The Rock of Our Redeemer

The Wise man built his house upon the rock, and the rains came tumbling down. The rains came down and the floods came up, and the house on the rock stood still. The foolish man, built his house upon the sand. Again, the rains came tumbling down. The rains came down, the floods came up, and the house on the sand washed away. This story, illustrated in a southern folk song, carries a wonderful Gospel truth. And will be my topic of discussion today.
My favorite scripture of all time is found in the Book of Mormon. It's in the 5th chapter of Helaman, and is verse 12. It reads, "And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." What a powerful testimony given by a Prophet of God. One of which I know with all of my heart to be true. Eternal joy is found in living the principles of the Gospel, and standing worthy for the windows of heaven to be opened bringing the Lord's choicest blessings. I turned 20 years old a week ago today. That day I reflected on what I wanted to accomplish in the next decade. Every single goal, ambition, and desire I have for my future will be built upon the rock, or foundation of Jesus Christ and His teachings.
Trials and tribulations come. The adversary will be striking at our every weakness. But just as Jesus Christ who was tempted by the serpant himself, we do not have to succombe. And as we build our lives on the teachings of Jesus Christ, we receive the strength needed to combat those fiery darts. Putting on the full armour of God, as Paul illustrates in Ephesians chapter 6, holds the same principle as building our lives on the foundation of Christ.
So how can YOU build your life on His foundation? Ever thought about that? Here are some suggestions:

1. Study the life of Christ. Find out who He was. Then, copy and paste His attributes to your own self.
2. Live your life in such a way that you can be guided by the Spirit of truth, or, the Holy Ghost to that which is right.
3. Think about who God wants you to become. Set goals. Have a vision of a better, more Christlike you, then do anything to achieve it. If we don't strive to become something, we will become nothing. That desire to improve, founded upon the teachings and life of Christ, will help you stand strong and unwavering when a shaft in the whirlwind comes your way.
4. Have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. That faith, will move mountains. Or, will help you stand firm as a mountain.
5. Finally, live the greatest commandment of all: Love the Lord your God. The Apostle John taught us, There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear. (1 John 4:18) If you are full of love for the Savior, there will be no room for fear.

These are just a few suggestions. The principles of this can vary, but the doctrine is set in stone. A life built on Christ will not fall. The very gates of hell may gape at you, but as long as you stand strong, you will come off conqueror. This I know to be true. Christ lives. Eternal joy and purpose is found in His Gospel; the Gospel preached in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I love you all. Stay classy.
Elder Hill