“This is My Work and My Glory”

Understand God’s Purpose through the Plan of Salvation

For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

~ Moses 1:39 ~

Brothers and sisters, as the literal spirit children of our loving Heavenly Father, we have unlimited, divine potential. But if we are not careful, we can become like the wilted tomato plant. We can drift away from the true doctrine and gospel of Christ and become spiritually undernourished and wilted, having removed ourselves from the divine light and living waters of the Savior’s eternal love and priesthood power.

~ M. Russell Ballard – April 2013 General Conference “This is My Work and My Glory” ~

In Word: Moses experienced one of the most sacred blessings bestowed upon humanity. He stands with other patriarchs who have spoken with God “as one speaks to a friend” (See, Exodus 33:11).  Abraham is another patriarch of the Old Testament who spoke with God face to face. Through both these men we have come to learn that our existence was not a mere happenstance. We existed prior to this mortal life (See Abraham 3:22-6). The Infinite atonement was presented, and Jesus Christ was our chosen redeemer before the foundation of the world (See Revelation 13:8). 

What is revealed in the visions Moses and Abraham have experienced has brought us truth about who God is, who we are, and the purpose of God’s creations. We matter to our Heavenly Father. Our soul is of great worth to Him (See, D&C 18:10). While Moses proclaimed that we are nothing compared to the splendor of God’s creation (See Moses 1:10), we also learn – as Moses did – that God had a purpose in creating the heavens and the earth. All of it to bring to pass our own immortality and eternal life through Christ’s infinite atonement. 

In Deed: It is through the folly of pride or the false belief that we are forgotten where the adversary inflicts his greatest deception. He leads us to believe we are greater than all others. Far superior and above any established rules. Or we merely are deceived into believing we are insignificant, do not matter and abandon all hope for our own lives. We become discouraged and wither away. Yet scripture reveals that through humility and assurance of hope we matter to our Heavenly Father. His purpose becomes our purpose. We merely are asked to seek Him. To become like a child and put off the natural man that is at enmity with God (See, Mosiah 3:19). 

It is through our humility and submission to our Heavenly Father where he will bless and use us for His holy purposes. Even our circumstances will be used for His good will and purpose (See, Romans 8:28). Even the Apostle Paul reflected that his own personal sufferings are insignificant compared to the glory that will be revealed unto each one of us (See, Romans 8:18). In another epistle, he reflects and teaches us that we will be strengthened, restored, and established (See, 1 Peter 5:10). All that our Heavenly Father asks us to do is to seek Him daily. To take up our cross and follow the Savior (See, Luke 9:23) every day. 

Take a Moment and Ponder: Most of us are accustomed to recognize the need to take upon the name of Jesus Christ. This is part of the sacrament prayer – a reminder of our baptismal covenant. It is also a reminder that we are Children of God and that there is a purpose to this life and to creation. Consider the following questions: 

• What truths do I learn from Moses and Abraham’s visions?
• How does this help me identify the truths about who I am? 
• How do these spiritual truths impact the way I see myself and the world around me?

The gospel truths of God’s purpose bring to mind our own understanding of who we are and our personal journey and eternal destiny. Through God’s grace, the infinite atonement of Jesus Christ, we come to know that our life has a sacred sense of meaning and purpose beyond our own comprehension.

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