Covenent Experiences ~ Baptism

President Henry B. Eyring

First Counselor in the First Presidency

 

WHAT?

 

President Eyring quoted two favorite passages of scripture relating to the covenant of baptism.  One was from the 18th chapter of the Book of Mosiah in the Book of Mormon:

 

And it came to pass after many days there were a goodly number gathered together at the place of Mormon, to hear the words of Alma. Yea, all were gathered together that believed on his word, to hear him. And he did teach them, and did preach unto them repentance, and redemption, and faith on the Lord.

 

And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—

 

Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?

 

And now when the people had heard these words, they clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed: This is the desire of our hearts. (verses 7 - 11)

 

The other was from the Doctrine and Covenants which outlines the responsibility of parents to prepare their children for the covenant of baptism:

And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents.  For this shall be a law unto the inhabitants of Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized.  And their children shall be baptized for the remission of their sins when eight years old, and receive the laying on of the hands.  And they shall also teach their children to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord. (D & C 68: 25-28)

SO WHAT?
 

I chose the picture to the right because it reminded me of my youngest son's baptism.  He was baptized by his older brother and confirmed by his oldest brother while his father and grandfather stood in the circle.  It was a wonderful day, made more so by the fact that his father died in a terrible accident just two weeks later.

That son has left the faith, although his does teach his children to pray and walk uprightly before the Lord as a non-denominational Christian.  The brother who baptized him has been active.  The brother that confirmed him and his sister have both struggled.  Some of my grandchildren have been taught. 9 have been baptized, one at age 18.  Only 2 of these is still active in keeping and renewing this covenant.

Did I do as good a job as I could have in preparing my own children for the covenant of baptism?  I probably did the best that I could given my knowledge and circumstances at the time.  Could I have done better?  Yes, without question.  I struggle with that as I look at my inactive children and grandchildren.  It is so easy to feel as if I have somehow failed them.

 

NOW WHAT?
 

Since I don't own a time machine, I cannot go back and do it over.  I'm not sure I would want to relive those years.  The only thing I can do is to live true to my own covenant promises and renew them every week as I partake of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper.  I try to set an example of a Christian disciple's walk in everything I do.  I pray for them all.  I answer questions when they ask and bear my testimony to them when moved upon by the Holy Spirit. 

I am open and willing if the Spirit should ask that I do more.

Text copyright April 2014, Gebara Education

 

Pictures from www.lds.org

except

Back-to-the-Future from www.hollywood.com