Inoculate
In preparation for today's seminary lesson, I re-read a talk by President Packer given in the April 2004 General Conference. In it he shared a concept that I first heard (probably from him) at a seminary in-service meeting of some sort, and that is the definition of "inoculate." Do you know what it means?
"In" means "to be within" and "oculate" means "eye to see." President Packer taught that just as we can inoculate, or immunize, the physical body to protect it from disease, we can do the same with our spiritual bodies. This takes place when we are confirmed. The Holy Ghost becomes our "eye within" to protect us from sin.
In the same talk he also referenced the shield of faith, part of the "Armor of God" that Paul talks about in Ephesians. President Packer stated, "This shield of faith is best fabricated in a cottage industry. While the shield can be polished in classes in the Church and in activities, it is meant to be handcrafted in the home and fitted to each individual." That's an timely reminder of the importance of teaching our children faith in the home, yet I also like the idea of "polishing" it, or receiving corroborating help, in our classes at church.
If you want to read the entire talk yourself, you can find it here.
"In" means "to be within" and "oculate" means "eye to see." President Packer taught that just as we can inoculate, or immunize, the physical body to protect it from disease, we can do the same with our spiritual bodies. This takes place when we are confirmed. The Holy Ghost becomes our "eye within" to protect us from sin.
In the same talk he also referenced the shield of faith, part of the "Armor of God" that Paul talks about in Ephesians. President Packer stated, "This shield of faith is best fabricated in a cottage industry. While the shield can be polished in classes in the Church and in activities, it is meant to be handcrafted in the home and fitted to each individual." That's an timely reminder of the importance of teaching our children faith in the home, yet I also like the idea of "polishing" it, or receiving corroborating help, in our classes at church.
If you want to read the entire talk yourself, you can find it here.
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