Burying Our Weapons of Rebellion | D. Todd Christofferson

The complete footage of this October 2024 message is available at www.churchofje...
Elder D. Todd Christofferson urges individuals to bury their “weapons of rebellion” and fully embrace discipleship through sincere repentance. He recounts the conversion of the Lamanites, who laid down their literal and figurative weapons to become steadfast followers of Christ. Elder Christofferson emphasizes that rebellion can take active forms, like opposing God’s commandments, or passive forms, such as ignoring divine will in favor of personal desires. He warns against allowing careers, speech, or other good things to become distractions from spiritual priorities, transforming them into subtle forms of rebellion. Through examples like William W. Phelps, he illustrates the power of repentance to heal and restore hearts to God. Elder Christofferson’s message inspires reflection on how to overcome rebellion and align one’s life with God’s will for lasting peace and joy.
First, Elder D. Todd Christofferson emphasizes the importance of deeply burying any form of rebellion against God, both literal and figurative. Drawing from the story of the Lamanites in the Book of Mormon, he highlights their profound conversion marked by laying down their "weapons of rebellion" and abandoning their desire to sin. This act of submission required humility, repentance, and a willingness to align fully with God's will. The Lamanites' example teaches us that true spiritual transformation involves not only abandoning sinful behaviors but also allowing God to change our hearts and remove the stain of sin entirely. Elder Christofferson encourages us to reflect on what "weapons of rebellion" we may be harboring and to take intentional steps to replace them with a commitment to God’s path.
Second, Elder Christofferson explores the distinction between active and passive rebellion. Active rebellion, exemplified by figures such as Lucifer and the anti-Christs in the Book of Mormon, is characterized by willful opposition to God’s plan and outright denial of sin and repentance. Conversely, passive rebellion may be subtler, involving disregard for divine guidance or pursuing personal desires over God’s will. He warns against the mindset epitomized by the phrase, "I did it my way," advocating instead for a Christ-centered approach of obedience and submission. Through the Savior’s example, particularly in baptism, we learn the importance of humility and adherence to divine commandments as essential components of following God’s way.
Third, Elder Christofferson cautions against allowing neutral or even good aspects of life to become "weapons of rebellion" through misuse. Examples include harmful speech, misplaced career priorities, and neglect of familial responsibilities in favor of personal ambition. He illustrates that such things, while inherently good, can become detrimental when they supersede our devotion to God. Elder Christofferson also reminds us that our physical bodies are temples of God and should be treated with reverence. By recognizing the potential misuse of these gifts, we can better align our actions with God’s purposes and avoid unintentionally rebelling against Him.
In conclusion, Elder Christofferson’s message encourages us to engage in deep introspection to identify and abandon any elements of rebellion against God. By following the example of the Lamanites, who buried both their physical and figurative weapons of rebellion, we can achieve a state of enduring conversion. Additionally, his teachings on active and passive rebellion remind us of the importance of deliberate obedience to God’s will in every aspect of life. Finally, recognizing the potential misuse of good things in our lives, such as speech, careers, and physical bodies, helps us align our priorities with divine purposes. Through sincere repentance and a willing heart, we can fully submit to God and experience the blessings of lasting spiritual transformation.