"Fleshy Tables of the Heart” - 2 Corinthians 3:1-3

In his letter to the church members in Corinth, Paul describes them using a beautiful comparison. He says, “Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.” Here, he compares the leaders of the church to an epistle, but he does not mean epistle in the traditional sense, not like the epistle he has written. Epistles are, in general, letters written for the counsel of others. They are outward, verbal expressions of principles and doctrine. Epistles written “in fleshy tables of the heart” are deeper, less tangible messages. An epistle of Christ is a life dedicated to the gospel.

Paul taught that being dedicated is not enough, but Christ’s doctrines and commandments must be written in the “fleshy tables of the heart.” If a principle is written in our hearts, it has become a part of who we are. It is engrained in our psyche, our personality, our thoughts, and our feelings. It has become, or was inherently, natural to us. Those who have principles written in their hearts do not simply preach the word, but live the word. Their entire lives are a testament of Jesus Christ because others can see Christ in their every action. The language of our hearts cannot be explained by word; it must be seen through actions and integrity.

John 7:17 teaches that visible and constant obedience to God’s commandments will engrain Christ’s truths in our hearts. It says, “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of it myself.” All men can know of the truth of the gospel if they strive to live it according to God’s will.

Moroni 7:48 teaches of the power of prayer. It says, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.” If we pray to be filled with charity—with Godly love—God will purify our hearts and fill us with his love. He will change us and instill in our hearts a desire to be more like Christ. This desire will lead us to be obedient and, consequently, to become an epistle of Christ.

One principle that has been written in the fleshy tables of my own heart is God’s commandment to “love thy neighbor as thyself.” I have strived and desired to look upon others without judgment and view every man or woman as a child of God. I have been blessed with a purification of heart as described by Moroni, and this principle has become a part of who I am. I am able to find the good in all people I meet, and I am now slower to condemn them, or be offended by their actions. Although I am imperfect, and shallow judgment is still a temptation I must face, I am constantly reminded through promptings of the spirit that I must love all people as myself. I know of my divine worth as a child of my Heavenly Father, and I must treat all others as such, no matter what choices they make or how they treat me. I will always remember this principle as long as I strive to live by God’s will. He has written His love into my heart, and I could never forget that.

Counsel for Missionaries – Thesselonians

The great apostle Paul serves as a pristine example of true missionary work. He is often revered for his boldness in speech, but I want to focus on how he shared the message of the gospel through his actions.

For example, Paul:
-Prayed to God in thanks for those that believed his words and lived the gospel (1 Thes 1:2)
-Did not flatter or deceive those he taught (1 Thes 2:5)
-Did not seek glory or praise for his teachings (1 Thes 2:6)
-Was gentle when interacting with the people (1 Thes 2:7)
-Laboured throughout the day and into the night for others (1 Thes 2:9)
-Exhorted, comforted, and charged everyone he served and taught (1 Thes 2:11)

Leading by example is oftentimes more effective in missionary work than speaking. When someone sees you supporting your words with your own actions, the message you are trying to share gains meaning and truth. A person that shows great personal integrity—one that “walks the walk” and “talks the talk” will always be the better missionary. Missionaries can follow Paul’s example and interact gently with those they teach. Missionaries must show that they are sensitive to the fears, questions, and struggles of their investigators by listening, noticing, and serving. By showing genuine interest and consideration to their investigators, missionaries will grow close to their investigators and will understand the exact messages they need to hear. When investigators feel served and loved, their hearts are more open to hear the gospel message.

I know that I can do more to serve others. I want to follow Paul’s example and tirelessly serve people, regardless of convenience. I must put my wants and needs behind the welfare of other people, especially those that are in need. There are people all around me that are hoping and praying for someone to serve them. Whether they need a friend, a meal, or the gospel message, I want to be ready and willing to seek out these people and make a difference in their lives.

Paul's First Mission - Acts 13-14

Today’s post comes in 5 parts:

Part 1. Where Did Paul Preach?
Paul began his mission in the city of Seleucia. He also taught in the cities of Antioch, Salamis, Iconium, and Derbe.

Part 2. Advice for Missionaries

Three things that will help all discouraged missionaries: Fasting, Praying, Preaching by the Holy Ghost.

Part 3. Who is Barnabas?

Barnabas was a man of exceedingly strong faith. Although he wasn’t one of the original twelve apostles, he served as an apostle and as Paul’s first mission companion. He worked extremely hard for himself, and obeyed the commandments with much service to those in the church. His commanding personality and large stature earned him the name Jupiter, after the most powerful Roman God. Because he was led much by the Holy Ghost, he was a blessing to Paul in their mission service. They counseled often together, and taught many more than if they had served individually. Their combined faith and support kept them successful and close to God.

Part 4. A Miracle

Paul and Barnabas performed a miracle in Lystra. They healed a man who was born crippled from his mother’s womb. Paul and Barnabas commanded him to stand and walk according to the man’s faith. When the people saw the man walking, they claimed that Paul and Barnabas were human manifestations of Roman Gods. The people prepared to make sacrifices to them, but they preached to the people and explained that they should not worship them, but the true and living God, Heavenly Father. They did not take credit for the miracle they performed, but to God, who gave them the power of the Holy Priesthood.

Part 5. “Through Much Tribulation”

In contrast to the vast praise and worship Paul and Barnabas received by the people in Lystra, the Jews from Antioch and Iconium stoned Paul. He was nearly dead, but rose up and with Barnabas to continue preaching elsewhere. His tremendous faith reflects the counsel he gives in Acts 14:22, that we must “through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Paul understood that his suffering and his trials would prepare him to be worthy of God’s kingdom. He taught that our faith will strengthen us to endure our struggles. All members of the church, especially missionaries, can learn from Paul and Barnabas’ examples and continue their work in Faith, no matter what trials they face.