Act in Doctrine by David A. Bednar

Author:David A. Bednar [Bednar, David A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Gospel Teachings
Publisher: Deseret Book Company
Published: 2012-03-06T16:00:00+00:00

Continue as You Commenced

The word commence in its various forms is used seventy-three times in the scriptures. To commence denotes beginning, entering upon, and initiating formally by taking a first step.

For example, the numberless concourses of people in Lehi’s vision of the tree of life are described as “commenc[ing] in the path which led to the tree” (1 Nephi 8:22; emphasis added).

Alma expressed his joy to his son Shiblon:

“And now, my son, I trust that I shall have great joy in you, because of your steadiness and your faithfulness unto God; for as you have commenced in your youth to look to the Lord your God, even so I hope that you will continue in keeping his commandments; for blessed is he that endureth to the end” (Alma 38:2; emphasis added).

In both of these scriptures, commencing is clearly about beginnings. But I believe the scriptures teach us that true commencing is much more than simply starting or initiating; it also suggests a responsibility to sustain and endure “valiantly” (Doctrine and Covenants 121:29) in that which is right and good and praiseworthy. Thus, Alma admonished his son to “continue in keeping his commandments.”

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