Sisters and Brothers—
Boyd K. Packer taught:
“True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. … That is why we stress so forcefully the study of the doctrines of the gospel.”
“Little Children,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 17.
I am a magazine writer and editor in my professional life and I have interviewed and talked with behavioral experts of all kinds: therapists, life coaches, sales experts and even doctors. Nothing they’ve shared with me — techniques, tips or tricks — has proven to be more true to me than the words of Elder Packer listed above. True doctrine understood can change behavior at its source — the soul.
In 2 Nephi 2:8, we read about the doctrine of Jesus Christ — His eternal Atonement.
“Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise.”
2 Nephi 2:8
When we give ourselves to Christ after receiving the true doctrine by the Spirit, we push away our own pride and are liberated by honorable humility. We see others as beloved brothers and sisters. We expand our vision beyond ourselves. We trade myopia for community.
The people in the Book of Mormon experienced this sense of community for hundreds of years following the visit of Jesus Christ to the new world.
“And they had all things in common among them …they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift.”
“And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.”
“And how blessed were they! For the Lord did bless them in all their doings; yea, even they were blessed and prospered …”
4 Nephi 1: 3, 15, 18
However, after time — and often after prolonged prosperity that gives us a false sense of our own infallibility — people continually forget the doctrine once understood. Sometimes this happens over generations. Sometimes it takes only days or weeks.
The Nephite and Lamanites we read about at the start of 4 Nephi eventually began to suffer from the fate seen by many.
“And now, in this two hundred and first year there began to be among them those who were lifted up in pride, such as the wearing of costly apparel, and all manner of fine pearls, and of the fine things of the world.”
4 Nephi 1:24
As we are “lifted in pride,” we feel there is no room to learn from others. We become worried more about how we are seen by others and less about how we are seen by the Lord. We don’t take feedback well and can suffer spiritual atrophy from a lack of personal interaction with Deity.
One great way to continually let the doctrine of Christ into our lives is through daily personal evaluation and appropriate repentance. Of course, the vast majority of experiences with repentance are done in the silent chambers of our personal hearts and souls. In some more serious cases, it involves personal reflection and prayer as well as interaction with loving and understanding priesthood leaders.
This routine evaluation is effective when paired with worthy participation in the sacrament ordinance each week.
This week, we will welcome the in-person sacrament participation for families whose last names begin with letters A through L. Others are authorized to participate in at-home sacrament administration and are invited to watch the broadcast of sacrament meeting at this link: http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/Events/spanishforkutahriverstake. Regardless of whether it is done at home or at the chapel, I strongly encourage each of us to take personal assessment as to where our faith in the doctrine of Christ lies.
I know that the Lord, Jesus Christ has died for each of us. That his sacrifice meets the demands of justice, freeing us to partake of the peace that infinite, eternal grace affords.
I love you all.
Bishop Bennett