"...nevertheless there was a ¹space granted unto man ²in which he might repent; therefore this life became a ³probationary state; a ⁴time to prepare to meet God; a ⁵time to prepare for that endless state which has been spoken of by us, which is after the resurrection of the dead (Alma 12:24)
It is never too late until it is too late. There are countless ways that we can live our lives here and many things that we can do. I want to share some examples of how people have lived full, rich lives, and then ask if they have or have not wasted the days of their probation? I will let you answer after reading what the Lord has said.
The names have been changed to protect their identity. Assume that each of their lives were also full of love, caring, positive memories, church and family. They also experienced illness, death and sorrow.
Harlin and Catherine have been married for over 50 years. They raised three children, achieved financial independence, and travel extensively. They surround themselves with numerous friends. They are creating a lifetime of cherished memories. Their hobbies, however, are different.
Catherine was a talented writer and chose to create family histories and family photo books. They were priceless and enjoyed by family and friends. Harlin was into success stories, reading and learning how some of America's most prominent businessmen had achieved their success. He was a business graduate from a prestigious university. He shared these stories with others, including his children and grandchildren. Later in his life he added podcasts as a method of learning more about these principles, and the successful individuals who applied them. People, however, were his real passion. Their home was often filled with friends, family and good food. Catherine died recently, leaving Harlin with many wonderful memories, but also fears about what was next for them.
Robin has built a legacy of faith, family, learning, service, compassion, and unwavering love. She is a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, aunt, teacher, mentor, and friend. Robin and her husband have spent more than 50 years building a life together. They helped establish and continue to operate the first Better Fried Chicken takeout location in San Francisco. Robin's communication skills and gift for teaching led her to write the companies first training manual and later contribute to the Better Fried Chicken Management Guidebook. Deeply rooted in her faith, she also devotes time to learning about other religions and spiritual traditions, believing that understanding others fosters compassion, respect, and connection. She always seeks to understand her divine purpose.
Katherine (Kaye) brings immense joy and laughter to those around her. Known for her wonderful sense of humor, she laughs easily and often. She is an avid sports enthusiast who loves both playing and watching games. In her younger years, she enjoyed playing softball and bowling, and she remains a passionate sports fan throughout her life. Some of her other loves in life include Diet Dr Pepper and watching her favorite soap opera, General Hospital. She is also exceptionally talented in crocheting, embroidery, and knitting. She channels her creative passions into charity work, crafting thousands of beautiful blankets that are donated to local organizations throughout the valley to comfort those in need.
Jack married his high school sweetheart and eternal companion, Rosella Lynne Barkley on June 20, 1959. Their marriage was later solemnized for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, they have built a beautiful life centered around faith, hard work, and family-with many cherished days spent camping on the shores of Echo Reservoir and Lake Powell and many holiday traditions at their home -until Lynne's heartbreaking passing in August 1999. Jack is a proud and loving father to his six children. He takes immense pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, watching them grow.
John is a man of simple pleasures. At home, he takes tremendous pride in keeping his yard immaculate, famously spending hours meticulously manicuring his lawn and hedges while wearing his signature train suit. When it comes to relaxing, he doesn’t need anything fancy; he is happiest winding down watching a game, enjoying a few of his favorite snacks: potato chips, fresh apples, or a simple slice of white bread. He and his wife are currently serving their third mission together.
I know I have given but a fraction about their lives, so let's make an assumption. Assume that the brief glimpse I've given you mirrors their lifetime activities, what they value, enjoy and spend the bulk of their time doing. What do we love and worship?
Plug your life activities in here, and ask "am I wasting the days" of my probation? Afterall wasting our days of probation is more about what we are not doing than about what we are doing.
"And the ¹days of the children of men were prolonged, ²according to the will of God, ³that they might repent while in the flesh; wherefore, ⁴their state became a state of probation, and ⁵their time was lengthened, ⁶according to the commandments which the Lord God gave unto the children of men. For ⁷he gave commandment that ⁸all men must repent; for ⁹he showed unto all men that they were lost, ¹⁰because of the transgression of their parents" (2 Nephi 2:21 emphasis added).
Do you believe this?
"I also have charity for the Gentiles. But behold, for none of these can I hope except they shall be reconciled unto Christ, and enter into the narrow gate, and walk in the strait path which leads to life, and continue in the path until the end of the day of probation" (2 Nephi 33:9 emphasis added).
Or this one?
"Wherefore, if ye have sought to do wickedly in the days of your probation, then ye are found unclean before the judgment-seat of God; and no unclean thing can dwell with God; wherefore, ye must be cast off forever" (1 Nephi 10:21 emphasis added).
And another?
"Be wise in the days of your probation; strip yourselves of all uncleanness; ask not, that ye may consume it on your lusts, but ask with a firmness unshaken, that ye will yield to no temptation, but that ye will serve the true and living God" (Mormon 9:28 emphasis added).
A tough one?
"But behold, your days of probation are past; ye have procrastinated the day of your salvation until it is everlastingly too late, and your destruction is made sure; yea, for ye have sought all the days of your lives for that which ye could not obtain; and ye have sought for happiness in doing iniquity, which thing is contrary to the nature of that righteousness which is in our great and Eternal Head" (Helaman 13:38 emphasis added).
"And thus we see, that there was a time granted unto man to repent, yea, a probationary time, a time to repent and serve God" (Alma 42:4 emphasis added).
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." (Colossians 3:1-2 emphasis added).
Perhaps it is as simple as asking, are we spending our lives preparing to meet God? Are we taking advantage of this "space granted unto man in which they might repent" this... "probationary state" this ...time to prepare to meet God" (Alma 12:24)?
Are we, while in this life, bringing forth fruit meet for repentance? Or are we wasting the days of our probation? As no one will be left standing on the sidelines, what certainty do we have who disregard these things? Of what part will they play?