The Ultimate Superhero

Past President's Messages

The Ultimate Superhero

Last Friday, Shirleen and I went with President and Sister Seitz to the Heber Valley Camp where the young women from our stake were holding Girls Camp. We arrived in time for a delicious dinner and then participated in a wonderful devotional and testimony meeting. One of the Heber Valley Camp missionaries noted that it is a “temple without walls”. I think that is a very fitting description.

As a presidency, we express our deep appreciation to each leader who made last week such a success...through their preparation and sacrifice. We were blessed to be there, as visitors and witnesses of their heartfelt efforts.

The theme for Girls Camp this year was “A Marvel-ous Work”... capturing the essence of the 2022 Youth theme and blending it in a fun way with pop culture and the Marvel superhero movies.

For those who may not be aware, at the heart of almost every Marvel movie, there is a superhero…and the plot of each movie follows a somewhat predictable pattern…

…a world that is threatened by an evil force

…a superhero who is humble, perhaps even uncertain

…the superhero is called upon to make huge sacrifices, learn important lessons,

…and finally, they use their superpower to save the world despite being unappreciated, even attacked or disparaged by some of the very people they are saving.

I’m sure the similarities between this movie plot and the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ is not lost on us…

But, while there are many notable similarities, there is at least one major difference…

Marvel characters are fictional…

Jesus Christ is real!

He really did come to this world… which is threatened by the ever-increasing influence and power of Satan.

He really did come as a humble servant who was unappreciated, disparaged, and attacked.

And in an act of supreme irony, He gave His life and used His power to save us.

When I was younger, I envisioned the Savior’s sacrifice in the Garden of Gethsemane as though all the sins of every one were bundled in one large package and He made a very large lump sum payment.

But more recently, as I have pondered the temple recommend questions and other teachings from the scriptures and leaders, I have begun to think of His sacrifice as something much more personal and individual… Isaiah explains it this way,

“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows…he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:4,5)

“He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” (Isaiah 40:11)

Not only did the Savior pay for our sins in Gethsemane, He walks with us every step of our journey through this life; carrying our sorrows, bearing our griefs, and gently leading us to healing.

“He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death.”(Mosiah 16:6-13)

And, He will also be there in the day of our judgement to be our advocate with the Father.

“Wherefore, Father, spare these... that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life.” (D&C 45:5)

Talk about superpowers…

Talk about a superhero… who sacrifices for others…

Jesus Christ is the ultimate superhero with the ultimate superpower…

Prophets have told us that in the days leading up to the 2nd coming, the contrast and division between good and evil will become more pronounced. It will become less and less popular to follow the standards of the church and live the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

As we rely on the Savior’s power to heal and save us, He invites us to develop abilities and powers of our own.

…the power of faith in Jesus Christ

…the power of obedience to the commandments

…the power to serve others

…the power to love unconditionally

I pray that we will recognize and accept the offering that our Savior made for each of us.

And I pray that we will choose to bind ourselves to the Savior as we develop and exercise our powers.

As we do, I know we can grow closer to Him and feel His guidance and comfort as we vollow Him back to our Heavenly home.

President Gardner