The two P’s are on everyone’s mind these days – Politics and Pandemic. The noise around these can be loud and boisterous. It almost feels like there’s no possible solution to each of these that will unify us as a country. This can be distracting and challenge us spiritually.
The sacrament can help us avoid becoming myopic. I love that word. In the last General Conference, President Nelson counseled us against being myopic in our viewpoint. To me a myopic viewpoint can be categorized as narrow minded, self-centered, faithless, unrepentant, and prideful. It also can mean being hyper focused on something that is of little worth. There is help for our myopia. Regularly and consciously partaking of the sacrament will strengthen us spiritually and provide depth and perspective to an otherwise chaotic world.
With many of us once again participating in our Sunday services, I’ve thought about the following question: What is in an ordinance? What is it about partaking of the sacrament that knits us together as a people and lifts us each individually?
While I’ve been thinking about this, I found this answer from the Gospel Principles app:
“Ordinances and covenants help us remember who we are. They remind us of our duty to God. The Lord has provided them to help us come unto Him and receive eternal life. When we honor them, He strengthens us spiritually.”
To me, the last sentence is powerful.
I’ve had countless opportunities to partake of the sacrament in my life – some of them more meaningful than others. Some of the less meaningful experiences were caused by a distraction of some sort. The distraction may have been a screaming child, a work-related frustration, or simply being too tired at the moment. There are innumerable ways that we can miss on the benefits of the sacrament.
Thankfully, I’ve also had profoundly personal and healing experiences while partaking of the sacrament. One such moment occurred a few years ago. Our family was faced with what we considered to be a deeply challenging medical circumstance with one of our daughters. The emotions that poured into me were distressing. As a father, I felt a level of concern I’m not sure I’ve ever felt before. It was ever present. Many have experienced feelings such as these at even greater depths than I have.
In between visiting with doctors and looking for the right solution, I had the opportunity to partake of the sacrament. It was a remarkable experience that comforted me deeply. The Lord essentially poured His love in and through me. I felt His spirit change me. I was blessed with an eternal perspective from partaking of the sacrament.
I’m thankful for the ordinance of the sacrament and consider it a privilege to come together on Sundays with you and share in its blessings.
-Redding Stake President, Dan Mehr
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