Week 55 The Way

August 28, 2019

Week 55

Dear friends and family, 

There are not words to describe the joy of missionary work. At times it is difficult, but God takes care of that (Alma 36:3). Sometimes you don't know what to say, but He solves that problem as well (DC 100:5-6). Sometimes you feel like your efforts are in vain, but God has a solution for that as well (1 Ne. 21:4-5).

Basically what I am saying is that no matter what problem you are facing, God has the answer. Elder Rawlings and I had quite a CRAZY week to say the least, and we dealt with many problems that came to us as unforseen "shafts in the whirlwind" (Helaman 5:12) but we planted our feet, called upon the name of the Lord, and miracles followed. (Mormon 9:9-11)

Two highlights of this week:

First off, I received special permission from President Marquis to return to my previous area in order to attend the wedding of the couple that I previously taught, and their Baptism will be in the next week and a half or so. It was awesome to be able to see them make that commitment to each other so that they can one day be sealed for eternity, and have the promise directly from our Father in Heaven that they will be together forever as a family.

I also had the unique opportunity of going on exchanges with Elder Jones, who also happensed to be my companion in the MTC! It was awesome seeing the missionary, the man that he has grown into since the ancient days of the MTC. 

The Way

In my studies this week, I have found a truly inspiring principle...but I am still unsure of how to explain it and put it into words, so if this makes no sense at all, then bear with me!

In John 14:6, Christ tells us that He is the only way to the Father. Why is that significant? Why would we want to get to the Father. Well, in DC 76:68, we learn that dwelling with the Father is Eternal Life. Eternal Life is the greatest gift that God has to give us (DC 14:7) Eternal Life is also to KNOW the Father (John 17:3). Well, we have an issue. No unclean thing can dwell with God because God is perfect, spotless, and Heaven is the same (Alma 11:37). If an imperfect being dwelt there, then it wouldn't be heaven, because then it wouldn't be perfect. 

The problem is, we are all imperfect, or unclean (Romans 3:23), therefore, sad day, nobody gets Eternal Life. Nobody can come to live with the Father, or come to know Him. But wait! There is an answer! Remember John 14:6-10? If we come to know Christ, we come to know the Father! If you want a clearer picture of how this works watch this video:


Jesus Christ has paid the price in full for all of the sins that we have committed, He has saved us from a date that is sad even to imagine. Because we are so indebted to Him, He then turns to us and basically says "Alright.  Now that I have paid the price for you, I want you to do a few things for me to show me that you are grateful for what I did for you. So...have faith in me. Be Baptized. Keep my Holy day holy. Repent. Remember what I have done for you. Keep my commandments." 

So when we do the things that Christ asks of us, we do not do them for the intent of receiving more, we do them out of gratitude. Then on top of that, He blesses us even more when we obey Him, which in turn, should lead us to an even greater commitment to serve Him, which brings more blessings.

 It is a cycle. And thus it goes, even until the end of our life. As we do what He asks, we become like Him, and when He appears at the last day, we shall see Him, and recognize Him for who He is, because we are like Him. (1 John 3:2) And He is as the Father (3 Nephi 11:32-36) As we follow Christ,  we come to know the Father. Which, as expressed in John 17:3, to know the Father, is life eternal. This is true. God is real. Christ is the way, and His way works. I try it, live it, love it, and experience that truth for myself every single day. And I will, even until the end of my life.

-Mosiah 4:6-10
-Mosiah 2:22-24
-Alma 22:15-18

Firm in the Faith,

- Elder Cozzens 



1. Elder Jones and I

2. Elder Jones, Jeske, and I at the wedding

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