He obviously was a follower of Christ. He believed and kept the commandments. He asked a poignant question..."What lack I yet?"
The Savior responds, "go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me."
It says the young man went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
Christ did not say to sell ALL that he had. He wanted the man to take the world out of his focus and to share and lift others.
He offers all of us treasure in heaven! But the treasures on Earth are so tangible! We must ask ourselves the same question. What may we lack to gain eternal life? Ponder for a moment, are the covenants you have made with Heavenly Father more important than the things of the world?
Are we willing to change our focus for the Lord? Compare Peter's response, when the Lord said, "Come follow me!"
I think I want to be a Peter. When the Lord asks...I will be ready and willing!
Last weekend (October 8th) our friend Michael was baptized! What a special spirit he has. He has studied, underlined and prayed fervently to know. When he got his answer he was ready to follow the Lord. His parents were not happy and told him that he would no longer be a part of their family! He loves them and would like to share the truths he has found. Michael is giving up a lot to follow the Lord. But he has had a witness that the Church of Jesus Christ has been restored in it's completeness. The Priesthood has been restored and there are Prophets and Apostles on the Earth again!
Michael asked Dean to Confirm him and bestow the Gift of the Holy Ghost.
Matthew 19: 29 reads "And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundred fold, and shall inherit everlasting life."
Dean had a new understanding of this scripture. If someone (like Michael) decides to follow Christ by joining the Church and the family or friends oppose his decision. Though difficult because you love your family and friends. However, you have found the Gospel and want to follow Christ, then you have to leave those relationships. But think about it...if you join the Church you will have the opportunity to marry in the Temple and raise your posterity in the gospel having eternal blessings. So your choice to join the Church will bless all your posterity and all of your ancestors before you! That is literally a hundred fold easy! Even those members of your family who opposed your choice will have the opportunity for eternal blessing! If (Michael) would choose not to continue in the gospel then that could perhaps close the door for all of them.
We love Michael! We are thankful he has touched our lives. We are grateful to serve this Mission!
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