The Second Coming - Don't Be Deceived

First, what is Joseph Smith Matthew?
Joseph Smith re-translated Matthew chapter 24 of the New Testament, and that translation is what we know today as the book of Joseph Smith Matthew. It's a very important book of scripture that gives prophesies from the Savior himself about the Second Coming, so important that it has been included in the canonized book of scripture known as the Pearl of Great Price.

How does this apply to me?
Within this chapter, Jesus warns that wickedness will abound as it did in the days of Noah. He warns of great signs and wonders that would be performed by false prophets and false Christs insomuch that they would "deceive the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant." Listen up if you do not want to be deceived (nobody wants to be deceived, right?).

Who are the elect?
So, who are the elect? The children of the covenant! His covenant people have always been the House of Israel, and those baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are adopted into the House of Israel. If you've received your Patriarchal Blessing, you have a bit more insight into how this applies to you personally.

What does Jesus tell his elect to protect them from deception?
Jesus tells his elect to not be troubled when they hear of wars and rumors of wars for they "must come to pass; but the end is not yet."

Most important of all, the Savior tells his elect the key to avoiding deception. First, his elect will know the prophesies about the Second Coming and be prepared when they they see their fulfillment. Second, He says, "whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived."

What does it mean to "treasure up" Christ's word?
Because treasure is something of great value, we treat it differently than other things. If someone gave you a treasure chest full of gold, silver, and precious stones, how would you take care of it? I'm sure you wouldn't leave it out in the open. You'd also probably be inclined at some point to carefully go through that chest, examining each piece - I know I would. I'd find a special place for the treasure, perhaps for each piece. I'd take care of and protect it. I'd want to share it with those I love as well. A gift like this would change your life.

How do we look at the word of Christ, the scriptures? Do we give it a careful examination? Do we consider it to be of great worth to us? Do we share it with those we love? Do you let it change your life?

It's helpful to consider the words that the Savior didn't use here. He didn't say "whoso readeth my word, shall not be deceived" or "whoso has heard my word" or "whoso has my word on their bookshelf." He uses a word that describes more than even an action like "studying." To "treasure up" connotes a happiness and value. I looked it up in the dictionary and it had two definitions that both fit:

(1) to keep or take great care of something because it is very valuable or important to you

(2) to feel happy, for example because you are doing something that you enjoy

Conclusion
Reading the scriptures is great. Studying the scriptures is even better. Treasuring up the scriptures is ideal and the admonition given by the Savior himself to help us see through the deceit of the adversary at the last day (today!). May we all (myself included) make greater efforts to treasure up the Word of Christ so that we can be prepared for His Second Coming and not be deceived in the meantime.

Why Pray Always?

In the scriptures, especially in the Doctrine & Covenants, the term "pray always" is used repeatedly. In this post I will explore the different ways that he exhortation to "pray always" is used in throughout these scriptures.

Why should we pray always?

To Overcome Temptation of the Adversary

• Ye must watch and pray always, lest ye be tempted by the devil, and ye be led away captive by him (3 Nephi 18:15).
• Ye must watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation; for Satan desireth to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. Therefore ye must always pray unto the Father (3 Nephi 18:18-19).
• Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work (D&C 10:5).
• Let the church take heed and pray always, lest they fall into temptation (D&C 20:33).
• Pray always, lest you enter into temptation and lose your reward (D&C 31:12).
• Pray always that you enter not into temptation, that you may abide the day of his coming, whether in life or in death (D&C 61:39).
• Pray always lest that wicked one have power in you, and remove you out of your place (D&C 93:49).

It seems clear that praying always helps us to fight off temptation. And when we fall into temptation, we become subject to the devil who gains power over us.

To Obtain the Spirit, Knowledge, and Many Blessings

• Ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul (2 Nephi 32:9).
• Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing (D&C 19:38).
• They shall pray always that I may unfold the same [the gospel] to their understanding (D&C 32:4).

In addition to helping us withstand temptation, praying always has many other benefits including better performance in every aspect of our lives, better understanding of the gospel (and presumably other subjects), and the constant companionship of the Spirit which is a blessing that leads to many other blessings.

To Be Prepared for the Second Coming

• Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man (Luke 21:36).
• Pray always that you enter not into temptation, that you may abide the day of his coming, whether in life or in death (D&C 61:39).
• Pray always, that ye may not faint, until I come. Behold, and lo, I will come quickly, and receive you unto myself (D&C 88:126).

Finally, praying always is necessary for us to be watchful and prepared for the Second Coming. We'll be able to overcome the challenges that would distract us, avoid temptation, and not lose heart during the tough, last days.