Brothers and Sisters –
We are in the middle of the fall semester for students and teachers of all ages, many of whom are in our ward. Our children appreciate the chance they have to learn, to socialize and to challenge their perspective through formal education.
In the most recent general conference, Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles highlighted a lesson he learned from decades in the classroom as a college professor and administrator prior to his call to full-time church service. In his talk “We Will Prove Them Herewith,” he shared the important role periodic testing plays in comparing “what we need to know with what we actually know about a specific subject; it also provides a standard against which we can evaluate our learning and development.”
He also reminds us that, in a similar way, tests are an important part of our eternal progression. And, while periods of our lives that seem “exam free” may be less stressful in the long run, they also lack the formative humility and eternal perspective that come times of trial.
This year has been one such time of trial for most, if not all, of us. I won’t list all of the collective catastrophes here, but that doesn’t make them any less stressful. In addition, there are countless individual battles we each face in our own hearts and the hearts of those within the walls of our homes.
Faith in Christ and participation in His gospel does not mean we will be free from trials, challenges and tests. It does mean we will not be alone as we wade through them, we will receive grace as we struggle and we will receive eternal reward as we rely on Him.
Elder Bednar reminds us:
“The process of proving ourselves is a fundamental part of Heavenly Father’s great plan of happiness. I promise that as we both prepare and press forward with faith in the Savior, we all can receive the same grade on the ultimate examination of mortality: ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make the ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of the lord.’”
Scripture quoted is Matthew 25:21, “We Will Prove The Herewith” October 2020.
Despite the learning opportunities we have in this life, I pray that we will rise up, look up and cheer up.
As we rise above the difficulties we face — reminding optimistic, faithful and helpful — we will notice the expanse of the blue sky rather than the one cloud on the horizon.
As we look up, we will find a loving Heavenly Father willing to support us in our trials big and small. We will also be able to see the many people around us whose lives we can bless and be blessed by. We get out of our head, expand our perspective and find enriching relationships that enhance our lives.
As we cheer up, we will find that our countenance will bless others. Being “of good cheer” doesn’t mean we aren’t true to our emotions or processing things in a healthy way. It does mean, though, that we work hard to see the positives in others around us.
We are here to bear one another’s burdens. To mourn with those that mourn and to comfort those who need comfort. We are also here to worship together — in-person and virtually. Today, I look forward to spending sacrament meeting in person with families whose last names begin with A through G. Others can view sacrament meeting as in past weeks at the link below:
http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/Events/spanishforkutahriverstake
If you are not in attendance in person today for the sacrament, you are authorized to have the sacrament in your home. The sacrament should be administered by worthy priesthood holders of the appropriate office. Questions can be directed to the elders quorum presidency, Relief Society presidency or bishopric.
Second-hour classes will include Relief Society and young women’s classes (1:00 to 1:30) and elders quorum and Aaronic priesthood meetings (1:30 to 2:00). Links can be found through the individual organizations.
I love you all and hope you are passing the tests you are taking. If you need help, find a neighbor who can help. If there’s anything I can do, please let me know. I am inspired every day at the way so many of you shoulder your burdens. You enrich my life.
Bishop Bennett