Today I spent an hour on the grounds of the Jordan River Temple. I went to read a little and to remove myself from the daily grind for just a while. I find it refreshing to spend a little energy daily with my thoughts in that other world that I'm seeking. Because it was closed today it was more quiet than normal. I however was quite impressed while I was leaving as I thought of the individuals who were also there undoubtedly for the same reason as me.
When I first arrived there was a Soldier dressed in fatigues, cap off head down I could only imagine the horrors he has seen if he has been fighting for us, as I approached there was another brother dressed in jeans and a button down shirt with cowboy boots. When he sat down at a bench he pulled out his electronic scriptures. As I was leaving two women maybe a mother and daughter were approaching they were of Asian descent. I thought of the Savior's words found in Matthew chapter 13, "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind..."
In His gospel and Church there is room enough for all, every nation is invited to attend the feast. It is amazing to me how universal (literally) His message is. I think of the old sci-fi movies of aliens and how they always "come in peace", this message is a message of peace. Never did He take up weapons nor call down legions of angels to "save" Him. He simply moved forward in Love. He even rebuked His chief Apostle Peter as soldiers came to take Him that fateful night, "for all they that take up the sword shall perish with the sword." The only sword we are commanded to wield in His name is the "sword of the spirit." In fact the prophet Alma taught, And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God.
I am moved by the faith of the people of Ammon who were willing to put it all on the line and simply kneel down before their enemies and die than to shed blood especially the blood of those they knew were not prepared to meet their maker. That is faith!
Because the gospel is meant to gather in all people in all parts of the world we who have it ought to be concerned by what happens in far away Uganda. They are our brothers and sisters too. We should be soft when speaking of others cultural and political differences when understood these things add to the beauty of the Kingdom. Who in our world would find beauty in only one color in all of nature. Think of the beauty of the spring with its pinks and purples, then the fall with its oranges and reds, variety adds to beauty.
Though variety adds beauty we can be assured and have security that God does not change. He is the same as He ever will be. His words are the same, "go ye into all the world..." Not just America the whole earth will be filled with His ways. His way is the way of peace and prosperity for all. His way is the same for all. His net is big enough for all cultures and races. We are taught that not only this world but every world that Jesus has had a hand in creating will be brought into the Kingdom. He is truly the Lord of the universe thus making his gospel truly universal. I know He is real. I have seen real miracles, I have heard His voice. It is an amazing thing the things I've seen and been able to witness. I do not know what I have done to be apart of this great work, but I am grateful to Him for saving my physical life a few times. I sense it was to simply witness of Him, He brought me out of darkness into His beautiful light of which I seek to walk in daily.
What say ye.
