By Elder Quentin L. Cook
We are united by our love of and faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement. The essence of truly belonging is to be one with Christ. Elder Quentin L. Cook shares personal experiences and scriptural insights to emphasize the importance of unity with Christ. He highlights the significance of the Savior’s Atonement, the necessity of moral agency, and the universal invitation to partake of God’s goodness. Elder Cook also addresses the challenges of modern life, urging us to prioritize spiritual over material success and to include others in our circle of oneness.
The Power of the Atonement
Elder Cook begins by sharing a personal story about his grandfather’s testimony of the Savior’s Atonement. This experience taught him the profound importance of focusing on Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for humanity. He emphasizes that the Atonement is the foundation of our relationship with Christ and our ultimate source of redemption.
“No one can return to God by good works alone without the benefit of the Savior’s Atonement.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- 2 Nephi 2:8: “Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah.”
- Mosiah 3:19: “For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.”
Unity in Christ
Elder Cook reflects on the Savior’s Intercessory Prayer, which emphasized the need for unity among His followers. He explains that true oneness with Christ and our Heavenly Father can only be achieved through the Atonement. This unity is not based on worldly factors such as lineage or status but on living Christ’s teachings.
“The Lord’s saving mercy is not dependent on lineage, education, economic status, or race. It is based on being one with Christ and His commandments.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- John 17:21: “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.”
- Mosiah 18:21: “And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another.”
The Role of Moral Agency
The concept of moral agency is central to our spiritual progression. Elder Cook stresses that our ability to choose and act is essential for our growth and happiness. He addresses contemporary debates about free will, reaffirming the doctrine that we are agents unto ourselves, capable of choosing liberty and eternal life through Jesus Christ.
“Choices of good and righteousness lead to happiness, peace, and eternal life, while choices of sin and evil eventually lead to heartache and misery.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- 2 Nephi 2:27: “Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.”
- Alma 30:8: “For thus saith the scripture: Choose ye this day, whom ye will serve.”
Embracing Eternal Principles
Elder Cook encourages us to prioritize eternal principles over worldly success. He warns against the dangers of allowing material pursuits to overshadow spiritual commitments and family responsibilities. The ultimate measure of success is our relationship with Christ and our adherence to His commandments.
“What I am saying is that when efforts relating to education and occupation are elevated above the family or being one with Christ, the unintended consequences can be significantly adverse.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Matthew 6:33: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
- 3 Nephi 13:19-21: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Inclusion and Gathering
Elder Cook speaks about the importance of including others in our circle of oneness. He highlights the role of Church ordinances and covenants in uniting us as one. He underscores the universal nature of the gospel invitation, emphasizing that differences in culture, language, and background are insignificant compared to our shared faith in Jesus Christ.
“We need to include others in our circle of oneness.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Moroni 10:32: “Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.”
- Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Calls to Action:
- Seek unity with Christ through His Atonement.
- Exercise moral agency to choose righteousness and eternal life.
- Prioritize spiritual and family commitments over worldly success.
- Include others in your circle of faith and oneness.
- Follow Christ’s teachings and commandments to receive His blessings.