It is amazing to me that there are some members of the Church that put any credence or credibility in horoscopes, palm readers, fortune tellers, or psychics. The advice from these sources is no more valid or of no more value than you’d find from a fortune cookie. As members of Christ’s Church we have so many other divine resources to help us know how to manage our lives, our families, and our relationships – and be at peace with what the future may hold.
The Savior taught that we should, “Take therefore no thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself” (Matt 6:34). I love that counsel. As we apply it by focusing on our today’s, rather than the yesterdays or tomorrows, we will find the peace He referred to when He said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
There could be books written about the tools of the Gospel the Savior has provided us to bring us the kind of the peace He spoke about. Here are a few: the Holy Ghost, the Light of Christ, faith, prayer, the standard works, the Priesthood authority and keys of the Priesthood, living Prophets and Apostles, temples, the ordinances of the gospel – especially the Sacrament and temple ordinances. There are probably dozens more! But one that I’d like to highlight here is the unique privilege members of the Church have is to receive Patriarchal Blessings.
There are no age limitations as to when someone can receive their Patriarchal Blessing. Young members should be of sufficient maturity to understand and appreciate what obtaining a Patriarchal Blessing means. Older members that have not already done so, can and should work toward receiving their Patriarchal Blessing. Every member of the Church should meet with their bishop and receive a recommend to have their blessing. There is usually only one Patriarch for each Stake and he is called by the First Presidency, much like Temple Presidents, Mission Presidents, and Stake Presidents. He is spiritually qualified and in tune to provide the Lord’s will regarding your life, your blessings and talents, your lineage, words of caution, and aspects about your future. It is in essence your unique personal scripture dictated from the Lord directly to you through an oracle called by God and set apart for that specific and sacred purpose.
The peace and blessings that come from a Patriarchal Blessing, exclusive only to Latter-day Saints, are without measure. If you already have your blessing you might ask yourself: “Am I using my Patriarchal Blessing to its full capacity?” And, “Do I study and ponder it regularly?” Some members have committed themselves to memorizing their blessing. Other members regularly review theirs during the Sacrament. There are hidden treasures for us and our lives in our Patriarchal Blessings as we revere them as Holy and as the Word of God for us. They were provided as wonderful, heaven-sent blessings just for us. Patriarchal Blessings are another way that Heavenly Father shows us just how much He really loves us!
If you don’t have your Patriarchal Blessing please see your bishop as soon as possible. If you do have your blessing, it can be a source of peace and comfort in your life as you prioritize it and utilize it more fully. Finally, if you ever give a second’s thought to something you’ve read from a fortune cookie’s message, it better say something like: “Refer to your Patriarchal Blessing” or just as good, “See your bishop!
bishop Wm. Calvin Hughes
September 16, 2011
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