I have been reading a book by C.S. Lewis. He is most widely known for his works the Chronicles of Narnia. He is a really interesting person. He gave a series of radio talks near the end of and after WWII then compiled them in a book called "Mere Christianity". Early in life he considered himself an atheist but after lots of thought and research, he gives some very insightful explanations as to how he came to embrace Christianity. The book is simply a basic description of what Christianity entails with no specific church's doctrine. Here are some examples:
We might try to understand exactly what loving your neighbour as yourself means. I have to love him as I love myself. Well, how exactly do I love myself?Now that I come to think of it, I have not exactly got a feeling of fondness or affection for myself, and I do not even always enjoy my own society. So apparently 'Love your neighbor' does not mean 'feel fond of him' or 'find him attractive'. I ought to have seen that before, because, of course, you cannot feel fond of a person by trying....So loving my enemies does not apparently mean thinking them nice either..
Does loving your enemy mean not punishing him? No, for loving myself does not mean that I ought not to subject myself to punishment- even to death....
That is what is meant in the Bible by loving him: wishing his good, not feeling fond of him nor saying he is nice when he is not....
Now what you want to get clear is that Pride is essentially competitive- is competitive by its very nature- while the other vices are competitive only, so to speak, by accident. Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next man.....
In God you come up against something which is in every respect immeasurably superior to yourself. Unless you know God as that- and, therefore, know yourself as nothing in comparison- you do not know God at all. As long as you are proud you cannot know God.......
Charity means 'Love, in the Christian sense'. But love, in the Christian sense, does not mean an emotion. It is a state not of the feelings but of the will; that state of the will which we have naturally about ourselves, and must learn to have about other people...............Christian Love (or Charity) for our neighbours is quite a different thing from liking or affection. We 'like' or are 'fond of' some people, and not of others. It is important to understand that this natural 'liking' is neither a sin nor a virtue, any more than your likes and dislikes in food are a sin or a virtue. It is just a fact. But, of course, what we do about it is either sinful or virtuous...... Do not waste time bothering whether you 'love' your neighbor; act as if you did..... Good and evil both increase at compound interest. That is why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance. The smallest good act today is the capture of a strategic point from which, a few months later, you may be able to go on to victories you never dreamed of. An apparently trivial indulgence in lust or anger today is the loss of a ridge or railway line or bridgehead from which the enemy may launch an attack otherwise impossible......... [People] are told they ought to love God. They cannot find any such feeling in themselves. What are they to do? The answer is the same as before. Act as if you did......... Christian Love, either towards God or towards man, is an affair of the will.
These are just a few snippets that give evidence that C.S. Lewis's thoughts are worth knowing and considering. I think everyone could gain some wisdom from him. It's almost a disservice to him to just give little bits out of context. His full explanations are so much clearer. Those who have already chosen to believe in God and His Son can find clarity in their choice through his reasoning. Those who are confused and searching can find direction in his logic. He's a good guy.
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Go up to the mountain!
It is really awesome that no matter how many times we read the scriptures, we can find new things we hadn't noticed before. I have read 1 Nephi, the first book in the Book of Mormon, countless times yet I have been finding gems as I read it again. The family of Lehi and Sariah has dramatic issues, as do most families. Lehi is a prophet and leads his family in obeying God. Some of his sons think that's a good thing and some of them think he's a fool. (I know not all of my family is totally supportive of my efforts to obtain and follow the Lord's guidance.) Nephi is constantly trying to "reason" with Laman and Lemuel, his older brothers, with rare and limited success. He tries to remind them of the miracles the Lord has done previously which should justify their belief and trust in Him. When Nephi doesn't fully understand something from the Lord, he goes directly to the Lord for further clarification. When Laman and Lemuel don't understand, they murmur and get angry. When Nephi asks them if they have gone to the Lord for help, their response is, "We have not; for the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us", basically blaming the Lord for their lack of understanding. Nephi then responds, "Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?- If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you." Because our freedom to choose for ourselves is so very important, God will never force us to do or believe anything. It is always our own choice. I know the Lord can teach, guide, and comfort us- mostly through the Holy Ghost- whenever we ask and listen and wait for a response. The language of the Spirit is not easy for the natural man (mortal human). It requires practice and patience. As I continued reading about Nephi's experiences, I came to a paragraph that jumped out at me more than it ever has.
"The voice of the Lord came unto me, saying: arise, and get thee into the mountain." Now this wasn't a telegram handed to Nephi or a loud-speaker issuing a command. This was a quiet inspiration for Nephi to go where it was quiet so he could really focus on listening to the Lord without distractions. When he goes to a high place and listens, the Lord proceeds to tell him to make a boat and how to get the ore to make tools and everything he would need to do it. This is something Nephi had never done and probably had never even seen done in his former home in Jerusalem. But when the Lord tells you to do something, it's a good idea to do it. When the Lord tells us to do something, all we need to have is willingness. He can provide the skill, knowledge, and ability- but only if we have faith. We have to believe that He is right in whatever he tells us to do and that He will be there with us to cheer us on as we take those steps to wherever He has told us to go. He will not do it for us and He doesn't want to do it for us because He wants us to learn and grow for ourselves. He wants us to listen and obey and learn from Him and act for ourselves. Sometimes we may need to get into a mountain (or a temple or a grove of trees) so we can give Him our full attention so He can instruct us. We might just be amazed at what we can accomplish.
"The voice of the Lord came unto me, saying: arise, and get thee into the mountain." Now this wasn't a telegram handed to Nephi or a loud-speaker issuing a command. This was a quiet inspiration for Nephi to go where it was quiet so he could really focus on listening to the Lord without distractions. When he goes to a high place and listens, the Lord proceeds to tell him to make a boat and how to get the ore to make tools and everything he would need to do it. This is something Nephi had never done and probably had never even seen done in his former home in Jerusalem. But when the Lord tells you to do something, it's a good idea to do it. When the Lord tells us to do something, all we need to have is willingness. He can provide the skill, knowledge, and ability- but only if we have faith. We have to believe that He is right in whatever he tells us to do and that He will be there with us to cheer us on as we take those steps to wherever He has told us to go. He will not do it for us and He doesn't want to do it for us because He wants us to learn and grow for ourselves. He wants us to listen and obey and learn from Him and act for ourselves. Sometimes we may need to get into a mountain (or a temple or a grove of trees) so we can give Him our full attention so He can instruct us. We might just be amazed at what we can accomplish.
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Left to the wolves
Since a Sunday School lesson discussing the journey of the pioneers I have been pondering an aspect that can have application to us today. There are many possibilities of course, but the one I'm thinking about concerns separating from the camp, being left to the wolves. Most often those crossing the plains did not separate themselves from the group on purpose. They recognized the safety in numbers. However, often single families or even small groups faced greater trials than they might have had when they lagged behind or headed out on their own.
We humans are generally an independent lot. Our Father in Heaven gave us the agency to make choices for ourselves from before we were born in mortality. We tend to take that freedom and run with it. We often think we can manage on our own despite our lack of strength or knowledge. We'll "figure it out as we go" is a common theme. There is even a "righteous" justification because we are counseled to "be prepared" and to be "self-sufficient". When it comes to survival in the world, otherwise known as Babylon, it's good to be able to remain independent. On the other hand, God has told us never to rely on the "arm of flesh" when making choices and preparations for our eternal life. In 2 Nephi 28:31 we are told, " Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts be given by the power of the Holy Ghost." And in Proverbs 3:5, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." Also, 2 Nephi 9:28, "O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not." There is safety in numbers, not that we need to align ourselves with what's popular in the world. It's just really helpful and more secure to not simply wander off on our own, seeking our own version of spirituality. If there is anything true, no one single person of us is going to find it by following our own thinking. Joseph Smith followed the admonition in the Bible to ask of God because he recognized his lack of wisdom in determining what church to join, who to listen to. God is not going to make a grand appearance to every single one of His children who has a question. That would be unwise management. Plus, we are reminded to build up and act on faith. Each one of us has at least the "light of Christ", also known as conscience, to give us an idea of what is right. If we are humble, willing to be obedient, and have a desire to follow what is right, God will let us know. But since we are stubborn about our own ideas and weak in succumbing to temptation, it really is in our best interest to join with like-minded children of God. Going to church and fully participating in meetings, sharing the words of prophets and our own experiences will help us to find and stay on the right path. There is way more opposition in the world than we can handle on our own. The Savior will leave the 90 and 9 to seek after His lost sheep and has asked that each of His followers do the same. However, if we are the sheep that wandered off on our own, He will not force us to go with Him and neither will His under-shepherds. If we don't want to be prey to wolves, it's best to stay with the flock and follow the Good Shepherd.
We humans are generally an independent lot. Our Father in Heaven gave us the agency to make choices for ourselves from before we were born in mortality. We tend to take that freedom and run with it. We often think we can manage on our own despite our lack of strength or knowledge. We'll "figure it out as we go" is a common theme. There is even a "righteous" justification because we are counseled to "be prepared" and to be "self-sufficient". When it comes to survival in the world, otherwise known as Babylon, it's good to be able to remain independent. On the other hand, God has told us never to rely on the "arm of flesh" when making choices and preparations for our eternal life. In 2 Nephi 28:31 we are told, " Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts be given by the power of the Holy Ghost." And in Proverbs 3:5, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." Also, 2 Nephi 9:28, "O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not." There is safety in numbers, not that we need to align ourselves with what's popular in the world. It's just really helpful and more secure to not simply wander off on our own, seeking our own version of spirituality. If there is anything true, no one single person of us is going to find it by following our own thinking. Joseph Smith followed the admonition in the Bible to ask of God because he recognized his lack of wisdom in determining what church to join, who to listen to. God is not going to make a grand appearance to every single one of His children who has a question. That would be unwise management. Plus, we are reminded to build up and act on faith. Each one of us has at least the "light of Christ", also known as conscience, to give us an idea of what is right. If we are humble, willing to be obedient, and have a desire to follow what is right, God will let us know. But since we are stubborn about our own ideas and weak in succumbing to temptation, it really is in our best interest to join with like-minded children of God. Going to church and fully participating in meetings, sharing the words of prophets and our own experiences will help us to find and stay on the right path. There is way more opposition in the world than we can handle on our own. The Savior will leave the 90 and 9 to seek after His lost sheep and has asked that each of His followers do the same. However, if we are the sheep that wandered off on our own, He will not force us to go with Him and neither will His under-shepherds. If we don't want to be prey to wolves, it's best to stay with the flock and follow the Good Shepherd.
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Peace
I'm going to post two blogs in one day because I have been having a wonderful, albeit busy, time visiting lots of dear friends, some long-time and some more recent, but all really quality people.
I often encourage others and myself to trust in the Lord and follow spiritual promptings. We can be very willing to follow the Lord or promptings of the Holy Ghost but doubt our own ability to recognize His voice or those promptings. Satan is happy to have us confused and doubtful. He can influence us, and certainly does, in voices both loud and insidious, through the world media and people around us. If we want to know when the voice is right, one of the major characteristics is encouragement to accept the gift of the Savior's atonement and grace, which is the only way we can ever be truly and finally cleansed after our best efforts to repent. Every single one of the human beings on this earth is loved by our Heavenly Father and His Only Begotten Son. They do not want us to fail in our ultimate goal of eternal peace and inner joy. The shallow understanding of the world and Satan (who is currently running things to the best of his ability) cannot lead us to eternal peace and joy. The "fun" or "success" of this world is but a fleeting moment. A hurricane can destroy a business we have spent years building. A fire can turn a beautiful home to ashes. An accident or serious illness can interrupt or even end our progress in achieving fame and fortune. There is more to each of us than the carbon-based body we currently inhabit. It's important to take care of this body with exercise, good nutrition, and rest. It's important to gain knowledge of how to function among the men and machines of the world. But it's more essential to pursue a knowledge beyond this world, to desire enough to know God to pay the price of prayer, study of His word, and willingness to be humble and obedient. There is no other way to everlasting peace and joy. It should be obvious to any and every one that the laws and principles based on ANY man can never result in peace. Without one single, major standard to go by, there will always be contention from arguments to war. If we want peace, we must learn what differences matter and what ones don't. We need someone much wiser than ourselves to help us understand that.
We can learn from observation of tragedies like the current hurricanes, flooding, and fires that what creates unity is NOT money, power, or fame. It is caring for others, helping others, serving others- all actions Jesus has taught.
I often encourage others and myself to trust in the Lord and follow spiritual promptings. We can be very willing to follow the Lord or promptings of the Holy Ghost but doubt our own ability to recognize His voice or those promptings. Satan is happy to have us confused and doubtful. He can influence us, and certainly does, in voices both loud and insidious, through the world media and people around us. If we want to know when the voice is right, one of the major characteristics is encouragement to accept the gift of the Savior's atonement and grace, which is the only way we can ever be truly and finally cleansed after our best efforts to repent. Every single one of the human beings on this earth is loved by our Heavenly Father and His Only Begotten Son. They do not want us to fail in our ultimate goal of eternal peace and inner joy. The shallow understanding of the world and Satan (who is currently running things to the best of his ability) cannot lead us to eternal peace and joy. The "fun" or "success" of this world is but a fleeting moment. A hurricane can destroy a business we have spent years building. A fire can turn a beautiful home to ashes. An accident or serious illness can interrupt or even end our progress in achieving fame and fortune. There is more to each of us than the carbon-based body we currently inhabit. It's important to take care of this body with exercise, good nutrition, and rest. It's important to gain knowledge of how to function among the men and machines of the world. But it's more essential to pursue a knowledge beyond this world, to desire enough to know God to pay the price of prayer, study of His word, and willingness to be humble and obedient. There is no other way to everlasting peace and joy. It should be obvious to any and every one that the laws and principles based on ANY man can never result in peace. Without one single, major standard to go by, there will always be contention from arguments to war. If we want peace, we must learn what differences matter and what ones don't. We need someone much wiser than ourselves to help us understand that.
We can learn from observation of tragedies like the current hurricanes, flooding, and fires that what creates unity is NOT money, power, or fame. It is caring for others, helping others, serving others- all actions Jesus has taught.
Trusting
We used to have two pictures that Russ often used when giving a home teaching lesson- one of a sturdy tree standing straight and tall and one of a tall tree blown over having pulled up a large, shallow network of roots. The straight tree was by itself on the top of a hill, exposed to battering winds and weather but its roots were deep. The blown over tree was in sheltered among lots of other trees in a spot that received plenty of moisture so its roots were shallow. Recently in church a man told about roads in Canada that he had observed years ago, some of which had lots of potholes and fissures and some of which remained fairly smooth and even. When he asked someone local why they were different, he was told that it all depended on the foundation below the road. Because of extremes in temperature and moisture, the ground would heave or expand and sink or contract. Roads that had a deeper foundation could withstand changed in temperature and moisture better.
Both of these examples can serve as metaphors to our own human resilience. In the scriptures it is expressed: "And now... remember....that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his might storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fail." Too often we tend to rely upon the "arm of the flesh", which is human strength, knowledge, or understanding- all of which are obviously imperfect, short-sighted, and shallow especially in comparison with God.
There is a well known story in the New Testament about Jesus' apostles in a boat at sea when they see the Savior coming toward them, walking on the water. At first they are afraid thinking they're seeing a ghost. He tells them it's okay because it is Him. Peter yells to Him that if it is truly Him to bid him come and he will walk on the water. At first Peter steps out of the boat and begins to approach the Savior, then he panics and begins to sink calling on the Savior to save him. The Savior saves him and gently chastises him for his doubts. I have had so many similar experiences. I have felt/heard the guiding voice of the Spirit and, when startled by it (happily thrilled not frightened), spoiled the moment and lost the connection. We all have times when we feel somehow assured in what we are to do until we harbor doubts then we feel like we are standing on shifting sand rather than solid rock. Our progress comes to a standstill as we pause to consider failure.
Trust is essential for progression and personal peace. That trust needs to be in ourselves to the extent that we are confident or at least willing to try. We can't move forward if we don't pick up our feet. But also, we cannot be guided in our footsteps if we don't pick up our feet. Ultimately, the trust needs to be in God and Jesus Christ. "After all we can do" we must trust in the help they are so willing to give us and are only waiting for us to ask. I also need to add that they will give us what is right for us which may not always be what we think is best. Our knowledge is limited so there are options we may not be aware of and our perspective of timing is not always in our best interest. We tend to be impatient and unwilling to endure learning and growth opportunities. I think most of us desire to be happy and feel inner peace. Trust in God is a sure path to that.
Both of these examples can serve as metaphors to our own human resilience. In the scriptures it is expressed: "And now... remember....that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his might storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fail." Too often we tend to rely upon the "arm of the flesh", which is human strength, knowledge, or understanding- all of which are obviously imperfect, short-sighted, and shallow especially in comparison with God.
There is a well known story in the New Testament about Jesus' apostles in a boat at sea when they see the Savior coming toward them, walking on the water. At first they are afraid thinking they're seeing a ghost. He tells them it's okay because it is Him. Peter yells to Him that if it is truly Him to bid him come and he will walk on the water. At first Peter steps out of the boat and begins to approach the Savior, then he panics and begins to sink calling on the Savior to save him. The Savior saves him and gently chastises him for his doubts. I have had so many similar experiences. I have felt/heard the guiding voice of the Spirit and, when startled by it (happily thrilled not frightened), spoiled the moment and lost the connection. We all have times when we feel somehow assured in what we are to do until we harbor doubts then we feel like we are standing on shifting sand rather than solid rock. Our progress comes to a standstill as we pause to consider failure.
Trust is essential for progression and personal peace. That trust needs to be in ourselves to the extent that we are confident or at least willing to try. We can't move forward if we don't pick up our feet. But also, we cannot be guided in our footsteps if we don't pick up our feet. Ultimately, the trust needs to be in God and Jesus Christ. "After all we can do" we must trust in the help they are so willing to give us and are only waiting for us to ask. I also need to add that they will give us what is right for us which may not always be what we think is best. Our knowledge is limited so there are options we may not be aware of and our perspective of timing is not always in our best interest. We tend to be impatient and unwilling to endure learning and growth opportunities. I think most of us desire to be happy and feel inner peace. Trust in God is a sure path to that.
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
My wish
I truly wish I could have the opportunity to share what I know with people who were willing to listen, ponder, search, and consider. Joseph Smith, Jr. was asked what is different about the Church he founded and what our beliefs are. He responded with what is now known as 13 Articles of Faith. In the 13th article, he included some of the words of Paul in explaining "if there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things." Early in 1843 he said, "We don't ask any people to throw away any good they have got; we only ask them to come and get more. What if all the world should embrace the Gospel? They would then see eye to eye, and the blessings of God would be poured out upon the people, which is the desire of my whole soul." Later that same year, he also said, "Have the Presbyterians any truth? Yes. Have the Baptists, Methodists, etc. any truth? Yes. They all have a little truth mixed with error. We should gather all the good and true principles in the world and treasure them up, or we shall not come out true..." His desire, and the desire of those of us who have chosen to embrace what he restored to the Earth, was to find truth- absolute truth- God's truth, which is above and beyond what we mortals understand. If one person thinks of moral, social, political, or even scientific and historic issues, he will find at least one person who totally disagrees with him. If there is truth, it cannot be different for everybody. Each person has their own opinion or perspective when describing an event they witnessed or expressing their moral standards- but they can't ALL be true. The world is a pretty overwhelming conglomerate of differing ideas and sometimes people can get violently angry when faced with someone who disagrees with them. If there is any hope for peace, there needs to be a diligent search for one truth and no man, alone, can claim that.
A later president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, George Albert Smith, said, "Keep all the good things that you have, keep all that God has given you that enriches your life, and then let us share something with you that will add to your happiness and increase your satisfaction." In an editorial in the Church News in 2013: "We regard ourselves as a chosen or a covenant people, but we do not do so with a sense of elitism or superiority. On the contrary, it is with a feeling of humble gratitude to God and immense responsibility and love for Heavenly Father's children, both living and dead." I imagine the ancient children of Israel felt this way, and maybe still do. They got blinded by a kind of pride which prevented them from recognizing the Messiah when He was in their midst. There are many Jews today who are diligent in obeying what they have been taught that God expects of them. Much of what they embrace is true but they are lacking yet. We are all lacking when it comes to knowing all that God knows. Yet, He wants to share with us all that He has. Our first step in accepting His gift is to be humble, to repent, and to have faith- trusting God will show light to all and any who have a sincere desire to follow light.
This is what I wish I could tell everybody.
A later president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, George Albert Smith, said, "Keep all the good things that you have, keep all that God has given you that enriches your life, and then let us share something with you that will add to your happiness and increase your satisfaction." In an editorial in the Church News in 2013: "We regard ourselves as a chosen or a covenant people, but we do not do so with a sense of elitism or superiority. On the contrary, it is with a feeling of humble gratitude to God and immense responsibility and love for Heavenly Father's children, both living and dead." I imagine the ancient children of Israel felt this way, and maybe still do. They got blinded by a kind of pride which prevented them from recognizing the Messiah when He was in their midst. There are many Jews today who are diligent in obeying what they have been taught that God expects of them. Much of what they embrace is true but they are lacking yet. We are all lacking when it comes to knowing all that God knows. Yet, He wants to share with us all that He has. Our first step in accepting His gift is to be humble, to repent, and to have faith- trusting God will show light to all and any who have a sincere desire to follow light.
This is what I wish I could tell everybody.
Monday, August 28, 2017
NOT obedience
In the Old Testament, the prophet Samuel chastised King Saul by saying, "Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." It should be logical that inferior beings should be ready and willing to listen to and heed a superior being. God doesn't have any desire to scold or punish us but He does want us to learn and avoid harming ourselves as well His other children. I like even better Moses's words in Deuteronomy 30:20 "That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him, for he is they life, and the length of thy days". Just as children toward parents do, we often misinterpret and misunderstand obedience. On the surface it seems to be a concept of having our own will squashed in deference to someone greater imposing His will upon us. I wish I could help ALL of God's children, all over the earth, to better understand the concept of obedience to God. To begin with, I would explain what it is NOT:
Obeying God is not the teeth-clenching, frustrated resignation as a recruit shouts at a drill sergeant "Yes, Sir!" God only wants us to feel "fear" to get our attention, much as when a parent shouts at a young child about to run into the road in front of a car or a parent threatens a wayward teenager who is making choices that could have disastrous consequences.
Obeying God is not the frightened, over-eager desire to please as a fearful employee trying to appease a boss who might fire him. God loves us forever and unconditionally. He is not going to withdraw His love because we are foolish, rebellious, or even cruel. He will also not remove consequences received for disobedience to laws. If we jump off a cliff, He is not likely to send a sky-hook to catch us and prevent our crash landing. What would that teach us about choices? We are not here to increase His profit margin. He is all-powerful and all-knowing. He does not require us for His own selfish purposes. However, He does desire our love to Him in return and we show that love (and trust) by our desire to listen to Him and obey Him.
Obeying God is not the whiny, insistent, desperate efforts of a spoiled child who keeps hoping that God will "love " him enough to let him do what he wants to do, promising future obedience or greater efforts and hoping any potential undesired consequences could be averted. He will not give in to what we unwisely request just because we promise Him something He doesn't really need anyway. No matter how much we beg to have a puppy/horse/bigger house, etc.- we will still have to deal with whatever it is on our own. It is in our own best interests that God does not give us more than we can handle- and that includes blessings as well as curses. We think we want to "win the lottery" and have pains removed, have the weather always perfect, have our every lust fulfilled- but He knows this would destroy us. He wants us to be like His Son, and like Himself. He wants us to be able to comprehend the deeper, more peaceful happiness of caring, sharing, and serving.
Obedience to God must originate from our love and trust toward Him. It is only through meekness and sincere humility that we must seek His face, His wisdom, His will to be made known to us. We are not perfect in His way. We cannot achieve that in mortality because being mortal is, by definition, being a "natural man" who, also by definition, is an enemy to God. We cannot be greedy, lustful, angry, cruel, lazy, or intolerant and be like Him. Our need to be repentant is not for Him to punish us but for us to gain wisdom and step closer to perfection. Our Father in Heaven has offered us His greatest gift, His Only Begotten Son, because He loves us and would have justice satisfied as we take steps to be with Him forever. This earth is a lovely creation of His but it is nothing compared to what He wants to share with us. Obedience to Him, to truth and eternal law, is the only way.
Obeying God is not the teeth-clenching, frustrated resignation as a recruit shouts at a drill sergeant "Yes, Sir!" God only wants us to feel "fear" to get our attention, much as when a parent shouts at a young child about to run into the road in front of a car or a parent threatens a wayward teenager who is making choices that could have disastrous consequences.
Obeying God is not the frightened, over-eager desire to please as a fearful employee trying to appease a boss who might fire him. God loves us forever and unconditionally. He is not going to withdraw His love because we are foolish, rebellious, or even cruel. He will also not remove consequences received for disobedience to laws. If we jump off a cliff, He is not likely to send a sky-hook to catch us and prevent our crash landing. What would that teach us about choices? We are not here to increase His profit margin. He is all-powerful and all-knowing. He does not require us for His own selfish purposes. However, He does desire our love to Him in return and we show that love (and trust) by our desire to listen to Him and obey Him.
Obeying God is not the whiny, insistent, desperate efforts of a spoiled child who keeps hoping that God will "love " him enough to let him do what he wants to do, promising future obedience or greater efforts and hoping any potential undesired consequences could be averted. He will not give in to what we unwisely request just because we promise Him something He doesn't really need anyway. No matter how much we beg to have a puppy/horse/bigger house, etc.- we will still have to deal with whatever it is on our own. It is in our own best interests that God does not give us more than we can handle- and that includes blessings as well as curses. We think we want to "win the lottery" and have pains removed, have the weather always perfect, have our every lust fulfilled- but He knows this would destroy us. He wants us to be like His Son, and like Himself. He wants us to be able to comprehend the deeper, more peaceful happiness of caring, sharing, and serving.
Obedience to God must originate from our love and trust toward Him. It is only through meekness and sincere humility that we must seek His face, His wisdom, His will to be made known to us. We are not perfect in His way. We cannot achieve that in mortality because being mortal is, by definition, being a "natural man" who, also by definition, is an enemy to God. We cannot be greedy, lustful, angry, cruel, lazy, or intolerant and be like Him. Our need to be repentant is not for Him to punish us but for us to gain wisdom and step closer to perfection. Our Father in Heaven has offered us His greatest gift, His Only Begotten Son, because He loves us and would have justice satisfied as we take steps to be with Him forever. This earth is a lovely creation of His but it is nothing compared to what He wants to share with us. Obedience to Him, to truth and eternal law, is the only way.
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