Tag: Bible

God’s Nudge

Verse: ‘Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it’, (Isaiah 30:21).

It can be hard to know how to live our lives at times. Sometimes the lines between what is right and wrong can become blurred and significantly less defined than we initially thought when outside of the situation. It can be easy to view the world as black and white, or right and wrong, when we are not experiencing what others are. I think this is something that all of us have experienced at some time or another and it is no different than when navigating our faith. This is why it can be seen as essential that we have some sort of grasp of our faith, whatever that may be, for these exact situations. I personally take pleasure in reading and studying the Bible and the Book of Mormon (among other scriptures from religious traditions such as the Quran and Guru Granth Sahib). In doing so I am able to learn and apply teachings of morality, philosophy, and ethics into my daily life and into any situations that may arise. Although abundant in wisdom and theology, the scriptures sometimes may not have the solutions we need in our daily challenges, especially in this modern and constantly evolving world. However, the scriptures do contain a host of wisdom when it comes to seeking advise from God.

In this regard one way the above Bible verse can be interpreted is that God is with us in scripture and our religious education to guide us when we may walk off the right path and become lost. It can be comforting to recall this verse when we are unsure of which direction to take, which decision we should select, or what action we should select. It is very common among my Latter Day Saint brethren to pray for guidance when the need to make a decision arises. Simply praying and asking for guidance and then waiting for a tug or push from the Holy Spirit can feel a bit ridiculous, especially if your faith is lacking, but is often the best way of breaking an impasse. To be nudged by God. I think it’s really important that we view God as Father. Yes, God is far greater than we can possibly imagine, but he also cares a great deal about us and seeks a personal connection with each and every soul. If I am stuck on something, no matter how insignificant it may seem, I know that God cares about me and if it’s something that troubles me, then it will trouble God too. He wants us to be happy. It is so important to know that we can come before God with our troubles and allow him to help us along with the Holy Spirit.

What Happens Next?

Verse: ‘Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame, as it is now, or in the body’, (Alma 11:44).

I think one of the most important questions adherents of almost any religious tradition can ask themselves is the age-old question of what happens next. What happens to my body? My soul? Do I go anywhere after death? Do I still know what is going on? For me this question isn’t one necessarily rooted in fear, but more curiosity of the unknown, and due to my religious faith and understanding I find it helpful to turn to the Book of Mormon for answers. Within the Book of Mormon there are several passages which go into varying levels of detail as to what happens and where one goes after death.

First of all, we know that the soul, the unique thing that makes us who we are, leaves the body after the death process and the soul is taken back to God (Alma 40:11). This is then followed by an intermediate state of being, it is not a permanent or final place of rest, but one in which we stay until the eventual Last Judgement (Alma 40:14). This intermediate state is one in which the righteous spirits reside in a state of constant happiness, which is referred to as paradise. It is a peaceful state of rest without trouble or sorrow (Alma 40:12). However, for some, those who committed deliberate acts of sin and wrongful deeds, their state of rest is known as outer darkness. The Book of Mormon describes it as a state of ‘weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth’ due to the sinner’s own iniquity (Alma 40:13).

It is important to remember that this is not a permanent state of existence and at some point in the future there will be the Last Judgement in which those who are in this temporal death will be raised from death (Alma 11:42). At this moment ‘death and hell must deliver up their dead, and hell must deliver up its captive spirits, and the grave must deliver up its captive bodies’ before the bodies and spirits of all are restored together (2 Nephi 9:12). Those in paradise must also come for judgement and so ‘the paradise of God must deliver up the spirits of the righteous’ also (2 Nephi 9:13). In the physical resurrection all parts of the body are restored and the spirit is reunited to it. The knowledge of good and even will be in us all so we come before God knowing and recalling our guilt. We shall then all be judged for our deeds before God.

This may bring fear to those who sin, but those who live well can hope and look forward to the day we shall all be brought forth again, to exist with our loved ones and with God.

Queen Elizabeth II and Christian Faith

Verse: ‘Christ not only revealed to us the truth in his teachings. He lived by what he believed and gave us the strength to try to do the same – and, finally, on the cross, he showed the supreme example of physical and moral courage’, (Queen Elizabeth II).

Given the nature and timing of Her Majesty The Queen’s passing I thought it fitting to rearrange my planned upload for this week and instead focus on reflections around two of her main qualities in life; faith and service. Her understanding of Christianity was widely respected, with even those in high-ranking positions within the Church intimidated by her knowledge. As the Queen of the United Kingdom, she automatically held the title of Defender of the Faith. This, however, wasn’t a simple title and nothing more, she was incredibly passionate about her faith, both in private and in public, and regularly discussed theological topics. For her, as should be for us all, the perfect role model was none other than Jesus Christ, who died for our sins on the cross. She regularly mentioned his teachings and life in her Christmas addresses and in various discourses throughout her long reign as Queen.

Her Christian faith deeply reflected itself in her life and character, her forgiving nature was perhaps no more obvious than when she shook hands with Martin McGuinness, the former IRA commander, in 2012. No matter where your allegiance lies in this highly contested issue, the fact remains that it was a moment that had the potential to change the course of history in this part of the world for the better. As the newspapers said in amazement, it was even more impressive considering that Prince Philip’s uncle had been assassinated by the IRA during the Troubles. The Queen has also been quoted as saying in one of her Christmas addresses, that Jesus Christ is ‘a role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance, and healing. Christ’s example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people of whatever faith or none’.

The Queen, during her life, was indeed a living example of how a good Christian should live out their days in service and kindness for the betterment of all people. She did not use her strong Christian faith to oppress or diminish others, but instead used it as a foundation on which to love those who were different and to protect those who needed her assistance. Christianity, for her, was not simply being morally or ethically right and holding the spiritual truth as a beacon for others loudly proclaiming the Lord. No, it was following in Jesus’ footsteps as best she could, helping those who needed her help, visiting the oppressed or fearful, and ministering to her people all around the world. The kind and warm love she had for her people was mirrored in the way that they loved her, and now sadly mourn her passing. Let us seek to live up to her standard as we too are called to be Christians.