Be Still
Elder Shep Bailey
July 02, 2024 11:15 AM
"What do you need to put down, or to let go of, or to just drop, so that you too can... be still and know that God is your Heavenly Father, you are his child, and Jesus Christ is your Savior?"
I am grateful to be with you today. I think I will be even more grateful to be with you tomorrow, but not for reasons that you may be thinking. Tomorrow was supposed to be Sister Bailey’s and my release date—the date we were supposed to go home. But some months ago, we felt compelled, and we believe inspired, to extend our mission through graduation of next year. As we have striven to be of some benefit or blessing to you, we have been indelibly blessed and changed by you.
You will recall, a couple weeks ago, that brother Kerry Muhlestein was our devotional speaker. I have had the occasion, actually, to chat with him a couple times since then, as you will notice a little later on. Remember Brother Muhlestein “spewing vomit”? [1] Remember that part of his talk—we don’t want to have that happen in our ears, alright? Well, I loved how he prayed in the Sacred Grove about what he should share in his Ensign College Devotional message. Even though he was there already, he “thought about” praying about what to say here. I too have prayed in a very sacred place about what I should say to you today. But I didn't have to go very far. I actually didn't have to go anywhere. It was here, for I feel, as I know you do, or at least did, and hopefully still can, that this is a sacred place. Besides, I'm not really that used to groves. I'm a Texan, and most people don’t even think there are any trees there. But there are beautiful and peaceful fields of wildflowers. Very inviting. And very relaxing. Today, I want to talk to you about what it means to “Be Still”. Now, by the time a boy has grown to be my age, do you know how many times I’ve heard, or been told to be still? “Stop talking! Sit still! Quit it! Put that down! Don’t break that! Be still! Just be still! Can’t you be still?
I’m going to tell you a story about when I was a Deacon. And when I was reflecting back about being a Deacon a couple of funny things came to mind. It was 50 years ago. I’m going to say one word, and everybody who recognizes this word raise your smile—not your hand. “Pong”. The older generation knows Pong. The very first video game came out 50 years ago—by Atari. I soon recognized that I was destined to be relegated to “NPC” status, long before that was even a thing. Have you heard, just a few days ago, the DLC for the RPG—the new video game just came out—downloaded content—and within three days it sold 5 million more units. It’s amazing. Also, thinking back to when I was a deacon—that’s the first time I laid eyes on Sister Bailey—but that’s a story for another time.
I remember this conversation as clearly as if it was today. It was a Sunday afternoon. Actually, I have a friend here who was a friend even before this story—but he may remember this story. I was a13 year-old Deacon. It was two days after the very abrupt end to a very ill advised, after-dark game of “capture the flag” on a Boy Scout camp out. What could possibly go wrong? Right? Well, the game, and actually the entire camp out, came to a screeching halt when an eye-high tree—one of the few in Texas---when an eye-high tree—I’ll just say it this way, where our flag had been draped, and a dear friend, who is still a dear friend, had grabbed both ends of the tree and was running away and I was chasing him. Well, physics—as the tree limb bent back this way, in the blink of an eye…well, actually, just a little bit faster than that---the tree, and my face, and more particularly my eye, attempted to occupy the same space. Fortunately, there was no damage to my face as my eye absorbed the entire force of the collision, leaving a not insubstantial cut in my eye, but, worse than that, depositing, inside my eye, some fungus off of the tree. Well, this conversation was two days later, right after passing the sacrament, I noticed something felt funny. As, unbeknownst to me, that fungus found a great environment to be growing.
This was a conversation, had an hour later, in the office of an eye surgeon, that just happened to be a member of our ward.
[Pulling tie sideways...] This is me as a Deacon.
[Holding up a magnifying glass...] This is me as the eye surgeon.
I so hope the medical technology over the past 50 years has improved…
So…here’s how the conversation went:
“Do you see that dot on the wall?”
“Yessir” (I was 13).
“Be still! Stare at it, and do not look away. Be very, very still”
“Yessir”
“BE STILL, stare at it. Do not look away.
“Yessir”
“You must be still, or your eye will rip”
I remember it like yesterday. I was still. Very, very still. I know how to be still.
But of course, we all know that even being entirely motionless is not the kind of stillness that the psalmist meant in chapter 46: 10 when he said, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
As Elder David A. Bednar taught us in the most recent General Conference, “I pray the Holy Ghost will enlighten each of us as we consider a higher and holier dimension of stillness in our lives -- an inner spiritual stillness of the soul that enables us to know and remember that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior.” [2]
With the tender and not at all surprising exception of Sister Bailey, we are a family of hunters. I only mention that just to perhaps explain one of the many reasons why one of our favorite Book of Mormon prophets of the Lord Jesus Christ is Enos. Though perhaps imagining fondly some kinship as a hunter and as an archer, and having the ability to be entirely still, our similarities with this powerful and courageous prophet of the Lord likely tail off pretty dramatically after that. Nevertheless, trying to emulate his example, especially as a fearless, faith-filled and compassionate missionary, is a worthy goal for our family and for you and your families. Like Elder Bednar’s plea, Enos knew “a higher and holier dimension of stillness.” How he employed this holier stillness that led to profound blessings in his life, is instructive. So, how did he do it? You remember the story... While out hunting, Enos pondered the righteous teachings of his prophet father, Jacob and no doubt his mother. Can you imagine the family reunions they had, or the Family Home Evenings? Uncle Sam and Uncle Nephi would come over with their families, and their friend Zoram would likely pop by. They’d fire up the, well, fire... ANYWAY, Enos was moved to prayer... and he prayed all day and into the night. And a voice came to him “... Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed.” [3] Enos’ humble prayer, and now conversation with the Lord continued. “Lord, how is it done?” And the Lord responded again, “Because of thy faith in Christ, whom thou hast never before heard nor seen...; wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made thee whole.” [4] And once again, as no doubt had happened in his life before, he was blessed to know, as elder Bednar explained, that God was his Heavenly Father, that he was God’s son, and that Jesus Christ was his Savior.
So, correct me if I’m wrong, but I think it’s common knowledge in today’s rules of engagement in written correspondence, if someone types in ALL CAPS (like my little sister does sometimes), it is generally regarded as SHOUTING!. Is that right? I think it's safe to say that our prophets and apostles are rarely if ever to be found shouting at us. But when they repeat themselves, we should perk up (even more), take note (even more), and realize the urgency in their love and care for us, and gather in, or tighten the rank, so to speak, in enthusiastically following them (even more). Though perhaps not shouting, an apostle repeating himself, or repeating the words of his fellow special witnesses of the Savior, should certainly be regarded as at least an exclamation point, if not maybe even more than one. For instance, President Nelson's recent address, I think October of last year, to “Think Celestial,” I think I counted 18 times he encouraged us to do that in that address. [5] Similarly, Elder Bednar urges us 8 times, in his most recent Conference address, to “Be Still,” including various ways, times, and places to do so. And EACH & EVERY TIME he says that, he also states that it is for the purpose of knowing... “God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior.” [6]
In addition to his first time, we just mentioned, elder Bednar taught us “as the foundation of our lives is built upon the Savior (the Rock) we are blessed to “be still” -- to have a spiritual assurance that... God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior.” “Every Sunday, if we will, we can be still and know that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior. “if we will, we can “be still” in our holy places of worship and know ever more surely that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior. Another location: “In His holy house (the temple), if we will, we can be still and know that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior. Culminating this, “Our homes should be the ultimate combination of both sacred time and holy place where in individuals and families can be still and know that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior. Towards the end of the talk he emphasizes again, “I promise that as we build the foundation of our lives on “the rock” of Jesus Christ, we can be blessed by the Holy Ghost to receive an individual and spiritual stillness of the soul that enables us to know and remember that... God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior ... and we can be blessed to do and overcome hard things.” And then as one of our Savior’s Special Witnesses, Elder Bednar concludes his remarks... “I joyfully witness that... God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior... Although in this last time he replaces the word ‘Savior’ with ‘Redeemer’ and the “rock” of our salvation.” [7]
My dear brothers and sisters, I testify to you, invite you, encourage you, I want to emphasize the importance for all of us to prioritize and to get better and better, ever increasingly better at being still.
But, still, what does it a mean to “be still...” again, in the context the we’ve been discussing, of Psalm 46:10 “Be Still, and KNOW that I am God:...”? And does it mean the same thing for all of us? How does the act of being still, even in a higher or holier way, help our faith in heavenly things, and eternal truths to grow and to strengthen into actual knowledge?
In your mind, think for a moment, please ponder and imagine... what kind of veil-thinning stillness did the brother of Jared exercise, cultivate, and ultimately enjoy as he watched the 16 stones miraculously come TO life and light, one by one, as they were touched BY the light and life of the world, OUR Savior? All residual doubts, if any Were banished, and he KNEW, HE KNEW FOREVER, that God was his Father, that he was His Child, and that Jesus Christ, the very Man standing before him, was his Savior. [8] Praise be unto God that those sacred records were preserved for our benefit, blessing, edification and enjoyment!
So with the very real, very recent blessing, and, in my opinion, miracle and blessing, a mere two weeks ago, making the acquaintance of, and learning from our new friend and Egyptologist brother Kerry Muhlestein, he and I have had a few follow up conversations about the Hebrew meaning of what is translated into English as “be still”. He said the verb translated as be still has as its root meaning, to put down; to let drop; to let go; to relax; to sink down; to abandon; to be idle; to be weak; to be feeble; to forebear; and to be quiet. I would not have thought of all of those things as what it meant to ‘be still’. Obviously, there are several ways it can be translated, but of this last definition, to be quiet, he got a kick out of saying, “Oh, and look over at the end of Exodus chapter 14: 14. It's short, so I'll read it to you, “the Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” Brother Muhlestein said that other translations of the Bible replaces the “hold your piece” with “be still”. So, ‘be quiet’ is another definition of ‘be still’. So that's kind of fun... and somehow seems to be a particularly relevant and useful definition for me... just ask Sister Bailey. But of the first and possibly the most prominent definition, to put down, let drop, and let go, what do you need to put down, or to just let go of, or to just drop, but can't? Or at least at times if feels that way, like you just can’t drop it—like you’ve been tazed and can’t let go?
Hopefully at the top of all of our lists is our sins, starting with our favorite one. And in heeding the councel of our prophet of daily repentance, hopefully it is becoming increasingly simple to let go of them. And then in addition to usual suspects, of a hard heart or a prideful spirit or anger or hurt, or a grudge, or a feeling that we are being mistreated or feeling like an impostor, or feeling like we're always correcting other people, there is one thing, especially in our opportunities to serve as success coaches, that I really, really, really want to emphasize, with a bit of a lead-in. Of all the things that we need to put down, just stop, just let go, one thing in particular. In addition to, not more than, but I really want to emphasize-- Elder Neil L Anderson Mentioned it in our most recent general conference in his address about the blessings of temples. [9] I personally have never seen, or at least do not recall having ever seen, it mentioned singularly in the way he did.
And it is distraction, or as I would submit, dis-traction---the opposite of traction, the traction needed for progress, including and especially eternal progress back to and/or along the covenant path.
Elder Andersen said, “In His house, we are literally endowed with heavenly power. Our faith in Jesus Christ and our love for Him are confirmed and fortified. We are spiritually assured of our true identity and the purposes of life. As we are faithful, we are blessed with protection from temptations and distractions. We feel our Saviors love as He lifts us from our difficulties and sorrows. We are armed with the power of God.” [10]
And again, you will recall from 2 weeks ago, (including in the elevators ) Brother Muhlestein encouraged us to “Level Up”. “Level up in terms of how much time you make for the Lord, and you will find that you have also leveled up in your ability to hear him.” [11]
And then back to Elder Andersen, “My beloved friends, if we are able—let me stop there—If we are able (Seasons of life would dictate attendance at the temple would happen more often or less often. During our time here at Ensign College our temple attendance is vital. But the tutors on the 9th floor are amazing at statistics and accounting. Spending the time necessary at school is the way to learn things) But then he says, “ …if we have not already increased our attendance at the temple, let us regularly find more time to worship in the House of the Lord. (And here are other things we can do, if in this season of our life, getting to the temple more and more often just isn’t feasible or doesn’t quite fit) Let us pray for the temples that have been announced, that properties can be purchased, that governments will approve plans, that talented workers will see their gifts magnified, and that the sacred dedications will bring the approval of heaven and the visit of angels.” [12]
In conclusion, my dear, dear friends, I'll leave with you this beautiful picture of an instruction room in the Oakland temple during its open house prior to its rededication. I would focus your eyes, and your thoughts to the prominent and beautiful altar, and ask and encourage... Again, what do you need to put down, or to let go of, or to just drop, so that you too can... be still and know that God is your Heavenly Father, you are his Child, and Jesus Christ is your Savior?
We have heard recently from our dear prophet, President Nelson, of a100 day plan. There are only 70 days left-ten weeks left. He said, “Reach out to the one who is lost or alone. The one that you have been thinking about”. [13] Now my dear friends, what do we need to put down or let go of? Distractions, sins, anger—all the things that we know we should put down, but just…
If we will, we can heed President Nelson’s admonition. The things that we know now will be replaced with rock-solid knowledge of them. Our doubts will be obliterated. Our faith will be ever-increasingly bullet-proof. I invite you to do that, and testify to you that one person at a time is the way the Savior works, and the way that we should work.
And I say these things humbly in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
[1] Muhlestein, Kerry, Hearing Him by Consecrating Our Thoughts, Ensign College Devotional, June 18, 2024.
[2] Bednar, David A., Be Still, and Know That I Am God, General Conference, April 2024.
[3] Enos 1:5
[4] Enos 1:8
[5] Nelson, Russel M., Think Celestial!, General Conference, October 2023.
[6] Bednar, Be Still, and Know That I Am God.
[7] Bednar, Be Still and Know That I Am God.
[8] Ether 3:4-20
[9] Anderson, Neil L., Temples, Houses of the Lord Dotting the Earth, General Conference, April 2024.
[10] Anderson, Temples, Houses of the Lord Dotting the Earth.
[11] Muhlestein, Hearing Him by Consecrating Our Thoughts.
[12] Anderson, Temples, Houses of the Lord Dotting the Earth.
[13] Walker, Sydney, To celebrate his 100th birthday, President Nelson invites all to reach out to ‘the one’. Church News, June 1, 2024.
You will recall, a couple weeks ago, that brother Kerry Muhlestein was our devotional speaker. I have had the occasion, actually, to chat with him a couple times since then, as you will notice a little later on. Remember Brother Muhlestein “spewing vomit”? [1] Remember that part of his talk—we don’t want to have that happen in our ears, alright? Well, I loved how he prayed in the Sacred Grove about what he should share in his Ensign College Devotional message. Even though he was there already, he “thought about” praying about what to say here. I too have prayed in a very sacred place about what I should say to you today. But I didn't have to go very far. I actually didn't have to go anywhere. It was here, for I feel, as I know you do, or at least did, and hopefully still can, that this is a sacred place. Besides, I'm not really that used to groves. I'm a Texan, and most people don’t even think there are any trees there. But there are beautiful and peaceful fields of wildflowers. Very inviting. And very relaxing. Today, I want to talk to you about what it means to “Be Still”. Now, by the time a boy has grown to be my age, do you know how many times I’ve heard, or been told to be still? “Stop talking! Sit still! Quit it! Put that down! Don’t break that! Be still! Just be still! Can’t you be still?
I’m going to tell you a story about when I was a Deacon. And when I was reflecting back about being a Deacon a couple of funny things came to mind. It was 50 years ago. I’m going to say one word, and everybody who recognizes this word raise your smile—not your hand. “Pong”. The older generation knows Pong. The very first video game came out 50 years ago—by Atari. I soon recognized that I was destined to be relegated to “NPC” status, long before that was even a thing. Have you heard, just a few days ago, the DLC for the RPG—the new video game just came out—downloaded content—and within three days it sold 5 million more units. It’s amazing. Also, thinking back to when I was a deacon—that’s the first time I laid eyes on Sister Bailey—but that’s a story for another time.
I remember this conversation as clearly as if it was today. It was a Sunday afternoon. Actually, I have a friend here who was a friend even before this story—but he may remember this story. I was a13 year-old Deacon. It was two days after the very abrupt end to a very ill advised, after-dark game of “capture the flag” on a Boy Scout camp out. What could possibly go wrong? Right? Well, the game, and actually the entire camp out, came to a screeching halt when an eye-high tree—one of the few in Texas---when an eye-high tree—I’ll just say it this way, where our flag had been draped, and a dear friend, who is still a dear friend, had grabbed both ends of the tree and was running away and I was chasing him. Well, physics—as the tree limb bent back this way, in the blink of an eye…well, actually, just a little bit faster than that---the tree, and my face, and more particularly my eye, attempted to occupy the same space. Fortunately, there was no damage to my face as my eye absorbed the entire force of the collision, leaving a not insubstantial cut in my eye, but, worse than that, depositing, inside my eye, some fungus off of the tree. Well, this conversation was two days later, right after passing the sacrament, I noticed something felt funny. As, unbeknownst to me, that fungus found a great environment to be growing.
This was a conversation, had an hour later, in the office of an eye surgeon, that just happened to be a member of our ward.
[Pulling tie sideways...] This is me as a Deacon.
[Holding up a magnifying glass...] This is me as the eye surgeon.
I so hope the medical technology over the past 50 years has improved…
So…here’s how the conversation went:
“Do you see that dot on the wall?”
“Yessir” (I was 13).
“Be still! Stare at it, and do not look away. Be very, very still”
“Yessir”
“BE STILL, stare at it. Do not look away.
“Yessir”
“You must be still, or your eye will rip”
I remember it like yesterday. I was still. Very, very still. I know how to be still.
But of course, we all know that even being entirely motionless is not the kind of stillness that the psalmist meant in chapter 46: 10 when he said, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
As Elder David A. Bednar taught us in the most recent General Conference, “I pray the Holy Ghost will enlighten each of us as we consider a higher and holier dimension of stillness in our lives -- an inner spiritual stillness of the soul that enables us to know and remember that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior.” [2]
With the tender and not at all surprising exception of Sister Bailey, we are a family of hunters. I only mention that just to perhaps explain one of the many reasons why one of our favorite Book of Mormon prophets of the Lord Jesus Christ is Enos. Though perhaps imagining fondly some kinship as a hunter and as an archer, and having the ability to be entirely still, our similarities with this powerful and courageous prophet of the Lord likely tail off pretty dramatically after that. Nevertheless, trying to emulate his example, especially as a fearless, faith-filled and compassionate missionary, is a worthy goal for our family and for you and your families. Like Elder Bednar’s plea, Enos knew “a higher and holier dimension of stillness.” How he employed this holier stillness that led to profound blessings in his life, is instructive. So, how did he do it? You remember the story... While out hunting, Enos pondered the righteous teachings of his prophet father, Jacob and no doubt his mother. Can you imagine the family reunions they had, or the Family Home Evenings? Uncle Sam and Uncle Nephi would come over with their families, and their friend Zoram would likely pop by. They’d fire up the, well, fire... ANYWAY, Enos was moved to prayer... and he prayed all day and into the night. And a voice came to him “... Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed.” [3] Enos’ humble prayer, and now conversation with the Lord continued. “Lord, how is it done?” And the Lord responded again, “Because of thy faith in Christ, whom thou hast never before heard nor seen...; wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made thee whole.” [4] And once again, as no doubt had happened in his life before, he was blessed to know, as elder Bednar explained, that God was his Heavenly Father, that he was God’s son, and that Jesus Christ was his Savior.
So, correct me if I’m wrong, but I think it’s common knowledge in today’s rules of engagement in written correspondence, if someone types in ALL CAPS (like my little sister does sometimes), it is generally regarded as SHOUTING!. Is that right? I think it's safe to say that our prophets and apostles are rarely if ever to be found shouting at us. But when they repeat themselves, we should perk up (even more), take note (even more), and realize the urgency in their love and care for us, and gather in, or tighten the rank, so to speak, in enthusiastically following them (even more). Though perhaps not shouting, an apostle repeating himself, or repeating the words of his fellow special witnesses of the Savior, should certainly be regarded as at least an exclamation point, if not maybe even more than one. For instance, President Nelson's recent address, I think October of last year, to “Think Celestial,” I think I counted 18 times he encouraged us to do that in that address. [5] Similarly, Elder Bednar urges us 8 times, in his most recent Conference address, to “Be Still,” including various ways, times, and places to do so. And EACH & EVERY TIME he says that, he also states that it is for the purpose of knowing... “God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior.” [6]
In addition to his first time, we just mentioned, elder Bednar taught us “as the foundation of our lives is built upon the Savior (the Rock) we are blessed to “be still” -- to have a spiritual assurance that... God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior.” “Every Sunday, if we will, we can be still and know that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior. “if we will, we can “be still” in our holy places of worship and know ever more surely that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior. Another location: “In His holy house (the temple), if we will, we can be still and know that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior. Culminating this, “Our homes should be the ultimate combination of both sacred time and holy place where in individuals and families can be still and know that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior. Towards the end of the talk he emphasizes again, “I promise that as we build the foundation of our lives on “the rock” of Jesus Christ, we can be blessed by the Holy Ghost to receive an individual and spiritual stillness of the soul that enables us to know and remember that... God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior ... and we can be blessed to do and overcome hard things.” And then as one of our Savior’s Special Witnesses, Elder Bednar concludes his remarks... “I joyfully witness that... God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior... Although in this last time he replaces the word ‘Savior’ with ‘Redeemer’ and the “rock” of our salvation.” [7]
My dear brothers and sisters, I testify to you, invite you, encourage you, I want to emphasize the importance for all of us to prioritize and to get better and better, ever increasingly better at being still.
But, still, what does it a mean to “be still...” again, in the context the we’ve been discussing, of Psalm 46:10 “Be Still, and KNOW that I am God:...”? And does it mean the same thing for all of us? How does the act of being still, even in a higher or holier way, help our faith in heavenly things, and eternal truths to grow and to strengthen into actual knowledge?
In your mind, think for a moment, please ponder and imagine... what kind of veil-thinning stillness did the brother of Jared exercise, cultivate, and ultimately enjoy as he watched the 16 stones miraculously come TO life and light, one by one, as they were touched BY the light and life of the world, OUR Savior? All residual doubts, if any Were banished, and he KNEW, HE KNEW FOREVER, that God was his Father, that he was His Child, and that Jesus Christ, the very Man standing before him, was his Savior. [8] Praise be unto God that those sacred records were preserved for our benefit, blessing, edification and enjoyment!
So with the very real, very recent blessing, and, in my opinion, miracle and blessing, a mere two weeks ago, making the acquaintance of, and learning from our new friend and Egyptologist brother Kerry Muhlestein, he and I have had a few follow up conversations about the Hebrew meaning of what is translated into English as “be still”. He said the verb translated as be still has as its root meaning, to put down; to let drop; to let go; to relax; to sink down; to abandon; to be idle; to be weak; to be feeble; to forebear; and to be quiet. I would not have thought of all of those things as what it meant to ‘be still’. Obviously, there are several ways it can be translated, but of this last definition, to be quiet, he got a kick out of saying, “Oh, and look over at the end of Exodus chapter 14: 14. It's short, so I'll read it to you, “the Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” Brother Muhlestein said that other translations of the Bible replaces the “hold your piece” with “be still”. So, ‘be quiet’ is another definition of ‘be still’. So that's kind of fun... and somehow seems to be a particularly relevant and useful definition for me... just ask Sister Bailey. But of the first and possibly the most prominent definition, to put down, let drop, and let go, what do you need to put down, or to just let go of, or to just drop, but can't? Or at least at times if feels that way, like you just can’t drop it—like you’ve been tazed and can’t let go?
Hopefully at the top of all of our lists is our sins, starting with our favorite one. And in heeding the councel of our prophet of daily repentance, hopefully it is becoming increasingly simple to let go of them. And then in addition to usual suspects, of a hard heart or a prideful spirit or anger or hurt, or a grudge, or a feeling that we are being mistreated or feeling like an impostor, or feeling like we're always correcting other people, there is one thing, especially in our opportunities to serve as success coaches, that I really, really, really want to emphasize, with a bit of a lead-in. Of all the things that we need to put down, just stop, just let go, one thing in particular. In addition to, not more than, but I really want to emphasize-- Elder Neil L Anderson Mentioned it in our most recent general conference in his address about the blessings of temples. [9] I personally have never seen, or at least do not recall having ever seen, it mentioned singularly in the way he did.
And it is distraction, or as I would submit, dis-traction---the opposite of traction, the traction needed for progress, including and especially eternal progress back to and/or along the covenant path.
Elder Andersen said, “In His house, we are literally endowed with heavenly power. Our faith in Jesus Christ and our love for Him are confirmed and fortified. We are spiritually assured of our true identity and the purposes of life. As we are faithful, we are blessed with protection from temptations and distractions. We feel our Saviors love as He lifts us from our difficulties and sorrows. We are armed with the power of God.” [10]
And again, you will recall from 2 weeks ago, (including in the elevators ) Brother Muhlestein encouraged us to “Level Up”. “Level up in terms of how much time you make for the Lord, and you will find that you have also leveled up in your ability to hear him.” [11]
And then back to Elder Andersen, “My beloved friends, if we are able—let me stop there—If we are able (Seasons of life would dictate attendance at the temple would happen more often or less often. During our time here at Ensign College our temple attendance is vital. But the tutors on the 9th floor are amazing at statistics and accounting. Spending the time necessary at school is the way to learn things) But then he says, “ …if we have not already increased our attendance at the temple, let us regularly find more time to worship in the House of the Lord. (And here are other things we can do, if in this season of our life, getting to the temple more and more often just isn’t feasible or doesn’t quite fit) Let us pray for the temples that have been announced, that properties can be purchased, that governments will approve plans, that talented workers will see their gifts magnified, and that the sacred dedications will bring the approval of heaven and the visit of angels.” [12]
In conclusion, my dear, dear friends, I'll leave with you this beautiful picture of an instruction room in the Oakland temple during its open house prior to its rededication. I would focus your eyes, and your thoughts to the prominent and beautiful altar, and ask and encourage... Again, what do you need to put down, or to let go of, or to just drop, so that you too can... be still and know that God is your Heavenly Father, you are his Child, and Jesus Christ is your Savior?
We have heard recently from our dear prophet, President Nelson, of a100 day plan. There are only 70 days left-ten weeks left. He said, “Reach out to the one who is lost or alone. The one that you have been thinking about”. [13] Now my dear friends, what do we need to put down or let go of? Distractions, sins, anger—all the things that we know we should put down, but just…
If we will, we can heed President Nelson’s admonition. The things that we know now will be replaced with rock-solid knowledge of them. Our doubts will be obliterated. Our faith will be ever-increasingly bullet-proof. I invite you to do that, and testify to you that one person at a time is the way the Savior works, and the way that we should work.
And I say these things humbly in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
[1] Muhlestein, Kerry, Hearing Him by Consecrating Our Thoughts, Ensign College Devotional, June 18, 2024.
[2] Bednar, David A., Be Still, and Know That I Am God, General Conference, April 2024.
[3] Enos 1:5
[4] Enos 1:8
[5] Nelson, Russel M., Think Celestial!, General Conference, October 2023.
[6] Bednar, Be Still, and Know That I Am God.
[7] Bednar, Be Still and Know That I Am God.
[8] Ether 3:4-20
[9] Anderson, Neil L., Temples, Houses of the Lord Dotting the Earth, General Conference, April 2024.
[10] Anderson, Temples, Houses of the Lord Dotting the Earth.
[11] Muhlestein, Hearing Him by Consecrating Our Thoughts.
[12] Anderson, Temples, Houses of the Lord Dotting the Earth.
[13] Walker, Sydney, To celebrate his 100th birthday, President Nelson invites all to reach out to ‘the one’. Church News, June 1, 2024.