Valiant in the Cause of Christ

Joseph Smith, Chapter 30
Taught by Marie Tiller

Do right and fear nothing.
~Family Motto (from Marie's family history)

In 1838 Joseph Smith and other church leaders were taken to Richmond, Missouri and confined in chains. “We were prisoners in chains and under strong guards for Christ’s sake and for no other cause...we are bound together in chains as well as the cords of everlasting love. We are in good spirits and rejoice that we are counted worthy to persecuted for Christ’s sake.”

In a letter to W.W. Phelps a few years earlier Joseph Smith said, "I am a lover of the cause of Christ and of virtue, chastity, and an upright, steady course of conduct, and a holy walk."

What does it mean to be a lover of the cause of Christ?

It means that we are His disciples. We join in His and the Father’s work, to bring about the eternal life of man.

What characteristics do the disciples of Christ have?

Two are to be strong and immovable.

Sister Beck, General Relief Society President says, “we must stand strong and immovable in faith, family and relief. We must excel in these three important areas which set us apart as the Lord’s disciples. We learn what He would have us learn, we do what He would have us do, and we become what He would have us become...there are essential things that must be done before nonessential things. These are simple, indispensable practices that almost seem mundane when we talk about them.”

What are these essential things that must be done?

Faith, covenants, prayer, obedience, scripture study, service, rejoicing.

Joseph Smith said, "You cannot be too good. Patience is heavenly, obedience is noble, forgiveness is merciful, and exaltation is godly; and he that holds out faithful to end shall in no wise lose his reward. A good [woman] will endure all things to honor Christ."