Being of good cheer: part of being valiant in tstimony of Christ
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In his October 1982 general conference address, Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Council of the Twelve said, " . . . we can scarcely savor all that swirls about us.
"It is unlikely, for instance, on that night so long ago in Bethlehem, that Joseph and Mary looked at the newly born Christ child's feet with the realization that those feet would, one day, walk the length and breadth of the Holy Land. And, further, that, later on, spikes would pierce those feet."As a loving Mary grasped those tiny hands, and, as in the months ahead those tiny hands clasped her, did she know that those hands, when grown, would ordain the original Twelve or, still later, carry the rough-hewn cross?
"As she heard her Baby cry, did she hear intimations of Jesus' later weeping at the death of Lazarus or after blessing the Nephite children? (See John 11:35; 3 Ne. 17-:21-22). Did she foresee that those baby-soft knees would later be hardened by so much prayer, including those glorious but awful hours in Gethsemane? (See Matt. 26:36-35.)
"As she bathed that Babe so many times to cleanse His pores, could she have been expected to foresee that one day, years later, drops of blood would come from His every pore? (See Mosiah 3:7.)
"There is such a thing as cheerful believing participation - even without full understanding - when you and I keep certain things in our hearts and are nourished as we ponder them." (See Luke 2:19.)
Elder Maxwell further said: "If we are of good cheer, we will find no use for nostalgia for another time. . . .
"Brothers and sisters, these are our days. This is our time on earth! These are our tasks to be done!
"And in these days, being of good cheer is part of being valiant in the testimony of Jesus. (See D&C 76:79; D&C 121:29.)
"Finally, in those moments when we feel the pain which is a necessary part of the plan of happiness, we can remember that there was an ancient time when that plan was first unveiled. Then the perceptive among us voted not secretly, but audibly - by shouting for joy. (See Job 38:7.) Let us not go back on those feelings now - for we saw more clearly then what we are experiencing now."
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(ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)
Articles on this page may be used in conjunction with the Gospel Doctrine course of study.
Information compiled by Gerry Avant
Sources: Jesus the Christ, by Elder James E. Talmage, and general conference reports, October 1982 and April 1985.
