An Ensign to the Nations, a Light to the World- January 15, 2017

Thank you to Alice who led our discussion on Chapter 2: An Ensign to the Nations, a Light to the World (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Gordon B. Hinckley, 2016)

We discussed what an ensign is (a banner, our standards) and how the way we live shows others what the gospel is all about. Our actions and efforts as a church also tell the community at large what we represent. 

Alice told the story of when the pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley:

"When the Brethren stood on the summit, they looked over [the] valley to the south of them. It was largely barren, except for the willows and rushes that grew along the streams that carried water from the mountains to the lake. There was no building of any kind, but Brigham Young had said the previous Saturday, “This is the place.”

The summit where they stood was named Ensign Peak out of reference to these great prophetic words of Isaiah: “And he [speaking of God] will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly.” (Isa. 5:26.)"

Alice asked, why do we need to be able to see the vision the early pioneers? 

• Without a vision, people will perish. 
• We need a vision of our end goal. Sometimes we also need to trust when we don't see that vision
• A vision helps us stay connected
• When you keep your focus on who you are, remembering your divine destiny and where you are going, you can have that foundation to strengthen you when you question 
• "We are the vision that the prophet saw." This can help us feel inspired
• We can persist in coming to church and sacrament meeting even when we may question "Why do I bother?" especially with young children
• Carving out time for church is an ensign to others about what is important. As waves of difficulty crash in our life, we can ask ourselves how we may need to change the way we spend our time and our goals
• If we don't make goals and have a vision for our day and life we can "blow it"... a day, month, year, or our life by not having a vision of where we are going 

Gordon B. Hinckley encouraged:

"Each of us has a small field to cultivate. While so doing, we must never lose sight of the greater picture, the large composite of the divine destiny of this work. It was given us by God our Eternal Father, and each of us has a part to play in the weaving of its magnificent tapestry. Our individual contribution may be small, but it is not unimportant. …

… While you are performing the part to which you have been called, never lose sight of the whole majestic and wonderful picture of the purpose of this, the dispensation of the fulness of times. Weave beautifully your small thread in the grand tapestry, the pattern for which was laid out for us by the God of heaven. Hold high the standard under which we walk. Be diligent, be true, be virtuous, be faithful, that there may be no flaw in that banner."

As the standards of the world change, President Hinckley noted that members of the church may seem more and more peculiar, but we can still remain true to our values:

"It is not always easy to live in the world and not be a part of it. We cannot live entirely with our own or unto ourselves, nor would we wish to. We must mingle with others. In so doing, we can be gracious. We can be inoffensive. We can avoid any spirit or attitude of self-righteousness. But we can maintain our standards. …

As we observe these and other standards taught by the Church, many in the world will respect us and find strength to follow that which they too know is right."

Alice concluded by challenging us to get the vision of the glory of the plan Heavenly Father has for us. We can weave our gold thread (in the tapestry) and make it beautiful!