Jeffrey R. Holland on the covenant path in life

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (1940- ) served as Church Commissioner of Education from 1976-1980, as the president of BYU from 1980-1989, as a Seventy from 1989-1994, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1994.

"This way we each have chosen, the way along which our Savior assists us, is the way of the covenant. Beginning with our baptism, we make covenants as we follow this path to eternal life, and we stay on the path by keeping them. His light is one of the rewards of keeping covenants. 'I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life' (John 8:12), Jesus assured.

"In His light we live spiritually and become more able day by day to discern that light and receive more of it. Furthermore, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost at the time of our confirmation, the first of many gifts reserved for members of the true Church. The promptings of the Holy Ghost will always be sufficient for our needs if we keep to the covenant path. Our path is uphill most days, but the help we receive for the climb is literally divine. We have three members of the Godhead—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost—helping us because of the covenants we have made.

"To remind us of those covenants, we partake of the sacrament each week. In the prayer offered on the bread, we 'witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that [we] are willing to take upon [us] the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given [us]; that [we] may always have his Spirit to be with [us]' (D&C 20:77)."

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "What I Wish Every New Member Knew—and Every Longtime Member Remembered," Ensign, October 2006, pp. 10-16
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This is a message of hope and encouragement. While there are many uphill struggles along the way of our mortal journey, Elder Holland assures us that one who is traveling along "the way of the covenant" has many aids to stay on the path and to walk in light; and most importantly, to be guided, strengthened, and encouraged by divine influence.

What a sacred blessing the sacrament is as part of "the way of the covenant!" It reminds us of those sacred covenants, strengthens our resolve to be true to them, and enhances our ability to have them bless our lives!