Being Born-Again!

Baptism and the Sacrament-Being Born-Again!

   During my mission in Cordoba, Argentina I learned a lot about the gospel. The most important part, however, was not learning but gaining testimony of specific doctrines or just remembering the testimonies I already received. One of the most studied gospel topics as a missionary is baptism. Big surprise! But this week during my studies I came to understand even more about baptism and its connection to to the sacrament.
   While reading in October 2016 General Conference I came across the following quote which enlightened me:  "The ordinances of baptism and the sacrament symbolize both the end result and process of being born again. In baptism, we bury the old man of flesh and come forth to a newness of life. In the sacrament, we lean that this change is a step-by-step process [where] little by little, week by week, we are transformed as we repent, covenant, and through increased endowments of the Sprit [become like the Savior]." - Douglas D. Holmes, First Counselor in the Young Men Presidency
  The quote from Brother Holmes really made me stop and think about baptism and the sacrament. I knew that when someone is baptized they are cleansed of their sins. Unfortunately they do not stay clean for long, as they, just like the rest of us sin in one way or another. I also knew that the sacrament renewed those baptismal covenants. What I learned from this quote is that baptism, and confirmation of course, gives us a glimpse into the future, it allows us to know what it feels to be completely pure of sin. Yet, we do not and cannot change completely over night. We are in a constant uphill battle. That is where the sacrament comes in! President Hinckley said "the most important word is: remember!" The sacrament helps us to remember our baptismal covenants and as we partake of the sacrament every week and keep our half of the baptismal and sacramental promise then we will gradually reach that end goal of becoming more Christlike. Even if we fall back a little on that uphill battle its okay as long as we continue to progress and we don't fall back even further than where we started we'll be alright. So keep pushing forward put in the good fight and don't be discouraged, pick yourself up and remember your potential!