Enduring to the End

I have always thought that enduring meant just getting through something, suffering patiently; waiting for it to be over with:  “If I can just get through this day, this week, this meeting, this class, this life…”

The implication is that once this “whatever” is over with, things will be better, calmer, without problems, perfect.

I have been pondering this week on a verse in the Book of Mormon:  2 Nephi 31: 16:

“And now, my beloved brethren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved.” (Emphasis added)

I have always heard (paid attention) to the part about enduring to the end to be saved, but Nephi tells us HOW we need to do it, and WHAT enduring really means:  “…in following the example of the Son of the living God…”

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, in his Conference address in Oct. 2004, said that enduring is more than patiently suffering hardships throughout our lives.  He explained that “to endure to the end also means to continue in faithfulness to Christ until the end of our lives.”  It means we have “planted our lives firmly on gospel soil” staying faithful, serving, living Christlike lives, and keeping our covenants.  He said that “those who endure are balanced, consistent, humble, constantly improving, and without guile.”

 In other words, those who endure are actively carrying on, withstanding, persisting, and persevering – even rejoicing; NOT passively yielding to the trials and temptations, and tests of life.

If we follow the example of “the Son of the living God”, we will submit our will to that of the Father; we will be obedient, humble, and brave.  We will be kind and helpful to all around us, and serve without thought of recognition or reward.  We will be happy for the experiences of life.  We can say at the end, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” (2 Timothy 4: 7)

Enduring IS becoming like Christ.