DevanJensen

In the Bible Dictionary we learn that the word  grace  frequently is used in the scriptures to connote a strengthening or enabling power: “The main idea of the word is divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ. “. . . It is likewise through the grace of the Lord that individuals, through faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means. This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts” (p. 697). Thus, the enabling and strengthening aspect of the Atonement helps us to see and to do and to become good in ways that we could never recognize or accomplish with our limited mortal capacity. I testify and witness that the enabling power of the Savior’s Atonement is real. Elde...

About ten years ago, I was working as an editor at the Ensign magazine. While there, I proofread talks for the conference issues of the magazine. What a joy it was to read through the words of living prophets and apostles—and to get paid to do it! I testify that their words are modern scripture, representing the will of the Lord, the mind of Lord, the word of the Lord, the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation (see D&C 68:4). One day while proofreading, I was surprised to note that many General Authorities had referred to several gifts of God as “the greatest.” For example, Elder Alexander B. Morrison of the Seventy wrote, “At this season of gift giving and gift receiving, this season of rejoicing in the great gifts that our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have given us, it is most fitting to ponder their greatest gift of all —the gift of life.” [i] Of course, I saw wisdom in that statement, because the gift of life allowed us to receive a body and th...

A high school student named Steve was having difficulty in school and had been kicked out of several classes. A kind seminary teacher finally allowed him into his sixth-period class. One day, the teacher planned a special lesson. He asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him. The teacher asked, “How many push-ups can you do?” Steve replied, “I do about two hundred every night.” “Two hundred?” the teacher said. “That’s pretty good. Do you think you could do three hundred?” Steve answered, “I don’t know—I’ve never done three hundred at a time.” The teacher said, “Can you do three hundred in sets of ten?” “Well, I think I can,” Steve answered. “Yeah, I can do it.” “Good! I need you to do this on Friday.” Well, Friday came, and Steve went to class early and sat in front. When class started, the teacher pulled out a big box of donuts. Now these weren’t the normal kinds of donuts. They were the big, extra-fancy kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls. Ever...