Making your Weekend Worthwhile

I’d like to ask you a question. It’s kind of a personal one. When was the last time you did something that you really felt was worthwhile? And, just to clarify, by worthwhile, I mean engaging in something meaningful that you will remember for the rest of your life. I’m not looking for a specific answer. It can be something as small as being able to be there for a friend when they were in need and being able to perfectly relate to them, or as big as graduating, being engaged, or getting married. Regardless of what stage in life we are in, these life-changing moments happen every so often; they seem to set the course for our life.  While I won’t share an experience that I’ve had that has given me meaning, I’d like to talk about an event this weekend that I do consider worthwhile. And who knows, it could be for you as well.

To provide a context for what I’m leading up to, I need to tell you a story. This is a story about a conversation between an Englishman and a Canadian.  This first was a former member of the English Supreme Court, and the second, a lawyer, and member of the LDS Church.  This English statesman called up this Mormon lawyer and discussed with him, in his own words, some “vexations of the soul”. They talked about all sorts of topics, ranging from world affairs to religion. This former judge asked this man, Hugh B, Brown, to provide for him a simple brief of his Mormon beliefs. So Hugh B, Brown went on to ask this English statesmen three explanations, in regards to why God, after communicating with Prophets all throughout the Old and New Testament, would suddenly stop communicating with men after the death of Christ’s apostles.  His first explanation was that God does not speak to man anymore because He cannot. He has lost the power. The Englishmen simply replied that this would be “blasphemous”. His second possible explanation was this: that God doesn’t speak to men because he no longer loves us. to which the judge replied “No. God loves all men, and is no respector of persons”. The third and final possible reason that Mr. Brown posited was that we don’t need God, that we have progressed so much as a society in science and education that we do not need his assistance. As a note, this was just before the outbreak of World War II. The judge then replied, his voice trembling, “Mr. Brown, there never was a time in the history of the world when the voice of God was needed as it is needed now. Perhaps you can tell me why He doesn’t speak”. Mr Brown then succinctly stated, “He does speak, He has spoken; but men need faith to hear Him”.

Mr. Brown then went on to share with the judge what he called as a “Profile of A Prophet”, where he outlined what the Bible teaches about the role of Prophets. He then shared his belief that a Prophet of God leads and guides the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This is a man of God who receives direct guidance from God for the entire world who teaches us how to be closer to God and Jesus Christ. I would say, as did the British Judge, that amidst all the political strife, confusion, and personal challenges that all of us face, that there was never a time in the history of the world where the voice of God is needed more than today. Right now.  I admit that that is quite a claim. But, that’s where this weekend comes in to play.

Every six months, the Mormon Church holds a General Conference, where its leaders (including the Prophet) share spiritual truths with the world that will help any listener with questions they have about the purpose of life, what happens to us when we die, as well as how to find happiness and meaning in life (remember how something worthwhile was meaningful?). Well, this weekend that conference is being held, and is broadcast all across the world via radio, television, and the Internet.

So my question for you is this: among all your plans this weekend, what are you doing that could be life changing? If you have trouble thinking of an answer, I simply invite you to listen in and see if what I’m saying could be true for you.

Before I finish, there is still a little more of the judge’s story that I need to tell. Just before Mr. Brown left his English friend, the Englishman asked him, “Mr. Brown, I wonder if your people appreciate the import of your message. Do you?” He said, “If what you have told me is true, it is the greatest message that has come to this earth since the angels announced the birth of Christ.” Zing. Talk about important.

So to those reading this who are of my faith, including me, I would ask, do we appreciate the importance of what is happening this weekend? And to those not of my faith, I invite you to see. One thing I have learned lately is that taking time to get to know someone is essential in understanding that person. It could be understanding a culture, an era, or even a religion. So maybe all you’re doing is looking to understand your Mormon friend. That’s cool. Listening in this weekend will help you see where I come from and why I do the things I do. Have a good weekend!

Story used from “Profile of a Prophet”, Hugh B. Brown, Ensign, June 2006

http://www.lds.org/general-conference