Sabbath Devotional :: The Influence of the Restoration

This year is the 200th anniversary of the First Vision; it’s been 200 years since a young teen asked God which church was true. I stand all amazed at what has transpired since that day. I’ve been pondering what the Restoration has meant in my life.

When the missionaries rang our doorbell 38 years ago, I was a young mother with two young daughters. A year and a half later, my husband, our two little girls and I knelt around the altar in the new Atlanta Temple to be sealed as a family. Faithful members in our little branch nurtured, served and loved us. Since then, we have served in various callings and taught each child basic principles in preparation for baptisms, endowments, sealings and missionary service. We have shuttled our children and others to various church activities, youth conferences, EFYs, etc., trying to teach them that attending their church activities will provide blessings in ways secular activities cannot. We have served others in support, and been supported and served by others, in good times and bad. All our children worked hard and had the opportunity to attend and then graduate from church schools. Now most of them are parents with children of their own. I know these things came about because of the influence of missionaries and other wonderful people who came into our lives because of the Restoration.

As I think of the blessings we’ve received because we’ve had the fulness of the gospel in our lives, I am grateful for so much. Because of our covenants, our family can be eternal. Because of the gospel, I more deeply understand the importance of serving others. As I have remembered that I am a daughter of God with a purpose here on earth, I have received strength in my day-to-day life. The gospel has taught me that I am not here for my own gratification. Time and time again, when I have taken my eyes off my personal issues and helped another, I have found myself strengthened.

Over the years, my appreciation for the scriptures has grown. I am grateful for Joseph Smith and the others who were inspired and then labored so that we could receive the word of God. For years I have taught seminary or Institute. Of course, the younger teenagers are sometimes less than eager to learn and participate, but I can still feel their testimonies and see the “lightbulb” turn on in their lives as we discuss the scriptures. Recently, I’ve been working with wonderful young missionaries who are eager to learn of our Savior, Heavenly Father, and the Plan of Salvation. As they learn, they share it with those who are willing to listen and prepare to make covenants — people like my own little family 38 years ago.

The decision to make covenants is not always easy. As an African-American, I know that many of us have had to wrestle with the Priesthood and temple restrictions, but the Plan of Salvation is for all. As it says in 2 Nephi 9:10, “O how great the goodness of our God, who prepareth a way for our escape from the grasp of the awful monster . . . death and hell.” And in 2 Nephi 26:33, “He inviteth all to come . . . He denieth none that come unto Him, black and white, bond and free.” I am grateful to Jane Manning James, Green Flake, Elijah Able, and others who knew the truth and partook of it and served regardless of their circumstances. The Restoration provides for us everything that our Father and His Son have in store. It is our opportunity to choose eternity and help others on our way.

As we prepare for General Conference this spring, in what ways can you recognize that the Restoration has blessed your life and helped you grow towards eternity?