2017
Cracking the Code
May 2017


“Cracking the Code,” Friend, May 2017

CTR Story

Cracking the Code

The author lives in Arizona, USA.

What did the secret message mean?

“Ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments” (Mosiah 18:10).

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Cracking the Code

When Darren climbed onto the top bunk, he found a note on his pillow: “CK 24/7.” He slid down and showed it to his older brother, Byron.

“I got the same thing!” Byron said. “What does it mean?” They asked Mom if she knew anything about it.

“Hmm … ,” she said. Then she smiled. Darren knew she was up to something! “I bet you’ll get some answers during family home evening tomorrow.”

On the way home from school the next day, Darren and Byron tried to guess what CK stood for.

Candy Kangaroos? Curious Koalas? Crafty Kings?

Mom just smiled when they asked at dinner. When it was finally time for family night, Darren was ready for some answers.

But first Mom read a story from the Friend about a boy who helped take care of his grandma. The boy didn’t realize it, but by showing Christlike love he was keeping his baptismal covenants.

“We keep our covenants every day when we show love and take care of each other the way Jesus would,” Mom said.

“Hey! Covenants starts with C!” said Darren.

“And keep starts with K. So maybe CK is … Covenant Keepers?” said Byron.

“Yeah, and the 24/7 could mean all day, every day!” Darren shouted. “We cracked the code!”

Mom high-fived Darren and Byron. “Good job, guys! But the lesson’s not over yet. I need to tell you boys that I’ve been spying on you.”

“What do you mean?” Darren asked as he watched Mom pull out a piece of paper. He could see different notes for each day of the week.

“Well, I decided to write down the times I spied you keeping your covenants this week,” Mom said. “And here’s what I saw.”

Monday: Your friend asked if you wanted to watch a violent movie, but you suggested a better movie instead. You were obedient.

Tuesday: Darren’s teacher was grouchy, but you were still kind to her. She was so impressed she called and told me about it. You were forgiving.

Wednesday: Heidi came home from college for a few days. She was sad because one of her classmates died. You two brought her tissues and kept her company. You showed compassion.

Thursday: Byron used a bad word and wished he hadn’t. But you apologized and said you would do better. You repented.

Friday: When your older brothers came to visit and teased you, I saw you guys start to get angry. But then instead of fighting with them, you laughed it off. You showed self-control.

Saturday: When Mr. Gomez offered to pay you for playing with his grandkids, you two said you were happy to help for free. You served.

Sunday: You both sat quietly as you took the sacrament to renew your baptismal covenants. You were reverent, and you remembered how important the sacrament is.

As Mom read the list, Darren felt happy and warm inside. He knew it was the Holy Ghost telling him that those were good choices to make. He wanted to be a covenant keeper by following Jesus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

CTR Challenge

“I will remember my baptismal covenant and listen to the Holy Ghost” (My Gospel Standards).

  • Read Mosiah 18:7–11 and think of who you can do something nice for, like Jesus would.

  • Read the sacrament prayers in D&C 20:77, 79 and underline what you promise to do.

  • Ask a parent or Primary teacher how baptism has blessed their life.

  • I challenge myself to …