God's Promise to Covenant-Keepers

I would like to start this week's conceptualization talking about what character traits we present when we make covenants as guided by the Spirit. Let's consult the following verses for the answer:

And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;

Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—

Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you? (Mosiah 18:8-10)

And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism—All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church. (Doctrine and Covenants 20:37)

Among others I gleaned some common threads for covenant making: 1) a willingness to serve to one's best ability, 2) humility, 3) a desire to enter into the covenant, and 4) a broken heart and contrite spirit. Now, I will not delve into these four things, as the focus today is on what happens after we enter into covenants, and the promises God makes to us when we keep them. The following verses from 1 Nephi have been of particular comfort to me:

And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them; wherefore, he did provide means for us while we did sojourn in the wilderness.

...And I will also be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments; wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall be led towards the promised land; and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led. (1 Nephi 17:3, 13)

This scripture was so comforting to me because it gave me assurance that even in my darkest times, the Lord truly is my light. However, I believe that this nourishing and strengthening is contingent on us doing our part. The seventeenth chapter of 1 Nephi is also rife with examples of disobedience and their consequences, as Nephi's brothers murmur and are given yet another ultimatum against trifling with Nephi, the de facto birthright son.

I hope that we may all follow Nephi's example, that we may receive the greatest nourishing that we may receive in this mortal experience, namely the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost as a "light in the wilderness." Whatever that wilderness may be, it is a great promise that we will be guided if we strive to keep our Godly promises.

Let us keep these promises by continually being like the people of Alma, who did not have anything against being baptized, because they were so willing to help and serve others. Let us always remember that feeling of humility and innocence and loyalty to God. We have all felt it. It is a meekness that only the Spirit can produce. Of this I am confident. It comes from relishing in simple things. The Gospel is simple. Let us not grow bored of the principles, but relish in their dynamic capability of touching the innermost sections of our hearts and souls. I know that this is true. I have felt power in simplicity in my own life many times, and most often when I stray it is because I get bogged down in unsimplified things. This applies ever more to our covenants, as repetition becomes key on various levels. Let us stay true.

Have a great week!