THE NOBILITY OF SACRIFICE

 

In finishing the book of Mosiah this year, I have come to take notice of something about the sons of Mosiah than I had noticed before. Their desire to preach and live with the Lamanites has always impressed me but this year I saw the anguish of their father with whom they pleaded for allowance of such a mission for many days (Mosiah 28:5). The anguish must have been great for Mosiah to approach the Lord for assurance that they would be spared and granted success, which was given (Mosiah 28:6-8). What is interesting is that Mormon mentions the sons’ departure in verse 9 and shortly thereafter he records Mosiah’s death (Mosiah 29:46) suggesting that he never saw his sons again. The nobility of sacrifice……

The sons of Mosiah spent 14 years with the Lamanites. Such sacrifice reminds me of the men of the early pioneers who left their families and travelled far and wide to spread the gospel and ensure the growth of the Church that we enjoy today. As with the sons of Mosiah, they had no mission home, no mission president, no companions even. Many of them travelled and preached alone…..relying on people they didn’t know to feed them and give them shelter to sleep. I stand in awe of such sacrifices as I sit in my air-conditioned chapel and padded seats of the temple enjoying the fruits of their labours. Such nobility of sacrifice…..

When I was waiting for my mission call in 1979, I hoped to go somewhere exotic, in fact, anywhere but Australia, where I lived. I am of Croatian descent and speak the language perfectly so I had hoped that Europe would be my destination. Imagine my disappointed when I was called to Western Australia…..where the only hardship I suffered was the heat! I had a loving Mission President who somehow understood my distress over losing my femininity on a bike in the rain….I had wonderful missionary companions, one of which is one of my dearest friends today. I was surrounded by members who liked me, I taught many people and had a good number of baptisms. Above all, my strict mission taught me the imperative importance of obedience. It was a time in my life I remember with fondness. A small sacrifice really of just 18 months of my life. Nevertheless, I was a new convert to the Church and would like to think there was some nobility in my sacrifice.

Not much of us is expected today in comparison to the people that have gone before us. We are asked to attend Church, fulfill callings, keep the commandments. All this requires ground work however. Sometimes even regular scripture study requires sacrifice. I understand the pressures of modern-day life. I see it in young families and feel grateful I am at the tail end of my life and not at the beginning. Our sacrifices are different and tailored for this day and age, nevertheless, they are needful. From the person who understands the most what sacrifice is: “A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things, never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation” (Joseph Smith, Lectures on Faith, Lecture 6:7). And this is why:

“You are on the pathway to eternal fame and immortal glory” - Joseph Smith 

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: The Gift by Annie Henrie Nader) 

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