It mattereth not

President Noel Jackson

Stake Presidency First Counselor

Washington Stake Presidency

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

During these interesting times we are so humbled as we continue to hear of your perseverance, your kindness and consideration to and for others, the challenges you face and your continued faith in our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ. We love you!

During this past week in our Come, Follow Me studies we've had the opportunity to read and study the admonition, teaching, council and love of Alma to his son Corianton in Alma chapters 39 through 42.

Many years ago a simple question came to me that, even today, I ask myself when a question about the doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ or items regarding church history or other mysteries of God come to me. Before I share this question there are two impressions I want to share. To some this question will seem very simple minded at first (Alma 37:6). Next, this is the gospel according to Noel (yes, that's me). It works for me and I've shared this simple question with my family as a possible way for them to combat doubt and confusion and I would like to share it with you as well.

Here's the question I ask myself when a question or concern is presented to me;

"Is knowing the answer to this question critical for my eternal salvation?".

In Alma chapter 40 Alma addresses Corianton's "worry" about the resurrection and teaches his own understanding of it. I believe when I ask myself my question it helps lead me to understand in a way very similar to how Alma came to understand the resurrection. In Alma 40:5 he says, regarding the resurrection, emphasis added:

Now, whether there shall be one time, or a second time, or a third time, that man shall come forth from the dead, it mattereth not; for God knoweth all these things; and it sufficeth me to know that this is the case-that there is a time appointed that all shall rise from the dead.

As I have opportunities to ask myself my question as I study and learn and listen, a simple yes or no answer from the Spirit has given me direction to personally differentiate that which I need to know and understand and that which "it mattereth not".

I really love Alma 37:6. I love small and simple. I love the simplicity of principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. These "primary answers" are indeed critical for our eternal salvation. I know that we need to have faith, repent, be baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and endure to the end to achieve eternal salvation.

I know that our Heavenly Father loves us (John 3:16). Jesus Christ lives and He loves us. They are mindful of our strengths, our weaknesses, our needs and concerns. As we exercise faith we will identify and disregard in our lives and in our learning those things that "mattereth not" and by small and simple things great things will be brought to pass.