The safety and security of the sheep depend upon their willingness to come into the fold.
The gift of agency is not simply the right to choose but the opportunity to choose the right.
- Be redeemed
- Be resurrected
- Receive Eternal life
- Receive the companionship of the Holy Ghost
The blessings that flow into the lives of those who follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ, who choose to be counted among His disciples, are numerous, joyful, and eternal.
A fold, or sheepfold, is a large enclosure, often constructed with stone walls, where the sheep are protected at night. It has only one opening. At the end of the day, the shepherd calls the sheep. They know his voice, and through the gate they enter the safety of the fold.
The people of Alma would have known that shepherds stand at the narrow opening of the fold so that when the sheep enter, they are numbered and their wounds and ailments noted and cared for one by one. The safety and well-being of the sheep depend on their willingness to come into the fold and to stay in the fold.
Among us there may be some who feel they are at the edge of the flock, perhaps thinking they are less needed or valued or that they don’t belong in the fold. And, as in the sheepfold, in the fold of God we sometimes step on one another’s toes and need to repent or forgive.
Besides those who feel they don’t belong there are also those who don’t want to belong. (Isaac)
Jesus stated, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.”
John 10:9
Alma promised four specific, personal blessings:
- You may be redeemed of God
- To redeem means to pay off a debt or obligation or to free from what distresses or harms.
- You may be numbered with those of the first resurrection
- Because of Christ’s Resurrection, all will be resurrected. …We will eagerly look forward to being among those of the First Resurrection.
- You may have eternal life
- Eternal life means to live with God and as He lives.
- The Lord will pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you.
- The companionship of a member of the Godhead, the Holy Ghost, provides much-needed guidance and comfort during this mortal life.
How do we overcome the defenses of one who is so hurt that they insist they don’t want the help they desperately need? When, and to what degree, are we called upon to breach agency in order to help? (Like trapping and anesthetizing an injured feral cat in order to treat its injuries and improve its life.) Conversely, when should we honor agency to the point of allowing them to live without what the Lord offers?
Figuratively speaking, some of us are still on the plains. Not everyone arrives in the first group. My dear friends, please continue the journey—and help others—to come fully into the fold of God. The blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ are immeasurable because they are eternal.
Leave a Reply