President Ballard’s talk, Shall We Not Go On in So Great a Cause? beautifully tells of devotion and sacrifices of Joseph and Hyrum Smith in restoring the Savior’s church to the earth. At the close of the talk he asks us to “… as a church and a people, and as Latter-day Saints, offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.” President Ballard promises us that the Savior is pleased when we present Him an offering from our hearts
D&C 59:8 gives us additional insight into what kind of an offering the Spirit will inspire us to give. Thou shalt offer a sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in righteousness even that of a broken heart and a contrite Spirit.
Elder Douglas Holmes said, “We offer a broken heart to receive a new heart. Turning to Christ and following Him more diligently—or obedience—is the essence of repentance… often repentance deals with the small and simple things in our lives that need to change.”
Throughout the scriptures, righteousness is spoken of as both a protection (2 Nephi 1:23) and a weapon (1 Nephi 14:14) against the adversary. Individual, seemingly simple acts of daily discipleship require the same courage required in battle. However, we can be comforted in knowing that as we strive to repent and live righteously, the Lord will be on our side and go before us, D&C 27:16, Eph. 6:14. What a blessing that the “Son of Righteousness” 2 Nephi 26:9 knows us individually as well as the heartaches and challenges unique to each of us. He loves us perfectly and recognizes our unseen efforts to follow Him.
My invitation to you is to follow President Ballard’s invitation and ask the Lord today what it is He would have you offer Him. It may be something very simple. Notice the thoughts that come to your mind and feelings in your heart. Let’s write them down then act in faith. I love you, pray for you and miss our regular opportunities to be together.
Much love!
Ruth Grey
