Being Lifted Up

 Sometimes a new point of view is instructive. 

Today was the first time my family has been able to go to the temple together since my son was ordained a priest. He was able to baptize me. Though I have performed the ordinance of baptism many, many times, I haven’t been baptized in the temple since I was 15 or 16. Since then I’ve always done the baptizing.

I first baptized my son. Then, with some awkwardness, my son and I switched places. He raised his arm to the square and said the appropriate words. As I have instructed my kids when I baptized them, I sat down first and then leaned back into the water.  As I was going under, I reflected on the symbols of baptism, and the significance of my son performing the ordinance.  I was under water as a symbol of death and rebirth. I was underwater as physical demonstration of my commitment to follow Christ and help others. It was about this point when I realized my predicament and a bit of panic set in.

I realized that I couldn’t stand up on my own. I needed my son to help lift me up, out of the water.

The irony washed over me. At the moment I had been pondering my covenant to mourn with those that mourn and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, pondering who I might be able to help – I found myself in need of saving. I was in over my head, and I needed my son, acting in a priesthood position, to lift me up.

I think, perhaps, this is the grand lesson of life. I need the savior to lift me up from sorrows and heartache, from sin, and eventually from mortality. Christ was lifted up that I might be lifted up. I can't do it alone. Being "lifted up" took on a much more significant meaning. 

14 And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father…

15 And for this cause have I been lifted up; therefore, according to the power of the Father I will draw all men unto me...

20 Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.

21 Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do; for that which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do;

22 Therefore, if ye do these things blessed are ye, for ye shall be lifted up at the last day. (3 Nephi 27:14-15,20-22)