"What's in the Old Ship Zion?"

In October 2014, Elder M. Russel Ballard gave a talk in which He encouraged us to stay on the "Old Ship Zion," -- Meaning The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints -- and to hold on with both hands. Since then, he had been asked: "What’s in the Old Ship Zion that we should hang on to?" When I first heard this question, I thought that it meant "What is there in the gospel that's worth holding on to?" Having reviewed Elder Ballard's most recent talk, God is at the Helm, I realized that it might have meant "Which principles of the gospel are study enough that we can hold on to them and avoid getting swept out of the boat?" Whether the question means "which principles are worth caring about?" or "which principles will help me stay true?", the answer is pretty much the same. I'll list a few of those principles.

Prophetic Guidance

 Elder Ballard said:

The Church of Jesus Christ has always been led by living prophets and apostles. Though mortal and subject to human imperfection, the Lord’s servants are inspired to help us avoid obstacles that are spiritually life threatening and to help us pass safely through mortality to our final, ultimate, heavenly destination.

The guidance of inspired prophets and apostles has been a tremendous blessing to the church, both anciently and in modern times. By following their counsel, we can avoid many of the pitfalls and challenges of life -- not all of them, mind you, but many.

Another principle Elder Ballard might have touched on, but didn't put great emphasis on is the Priesthood. God's Priesthood authority is found in no other church on the earth. Only here can we receive the essential, saving ordinances that will strengthen us in mortality and will enable us to return to live with our Heavenly Father again.

The Plan of Salvation

 On the subject of living with God again, it's important to remember that it's through modern revelation, received through the prophets and apostles, that we know the Plan of Salvation, which answers many deep and universal questions about our existence. Because of the Plan of Salvation, we know where we came from, why we're here, who we are, and where we're going. The true answers to those questions are exclusive to this church, and they can inspire us to press forward in faith until we reach our ultimate potential.

Eternal Potential

It is only in this church that we can learn the true nature of God and of ourselves. Only here can we learn His past and our potential -- my personal favorite of the truths of the gospel. This cycle of divine heritage is profound and inspiring. Once I learned that I had the potential to become like God, I was filled with a great desire to live up to that potential. It inspired me to be righteous and to try to stay worthy of and faithful to scared ordinances and covenants. These covenants encourage us to stay faithful, and they can only be made by members of the restored church.

There are many reasons to become and remain members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and many of them can help us stay faithful to the church when our faith is tested. The blessings of the gospel are great and empowering. They're strong enough to hold on to and definitely worth holding on for.