Exciting to live the gospel

                                          Exciting to live the gospel

I started attending the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when I was young. I went with my mom to church every other week, growing up, I always had faith that the Mormon church was true.

I was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and committed to go to church every week. As I read Book of Mormon, I could feel peace because the Spirit testified  the book taught truth--that we should strive to be like Jesus Christ.  I could feel joy and light in my life because I know the fruits of living the principles of the gospel are joy, light, peace, and goodness, I know these principles to be true.

I am not perfect by any means. I've made plenty of mistakes, and I'm sure I'll make plenty more. But I know that the true happiness comes from continually striving to be like Christ, which is one of the central messages of this church. At the end of the Book of Mormon, Moroni invites us to 'ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost' (Moroni 10:4). So I knelt down and prayed for a confirmation that the Book of Mormon is true--and consequently, a confirmation of the verity of the restored gospel and the legitimacy of Joseph Smith as a prophet as well--and, as promised, the Holy Ghost confirmed the truth of these things to me. Over the years, I've continued to have experiences that confirm my testimony. I know this church is true because of the fruits of exercising my faith.

How I am faithful.

As a member of this church, there are many commandments and lifestyle choices that I am expected to live: I'm supposed to live the Word of Wisdom (which keep my body free from drugs, alcohol, tea, coffee and tobacco), be honest, pay tithing, attending all three meeting hours of church every Sunday, fulfill responsibilities in the church without monetary gains. Many people look at this religion, assume that these expectations are oppressive, and limits our freedom. But here's the truth about living this lifestyle: It is not limiting; it is liberating. When I follow God's commandments, I feel the peaceful confirmation of the Holy Ghost telling me that His commandments are for our happiness and protection. For example, by living the Word of Wisdom, I am free from the chains of addiction and other effects of harmful substances. By living honestly, I don't have to worry about getting caught cheating or lying, and people trust me more. Those are just a few of the blessings that come from living certain principles, but ultimately, obedience itself brings blessings. By obediently keeping the commandments of our own free will, we become more like Jesus - our Savior and Redeemer.  Lord Jesus Christ, was and is the perfect example of obedience to God's commandments; I live my faith by striving to emulate Him. I'm currently preparing to serve a 24-month mission in the India New Delhi Mission.

I am so excited to be given the opportunity to serve the Lord by sharing the gospel with the people there. It is a blessing and a privilege to dedicate my time and efforts to Him. I hope to bring others to feel the same peace and joy that I have felt through living this gospel.

Brother Akira lives in Hyderabad Stake