"The inner vessel shall be cleansed first, and then shall the outer vessel be cleansed also." -Alma 60:23

My humble 4th of July celebration 🎉

                                                                       July 15, 2019

Hello all!

Two main things happened this week. 1) Exchanges with Elder Smith. Shortly after we left our companions we realised... they had the phone. Too late to get back to them, we went on our way without our plans, maps, or, calling ability! I also left my tablet at the flat. So the entire exchange was just us, some pass along cards and two Book of Mormons. We had two lessons, and so my memory of scripture locations was put to the test. I definitely felt divine help as I pulled out the scriptures that came to my mind. The lessons ended up being very successful and helped me realise how much I've grown in these past months.

2) We also had interviews with President and Sister McReynolds. While talking with both of them I was able to discuss an answer that I had received through reading in the Book of Mormon.

I've been studying in the end of Alma, and I've noticed an interesting pattern.

The Nephites were always so well prepared. They had the right armour, they dug ditches and put up walls, erected towers, and prepared their defense. They were always one step ahead of the Lamanites. However, in Alma 51, there began an internal conflict with the Nephites, between the King-men and freemen. Captain Moroni's attention was turned inward on fixing those issues, and during that time, the Lamanites began to attack and were successful in taking over many cities and fortifications. 

They had spent much time building up their barriers and protections, but all that effort meant very little when there was contention within. 

The pattern continues that when the Nephites were righteous, they were able to defend their families, land, and religion. However, when they became prideful, dissenting and looking for power and riches, they began to fail.

So it is with our spiritual battles. We first must clean our inward vessels. If we aren't trying our best to follow God, or if we become prideful and contentious, then our ability to defend against the enemy is weakened.

So, what can we do to prevent this from happening? We can clean our inward vessels, seeking to become more like Christ: humble, loving, peaceable, charitable, obedient, etc. Then we can put on our spiritual armour and build our defenses and fortresses, or our outward vessel. In following this pattern, we build a two-fold defence system from the attacks of the adversary.

"The inner vessel shall be cleansed first, and then shall the outer vessel be cleansed also." (Alma 60:23) Change starts from within. Becoming a Christlike person does likewise.

We've been extremely blessed to be able to change (repent) through the atonement of Jesus Christ. I'm still changing and trying my best to become like Him. It is a lofty goal, but because of Him, it is possible. 

I'm grateful to be able to share the message of the gospel, of faith and repentance, with the people of England (and several other nationalities too!). I'm trying my best to use every minute wisely, as I know that this time I have will go quickly.

I love you all!

See miracles. Be miracles.

Elder Burns