The "Me" Generation

Several months ago, I went to dinner with some old classmates from high school. Being the only one in the party with children, I was asked to share a little about life as a mother. I detailed the effort and sacrifice it takes to spend every moment in the care of little ones--how sometimes it leaves me exhausted and drained, both emotionally and physically. But, in spite of the sacrifice requires, it brings joy to my life.

At this point, an acquaintance of mine commented, “I don’t think I could ever have children. I am too selfish.” I felt a wave of affirmation hit others in our party (though not all) as they reflected on whether or not they would be able to make that kind of sacrifice.

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I bring this up not to talk about the importance of childrearing (even though it is paramount), nor to disrespect the person who made the comment. I bring this up because it illustrates a confused notion that is prevalent in today’s society--which is,

Happiness comes from indulging in one’s desires, and focusing first and foremost on our own pursuits and pleasures.

This notion could not be more false. Though it is important to take care of ourselves, physically and spiritually, the more we focus inward on ourselves--our needs and desires--the more miserable we will become.

Why is this so? Many may argue that through focusing on their wants, they find pleasure and enjoyment. My response is that this pleasure and enjoyment is fleeting. Selfishness has never and will never lead to lasting joy and happiness.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, an Apostle of the Lord, explains, “A selfish person is more interested in pleasing man, especially himself, than in pleasing God. He looks only to his own needs and desires…

We live in a time when sacrifice is definitely out of fashion. Someone has called this the “me” generation, a selfish time when everyone seems to be asking, ‘What’s in it for me?’... That corrupting attitude produces no change and no growth.” (Dallin H. Oaks, April 5, 2009, General Conference, Sunday Afternoon Session)

“Selfishness is the basic substance—the raw material, if you will—of almost all…sins that Satan has introduced upon the earth…Greed, envy, covetousness, lust, rebellion, thievery, idleness, lying, hypocrisy, backsliding, immorality, infidelity, pride, arrogance, gluttony, and most other evils are the products of a selfish life,” (William R. Bradford, “Selfishness vs. Selflessness,” Ensign, Apr 1983, 49)

Contrast this with the life of Jesus Christ.

Elder Oaks continues, “Our Savior gave himself in unselfish service. He taught that each of us should follow him by denying ourselves of selfish interests in order to serve others. ‘Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it,’ (Matt 16:24-25)

It’s not easy to give up our personal priorities and desires...All of it requires setting aside personal convenience for unselfish service. All of it stands in contrast to the fame, fortune and other immediate gratification that are the worldly ways of so many in our day… The plan of the gospel of Jesus Christ lifts us above our selfish desires and teaches us that this life is all about what we can become,” (Elder Oaks).

I know that sacrificing our own desires in order to serve others yields the fruit of true joy and satisfaction and helps us become who God would have us be.

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I am far from being perfectly selfless, but I know that the most memorable and joyful moments in my life are the moments when I have lost myself in the service of others. That is why most mothers you meet will be able to say, “The sacrifice is all worth it,” despite the fact that they may be exhausted and tired.

So, to my old acquaintance, I encourage you lose yourself in the service of others. Do not let the title of “selfish” define you, whether it is done innocently or conscientiously. The answer to unhappiness is not found in indulging ourselves with treasures, pleasures, and pride. The more you forget about the things you want, the more joy you will find. Start today by practicing selflessness and service. Give up something on your agenda to help someone else. I testify that it will heal you, it will strengthen you, and it will add depth and meaning to your life.

A Companion to the Bible

"And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd," (John 10:16).

Who are these "other sheep," the Lord mentions in this scripture? Could it be that some of the Lord's children resided in other lands, or "folds," during His ministry on earth? Could it be that he planned to visit them in His resurrected form as He did to His apostles? Furthermore, is it possible that the Lord inspired people in all lands to keep records of His dealings with men? If so, where are those records today?

Three years after Joseph Smith beheld a vision of God the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ in answer to his supplication for truth, an angel of the Lord visited him and told him of an ancient record deposited nearby, which gave, "an account of the former inhabitants of this continent, and the source from whence they sprang. He also said that the fulness of the everlasting Gospel was contained in it, as delivered by the Savior to the ancient inhabitants," (JS-H 1:33-34).

It then became Joseph's calling to translate this ancient record into our modern language. This record, now called the Book of Mormon, tells of a prophet and his family who left Jerusalem in B.C. 600. It tells of their journey to a new land, the divisions created between them because of pride, and ultimately the destruction of their people, spanning over 1000 years. The crowning moment occurs when the Savior visits these ancient inhabitants in His resurrected form, as He did in Jerusalem.

Much like the Bible, the Book of Mormon contains records that were kept by many people, and were then compiled and abridged by a prophet named Mormon around A.D. 400. This compilation was made on one set of plates, so that they could be brought forth in this generation for the benefit of all men.

The LDS church views the Book of Mormon as a companion to the Bible. In other words, the Book of Mormon complements the Bible and each shed light on each other. Their purpose is one and the same, which is "to show...what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; and that they may know the covenants of the Lord...And also to the convincing...that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself to all nations." (Book of Mormon, Title Page).

The work of translating was no easy task. Joseph Smith was forced to move from place to place amidst persecution because of what he had seen. However, "with little formal education, Joseph Smith dictated the translation in just a little over two months of actual working time and made very few corrections. The book stands today essentially as he translated it and has been the source of testimony for millions of people throughout the world," (Our Heritage, p9).

How could a boy in his young 20's, with little education, translate such an incredible book of scripture in such a short time? Could he have possibly fabricated such a work? Having read the Book of Mormon, the only clear explanation I see is that he truly did translate an ancient record through the inspiration of the Lord.

But my conclusion is not just a logical one.

More resounding and convincing than these physical evidences is the testimony you can receive through actually reading the book. The surest way to determine whether the words represent the word of the Lord, is to read it, ponder it, and pray about it earnestly. In the concluding pages of the Book of Mormon, the prophet Moroni states, "And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost, " (Moroni 10:4).

Understandably, this may sound like an unbelievable story to many of you. It may have sounded unbelievable to me if I had just heard it for the first time. But, I assure you that the truth of this book is not something that has just been indoctrinated in me. I have read its words, I have pondered its messages, and I have studied its doctrines. It has deepened my understanding of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It continues to help me find answers to life's questions. Furthermore, I have heeded Moroni's call at the end of the book, and the Lord has witnessed to me that it is true. I know that true and lasting joy comes by heeding its teachings.

I count the Book of Mormon as one of the greatest blessing the Lord has given me. When our family takes the time to read it, it brings peace in our home, brings answers to questions, and shows us the way to everlasting joy. When we cast aside the book and fail to read it, discontent and impatience soon prevail and we find ourselves distanced from the Lord. The more I read it, the more I begin to understand God's plan for me and the role He would have me play. Knowing that the Book of Mormon is true strengthens my knowledge that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and that the teachings of the restoration are true. I am forever grateful to a loving Heavenly Father for providing such a wealth of knowledge that I can turn to and rely on.

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If you are interested in receiving a free copy of the Book of Mormon click here to visit the official LDS website and request a copy. I believe it should be the true starting point for all seekers of truth.