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The Power of Reflection Part 2

Last week we discussed the Savior as THE source of light in this world and our role as disciples to absorb and reflect His light. His power is manifested in the lives of all who follow Him.

The word “reflection” also has other connotations or expanded meanings.  In Part 2 of this discussion, I’d like to consider the meaning of “reflection” as it relates to our contemplation of and communion with our Father in Heaven.  This type of reflection also has the power to change lives. 

The most striking example of this connotation of the word is found in the First Vision of the Prophet, Joseph Smith.   Espanol In his own words…

“During this time of great excitement my mind was called up to serious reflection and great uneasiness; but though my feelings were deep and often poignant, still I kept myself aloof…” 

“My mind at times was greatly excited…I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?”

“While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the contests of these parties of religionists, I was one day reading the Epistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse, which reads: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it, again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know…”

At length I came to the conclusion that I must… do as James directs, that is, ask of God… So, in accordance with this, my determination to ask of God, I retired to the woods…”(Joseph Smith History 1:8-14)

Here are three key ideas we might consider from Joseph’s experience.

Joseph made time for deep thought and self-questioning. 

How often do we allow ourselves quiet time to reflect and contemplate spiritual matters?  How might we benefit from following his example?  

Joseph’s contemplation was influenced and informed by gospel study. 

How might intentional gospel study and purposeful thought affect our connection with heaven?  How might it increase our faith and endurance?

Joseph’s reflection caused him to act. 

How might our deliberate reflection affect our actions?

In the history of the world, people, in general, have never had more leisure time and more options for how to spend their leisure time than we do today.  

What a wonderful blessing to live in a time when we can choose our path and how we will walk it. 

Interestingly, this enormous blessing of time can be used to enhance our contemplation and connection to heaven…

Or

…to distract or even destroy it. 

“Choice” is a one-word description of our day and our culture.

The world points to limitless options and holds up the wild and extreme as the path to an exciting, adventurous life.  

It shouts,” me…me…me”.

And, while I acknowledge that a fundamental part of our Father’s plan is “choice” or the “agency” of his children, a life solely focused on satisfying worldly appetites is very hollow.  

To experience the true happiness intended in our Father’s wonderful plan, our choices should be informed and influenced by our “accountability” to God.  “Accountability” is the qualifying and tempering companion to ”choice”.  “Accountability” brings depth, dignity, and moderation to our choices.  It focuses our use of time on the meaningful and the significant influence of heaven. 

"We can avoid negative spiritual consequences and regrets by serving the Lord, turning our hearts toward Him, and learning to love and to trust Him." Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Joseph Smith’s reflection and his sense of accountability before God led to choices and actions that brought the light of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ into his own life and the lives of millions more.  It led him to choose a path of self-sacrifice and service to others. 

Our deep reflection and sense of accountability before God also have the power to impact our choices and our actions. And… may also be an influence for good in the lives of many others as the Lord works through us.  

The “choice” is ours…every minute…every day. 

May we choose wisely. 

President Gardner