  I bear that testimony to you.  I know it's true.

  Love, Elder Goff.

some videos I saw today.

So today on the YouTube channel, Mormon Messages Elder House and I watched a couple of videos that really touched me.  They were about forgiveness, strength, fortitude, and most importantly Jesus Christ.  All of them talked about how it was through Jesus Christ that they were really able to deal with the things that had happened in their lives.  It sure helps me to know once again that we all have personal challenges and concerns, but it's through the Savior and his teachings that we can receive the help and courage we need.
   As we strengthen our testimonies in Jesus Christ we are able to better deal with the difficulties of life.  Not that we wont have hard times if we gain that testimony, but that it will be easier.  There is no doubt in my mind that It's through Jesus Christ we can "Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." Duet. 31:6  He will always be there to lift those with feeble knees.  Which reminds me of another scripture, a scripture I love to share with investigators who want to be baptized, or who are unsure. It's in Mosiah 18:8-9.  Where Alma is teaching in private at the waters of Mormon. 
  8.And now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light;
  9.Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of  God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God.
   So if we take upon ourselves the name of Christ when we are baptized, and promise to do these things then Jesus Christ has already promised to do these things for us.  We can always rely on him to mourn with us when we mourn, and to comfort us when we need comfort.  Most importantly I believe is that he has already borne our burdens.  He knows and understands exactly what we are going through. 
  I testify of all of this.  I know God hears and answers prayers, I know he will succor, or in other words, run to us to help, provide service to.  I hope this can help those who's heads hang down. 
   Love, Elder Austin Gene Goff

http://www.youtube.com/user/mormonmessages?blend=1&ob=4#p/u/65/E7zwQ_7q-fU

http://www.youtube.com/user/mormonmessages?blend=1&ob=4#p/u/4/KHDvxPjsm8E

These are the videos that prompted this blog entry.

One of my favorites.

2 Nephi 4:15-35

 15 And upon ^athese I ^bwrite the things of my soul, and many of the scriptures which are engraven upon the plates of brass. For my soul ^cdelighteth in the scriptures, and my heart ^dpondereth them, and writeth them for the ^elearning and the profit of my children.

  16 Behold, my ^asoul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my ^bheart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard.

  17 Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great ^agoodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O ^bwretched man that I am! Yea, my heart ^csorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities.

  18 I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily ^abeset me.

  19 And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have ^atrusted.

  20 My God hath been my ^asupport; he hath led me through mine ^bafflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep.

  21 He hath filled me with his ^alove, even unto the ^bconsuming of my flesh.

  22 He hath confounded mine ^aenemies, unto the causing of them to quake before me.

  23 Behold, he hath heard my cry by day, and he hath given me ^aknowledge by ^bvisions in the night-time.

  24 And by day have I waxed bold in mighty ^aprayer before him; yea, my voice have I sent up on high; and angels came down and ministered unto me.

  25 And upon the wings of his Spirit hath my body been ^acarried away upon exceedingly high mountains. And mine eyes have beheld great things, yea, even too great for man; therefore I was bidden that I should not write them.

  26 O then, if I have seen so great things, if the Lord in his condescension unto the children of men hath ^avisited men in so much ^bmercy, ^cwhy should my ^dheart weep and my soul linger in the valley of sorrow, and my flesh waste away, and my strength slacken, because of mine afflictions?

  27 And why should I ^ayield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to ^btemptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my ^cpeace and afflict my soul? Why am I ^dangry because of mine enemy?

  28 Awake, my soul! No longer ^adroop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the ^benemy of my soul.

  29 Do not ^aanger again because of mine enemies. Do not slacken my strength because of mine afflictions.

  30 Rejoice, O my ^aheart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the ^brock of my salvation.

  31 O Lord, wilt thou ^aredeem my soul? Wilt thou deliver me out of the hands of mine enemies? Wilt thou make me that I may shake at the appearance of ^bsin?

  32 May the gates of hell be shut continually before me, because that my ^aheart is broken and my spirit is contrite! O Lord, wilt thou not shut the gates of thy righteousness before me, that I may ^bwalk in the path of the low valley, that I may be strict in the plain road!

  33 O Lord, wilt thou encircle me around in the robe of thy ^arighteousness! O Lord, wilt thou make a way for mine escape before mine ^benemies! Wilt thou make my path straight before me! Wilt thou not place a stumbling block in my way—but that thou wouldst clear my way before me, and hedge not up my way, but the ways of mine enemy.

  34 O Lord, I have ^atrusted in thee, and I will ^btrust in thee forever. I will not put my ^ctrust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his ^dtrust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.

  35 Yea, I know that God will give ^aliberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me, if I ^bask ^cnot amiss; therefore I will lift up my voice unto thee; yea, I will cry unto thee, my God, the ^drock of my ^erighteousness. Behold, my voice shall forever ascend up unto thee, my rock and mine everlasting God. Amen.

Captain Moroni

In the Book of Mormon, a righteous Nephite military commander who lived about 100 B.C.

Moroni was appointed chief captain of all the Nephite armies, Alma 43: 16-17. Inspired the Nephite soldiers to fight for their freedom, Alma 43: 48-50. Made a title of liberty out of a piece of his coat, Alma 46: 12-13. Was a man of God, Alma 48: 11-18. Was angry with the government over their indifference about the country’s freedom, Alma 59: 13.

 

1. Alma 43: 16-17, 48-50
     16 Now, the leader of the Nephites, or the man who had been ^aappointed to be the ^bchief captain over the Nephites—now the chief captain took the command of all the armies of the Nephites—and his name was Moroni;
     17 And Moroni took all the command, and the government of their wars. And he was only twenty and five years old when he was appointed chief captain over the armies of the Nephites.
         •  •  •
     48 And it came to pass that when the men of Moroni saw the fierceness and the anger of the Lamanites, they were about to shrink and flee from them. And Moroni, perceiving their intent, sent forth and inspired their hearts with these thoughts—yea, the thoughts of their lands, their liberty, yea, their freedom from bondage.
     49 And it came to pass that they turned upon the Lamanites, and they ^acried with one voice ^bunto the Lord their God, for their ^cliberty and their freedom from bondage.
     50 And they ^abegan to stand against the Lamanites with power; and in that selfsame hour that they cried unto the Lord for their freedom, the Lamanites began to flee before them; and they fled even to the waters of Sidon.
2. Alma 46: 12-13
     12 And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—^aIn memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.
     13 And he fastened on his head-plate, and his ^abreastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the ^btitle of liberty) and he ^cbowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of ^dChristians remain to possess the land—
3. Alma 48: 11-18
     11 And Moroni was a ^astrong and a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect ^bunderstanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery;
     12 Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the ^awelfare and safety of his people.
     13 Yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ, and he had ^asworn with an oath to defend his people, his rights, and his country, and his religion, even to the loss of his blood.
     14 Now the Nephites were taught to defend themselves against their enemies, even to the shedding of blood if it were necessary; yea, and they were also taught ^anever to give an offense, yea, and never to raise the sword except it were against an enemy, except it were to preserve their lives.
     15 And this was their ^afaith, that by so doing God would ^bprosper them in the land, or in other words, if they were faithful in keeping the commandments of God that he would prosper them in the land; yea, warn them to flee, or to prepare for war, according to their danger;
     16 And also, that God would make it known unto them ^awhither they should go to defend themselves against their enemies, and by so doing, the Lord would deliver them; and this was the faith of Moroni, and his heart did glory in it; not in the ^bshedding of blood but in doing good, in preserving his people, yea, in keeping the commandments of God, yea, and resisting iniquity.
     17 Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto ^aMoroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the ^bdevil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.
     18 Behold, he was a man like unto ^aAmmon, the son of Mosiah, yea, and even the other sons of Mosiah, yea, and also Alma and his sons, for they were all men of God.
4. Alma 59: 13
     13 And it came to pass that Moroni was angry with the government, because of their ^aindifference concerning the freedom of their country.

Another one I was thinking of today was:   Alma60:36 Behold, I am Moroni, your chief captain. I ^aseek not for power, but to pull it down. I ^bseek not for honor of the world, but for the glory of my God, and the freedom and welfare of my country. And thus I close mine epistle.

 

Seek for the glory of God and not of man.

something I was thinking about today

Our Divine Constitution

Ezra Taft Benson, “Our Divine Constitution,” Ensign, Nov 1987, 4

My beloved brethren and sisters, what a glorious blessing to be assembled in another great general conference of the Church. I ask for an interest in your faith and prayers as I speak to you about a subject that is very close to my heart and that affects the worldwide Church.
We have recently celebrated the bicentennial of the signing of the United States Constitution. That commemoration marked the beginning of a series of bicentennial anniversaries of events leading up to the ratification of the Constitution, implementation of the government it created, and the writing and ratification of the Bill of Rights. We look forward to the future commemoration of each of these important events during the next four years. It is as a result of these events that we are able to meet today in peace as members of the restored Church of Jesus Christ. For this we should all be eternally grateful.
I desire, therefore, to speak to you about our divine Constitution, which the Lord said “belongs to all mankind” (D&C 98:5; italics added) “and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles” (D&C 101:77; italics added).
The Constitution of the United States has served as a model for many nations and is the oldest constitution in use today.
“I established the Constitution of this land,” said the Lord, “by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose” (D&C 101:80).
For centuries the Lord kept America hidden in the hollow of His hand until the time was right to unveil her for her destiny in the last days. “It is wisdom that this land should be kept as yet from the knowledge of other nations,” said Lehi, “for behold, many nations would overrun the land, that there would be no place for an inheritance” (2 Ne. 1:8).
In the Lord’s due time His Spirit “wrought upon” Columbus, the pilgrims, the Puritans, and others to come to America. They testified of God’s intervention in their behalf (see 1 Ne. 13:12–13). The Book of Mormon records that they humbled “themselves before the Lord; and the power of the Lord was with them” (1 Ne. 13:16).
Our Father in Heaven planned the coming forth of the Founding Fathers and their form of government as the necessary great prologue leading to the restoration of the gospel. Recall what our Savior Jesus Christ said nearly two thousand years ago when He visited this promised land: “For it is wisdom in the Father that they should be established in this land, and be set up as a free people by the power of the Father, that these things might come forth” (3 Ne. 21:4). America, the land of liberty, was to be the Lord’s latter-day base of operations for His restored church.
The Declaration of Independence affirmed the Founding Fathers’ belief and trust in God in these words: “We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
The Doctrine and Covenants states, “We believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life” (D&C 134:2). Life, liberty, property—mankind’s three great rights.
At the conclusion of the Declaration of Independence, they wrote, “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.” This Declaration was a promise that would demand terrible sacrifice on the part of its signers. Five of the signers were captured as traitors and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the Revolutionary War; another had two sons captured. Nine died from wounds or from the hardships of the war. The Lord said He “redeemed the land by the shedding of blood” (D&C 101:80). Nephi recorded that the Founders “were delivered by the power of God out of the hands of all other nations” (1 Ne. 13:19).
The years immediately preceding the Constitutional Convention were filled with disappointments and threats to the newly won peace. Washington was offered a kingship, which he adamantly refused. Nephi had prophesied hundreds of years before that “this land shall be a land of liberty unto the Gentiles, and there shall be no kings upon the land” (2 Ne. 10:11; italics added).
Between the critical years of 1783 and 1787, an outsider viewing the affairs of the United States would have thought that the thirteen states, different in so many ways, could never effectively unite. The world powers were confident that this nation would not last.
Eventually, twelve of the states met in Philadelphia to address the problem. Madison said at the beginning of the Convention that the delegates “were now digesting a plan which in its operation would decide forever the fate of Republican Government” (26 June 1787, Records of the Federal Convention, 1:423).
“The Lord knoweth all things from the beginning,” said Nephi, “wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men” (1 Ne. 9:6).
Four months later, the Convention delegates had completed their work. As Gladstone said, it was “the most wonderful work ever struck off at a given time by the brain and purpose of man” (William Gladstone, North American Review, Sept.–Oct. 1878, p. 185), and the Prophet Joseph Smith called it “a glorious standard … a heavenly banner” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1938, p. 147).
The delegates were the recipients of heavenly inspiration. James Madison, often referred to as the father of the Constitution, wrote: “It is impossible for the man of pious reflection not to perceive in it a finger of that Almighty hand which has been so frequently and signally extended to our relief in the critical stages of the revolution” (The Federalist, no. 37, ed. Henry Cabot Lodge, New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1983, p. 222).
Alexander Hamilton, famous as the originator of The Federalist papers and author of fifty-one of the essays, said: “For my own part, I sincerely esteem it a system, which without the finger of God, never could have been suggested and agreed upon by such a diversity of interest” (Essays on the Constitution of the United States, ed. Paul L. Ford, 1892, pp. 251–52).
Charles Pinckney, a very active participant and author of the Pinckney Plan during the Convention, said: “When the great work was done and published, I was struck with amazement. Nothing less than the superintending Hand of Providence, that so miraculously carried us through the war … could have brought it about so complete, upon the whole” (Essays on the Constitution, p. 412).
Within ten months, the Constitution was ratified by nine states and was therefore in force for them. Prophecy had been fulfilled.
During his first inaugural address in 1789, President George Washington, a man who was raised up by God, said: “No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand, which conducts the affairs of men, more than the people of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency” (First Inaugural Address, 30 Apr. 1789).
In compliance with Article 6 of the Constitution, the very first act passed by Congress and signed by President Washington on June 1, 1789, was the actual oath to support the Constitution that was to be administered to various government officers.
The dedicatory prayer for the Kirtland Temple, as dictated by the Lord and found in the Doctrine and Covenants, contains these words: “May those principles, which were so honorably and nobly defended, namely, the Constitution of our land, by our fathers, be established forever” (D&C 109:54).
Shortly after President Spencer W. Kimball became President of the Church, he assigned me to go into the vault of the St. George Temple and check the early records. As I did so, I realized the fulfillment of a dream I had had ever since learning of the visit of the Founding Fathers to the St. George Temple. I saw with my own eyes the record of the work which was done for the Founding Fathers of this great nation, beginning with George Washington.
Think of it: the Founding Fathers of this nation, those great men, appeared within those sacred walls and had their vicarious work done for them.
President Wilford Woodruff spoke of it in these words: “Before I left St. George, the spirits of the dead gathered around me, wanting to know why we did not redeem them. Said they, ‘You have had the use of the Endowment House for a number of years, and yet nothing has ever been done for us. We laid the foundation of the government you now enjoy, and we never apostatized from it, but we remained true to it and were faithful to God’ ” (The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, sel. G. Homer Durham, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1946, p. 160).
After he became President of the Church, President Wilford Woodruff declared that “those men who laid the foundation of this American government were the best spirits the God of heaven could find on the face of the earth. They were choice spirits … [and] were inspired of the Lord” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1898, p. 89).
Unfortunately, we as a nation have apostatized in various degrees from different Constitutional principles as proclaimed by the inspired founders. We are fast approaching that moment prophesied by Joseph Smith when he said: “Even this nation will be on the very verge of crumbling to pieces and tumbling to the ground, and when the Constitution is upon the brink of ruin, this people will be the staff upon which the nation shall lean, and they shall bear the Constitution away from the very verge of destruction” (19 July 1840, as recorded by Martha Jane Knowlton Coray; ms. in Church Historian’s Office, Salt Lake City).
For centuries our forefathers suffered and sacrificed that we might be the recipients of the blessings of freedom. If they were willing to sacrifice so much to establish us as a free people, should we not be willing to do the same to maintain that freedom for ourselves and for future generations?
Only in this foreordained land, under its God-inspired Constitution and the resulting environment of freedom, was it possible to have established the restored church. It is our responsibility to see that this freedom is perpetuated so that the Church may more easily flourish in the future.
The Lord said, “Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land” (D&C 98:6).
How then can we best befriend the Constitution in this critical hour and secure the blessings of liberty and ensure the protection and guidance of our Father in Heaven?
First and foremost, we must be righteous.
John Adams said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” (The Works of John Adams, ed. C. F. Adams, Boston: Little, Brown Co., 1851, 4:31). If the Constitution is to have continuance, this American nation, and especially the Latter-day Saints, must be virtuous.
The Book of Mormon warns us relative to our living in this free land: “Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever” (2 Ne. 1:7).
“And now,” warned Moroni, “we can behold the decrees of God concerning this land, that it is a land of promise; and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall serve God, or they shall be swept off when the fulness of his wrath shall come upon them. And the fulness of his wrath cometh upon them when they are ripened in iniquity” (Ether 2:9).
Two great American Christian civilizations—the Jaredites and the Nephites—were swept off this land because they did not “serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ” (Ether 2:12). What will become of our civilization?
Second, we must learn the principles of the Constitution in the tradition of the Founding Fathers.
Have we read The Federalist papers? Are we reading the Constitution and pondering it? Are we aware of its principles? Are we abiding by these principles and teaching them to others? Could we defend the Constitution? Can we recognize when a law is constitutionally unsound? Do we know what the prophets have said about the Constitution and the threats to it?
As Jefferson said, “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free … it expects what never was and never will be” (Letter to Colonel Charles Yancey, 6 Jan. 1816).
Third, we must become involved in civic affairs to see that we are properly represented.
The Lord said that “he holds men accountable for their acts in relation” to governments “both in making laws and administering them” (D&C 134:1). We must follow this counsel from the Lord: “Honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil” (D&C 98:10).
Note the qualities that the Lord demands of those who are to represent us. They must be good, wise, and honest.
Fourth, we must make our influence felt by our vote, our letters, our teaching, and our advice.
We must become accurately informed and then let others know how we feel. The Prophet Joseph Smith said: “It is our duty to concentrate all our influence to make popular that which is sound and good, and unpopular that which is unsound. ‘Tis right, politically, for a man who has influence to use it. … From henceforth I will maintain all the influence I can get” (History of the Church, 5:286).
I have faith that the Constitution will be saved as prophesied by Joseph Smith. It will be saved by the righteous citizens of this nation who love and cherish freedom. It will be saved by enlightened members of this Church—among others—men and women who understand and abide the principles of the Constitution.
I reverence the Constitution of the United States as a sacred document. To me its words are akin to the revelations of God, for God has placed His stamp of approval upon it.
I testify that the God of heaven sent some of His choicest spirits to lay the foundation of this government, and He has now sent other choice spirits to help preserve it.
We, the blessed beneficiaries of the Constitution, face difficult days in America, “a land which is choice above all other lands” (Ether 2:10).
May God give us the faith and the courage exhibited by those patriots who pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
May we be equally as valiant and as free, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.