Knowledge Unto Salvation

Moroni, a Book of Mormon prophet, writes in 3 Nephi 5:20, "that [God] hath given me and my people so much knowledge unto the salvation of our souls." I find this phrase interesting. When I think salvation I typically do not think of knowledge as the means of attaining it. But after thinking about it for a moment, it makes sense. When we have knowledge of something we are enabled and empowered to act. In order to perform a surgery a physician must first have specific training on the functioning of the human body. In order to develop computer software a programmer must first learn how to code. Once there is understanding there can be action and eventually a finished product.

In verse 25 of the same chapter Moroni talks about a specific kind of knowledge, knowledge of the covenant. In order for us to live with God and partake of salvation we too must gain an understanding of these covenants. And after doing so, if we are faithful, we can obtain the greatest of all the gifts of God, eternal life. 

A Funny Thing is a Ketchup Bottle

My Grandpa Steinicke used to say, "A funny thing, is a ketchup bottle. First, none will come.. And then a lot'll."

The truth of that statement has been reiterated to me in a new light this past week. I'm a fairly busy guy, with 17 credits, a part time job, and a church calling or two. Up until last week I felt like I had a pretty good handle on things. However, my first test results in Biology 1620 say otherwise. Now, don't get me wrong, I didn't do terribly I just didn't do as well as I'd hoped or expected. That, and other things just kinda caught up to me during the week. I felt as though I had squirted out far more ketchup than I cared to consume.

Fortunately for all of us, the Lord is always there. In institute we had just the lesson I needed. It was about goals, managing time, and seeing the big picture. After that lesson the stress pretty much left but only for a little bit and I soon found myself worrying and contemplating again. I was able to go to the temple and that helped bring some peace. But even with the power that the House of the Lord brings I felt myself slipping back within a day or so. Which brings us to today, the Sabbath. What a day! Once again, the Lord came through for me.

That's the thing about life. We have to be reminded often of the Lord's plan for us, His timetable. Even though we may accidentally squirt a little too much ketchup out, God is there with a napkin and a smile to clean us up and let us know that He's looking out for us. I'm grateful for that, I'm grateful for ketchup, I'm grateful for my Grandpa and the things he left with me. Including his favorite scripture:

2 Nephi 31:20

If we press forward and endure to the end we can have Eternal Life. That's the goal, the most important thing. So don't be too disappointed if you spill some ketchup on yourself. Just wipe it off and keep moving forward.