2 Nephi 10
Jacob reminded us that we are “free to act for [ourselves].” We are free “to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life.” Because heroes are spiritually minded, they understand that choosing life eternal means fighting with God, fighting for Zion. When we understand and live these hero principles of being spiritually minded and choosing life eternal we are choosing happiness and choosing to SMILE. My mother-in-law taught me that Spiritually Minded Is Life Eternal.
Heroes want to choose happiness! Heroes want to be on the winning team! And the amazing thing is heroes want everyone to be on the winning team with them, too. Heavenly Father doesn’t want us fighting against each other, against Zion, or against Him (see 2 Nephi 10:16). He wants us on His team. The Lord loves all “those who will have him to be their God” (1 Nephi 17:40). His team is different than most teams where you have to tryout and impress the coaches with your skills and abilities or practically beg or bribe for a spot on the team.
“The promises of the Lord are great.” He said, “I will fulfill my promises which I have made unto the children of men.” He wants us to “come to that which will give [us] the true knowledge of [our] Redeemer” and choose to join His team so that we can “be blessed and numbered among the house of Israel.” We come to a true knowledge of our Redeemer and receive a SPOT on His team as we do the following:
S — Search the Scriptures
P — Ponder and Pray
O — Obtain the Ordinances of Baptism, the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and the Sacrament
T — Tend to Tithing and the Temple
The Lord is the best coach. He has promised us that when we join His team we won’t lose or perish. “For I, the Lord, the king of heaven, will be their king, and I will be a light unto them forever, that hear my words” in spite of the danger and darkness around us. Elder Richard G. Scott reminded us: “Your great potential and ability could be limited or destroyed if you yield to the devil-inspired contamination around you. However, Satan is no match for the Savior. Satan’s fate is decided. He knows he has lost, but he wants to take as many with him as he can. He will try to ruin your goodness and abilities by exploiting your weaknesses. Stay on the Lord’s side, and you will win every time” (“For Peace at Home,” April 2013).
As members of God’s team who fight for the right by doing good and loving others, we are enveloped in light and safety and peace. Even though we will experience times of doubt, adversity, and temptation, we can “cheer up [our] hearts” and remember that God has all power over evil and death and will assist us as we continue to play for His team. “We are not alone in the competition. We are on the Lord’s team, and He will always be there for us to help us” “that [we] may be received in the eternal kingdom of God” (see Carol B. Thomas,”Strengthen Home and Family,” April 2002).
*Share an experience you’ve had choosing to be on the Lord’s team.
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