3 Nephi 18

https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/18?lang=eng

Verses 1-14: The Sacrament 

What does this teach me about the atonement?

The atonement provides the power to save us, and the sacrament is how we partake of that power- literally and figuratively. Because the atonement's power can only be fully activated in our lives by our acknowledgment of it, the Savior instituted a ritual by which His gift to us could be received again and again and again.  By actually taking the tokens into our bodies, we symbolically invite Him into our lives. And by degrees, we are changed.

He speaks of building upon His rock.  His "rock" is the sturdy truths of His doctrine, and His doctrine centers on the atonement. Our "building" is the construction of an eternal soul fit for God's presence. So, given that the atonement is the only thing that frees us from the sins that drag us down, without the atonement that construction literally cannot take place.  That's why the metaphor is so very apt.

Lesson for me?

The Savior says in this section that partaking of the sacrament shows Heavenly Father that we remember Christ.  Given everything that Christ has done for me, I can work harder to get to sacrament meeting on time, and not miss the opportunity to show Him that I remember Him.  And as I partake, I can remember the purpose of the sacrament, which is to point me toward Christ, that I might have the joy He longs to provide me.  

Verses 15-21: Watch and Pray

What does this teach me about the atonement?

The Savior felt the full force of all evil. He familiarized Himself with its effects without succumbing to them.  He knows well that the joy the people feel in His presence, fueled by His power, may easily be eclipsed by the wiles of Satan.  Christ loves us and knows our weaknesses.  He knows we can be taken in by Satan's distortions and deceptions.  Satan has so many means of twisting the truth and taking our focus away from the Savior.  Like me in a bad mood times a gazillion, Satan hates happy people.  The only counterfeit of delight available to him consists of spreading his misery.  Thus, what we learn here about the atonement is that, since it was all about saving us from suffering, this speech the Savior makes is an essential appendage to it; for if we don't join with the force that beat evil, and instead allow evil to claim us, evil wins. Christ's victory is no victory if His overriding mission to save us from suffering fails. We have our agency.

Lesson for me?

*Pray personally, as a couple, and as a family, and be watchful for Satan's favorite tools (as identified in the great story of Satan's garage sale): discouragement and doubt. As long as I choose to believe and keep trying, all will be well.  

Verses 22-34: Fellowship 

What does this teach me about the atonement?

The Savior feels a deep and abiding concern about every soul for whom He atoned. If we truly love and would follow Him, we must not reject or exclude any of these precious souls.  The Savior wants His followers to associate with one another, pray for one another and attend to one another's needs.

The Savior also commands that none partake of the sacrament unworthily.  This is because to affect to honor the Savior by partaking of the sacred tokens of His atonement, having committed grievous sins and not repenting, is mockery of the Savior. It amounts to looking Him in the face and telling Him, "I see you there, but I neither believe you nor want you."  This attitude is naturally antithetical to repentance and progress, and so the "damnation to his soul," the Savior mentions is a literal consequence: a halting of progression.

 Lesson for me?

*Instead of worrying about how others are treating you, remember the Savior's charge that all are to be included, and make an effort at church to be mindful of everyone around you.  Smile, say hi, ask about them, introduce yourself, and remember people in your ward family who are having challenges in your prayers.  It's another way to show the Savior your gratitude and love.

Verses 35-39: Setting Apart

What does this teach me about the atonement?

The Savior's atonement is the crowning event in His mission to glorify the Father.  Because the Father's glory is to bring us joy, and because the Savior loves us, He made that His own work and glory as well: to bestow upon us all the power and attendant joy that He's attained.  The atonement set the stage for humankind to progress, so He seeks out apprentices.  He laid His hands on His disciples and prepared them to go and care for His flocks.  This work continues today in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Lesson for me?

*You can place your confidence in the Lord's servants on earth, however imperfect.  He calls them and enables them.  The structure or organization is a beautiful work of art.  You can also consider yourself among them as you carry out your sacred responsibilities at home and at church- one of Christ's apprentices.  Let this enlivened perspective lend meaning and purpose to even mundane seeming tasks, and be joyful.