A recent Priesthood lesson in our Ward, brought clarity to my understanding of what it means to “endure to the end”.
The lesson was given by Mel Larson. It was the first Sunday of 2009. Fundamentally, he asked what we could “do” to improve our temporal and spiritual lives in 2009. The discussion was vigorous. There was discussion about our need to pray…to read the scriptures…and to be found doing good…through all our days.
But Bart Cardon, who can always be counted on to clarify an issue, reminded us that “all will die” and ”the end” for each of us can come at any time. “Enduring to the end” has the same meaning for someone who dies at age 20 or 50 or 90. “Enduring to the end” simply means…maintaining our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ… to the end.
In Moroni Chapter 8, Moroni recorded an epistle which his father wrote to him. The words are beautiful. They are the heartfelt last words of a father to his son. Verse 3 is a poignant introduction.
“I am mindful of you always in my prayers, continually praying unto God the Father in the name of his Holy Child, Jesus, that he, through his infinite goodness and grace, will keep you through the endurance of faith on his name to the end.”
There is a lot packed into that verse. It is also my prayer that each of our children and grandchildren, in your own way, in your own time, will come to understand the importance of gaining a sincere testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ…and work at maintaining that testimony…to the end. Endure well!
