Last week while participating in a father-son World Series baseball tournament in Phoenix, Arizona my testimony of the Gospel was strengthened by a simple picture. Let me explain.
It had been a while since I had left the bubble of Provo, Utah. That means I hadn't heard a swear word, a dirty joke or even seen an alcohol bottle in a long time. I was used to that atmosphere. That's probably why I was shocked to meet some new friends on the team who seamed to be incapable of finishing a sentence without the F-bomb or a sexual joke mixed in there. I don't mean to be judgmental, but even through their laughs and jokes it was clear as day that there was something missing in their lives.
It didn't completely sink in until a friend of mine sent me a simple picture with a smile. Wow. There it was. In one simple picture I saw the meaning of the gospel. I saw a smile that reflected true happiness and eyes filled with Christ's light. It reminded me that when we follow the Savior the blessings are evident even in our countenances. It didn't matter that she happened to be drop dead gorgeous. You can't fake that kind of joy. There is no filter on Instagram called "Light of Christ." There is no earthly source that can provide the kind of peace and love that come from the everlasting gospel. None that even come close!
We are all imperfect people, but I know that following Jesus Christ is the way to true, lasting happiness. I know that He lives and is waiting for us with open arms. Any sacrifice necessary to have His Spirit guiding you in your life is eternally worth it. And if you ever question that, you can start by following the ageless council of King Benjamin from the Book of Mormon who said:
"And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it. (Book of Mormon, Mosiah 2:41)
If you are wanting to know more about how you can have the peace and joy of the gospel of Jesus Christ more fully in your life, let's have a chat :)
