I was born in Hawaii when it was a territory of the United States, ten years before statehood. Raised in those islands in a multi-cultural environment, I left for higher education on the U.S. mainland and a mission to England, and after marriage to a Canadian girl we returned to Hawaii to raise our family. Nearly six years ago, after receiving a call to my current position, we were assigned to the Asia North Area, supervising the Church in Japan and South Korea, and doing humanitarian work in North Korea for three years. After two years in Salt Lake City, we now are privileged to serve in the large and diverse Asia Area.
With this growing worldwide perspective, and the focus of my ecclesiastical responsibilities, I have spent much time pondering how the gospel is established in an individual life, in a family, in a country, and indeed throughout the world. The words of the Lord to the Prophet Joseph Smith often come to my mind. “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33).
The Lord, of course, understands the process of developing a personal testimony, and of the combined force of sincere and righteous people necessary to build His Church in any area of the world. How does this happen? That question is answered in a companion verse. “Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these the last days” (D&C 64:34). This doctrine is powerfully affirmed in the experience of Jesus when the lawyer asked him “Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.” (Matthew 22:36-38).
So, from these and other prophetic words we understand that both the heart and the mind must be fully engaged in this holy process. The conversion of our soul and the ongoing refinement of our life, as we adopt the attributes of Godliness, is our earthly mission and is rewarded with “...eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God” (D&C 14:7).
The “heart” is symbolic of love and commitment. Love is the most powerful motivator of all. We will make sacrifices and bear burdens for those we love that we would not endure for any other reason; not for money, not for recognition, not for power. If love does not exist, our commitment will surely wane. If we love the Lord with all our heart, we are willing to give Him everything we possess.
Having a “willing mind” is giving our best effort, our finest thinking, and seeking God’s wisdom. It suggests that our most devoted lifetime study should be of things which are eternal in nature. It implies that there should be an inextricable relationship between hearing the word of God and obeying it. The Apostle James taught “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22).
I recommend four essential ways one can genuinely seek to give their heart and mind to the Lord:
Gain and Constantly Nurture Your Own Testimony. A Latter-day Saint’s testimony should include a knowledge of, and love for, God the Eternal Father, the Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. It would know of the glorious gospel plan and the centrality of the Savior and His Atonement. It would understand of the “marvelous work and the wonder” (See 2 Nephi 27:26) of the Restoration of the Lord’s Church in this last dispensation and the role of apostles and prophets, from Joseph Smith to Gordon B. Hinckley.
If you do not feel the power and security that this type of testimony provides, then study and follow the exhortation of Moroni to “…ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ” (Moroni 10:4).
Continually Study the Doctrine. President Boyd K. Packer has said “The study of doctrine will change behavior more than the study of behavior will change behavior.” When we know the commandments of God from the writings of the prophets and “liken all scripture unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning” (1 Nephi 19:23) it will change the way we think and act.
Studying and following the counsel of living prophets is also vital. Having prophets of God on earth has become so commonplace for us in this Church that their profound importance and role is often woefully under appreciated. Do not let this happen to you.
Honor Priesthood Ordinances and Covenants. To help us progress, God asks us to perform priesthood ordinances. Ordinances are sacred ceremonies in which we make commitments to Him, and He confers upon us the potential to receive the blessings of eternity. As covenant-children, we have all that is required for eternal success if we are true to our promises. Prepare for the ordinances you have not yet received and be guided in your life decisions by the covenants you have made. When you are evaluating alternatives, ask yourself “Is this choice consistent with my covenants?”
Establish a Life of Service. Serving others emulates the ultimate act of service offered to each of us by the Redeemer of the World. It is a way for us to make partial payment for the opportunity of salvation which comes only through Jesus Christ. Willingly accept callings in the Church and recognize that sacrifice is far more of a blessing than a burden. Develop compassion toward those in need, in and out of the Church, and do good continually (See D&C 58:26-28).
I am thrilled to serve among the great and noble Saints of the Asia Area. To you I state that submitting our will---completely giving our heart and mind to God---is not easy. Is there another way; perhaps an easier way? There is not. I would not want another way. I am comfortable with, and comforted by, the “great plan of happiness” (see Alma 42:8). I testify of He whose plan it is, God Our Heavenly Father; and He who is central to the plan, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. I witness of apostles and prophets whose counsel I gladly follow. With all my heart and all my mind I witness of these truths. They have made all the difference in my life.
