![]() ![]() If we truly believe in what we are doing then nothing will stop us. Our fears are often clouded in excuses, justification, and a lack of faith that keep us from action. Legitimate issues and concerns seem to stand in the way of our giving our all, being consecrated. Giving up our fears and doubts is easier said than done. Their efforts saved the company but the exposure took their own lives. ![]() Mustering up courage and faith, they cast away their fear and carried nearly every member across the river. They were there to rescue members of the suffering Martin Handcart Company. In 1856 three eighteen-year-old boys realized that consecration meant holding nothing back as they faced the icy Sweetwater River. He gathered up his faith and cast away his fear and was baptized. However, his desire to consecrate his life to God was stronger. He doubted his own strength his own abilities. When he was committed to baptism, being handicapped, he almost declined, as he feared that he would die. He was a convert to the church in the early days and financed many church efforts. John Tanner understood this concept as well. Yet, they understood the importance of letting their fears and doubts go. And, in general, the unknown.ĭoubting their own intentions, the thought “Is this really worth it?” more than likely crossed through many pioneers’ minds as they endured such trials. There would be family members never to be seen again. Try to imagine the mind of one of those brave men or women who made the journey to the West. In the early history of the Church, the pioneers overcame countless fears. “Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith.” ― Dieter F. Doubt and Fear Not Fear and doubt often cloud our minds, keeping us from progression. “ off the natural man… willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father” ( Mosiah 3:19) 2. Like Mario, we should want to be obedient and sacrifice our all to be so. Eventually, Facione became a temple worker and the author of “Mafia to Mormon.”īy becoming obedient he didn’t just change his actions he changed his heart, his very nature. That considered, he let go of his crime, fear for his life (he knew that “you don’t just walk away from the mob”), and criminal lifestyle.Īs Facione did, a consecrated member realizes that he or she must do everything that they can to fully live the gospel. However, his lifestyle couldn’t fit in with that structure. It was for him as well, and it had to be the structure of his life. He realized that exact obedience wasn’t just for the missionaries who had taught him. Yet, according to his bishop he was still serving two masters and couldn’t go to the temple because of that. Then one day he met the missionaries, began reading The Book of Mormon, and converted. ![]() Raised in a mafia family, he aspired nothing more than to specialize in black market liquidation. Mario Facione was one such man who gave up his disobedience for the gospel. ![]() “What about us?!” cries out the average member, “Can’t we become consecrated too?” How Can I be a Consecrated Member? According to Callister, to become consecrated we need to be “willing to lay everything on the altar of sacrifice and to hold nothing back”. His words took root in the hearts of the missionaries throughout the world who read his talk, becoming more obediently invested in the work. Callister gave a talk called “ Becoming a Consecrated Missionary” at the MTC in 2008. Although we don’t live the Law of Consecration to the exactness of the Kirtland saints or the people of Enoch, we can still benefit from the blessings of practicing it. Practicing members of the Church know why: love for Christ! They believe in Him and trust that as they follow Him that they will make it back to their Heavenly Father.Ĭonsecrating our all means to dedicate our time, talents and, even, possessions to the building up of God’s kingdom here on earth. They then went on to explain all of the work that members put into the Church for free, listing off many things! Confused, the man asked “Why would anyone want to join such a church?” “We do not require anything, but the Lord asks that we consecrate all.” Curious, he asked them “What do you require of your members?” and they responded Uchtdorf told a story of a man who dreamed he was where people from all over the world gathered, representing each religion, and met some members of our church. We are a peculiar people due to our commitment to consecration. ![]()
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