"The cultivation of Christlike qualities is a demanding and relentless task--it is not for the seasonal worker or for those who will not stretch themselves, again and again." -- Spencer W. Kimball
The lesson today focuses on the story of Jairus - one of the "rulers of the synagogue" whose only daughter was on the verge of death. The scriptures tell how he sought out the Savior that he might heal her. However, while he journeyed in his search, the young girl died. In the account in Mark we read of the messenger who came with the sad news, saying "Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any Further?" However, Jesus continued on with Jairus into his house and there performed the miracle of raising the young girl back to life.
The reading about this focuses on how Jairus was relentless and single minded in searching for the savior.
And then the following challenge is posed:
"Think back on a time in your life when you had to search of the Savior to find strength beyond your own. Try to remember the process you went through in that search. Was it scripture study, more meaningful prayers, or another avenue that led you to Christ? Stretch again. Apply one of those principles today."
It is so easy to get caught up in the business of life, to focus on work and other obligations. It is all to easy to become casual in our desire to seek the Savior. Too often it is only in our extremity - such as when we are concerned for the health or safety of one of our kids or some other crisis situation that we dedicate all our energies to turning toward the Savior.
My challenge is to turn to him when there is no immedicate crisis bringing me to my knees.
Elder Craig C. Christensen of the Seventy gave a good talk in May 2003 Titled
Seek, and Ye Shall Find. In that talk Christensen councils that "as we engage our faith and commit our energy to draw closer to Jesus Christ, we begin to understand more fully who He really is."
I still have a long way to go in understanding and more completely following the teachings of Jesus Christ. The thing for me to remember is that is is the JOURNEY of seeking him out that will bless my life, not any final destination.
Photo Credit: The Raising Of Jairus' Daughter - by Ilya Yefimovich Repin 1844-1930
Found HERE
No comments:
Post a Comment