Stay by the Tree

 The conference talk from Elder Kevin W. Pearson was the main focus in Sister N's lesson. Here is a link to it. This would be a great FHE lesson by the way. :) 

President Heber C. Grant's example is a striking reminder that no one, at any age, is immune from Satan’s influence. Two of Satan’s most powerful tools are distraction and deception. It was said that enduring to the end is a hallmark of true discipleship and is essential to eternal life. The phrase "hang in there" is not a principle of the gospel. However, enduring to the end is essential for our eternal progression. 

In his talk,  he says, "Lehi’s vision of the tree of life is a powerful parable on enduring to the end. Please prayerfully study and ponder Lehi’s dream; then liken it unto yourself. As you do, carefully consider six important principles that help us endure to the end.

1. Don't forget to pray----Each of us experiences periods of darkness and loneliness. “When life gets dark and dreary, don’t forget to pray.”  Pray for strength to endure to the end.

(click to enlarge)--super helpful!

2. Come unto Christ and Be Perfected in Him---To realize this gift, we must “come unto Christ, and be perfected in him.” He is “the way, the truth, and the life.”

3. Press Forward with Faith --God’s commandments are strict but not restrictive. They protect us from spiritual and physical danger and prevent us from getting lost. Obedience builds faith in Christ. Faith is a principle of action and power. 

4. The Book of Mormon is key to spiritual survival--Life’s journey is challenging. It’s easy to be distracted, wander off the path, and get lost. Tribulation is an inevitable and indispensable part of our eternal progression. When adversity comes, don’t let something you don’t fully understand unravel everything you do know. Be patient, cling to truth; understanding will come. Trials are like great mists of darkness that can blind our eyes and harden our hearts. Search the Book of Mormon and the words of the living prophets every day, every day, every day! It’s the key to spiritual survival.

5. Don't be distracted and deceived---Heeding those who do not believe in Christ will not help you find Him. Searching #spaciousbuilding for knowledge will not lead you to truth. It’s not posted there. Only the Savior has “the words of eternal life.”   

One sister shared this quote that was given in a conference talk to YW, but it fits perfect on be deceived. Elder Holland said, "One would truly need a great and spacious makeup kit to compete with beauty as portrayed in media all around us. Yet at the end of the day there would still be those "in the attitude of mocking and point their fingers" as Lehi saw (1 Nephi 8:27) because however much one tries in the world of glamour and fashion, it will never be glamorous enough.”

6. Stay by the tree---Lehi’s message is to stay by the tree. We stay because we are converted unto the Lord.  When we become deeply converted unto the Lord, we should no longer seek the spacious building.

I love how his talk says  that, "True disciples continue to awaken unto God each day in meaningful personal prayer, earnest scripture study, personal obedience, and selfless service. Stay by the tree and stay awake."

Another important point:  It requires valiant discipleship! There is no room for average or complacent disciples. Average is the enemy of excellence, and average commitment will prevent you from enduring to the end.

Last important point: If you are struggling, confused, or spiritually lost, I urge you to do the one thing I know will get you back on track. Begin again to prayerfully study the Book of Mormon and live its teachings every day, every day, every day!  The Holy Ghost will change your heart and help you see “things as they really are.