In a previous blog post, I discussed the importance of becoming one the Lord’s way. With this post, I am going to continue the conversation specifically about becoming one with God. The more we draw close to God, the more we will treat each other as he does, with love and patience, and long suffering.
The objective of becoming one or unified isn’t a new topic. Sports teams work to act as “one team” to achieve greater results. We use these same sports analogies in business, as well. When we are one, we are motivated by a common purpose and we act as one body – offering our talents, time, and resources to further the work that we are about, whether it be on the athletic field, in business, or in matters of eternal importance.
In his intercessory prayer (John 17:11-22), Jesus prayed to the Father that his disciples would be one as He and the Father are one. The commandment to be one is not limited to apostles and prophets. Jesus also gave the following commandment to those who would follow him in our day, “I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine.” (D&C 38:27) What does it really mean to become one with God?
Some of that answer can be found in the Doctrine and Covenants (D&C), a collection of revelations given primarily through the prophet Joseph Smith. In section 50, we read:
41 aFear not, little bchildren, for you are mine, and I have covercome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath dgiven me;
42 And none of them that my Father hath given me shall be alost.
43 And the Father and I are aone. I am bin the Father and the Father in me; and inasmuch as ye have received me, ye are in me and I in you.
When we receive Jesus, then we will be in him and he will be in us. And if we are one with him, then we will be one with the Father. And if we are one with Christ, then we will say, think, and do as he does. We will seek to bless others. We will seek the salvation of all of God’s children. So, how then do we receive Jesus? We start by learning about him and his teachings, and then seek to follow them. Obedience to the commandments of God invites the Holy Ghost which has tremendous impact on the hearts and minds of all of us.
Consider the account in Acts, chapter 4, where through the preaching of Peter and John a group of believers are converted and receive a change of heart. In verses 31 and 32 we read, “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were aassembled together; and they were all filled with the bHoly Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of aone heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that bought of the things which he cpossessed was his own; but they had all things dcommon.”
Fortunately, being one with God does not only promise a future life happiness, but seeking to become one with God will contribute to peace and joy in this life and eternal happiness in a life to come.
