The Lifelong Journey to Endure to the End

This morning, I was reading in the Book of 3rd Nephi, Chapter 15, and a certain verse really stuck out to me. It was verse 9:

“Behold, I am the law, and the light. Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life.” (The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, page 437)

There is a very simple doctrine stated in this verse, but it seems to be the hardest sometimes: enduring to the end. This is continuing instruction that we see throughout the scriptures, and sometimes I confuse myself with how much there really is to do. Being a missionary, it is easy to become overwhelmed. You are worried about teaching others everything that you find important. You are worried that you may not be living to your full capacity sometimes. You even worry that you may not be able to talk of gospel truths when it really matters the most.

https://www.lds.org/media-library/images/mormonad-finish-1118378?lang=eng&category

But when I really look at it, I feel as if enduring to the end may be the most important thing that we teach people how to do. We can get baptized into the Church of God and then not do anything about it, that can be done if someone really wants to. Baptism is a saving ordinance, something that allows us to return to God’s presence again. But it is also a covenant, or a promise, that we make with God that we will do our best to work hard, and show Him that we truly do love Him. And in turn, he promises not only His Spirit to be with us, but also eternal life, as stated in this scripture above.

The real question that we are forced to ask sometimes, and the question I asked myself this morning, is “What does it mean to ‘endure to the end?’ How am I supposed to do this?”

In furthering my study on this subject just a tad, I followed a footnote from the above verse to 2nd Nephi 31:19-20, which says:

“And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path (note: which is referring to baptism), I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save. Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.” (page 114)

This scripture makes it clear. Being baptized is just the beginning. As we move on, we are to press forward, and keep pressing. We are to have hope, a love of God and everyone around us, we are to feast upon the words of Christ, which means feasting upon the words in the scriptures daily, and as long as we continue to do these things, everything else just falls in line, and as promised, we will have eternal life as promised by our loving Heavenly Father.

Now, I am not perfect. I make mistakes just like everyone does. But as I have fallen, I have always had a hand to pick me up. It is the hand of our Savior, and it is always extended with a loving phrase, “You can do it now!” I know that I have needed and used this hand many times in my life. And let me tell you that it is applied to you as well, no matter where you are in life. (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, October 2013 General Conference)

These are the things that I learned from this simple scripture and from the guidance of the Holy Ghost to help me to grow. What are some of your thoughts? What things have you learned about enduring to the end?

(This post was originally compiled in December 2013)