Living by the scriptures
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Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees. And if thou art faithful unto the end thou shalt have a crown of immortality, and eternal life in the mansions which I have prepared in the house of my Father. Behold, and lo, these are the words of Alpha and Omega, even Jesus Christ. Amen. — Doctrine and Covenants 81: 5-7
I am a convert to the Church and was called to serve a mission in Southern California. We were meeting in the exquisite home of Rose Marie Reid in Los Angeles. Elder LeGrand Richards was usually jovial, entertaining and gave us excellent instruction for taking our message to those in that area, where hundreds of religious denominations already existed.
In all seriousness, during one of his frequent visits, when he was the Presiding Bishop, Elder Richards advised us to memorize Doctrine and Covenants 81: 5-7. He said, "It may be the most important scripture, if you learn none other, in assuring you of justice when you take your place in the judgement seat of God, as joint-heirs with His Son, Jesus Christ."
Now, at age of 91, I have been touched during frequent opportunities to "succor the weak, lift the hands which hang down," with acts of charity. For lo these many years it has served me well. During my reading of the Book of Mormon before the end of 2005, this scripture gave me a renewed understanding of ancient scripture and the mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Through him, by the gift and power of God, was translated the record of Jews, Nephites, Lamanites, Gentiles, and all of God's children from Adam to Jesus Christ and onward. — Paul Parish, Orem, Utah
