Where Much is Given

This morning I was thinking about the scriptures and talks I studied about spiritual gifts last week. I can identify some of my spiritual gifts and am immensely grateful for the ones that I have been able to identify.

The thought came into my mind, "Where much is given, much is required." 

In September 1989, Rex E. Lee, then the president of BYU, gave a talk at the school where he reflected on the passing of two lives, one of a man that had attended law school was him and was much like him, and one on the passing of a BYU student of whom he was dear friends with the parents. After reflecting on these losses, he said, "The Doctrine and Covenants tells us that where much is given, much is required. Not expected, but required. What you have been given is life, and what is required of you is to live it to the fullest." ("Where Much is Given: Some Thoughts on Appreciation," BYU Speeches, 1989)

Our scriptures, our prophets (past and present), and our general authorities have given us direction and instruction beyond the scriptures on how and what that means to live it to the fullest. This year has been devastating to many but in those times of devastation, sorrow, and grief, we can also see the tender mercies of our Lord.

In October 2020, President Russell M. Nelson said in General Conference, "Now, I would love to know what you have learned this year. Have you grown closer to the Lord, or do you feel further away from him?" ("Embrace the Future with Faith," General Conference, October 2020)

I loved this question when I heard it in October and I love it now as I reflect on how I have lived this past year. I'm so grateful for these men and women that came before me, and the stories that were recorded in the Book of Mormon. There are hundreds of years where no stories were recorded, so we know that we are just getting little glimpses on the reel of the history of the world. I am lifted up by the power of the faithful and what they overcame. As we go into a new year, and begin our Come Follow Me study on Doctrine and Covenants, I look forward to renewing my study of the modern-day revelation that was given to Joseph Smith not so very long ago.

Thank you to those who have been following along with me and sending me private and public messages over the years. I'm grateful for your testimonies as we seek to honor Jesus Christ by seeking goodness, kindness, charity, and faith in our beautiful but sometimes tragic world. I hope you had a Merry Christmas and wish you a Happy New Year as we head into 2021.

The 2021 Study guide can be found here.