God Reveals in Our Day

The 9^th article of faith reads:

9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

The scriptures contain many past revelations from God through the words of the prophets and from God Himself. Though many of these revelations were for the people of ancient times we also believe that many of them were given for our day.

Today God sends revelation though our modern day prophet Thomas S. Monson. Through General Conference and the Ensign magazine we receive revelation each month from God for our day. Believing and following this revelation will help us through hard times to come and help us through challenges we may have today. It also gives us hope and helps us live our lives in accordance to the Lord.

We know that God continues to send revelation down from heaven and that He will continue to reveal important things to us that will help us in our day and time.

I remember when I was a newly wed about 9 years ago and the prophet at the time gave us new revelation that women in the church should only wear one pair of earrings. I remember at the time I had seven piercings in my ears because I had previously worked in a jewelry store and piercing ears was part of my job. It was in style at the time and I loved all my little silver hoops and diamonds. It was difficult for me to understand at the time and I was hesitant to follow this counsel.

It then occurred to me that we are not ever asked to “understand” God’s commandments, counsel and revelations, just to follow them. If I wasn’t able to follow something as simple as wearing one pair of earrings then what would happen down the road when something greater was asked of me. I knew that the Lord often tests our loyalty to Him through small ways. If we can handle the small things then we will be prepared for the bigger things to come. I knew what I needed to do.

Now that I am a mother I look back at all the counsel I had been asked to follow in the past that did not make sense at the time and I can see God’s wisdom now. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we need stand out among the world and not blend in with the world. Blending in with the world clouds our light and it is difficult for others to recognize our values and where we stand.

I remember in high school many people were surprised when they learned that I was LDS. I didn’t understand why. I went to church, to seminary, and was active in my callings – why did I blend in with the world? It is clear to me now that the way I dressed back then, the people I hung out with, the music I listened to and the guys I dated are a clear reason why people made this assumption. I blended in. I was attracting the wrong kind of guys which was drawing me away from real happiness. Had I listened to the words of the Lord and the prophets I would have stood out more – my light would have shown brighter.

I know that the Lord knows us individually and he knows our struggles, our challenges and our weaknesses. He gives us revelation to help us in a dark and dreary world. If we believe it and follow it we will be led back to him. He has not forgotten us and he continues to speak to us through revelation. We just need to listen and follow. I say these words in the name of Jesus Christ – Amen.