As members of the Church of Jesus Christ, we believe there are promises made by God to us, that if we live worthily we will obtain in the next life.
As I think of that, think of a few scriptures. One understanding the value of the promise and the other seeking the promise in hope for something better.
THE PEARL
Matthew 13:45-46
45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls
46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold ball that he had, and bought it.
THE BLESSING
Abraham 1:2
2 And, finding there was greater happiness and peace and rest for me, I sought for the blessings of the fathers, and the right whereunto I should be ordained to administer the same; having been myself a follower of righteousness, desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge, and to be a father of many nations, a prince of peace, and desiring to receive instructions, and to keep the commandments of God, I became a rightful heir, a High Priest, holding the right belonging to the fathers.
As I think of this journey to Zion, is it not understanding the value and hoping for something better? Is preparing ones self for Zion any different than selling all that you have in hope of obtaining a pearl of great price? That pearl of great price being the promises, the greater blessings that come from righteousness.
Having an idea of what the last days will bring, I know the path to Zion will not be easy. I don’t even know if my path leads there. But if I live worthy of the promise, it does not matter if I make it there or not.
I was mentioning to someone the other day, when I was young, I could not imagine myself living past the year 2000. It seemed so distant and I would be so old by the time it came. Now, 23 years after that time, I do feel old, but something inside my heart longs to live longer. It longs to see the final hours, minutes and seconds of this world.