Book of Mormon: Day 309: Draw all men

Today’s Reading: 3 Nephi 27:1-21

14 And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil—

Our embracing of Christ’s gospel can lead us eventually to embrace him, in a relationship of unity that fulfills everlastingly our longing to belong. -Elder Bruce C. Hafen

What exactly does it mean ‘to belong’? For some, it might mean feeling welcomed, for others it might mean having a core group of supporters. For others still, belonging could simply mean feeling comfortable in ones own body and mind. There’s a pretty giant spectrum that falls into the category of ‘belonging’- what I interperate this phrase to mean is simply home. Christ is our home, and He is welcoming us with open arms, always.

When I sit down and ponder the atonement and the tangible role it plays in my day-to-day life, I marvel at the complexity and vastness that it is, and yet so simplistic in nature. I even often find myself looking and pondering so intently that I reach ‘beyond’ the mark. In those moments I am gently rebuked and reigned back in by the spirit. These are the moments that sucker-punch me in the gut and make me pause and wonder at how quickly this natural man mind of mine can take a simple and eternal truth and attempt to twist it and change it to fit my own will and pleasure.

Part of the reason for poor judgment comes from the tendency of mankind to blur the line between belief and truth. We too often confuse belief with truth, thinking that because something makes sense or is convenient, it must be true. Conversely, we sometimes don’t believe truth or reject it—because it would require us to change or admit that we were wrong. Often, truth is rejected because it doesn’t appear to be consistent with previous experiences. [ii]

Do you think there is a way for us to be lifted up to the Father without the atonement in our lives? Do you think that we can and should be using the atonement on a more regular basis? I think we only need to look at these past general conference talks to see the pattern of repentance and assurance of our Savior’s love for us, if we look to Him and follow his commandments.

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