In preparation for the New Year I have been going through my daily journal for the past year, looking at the events that have made the year great, and the lessons I have learned. One such lesson came powerfully on August 6th, the day of my Brother’s wedding. The temple was full of friends and family because in addition to the wedding it was the temple day of the ward we grew up in, where my brother still lives. We were able to hear from Ed J. Pinegar, currently serving as president of the temple. His teaching combined with a testimony that had been born just a week or two earlier in our own Elder’s Quorum. Both spoke of repentance. In Payson the Spirit had verified a testimony of the importance of daily repentance for us all; and in Manti, the temple president taught us that perfection comes from perfect repentance. There is truth in this principle.
Too often we cringe at the idea of repentance; we think of it as nothing more than a painful admission of our folly, tenderly asking for mercy in the punishment. But this is carried over from a misunderstanding in the nature of God and and ignorance of His love for us. It is true that no unclean thing can dwell in His presence (3 Ne. 27:19), but this isn’t because our dirtiness would offend Him and He would violently reject us; no, it is because with impurity in in us we, like clay too weak for the heat of its kiln, would not have the integrity of essence to withstand His glory. Repentance is a blessing He has extended to us, at the highest cost love, wisdom, and power can buy, to allow us to be pure enough to endure – even partake! – of His glory. This is what Elder Packer was teaching this last conference when he said, “Nowhere are the generosity and the kindness and mercy of God more manifest than in repentance.” (Ensign, Nov. 2010, pp. 76).
As we enter this New Year, we have a perfect opportunity to joyfully apply faith and repentance as we set goals. The principles of repentance (literally, “turning”) are implemented by considering past goals, understanding in what way we achieved or fell short, and planning with real intent to achieve this year. Self-honesty (humility) about our capacities is important as we set these goals, as well as righteous ambition (hope). May we prayerfully use this valuable chance to integrate the gospel with our daily and yearly lives. I bear testimony that repentance is made possible by the atonement of our Loving Father’s only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and that it is a key part of this great plan of happiness. The restoration of the Priesthood, with the authority and power contingent on it, mean that this access to the Atonement can be complete. Thomas S. Monson and the Twelve truly act by the spirit of Prophecy and by direct revelation to guide this church and reveal to us the principles of peace, which is a state of harmony with God. In the sacred name of my Eternal Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.