STIMULATOR message for the week of November 21, 1972
Message from President Merlin W. Sant, November 21, 1972
“THOU SHALT THANK THE LORD GOD IN ALL THINGS.” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:7)
Dear missionaries:
On Thursday of this week, they will be celebrating Thanksgiving Day in America, and many of us will turn our thoughts to home and loved ones and to the feative tables laden with the good things of the earth. This is a great custom and one of which Americans can well be proud, especially if it is commemorated inthe true spirit of thanksgiving and not just as another holiday. For in this dispensation, the Lord has declared: “And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments.” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:21)
But we are in New Zealand and the fourth Thursday in November is the same as any other day. So instead of spending the day wishing we were home, sharing the turkey and dressing and pumpkin pie, let us express our thanksgiving by working a wee bit harder than we would ordinarily.
As we pointed out before, we have so much to be thankful for. Just think for a moment, here we are living in this choice land, engaged in the noblest labor known to man, that of teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And as King Benjamin said in his last great speech: “…if you would serve him with all your whole souls, yet ye would be unprofitable servants.” (Mosiah 2:21) So let’s show our gratitude by being, to our utmost ability, profitable servants. According to President David O. McKay, “Gratitude is deeper than thanks. Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words, gratitude, however, is shown in acts.”
In August 1831, only 16 months after the Church was organized, when the saints were moving to Missouri, the Lord gave them a revelation through the Prophet Joseph Smith known as the 59th section of the Doctrine and Covenants. After commending them for their faithfulness, he counseled them on obeying various commandments, with emphasis on keeping the Sabbath day holy. But most impressive are the blessings He promises them. Here are some excerpts: “And inasmuch as ye do these things with thanksgiving, with cheerful hearts and countenances…the fullness of the earth is yours, …yea all things which come of the earth…are made for the benefit and use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart.” And finally, “But learn that he who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive this reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come.”
That we all may be worthy recipients of these promised blessings, is the humble Thanksgiving prayer of your —
Faithful companions,
President and Sister Sant
Click here to return to the Stimulator menu page
Click here to return to the Missionary Matters menu page
Click here to return to the Temples Menu page
Click here to return to the Main Menu page