The Light of Christ

Christine gave her farewell talk on 25 September 2016.



Here is the text:

The Light of Christ

Let me start with an introduction. I’m Christine Stevenson, and in ten days I’ll be reporting to the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. I’ll be there three weeks, and then we’re heading out to the Florida Orlando Mission. Now nearly everyone who I’ve told where I’m serving has immediately responded with, “Oh, so you’re going to Disney World.” I’m excited to serve and especially happy that I’ll be living in a place where it rains.

My talk today is on The Light of Christ, taken from a talk by Elder Larry R .Lawrence of the Seventy. The Light of Christ is something that every person is born with. It is our conscience, our ability to know right from wrong. 

Doctrine and Covenants 88:13 defines it as, “The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God.”

Heavenly Father wants us to seek to increase the light that we’ve been given. To do this, we need to follow the influence of the light that we already have and seek out more light. Light brings light.
Doctrine and Covenants 84:45 explains this a little more. “For the word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” Therefore, truth and goodness bring more light into our lives.

There are many ways that we can gain more light. The most fundamental ways are what some people would call Primary answers because they’re simple. Following the commandments, praying, attending church meetings, taking the Sacrament; these are simple things, but they’re vital.

One great advantage we, as members of the church, have is receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Having the influence of the Holy Ghost in our daily lives brings greater opportunities to find and discern light. Thanks to the Light of Christ, everyone can feel the influence of the Holy Ghost sometimes. This is what leads people to recognize the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; however, it’s only with the Gift of the Holy Ghost that we can have the constant companionship of the Spirit. When we listen to the promptings if the Holy Ghost and seek His companionship, we become more receptive to His influence, and in this way we receive more light.

Another way we can gain light is through studying the scriptures and other gospel materials. Doctrine and Covenants 109:7, says, “…seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom, seek learning even by study and also by faith.” Seeking out knowledge and learning about the gospel allows more light into our lives.

As we gain more light-bringing knowledge, we must apply it in our lives. It doesn’t do any good to learn something and then ignore it. In fact in doing so, we can actually lose the light that we have gained. I have personally noticed a huge difference in the way I feel day to day when I’ve studied the scriptures versus when I haven’t.

Moroni 7:47 states “charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.” Love is another way to gain light. The first great commandment is to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and might. When we love the Lord, we put Him first in our lives. We follow His commandments and strive to do that which is right. The second great commandment is to love our neighbor, which means everyone around us.

Elder Lawrence states, “The real secret for learning to love others is found in serving them. Mosiah 2:17 reads “when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” Serving others helps us recognize the Light of Christ in them. It brings great love and more of a desire to serve. Serving those around us, serving in the temple, serving as missionaries all bring more light into our lives.

When we have light, we should desire to share it with others. Elder Lawrence says, “Every temple, every chapel, every Latter-day Saint home, and every church member should be a light to the world.” In Matthew 5:14-16, we read, “Ye are the light of the world…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

So, why is it important that we gain more light? If we are filled with light, we’ll want to seek more, and as Alma 32:35 states, “whatsoever is light, is good.” The light we receive is like a beacon. It protects us from darkness and it draws us to Him. The more we have the better. As we increase in light, we become more like our Heavenly Father. As 1 John 1:5 says, “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”

We should always strive to increase in light and to use what we already have. I have a testimony of these principles. I observed them in my own life. The more that I seek to do good, the more I study, the more I use my time wisely, the better I feel. I notice the influence of the Holy Ghost in my life more when I do these things. I notice a difference in my thoughts and in my actions.

I have a testimony of the Gospel of Christ. The words of The Book of Mormon are true, and they are absolutely relevant to our day. I love the words of the scriptures. They bring peace and knowledge and light. Joseph Smith did see Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, with authority from God to translate The Book of Mormon and establish the word of truth again on the earth. We have a living prophet today. I absolutely have a testimony of the Savior. He suffered and died and was resurrected for us, so that we can be forgiven of our sins and return and live with Him. As the hymn that we sang earlier states, “He lives!”

In the time that I’ve had to prepare for my mission, the one thing that I think I’ve gained a testimony of the most is the Lord’s timing. God knows what He’s doing, even when we feel like we’re hitting setback after setback and trial after trial. At some point, I’ve always been able to look back and say, “That’s why.” Heavenly Father’s timing is perfect. I know that my mission call was given through revelation. I’m heading where I need to be, and I’m incredibly excited to serve. And I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Audio recording: https://youtu.be/U6JfX4s65iM