Innocence

April 14, 2013

Yesterday we had the great privilege of attending the baptism of our granddaughter Emma Jo Jacobs. At eight years old she looked like a little princess in her regal white dress and magnificent smile. I couldn’t help compare the radiance, the pure innocence Emma radiated with the myriad of scenes around the world in which people have given up; have lost their innocence and their desire to be loving and kind.

The symbolic gesture of being washed clean of our sins and coming unto Christ gives a powerful assist to each person who comes to the waters of baptism. The question of the ages comes into play as we move forward from this point of innocence and love. We grow, we learn, we do things contrary to the Spirit of the Holy Ghost and we find ourselves lost in the maze of trials and confrontations surrounding us in daily life. Which path do we take?

The path that takes us to mortal pleasures, parties, practices contrary to the Word of Wisdom, anger, sexual interactions beyond the limits set for us by a loving Heavenly Father will give us fleeting temporal pleasures, only to be dashed when the temporary glimpse of pleasure is past and we find ourselves without the trusted ones in our family and friendships. In the Book of Mormon Nephi and Lehi have a dream in which they see the iron rod (Word of God) leading to a place filled with love and beauty. A heavy fog persists along with a magnificent castle in which people are not only disobeying all the laws of God; they are taunting the ones on the straight and narrow path holding to the Iron rod. Get your pleasures while you can. There is no God; there is no future; live for the day. They do exactly that and they have their reward.

 Many years ago, an LDS President, Spencer W. Kimball noted that his greatest desire was to “endure to the end.” I was almost shocked when I heard the comment. Here he was, the epitome of spirituality – the example that we all followed. What could this mean? Only after serioiusly pondering this question was I able to fully grasp the meaning. The understanding took me right back to the vision Lehi and Nephi had. We are all mortal. We are all imperfect. No matter the length of time we have spent on this earth, or the experiences and challenges we have met, we are all subject to the flesh and able to fall away from the Word of God.

Our goal should be simple. Go each day to the innocence of our youth. Review the feelings and the blessings you experienced as you were baptized. Carefully reflect each time you partake of the sacrament or perform other ordinances which bring you close to the spirit of the Holy Ghost; then ask God to help you be more patient, more loving, and more willing to serve. Love your family and friends. Go the extra mile to share your spiritual and temporal wealth with others. Then, move forward day by day sharing the joy of life with those around you.

God bless you as you strive to follow the commandments of our Heavenly Father

Duane Jacobs, Grandfather, Father, brother, cousin, Uncle, and fond friend.