Importance of the One

3 Nephi 11:15 And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come.

This weekend the Elder's Quorum had a BBQ and the weather was perfect.  Unfortunately, we were very low in numbers. Those of us that were there were basically only those that were in leadership positions.  So judging this activity quickly I said to myself that it was somewhat of a failure.  There was, however, one member of the quorum that was there that doesn't always make it to Priesthood and that probably doesn't know many of the Elders.  That was confirmed by the fact that he asked each of my Presidency members their names.  It was about this time that I realized how much importance there is in the one.  Although the gospel is intended for families, it is also very personal and individual. I realized that although it was sad that we didn't have more Elders come, it was by no means a failure.  It is all worth it to help even one person feel more of the Saviors love.

D&C 18:10 "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;" 15 "bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!"

I was thinking about this as I partook of the sacrament today.  I felt impressed by the fact that we each individually partake of the emblems.  Since the sacrament represents Christ's body and Atonement, it truly shows that it is a personal Atonement that although it covers all of us it also covers each of us individually.  I think it is for this reason that we don't just have a priest up front that partakes for the whole congregation and why we should respect everyone's right to have an intimate moment as they partake.  It is by this reverence for the Atonement that we can feel what the Nephites felt in 3 Nephi 11.