Helping ourselves, others reach 'arms of safety'
E-mail story
It's easy. Send a link to the story you were just reading to a friend. Just fill out the form on this page and we'll send it along.
Your name and e-mail address are transmitted to the recipient. Otherwise, it is considered private information; see Privacy policy.
Using Amulek's phrase of "arms of safety," Elder Jay E. Jensen of the Presidency of the Seventy highlighted the Atonement and emphasized its relevance to the administration of the sacrament as he spoke in the Saturday evening priesthood session of conference.
"As I have pondered how to effectively teach the Atonement to others, the phrase 'arms of safety' has been useful," Elder Jensen said. "When we were baptized and received the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, we received two ordinances that introduce us to the arms of safety. By coming humbly and fully repentant to sacrament meeting and worthily partaking of the sacrament, we may feel those arms again and again."
Members have the opportunity to return to such an embrace on a weekly basis by partaking of the sacrament in sacrament meeting, he noted.
There's a spiritual cleansing and a healing associated with the sacrament. Elder Jensen admonished the Aaronic Priesthood holders who prepare, bless and pass the bread and water to "not be a distraction for those who are earnestly seeking the blessings of the infinite Atonement."
Rather, participating priesthood holders should remember they are acting on behalf of the Lord, needing to be reverent and dignified.
While most are exemplary, "we see a disturbing drift towards too much informality and casualness in dress and appearance," he added.
"True servants of Jesus Christ are properly groomed and dressed, reflecting always His standards and not the worldly drift of casualness. Having every detail carefully attended to ensures that the Spirit of the Lord will be present."
He spoke of times as a bishop when restricting repenting members from partaking the sacrament. He recalled watching one younger man, having been authorized, return to partake.
"I witnessed arms of mercy, love and safety encircling him as the healing of the Atonement warmed his soul and lifted his load, resulting in the promised forgiveness, peace and happiness."
