Being An Example - Talk at Sacrament Meeting in Kanosh

A week ago Carol and I were asked to speak in Sacrament meeting in Kanosh, Utah.  We were speaking with the Phil Whatcott of the stake high council.  This is the talk that I gave.  Carol's talk is hand written.  


This summer we visited Nauvoo and Kirtland.  We have a daughter that lives in Louisville, Kentucky.  While we were there we visited the Churchill Downs.  That is a really interesting place.  There is a large visitor’s center where short videos were shown.  One showed the care and training of race horses from birth to its first birthday.  In many ways the horse owners showed more care for the foal than some people show care for their own children.  Most foals are born in the spring during the night.  There is a trainer present, acting as a horse midwife, during the birth.  A veterinarian is called if any complications occur.  The baby horse is able to stand and walk soon after its birth and in a day is able to run.  A halter is put on the foal soon after that.  During the rest of the summer and fall the horse is handled daily. These are thoroughbreds and are trained to win the Kentucky Derby.

Our topic today is example.  I want to use example of the care and training of thoroughbred horses and relate that to the care and teaching of our children.

A child is born into this world and should be given the best possible care just as the best care is given to the thoroughbreds.

Most babies are born in a hospital.  The birth is assisted by a doctor or sometimes a nurses or a midwife who has been trained in delivering babies. Much care is given to the mother and baby. The baby is cleaned, clothed, wrapped in a blanket and placed in a comfortable bed.  Various tests are performed to determine the degree of healthiness.  Interventions are made to correct any abnormality.

The use of a halter may be somewhat compared to teaching the principles of the gospel.  We don’t have to do it in one year.  We have 18 years before a child leaves the home to teach him or her.  A familiar proverb is.  “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”   Proverbs 22:6 

Then from the Doctrine and Covenants we read:  “And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents.”  D & C Section 68:25

Thus we can see the great responsibility of teaching our children by instruction and example.  This responsibility cannot be given to anyone else.

The colt is given the best of feed and shelter.  Likewise, we give the best physical and spiritual nourishment that is available to our children.

The thoroughbred is handled daily to get it ready to compete for one of those 18 spots in the Kentucky derby.  The trainer will lead the new colt to get it used to the halter, soon a saddle is used and then eventually it is being rode with someone leading the horse. They are always gentle with the animals. Beginning at an early age we have our children kneel with us in family prayer and evening prayer. We bring them to our church meetings.  We have them participate with us in family home evening.  When they are eighteen months they begin attending the primary nursery where they are taught about Jesus.  We set an example of reading from the scriptures by reading to them daily.  You know the routine of baptism, Young men and young women, being worthy for a temple recommend, seminary, missions and temple marriage., and the list goes on. 

Bear your testimonies to your children often of the savior.   Two weeks ago on a Saturday evening, a family came in to do baptisms for the dead.  Every time a group comes in for baptisms, a short devotional is held.  After the prayer the baptistery coordinator asked one of the young sisters to bear her testimony.  She started her testimony by saying, “I would like to bear my testimony.”    She was interrupted by her father who was sitting in front of her who said, “you don’t start a testimony by saying, “I would like to bear my testimony.”  She then bore a strong testimony of the Jesus Christ and temple work.

Be an example to your children by bearing your testimony to them of the divinity of Jesus Christ who is the literal son of God; that Joseph Smith is prophet; that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and so forth.  Teach this to your children during a family home evenings. Give your children an opportunity to bear their testimony.  Many of the children say, “I know the church is true, I love my mom and dad, I love my brothers and sisters.”  This is a good beginning, but their testimony should become more mature. It seems to me that they should say, “I know that Jesus is the son of God.  We can follow the example of the Brethren when they bear their testimony. Listing things one is thankful far does not testify of the divinity of the savior or that the Book of Mormon is the word of God.  The three witnesses could bear a testimony of the Book of Mormon because they saw Angel Moroni and saw and handled the Golden Plates that were translated by the power of God. 

The three witnesses were instructed, “…to bear testimony of his word unto the children of men; for the Lord God hath said that the words of the faithful should speak as if it were from the dead.”    2 Nephi 27:13

Alma reported how he received his testimony.  “Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit”    Alma 5:46

Only 18 horses can participate in the Kentucky derby, and only one of them can win. To qualify for the Kentucky derby, a horse must win other race with a good time, during the season.  Everyone can receive exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom if they qualify.   They qualify by obedience to laws and ordinances of the gospel, and enduring to the end.

Quoting the third article of faith:   “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.” 

This does not say only the general authorities, or only Stake presidents and bishops may be saved.   This says that “…all may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel”   Most of those ordinances are done in the Temple

To qualify for the celestial kingdom one must receive all of the ordinances of the Gospel which begins with baptism and being sealed in the temple for time and eternity. 

Many in the Church receive the ordinances of the temple.  They go back to the temple to receive the endowment for someone who has died.  I would encourage you to participate in the sealing and initiatory ordinances.  Carol mentioned the blessings received in the initiatory ordinances.  Other blessings are received in the sealing ordinances which we can’t talk about outside the temple.  Frequent reviews of these will help us on our journey back to the presents of the Father. 

We love going to the Temple.  Going to the temple is the highlight of our week.  The temple workers are so caring and kind and it is a great opportunity to associate with them.  There are patrons that we see there every time that we go.  There is a temple worker who is blind.  There are others who are assisted by canes.  Some have artificial legs.  There is a place there for every worthy person.  Those who feel as if they are unworthy to have a recommend should meet with the bishop.

I am thankful closing I would like to bear my testimony.  I shouldn’t say it that way.