Lesson Review
Come, Join with Us by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor inthe First Presidency
Let us review the words
to the Hymn Dear to theHeart of the Shepherd, paying special
attention to the words of the third verse. (Press Hymn title for song link)
President Uchtdort’s
message is very much a modern-day version of the parable of the lost sheep:
Luke 15:4-6
4) What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he
lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go
after that which is lost, until he find it?
5) And when he hath found it, he
layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6) And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends
and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep
which was lost.
Points to ponder: The well being of the lost sheep is important to the
shepherd, as the well being of all of us is important to the Lord. Who are the lost sheep? Why would President Uchtdorf address this topic to
members of the church? Very
often we automatically think of those who have fallen away from the Gospel;
however, the lost sheep can also mean those who are not of our faith, and even
those who are, who may be struggling. Possibly all of us at some time or another have struggled with
completely embracing the Gospel. We might often feel isolated, lonely, offended, apart, abandoned.
Why would anyone want
to join the Church? This
is the Savior’s Church. President
Uchtdorf said, “Those who join this Church love the Savior Jesus Christ and
they wish to follow Him. They
rejoice in the knowledge that God speaks to mankind again. When they receive sacred priesthood ordinances and
make covenants with God, they can feel His power in their lives. When they enter the holy temple, they sense they are
in His presence. When they read the holy scriptures and live the teachings of
His prophets, they grow closer to the Savior they love so much…. Believing in
God is commendable, but most people want to do more than listen to
inspirational sermons and dream of their mansions above. They want to put their faith into practice. They want
to roll up their sleeves and become engaged in this great cause…. A third
reason why people join the Church is because walking the path of discipleship
leads to precious blessings.”
President Uchtdorf
poses this question: “If the gospel is so wonderful, why would anyone leave?”
He goes on to explain,
“The search for the truth has led millions of people to The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints. However,
there are some who leave the Church they once loved…. Sometimes we assume it is because they have been
offended or lazy or sinful. Actually, it is not that simple. In fact, there is not just one reason that applies to
the variety of situations. Some
of our dear members struggle for years with the question whether they should
separate themselves from the Church.”
President Uchtdorf
explains that very often unanswered questions and the mistakes of imperfect
people might be a factor in someone separating from the Church. He reminds us that in the title page of the Book of
Mormon we read, “And now, if there are faults they are the mistakes of men;
wherefore, condemn not the things of God, that ye may be found spotless at the
judgment-seat of Christ.”
One of the most
profound pieces of advice President Uchtdorf imparts is this: “…my dear
brothers and sisters – my dear friends – please,
first doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith (emphasis added). We must never allow doubt to hold us prisoner
and keep us from the divine love, peace and gifts that come through faith in
the Lord Jesus Christ.”
President Uchtdorf
counsels that, “If you expect to find perfect people here, you will be
disappointed. But if you seek
the pure doctrine of Christ, the word of God ‘which leadeth the wounded soul,’
and the sanctifying influence of the Holy Ghost, then here you will find
them. In this age of waning
faith – in this age when so many feel distanced from heaven’s embrace – here
you will find a people who yearn to know and draw closer to their Savior by
serving God and fellowmen, just like you. Come, join with us!”
President Uchtdorf
closes his remarks with these invitations:
“If you seek truth,
meaning, and a way to transform faith into action; if you are looking for a
place of belonging: Come, join with us!
“if you have left the
faith you once embraced: Come back again. Join with us!
“if you are tempted to
give up: Stay yet a little longer. There is room for you here.
“I plead with all who
read these words: Come, join with us. Come heed the call of the gentle Christ.
Take up your cross and follow Him.
“Come, join with us!
For here you will find what is precious beyond price.”
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