Glory

Woody Guthrie wrote:

This train is bound for Glory, this train.

This train is bound for Glory, this train.

This train is bound for Glory,

Don't carry nothing but the righteous and the holy.

This train is bound for Glory, this train.

The following verses of his song name all those who won't be on the train: gamblers, liars, thieves, big shot ramblers, smokers, small-time jokers, con men, wheeler dealers, here and gone men, rustlers, side street walkers.

Guthrie's use of the word Glory here is perhaps a synonym for Heaven but I see much more. Latter-day scriptures describe it this way - as we begin to live the principles of the Gospel, glory comes to us.

D&C 66:2

Verily I say unto you, blessed are you for receiving mine everlasting covenant, even the fullness of my gospel, sent forth unto the children of men, that they might have life and be made partakers of the glories which are to be revealed in the last days.

D&C 88:19 talks about how when we fill the measure of our creation, we shall be crowned with glory, and return to the presence of God. That would be the ultimate Glory - to live with God in his presence where "light preceded forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space."

However, the scripture also clarifies that we shall each "enjoy that which they are willing to receive because they were not willing to receive that which they might have received."

D&C 76 makes clear that everyone will receive a kingdom of portion of Glory - but the fullness of glory is with God, in his presence, and we have to be willing to live celestial laws to be there.

So if we go back to our song, this train - the celestial train - is bound for celestial Glory - and if you want to purchase a ticket for this train, it will mean a willingness to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ for it is through Him alone that any of us will heal from the wounds of mortality.

And frankly, I am ready. I'm tired and weary of living in a world filled with hate and anger, murders and war, abuse and broken homes, drugs and porn, thieves and robbers and all those who Guthrie says won't be on that train. I want to be on that train!