Agents to Christ

I received a letter from Casey yesterday which included a talk he wrote. I thought his talk was pretty amazing and insightful plus I know it is something he wants to share with others so I decided to type it up for him and post it here:

AGENTS TO CHRIST
April 19, 2009
by Elder Casey Bennett

This past Tuesday I had the wonderful opportunity to hear from Elder Jeffery R. Holland of the Quorum of the 12. What a fantastic speech he gave that really brought me closer to Christ and strengthened my testimony. Now those of you who know me, know that I enjoy the criminal justice field. Especially that of a federal agent. One of my goals is to become something as a federal agent to the U.S. Government.

Now with that being said, Jeffery R. Holland said, "Everyone in life has problems. Whether it be death, nuclear threats, marriage problems, family problems, economic problems....Whatever the problem is, you have to be saviors on Mount Zion and declare salvation." How awesome is that? The gospel of Jesus Christ can solve any mortal problem there could be. I can testify of this. I have noticed in my own life as I focus my life around Jesus Christ nothing worldly brings me down.

Elder Jeffery R. Holland also said, "You missionaries are agents to Jesus Christ." I do not think anything has ever hit me harder than that quote. The spirit was so strong. I will attempt to make an analogy with my thoughts. Think of the various different agencies to the U.S. Government and what their responsibilities are. What comes to my mind is their goal is to bring people who have done wrong to justice (repentance) and also to stop various disasters from happening, whether it be terrorism, hate crimes, random acts of violence, etc. Now as you begin to think of a full time missionary or any church member, we being agents to Christ, we are to invite others to repent and to prevent eternal disasters from happening. How huge of a deal is that?

Bringing others unto Christ is one of the most important things we can do as members of the church. We do this by helping others receive the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and the atonement, repentance, baptism, the gift of the holy ghost , and enduring to the end. I know this to be true. Everyone deserves the opportunity to hear about the gospel so they can receive the same blessings and happiness we do. If you, yourself are going through a hard time in life I challenge you to do something Christlike that may bring you or someone else closer to Christ.

In Mosiah 7:33 it says, "But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage." I know that as we bring others closer to Christ, we become closer to Christ and we may receive many blessings. I have experiences so many blessings from my service to the Lord.

At baptism we commit to our heavenly father that we will serve him to the end. I know that by doing something Christ-like this week to bring someone closer to Christ, you will be blessed. Sharing the gospel or being an agent to Jesus Christ is not just missionary work, it is for all members of the church. I testify if you forget your needs for a period of time and focus your attention to the needs of someone else, you will be blessed. I know that this is the true church. I testify that the Book of Mormon is the truest of any other Book on this earth, as it has been manifested to me through the power of the holy ghost. I love you all. God been with you till we meet again.