Steadfastness in Christ

During my last phone call home as a missionary, I was saying goodbye after telling my family about all the blessings and miracles I’d been seeing, when my dad said, “Jake, I hope that all of these experiences are helping you to become fully converted.” Now, that sounds nice, but at the time, I was just a little offended. Did my dad think I still wasn’t converted? Of course I was converted! Wasn’t I? I mean, I was a full-time missionary! I’d spent two years teaching, baptizing, and converting others. What did he mean he hoped I was becoming converted?

I imagine that Peter may have had similar thoughts when, after forsaking his nets and following the Master for three years, Jesus admonished him: “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not; and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”[1] If Peter was like me, I can just imagine him thinking, “What do you mean, when I’m converted?” In fact, Peter swiftly responded that he was ready to die for the Savior. But Jesus knew Peter better than Peter knew Peter, and He prophesied that before the night was through, Peter would deny that he knew Jesus three times.[2]      

True conversion requires much more than a two or three-year commitment. It requires what President Dallin H. Oaks once described as “the steady dedication of a lifetime.”[3] That’s because, as President Henry B. Eyring taught, “great faith has a short shelf life.”[4] In retrospect, I’m grateful for my dad’s reminder that the end of my missionary service was just the beginning of a lifetime of discipleship. I’m grateful he warned me that if I didn’t continue to strengthen my faith in Christ and maintain the spiritual habits I’d learned as a missionary that I might be sifted as wheat. We see in the scriptures and in Church history that anyone can fall away from the covenant path if they aren’t careful. Even marvelous returned missionaries can fall away if they get too caught up in the things of the world and let go of the iron rod. While anyone can fall away, fortunately, the opposite is also true: anyone can be faithful. Anyone can choose to stay the course and to be “steadfast and immoveable”[5] in following Jesus Christ, “the author and finisher of our faith.”[6]  

President Russell M. Nelson reminded us of this last general conference when he taught us about spiritual momentum. He explained:

Whether you are a student online or here on campus, BYU-Idaho is designed to help you build positive spiritual momentum and become a fully converted disciple of Jesus Christ. With that in mind, I’ve chosen to speak today about our need to press forward with a steadfastness in Christ. Over the last few months, I’ve been studying the word “steadfastness.” This began when President Nelson invited us to make New Year’s resolutions to strengthen our own spiritual foundations, to be kind to others, and to be resolute.[8] Of this final goal, President Nelson wrote, “Resolve to be resolute. The Lord loves effort. The Lord loves consistency. The Lord loves steadfastness.”[9] 

The Example of Ruth

The first time the word “steadfast” shows up in scripture occurs in the book of Ruth. During a time of famine, all the men in Ruth’s life died, leaving Ruth; her mother-in-law, Naomi; and her sister-in-law, Orpah, as widows. This put these women in a tough spot. Naomi pleaded with Ruth and Orpah to leave her and to return to their homelands, believing it would give them the best chance to marry again and have a better life. With a tearful goodbye, Orpah decided to do exactly that. But not Ruth. “Entreat me not to leave thee,” Ruth declared, “or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God. Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.”[10]

With a response like that, Naomi saw that Ruth was “steadfastly minded to go with her.”[11] These stirring words from Ruth teach several lessons about steadfastness. 

First, to be steadfast in something or to someone requires loyalty and commitment. What is most impressive about Ruth is that she meant what she said. She stayed true to Naomi and true to the Lord until the end of her life. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught that “the crowning characteristic of love is always loyalty.”[12]

Second, Ruth shows us that true steadfastness requires the courage and determination to do what is right, regardless of the consequences. Ruth wasn’t committing to stay with Naomi because she thought it would make life easier. She likely recognized it would mean just the opposite. She did it because real love and real loyalty often require making real sacrifices. Ruth was filled with the kind of hope and perspective Brother Stephen Turcotte described in last week’s devotional where “we do not give up on ourselves, and we do not give up on others. We persevere even when there is opposition.”[13] Ruth shows us what President Thomas S. Monson called “choosing the harder right instead of the easier wrong.”[14]

Finally, we see in Ruth that the greatest expression of steadfastness involves making and keeping covenants. Ruth made a solemn covenant to show Naomi her uncompromising faithfulness at a time when Naomi was vulnerable, believing the Lord had “dealt bitterly with her.”[15] In sticking with Naomi, Ruth demonstrated her willingness to “mourn with those that mourn,” to “comfort those that stand in need of comfort,” and to stand as a witness of God’s goodness “at all times and in all things, and in all places . . . even until death.”[16] 

When we see Ruth’s loyalty and commitment, her covenant-keeping courage and determination, it is no surprise to learn that it was her great-grandson who slayed Goliath. It was her noble descendant Mary who announced, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.^”[17] It was her descendant Jesus, filled with this same kind of all-in, fully-committed, whole-souled devotion, who declared with a loyalty that shaped eternity, “O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.”[18] Talk about courage. Talk about commitment. Talk about steadfastness.

If we want to press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, we can begin by having the same kind of loyalty to the Lord Jesus Christ that Ruth showed to Naomi. We can follow Him with loyalty, courage, and covenant-keeping commitment.  

Steadfastness in Christ

Understanding our covenant connection with the Savior is central to “[pressing] forward with a steadfastness in Christ”[19]—not just towards Christ, or like Christ—but in Him. When we are baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, we make a solemn covenant with the Son of God. We are no longer alone, detached, or disconnected. We are in Him. When we are immersed in the waters of baptism, this all-in ordinance symbolizes, among other things, that we are “relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.”[20] We are “born again,”[21] become “the children of Christ,”[22] take His name upon us,[23] and in Paul’s words, we become new creatures in Christ.[24]

Jesus tried to explain the covenantal connection He has with His disciples when He taught in John 15, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing.”[25] Speaking of these very truths, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught:

Can you sense from these teachings just how close the Lord Jesus Christ wants to be with you and me? He wants us to be fully connected to Him. He wants us to receive His light, power, and grace in our lives. Elder David A. Bednar taught, “Entering into covenants and worthily receiving priesthood ordinances yoke us with and bind us to the Lord Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. . . . As we are steadfast in coming unto Christ and are yoked with Him, we receive the cleansing, healing, and strengthening blessings of His infinite and eternal Atonement.”[27] Over a lifetime of keeping covenants with the Savior, we can be perfected in Christ,[28] purified in Christ, and ultimately become one with the Father and the Son.[29]

How close do you feel to the Lord? The recent worldwide pandemic has been a season of spiritual sifting. During this season, some have grown closer to the Lord, becoming spiritually stronger. Others have had their faith diminish or their testimonies crumble. What about you? Have you been drawing closer to the Savior, or do you feel more distanced from Him? The Lord declared, “Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me.”[30]

Lessons from Lehi’s Dream

Lehi’s dream teaches us how to draw closer to the Savior despite the opposition of the adversary and the world. Satan’s temptations are relentless. Like those in Lehi’s dream, we face a barrage of mocking from the great and spacious building and are surrounded by blinding mists of darkness.[31] The adversary seeks to distract, discourage, and divert us from looking to Jesus Christ. So, what should we do? In this week’s discussion board, Andrea Vincent wrote, “Steadfastness in Christ means to me following Him, walking towards Him, [and] holding on to the iron rod with both hands even when the space seems dark.” She added, “It means to me that my eyes are fixed on Him, on His promises, and the promises I have made.”

Lehi shows us how to do this. He refused to give heed to mocking voices[32] and continued to partake of the fruit that “filled [his] soul with exceedingly great joy.”[33] This fruit, representing the love of God, is “the most desirable above all things,” and “the most joyous to the soul.”[34] Lehi refused to walk away from the Savior, His love, and His grace.[35] We can do the same. Don’t let Satan distract you from focusing on Jesus Christ and feasting on His love and the joy of His gospel. President Nelson taught, “We can feel joy even while having a bad day, a bad week, or even a bad year! . . . When the focus of our lives is on . . . Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him. He is the source of all joy.”[36]

Next, we must hold fast to the word of God. No one accidentally stumbles into the tree of life. There is a single straight and narrow path one must follow, and one iron rod leads the way. The word of God cuts through temptation and deception. The Lord’s pattern has always been to call seers, like Lehi, who can see through Satan’s mists of darkness and lead people to the Savior. In these latter days, following the Lord’s prophet isn’t just nice to do; it’s essential. President and Sister Nelson are speaking to young adults this week. If you follow their counsel, I promise you will receive a boost of positive spiritual momentum.

We must also hold fast to the holy scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon. Why? The scriptures testify of Jesus Christ and help us to always remember Him. President Ezra Taft Benson taught, “Let us continually reread the Book of Mormon so that we might more fully come to Christ, be committed to Him, centered in Him, and consumed in Him.”[37] We need to “continually [hold] fast to the rod of iron”[38] to successfully make it to the tree of life. Steadfastness requires consistency. Righteous consistency is powerful; inconsistency is a momentum killer. Consistently following holy habits and righteous routines will help you maintain positive spiritual momentum throughout your life. President Nelson taught:

A Real Example

Now, I imagine there may be a few who may be thinking that their testimony has already crumbled. Others may wonder if Jesus is actually real, or if the gospel is just a fairy tale we share to try and explain life’s challenges. I testify that Jesus Christ is real and that He lives. I came to know this more deeply when I was in college at BYU.

I was living in Helaman Halls as a new freshman, and as finals approached, it seemed like everyone was getting sick or stressed out. One good brother in our hallway asked several of us for a priesthood blessing. As a new elder, I was grateful to participate. I felt a sweet spirit in that ordinance and returned to my room and knelt in prayer to offer thanks to my Heavenly Father. As I prayed, a thought came that there might be others who needed a blessing. So, I asked. I received an immediate strong impression, “Yes,” someone did need a blessing. But who? I wondered if I was being overly dramatic, but the Spirit and the impression remained.

As I pondered who might need a blessing, I thought of my cousin, Julia, who was living nearby. So, I gave her a call. This was clear back in ancient times when we had landline phones. Julia’s roommate answered the phone. I’ll call her Emily. I barely knew Emily; we had met briefly once or twice. I asked her if Julia was there and she said that she wasn’t, but it sounded from her voice like Emily was upset, and I had just had an answer to my prayer! So, I simply asked, “Emily, would you like a priesthood blessing?” There was a long pause. “Yes,” she replied. I was stunned. I told her I’d grab someone and be over soon. I put my tie back on, got another brother to come with me, and off we went.

As I recall, we found a little utility closet and, without saying much, Emily sat in a chair and I began to give her a blessing. I initially thought she might be stressed out from finals, but impressions came to my mind and heart that there was more. I blessed her as I felt impressed by the Holy Ghost, and I felt the power of the Lord’s love for Emily in the trials she was facing. When I concluded, Emily was weeping with her face buried in her hands. Through her tears, she said, “How did you know?” I could only honestly reply, “I didn’t. The Lord knew.” I felt I was on sacred ground in that little closet. We walked away and I felt this was a miracle, the kind that comes to those who are in the service of Jesus Christ.

I have to tell you that I hesitated to share this story. Having steadfastness in Christ isn’t about having marvelous manifestations. It’s about consistent, everyday discipleship. Yet, when we follow the Spirit and consistently look to the Savior, there are times when the Lord manifests Himself in power and when we are blessed to partake of His love.

No one is more steadfast and immoveable in His devotion, more consistent in His love, or more determined in His loyalty to each of us than the Lord Jesus Christ. His death on the cross is the great evidence of His undying devotion and eternal commitment, no matter how cruel the crowd, how heavy the cross, how bitter the cup, or how dark the hour.

In conclusion, I want to testify that you need never feel ashamed for choosing to follow Jesus Christ. If a person with no religious background decided to select a single historical figure to follow whose life and teachings represented the greatest ideals for which mankind should aspire, who could argue with the decision to follow Jesus of Nazareth? His teachings have shaped the world. His example stirs the soul. Will there ever be a more impactful teacher than the One who taught us to love our enemies, to be a good Samaritan, or to forgive seventy times seven? Will there be a greater example than Jesus lifting up the man at Bethesda, rescuing the woman taken in adultery, or ministering to the woman at the well? The life and teachings of Jesus Christ are simply unmatched. Yet, as President Spencer W. Kimball said, “No matter how much we say of Him, it is still too little.”[40]

Watching some depart, Jesus asked the Twelve, “Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.”[41] With Peter, I testify that Jesus is the Christ. I know that He lives. I pray that we will follow Him forever.

“Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.”[42]

In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

Notes

[1] ^{Luke 22:31–32.}

[2] ^{See Luke 22:33–34.}

[3] ^{Dallin H. Oaks, “The Dedication of a Lifetime,” BYU devotional, May 1, 2005.}

[4] ^{Henry B. Eyring, “Spiritual Preparedness: Start Early and Be Steady,” Ensign, Nov. 2005.}

[5] ^{Mosiah 5:15.}

[6] ^{Hebrews 12:2.}

[7] ^{Russell M. Nelson, “The Power of Spiritual Momentum,” Liahona, May 2022.} 

[8] ^{Russell M. Nelson, Facebook post, Jan. 1, 2022. See also, https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2022-01-01/president-russell-m-nelson-suggests-3-resolutions-in-his-first-message-of-2022-238652.}

[9] ^Ibid.

[10] ^{Ruth 1:16–17.}

[11] ^{Ruth 1:18.}

[12] ^{Jeffrey R. Holland, “The First Great Commandment,” Ensign, Nov. 2012.}

[13] ^{Stephen Turcotte, “The Gospel of Hope,” BYU-Idaho devotional, May 3, 2022.}

[14] ^{Thomas S. Monson, “Choices,” Ensign, May 2016.}

[15] ^{Ruth 1:20–21.}

[16] ^{Mosiah 18:9.}

[17] ^{Luke 1:38.}

[18] ^{Matthew 26:42.}

[19] ^{2 Nephi 31:20, emphasis added.}

[20] ^{2 Nephi 31:19.}

[21] ^{John 3:3, Mosiah 27:25.}

[22] ^{Mosiah 5:7.}

[23] ^{See Mosiah 5:9.}

[24] ^{See 2 Corinthians 5:17.}

[25] ^{John 15:4–5.}

[26] ^{Jeffrey R. Holland, “Abide in Me,” Ensign, May 2004.}

[27] ^{David A. Bednar, “But We Heeded Them Not,” Liahona, May 2022.}

[28] ^{See Moroni 10:32.}

[29] ^{See 3 Nephi 19:29.}

[30] ^{Doctrine and Covenants 88:63.}

[31] ^{See 1 Nephi 12:17; 8:27.}

[32] ^{See 1 Nephi 8:33.}

[33] ^{1 Nephi 8:12.}

[34] ^{1 Nephi 11:22–23.}

[35] ^{See 1 Nephi 8:33.}

[36] ^{Russell M. Nelson, “Joy and Spiritual Survival,” Ensign, Nov. 2016.}

[37] ^{Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson, 142.}

[38] ^{1 Nephi 8:30.}

[39] ^{Russell M. Nelson, “The Power of Spiritual Momentum,” Liahona, May 2022.}

[40] ^{Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball, 23.}

[41] ^{John 6:67–69.}

[42] ^{2 Nephi 31:20.}