Every one of us, as human beings, have been served at some point in our lives. As a helpless infant, our survival depends on someone else caring for us and we certainly don't "pay" them for it. (Although, some parents would argue that a baby's smile or giggle or hug is a huge reward.) As we grow in size and increase in awareness, we increase in our ability to give service to others- anything from a toddler who lovingly gives a dandelion to his mother to a child who helps pick up and clean the house. Often the desire to do good things is rewarded by the satisfaction of having done something nice along with a little gratitude and/or praise. Unfortunately, not everyone continues to increase service to others as they increase in age. Just as bad, in my opinion, is that there are some who decrease in their willingness to accept service. We all smile at the child learning to eat with a utensil or tie shoes or ride a bike when they say, "I do it myself!" It's worthy of applause to be capable of being self-reliant and independent. However, there can be no service given if there is no-one willing to receive service. Whether it's the overburdened mother being offered a hand carrying her groceries or the proud old man, grumpy at being ill and needing care, it's important to be capable of receiving service. You can tip someone carrying your groceries and thereby not feel "beholden" for their service. You can figure the doctors and nurses are making a good wage thereby not feeling grateful for their tender attention. There are lots of ways to cheapen the service others can give us. It cheapens the service when we brush it off saying something like, "You really didn't have to do that" or " I was about to do that myself". However it's done, it demeans the person giving the service and hardens pride in the person refusing to humbly and gratefully accept the service.
We cheapen God's service and love to us when we refuse to acknowledge His hand in all things. We may think that He really doesn't notice us, much less be involved in our life. We can think He's so much more important than we are that He doesn't take the time or make the effort to bless us on a daily basis. We may think He is better than we are so we don't deserve His attention. All of those attitudes cause us to neglect or avoid gratitude for His love and concern. We don't notice the beauty of the roses He places in front of us because we only see the painful thorns or we figure the roses aren't there to please us since everyone can see and smell them. We grumble about the rain without consideration for the life that exists only because of that moisture. We even hate the resistance of trials in our life without recognizing the strength and wisdom we gain as a result of it. We don't have to be falsely cheerful about pain or even masochistic or thinking ourselves as martyrs. What we have to do is trust and be grateful. We trust that the person offering to give us a hand is being kind without a hidden agenda. We trust our Father that He truly does want what is best for us even if we don't always understand. We swallow pride and cheerfully accept another person's loving service. We look at our life and the world around us with gratitude toward the Creator. It will help us to feel better. It really will.
Tuesday, April 03, 2018
Saturday, March 24, 2018
Our agency is tricky
We each think we know what we want..... sort of.... at any given moment. At least, we know as soon as we are aware of the consequences of what we thought we wanted. When things don't work well, we figure it wasn't really what we wanted. When things work out happily in the long run, we are sure it is exactly what we wanted! From the time we are babies and have difficulty choosing a toy, when young children and can't decide which cookie to take continuing on to choosing what classes we want to take when given options in school or who to date- it's really a strain to have the freedom to choose! Yet, we are generally pretty upset when anyone takes our opportunity to choose away from us. We rebel against parents, challenge authority, and question laws of the land- certain that there are things we really don't want as they stand. God's plan has always been for us to have the chance to come here to Earth, have a physical body, be separated from Him by a veil of forgetfulness, be given free reign to make choices, then become whoever it is we truly want to be- all of our own volition. Being a wise Father, He knows that trying to "make" His children anything will simply not work effectively. With intelligence of our own resulting in preferences and skills, we will always be more successful at anything to which we decide we choose to attach our efforts. There have been individuals who were "forced" into occupations or skills by demanding parents or dictatorial governments and managed to be pretty successful in their endeavors. However, they haven't always been truly happy and often change roles when given the freedom to do so.
So, we pray to God to answer prayers and hope He will give us whatever it is we have decided at the moment we want. What if we're sure we want to marry someone who will later turn out to be a bad choice? We don't know that until we find out why they are a bad choice. So, if God knows that in advance and, for our happiness, doesn't help things to work out for that attachment, we feel He "isn't answering our prayer". If we are excited about a certain job or place to live and fervently pray that it will work out, we expect Him to grant our "righteous desire" although we have no idea what even better prospect there may be. So, as a loving Father, what should He do? Should He risk our tears or cursings at the moment while waiting expectantly for our apology and relief later when something better does turn up? Should He give us what we, as ignorant children, demand and work hard for even though it will mean we'll miss something even better?
I am learning that fervent prayers for just about anything are not always the wisest thing. The only sure thing would be to pray for His will to be done because He is the only one with the wisdom to determine for sure what would be in our best interest. We simply lack sufficient knowledge and experience to really, truly know what we want beyond this instant in time. We live with blinders due to our limited awareness of options. Perhaps we would benefit from developing greater faith (trust) in a Father who is wise, powerful, and loves us unconditionally much more than we can understand. How can we know how much He loves us? God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever simply accepts that gift will have the opportunity to live in peace surrounded by love forever.
So, we pray to God to answer prayers and hope He will give us whatever it is we have decided at the moment we want. What if we're sure we want to marry someone who will later turn out to be a bad choice? We don't know that until we find out why they are a bad choice. So, if God knows that in advance and, for our happiness, doesn't help things to work out for that attachment, we feel He "isn't answering our prayer". If we are excited about a certain job or place to live and fervently pray that it will work out, we expect Him to grant our "righteous desire" although we have no idea what even better prospect there may be. So, as a loving Father, what should He do? Should He risk our tears or cursings at the moment while waiting expectantly for our apology and relief later when something better does turn up? Should He give us what we, as ignorant children, demand and work hard for even though it will mean we'll miss something even better?
I am learning that fervent prayers for just about anything are not always the wisest thing. The only sure thing would be to pray for His will to be done because He is the only one with the wisdom to determine for sure what would be in our best interest. We simply lack sufficient knowledge and experience to really, truly know what we want beyond this instant in time. We live with blinders due to our limited awareness of options. Perhaps we would benefit from developing greater faith (trust) in a Father who is wise, powerful, and loves us unconditionally much more than we can understand. How can we know how much He loves us? God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever simply accepts that gift will have the opportunity to live in peace surrounded by love forever.
Pride.... or Confidence??
There is considerable confusion as to appropriate behavior towards God as well as the characteristics He would have us develop in terms of being meek and lowly, humble or being valiant and strong, confident. I want to attempt to clarify just the pride and confidence difference.
In the dictionary, pride is explained as an over high opinion of oneself, conceit, wantonness, extravagance, or excess. To most of us, this is clearly not desirable if we want to follow Jesus Christ. He certainly showed none of that during His mortal life. We can also go to the scriptures for clarification as to the Lord's feelings about being proud. Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! (Isaiah 5:21) You don't see exclamation points in the scriptures very often! Also, Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18) Even more recently there is this warning in D&C 3:1 But beware of pride, lest thou shouldst enter into temptation. How could having pride make you more susceptible to temptation? For the day of the Lord of Hosts soon cometh upon all nations, yea, upon every one; yea, upon the proud and lofty, and upon every one who is lifted up, and he shall be brought low. (2 Ne 12:12) Do either God or Jesus Christ want us to grovel in their presence? The only ones who need to fear being brought low are those who are proud and lofty. Are we to be treated as the dust of the earth, even though that's what our mortal bodies are made of? We are told that God made us in His image. We are to be considered His children. There are billions of us so how can we be of any importance?? I wish that all people had the experience of either being one of a large family of children or working under an authority over many people when the parents or boss was compassionate, concerned for the welfare of everyone under their responsibility, and desirous of their eventual success and happiness. Then all people could better understand how it can be so much more beneficial for us to be humble, teachable, and willing to submit to or learn from God and Jesus Christ. They want us to be self-reliant and strong, yet trust in them so we're willing to listen to their counsel so we can progress and improve. That would bring us to better understanding confidence.
The dictionary defines confidence as an assurance of mind or firm belief in the trustworthiness of another, self-reliance, assurance, boldness, or courage. This is not the same thing as the haughty "I can do it myself and you can't stop or improve me" kind of attitude that comes from pride. Again, we can turn to the scriptures for the Lord's clarification of this attribute: Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. (Hebrews 10:35) Or, Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God" (D&C 11:45), which contains a lot of important points. First of all, we must remember the Lord's definition of "charity" which is the pure love of Christ. It doesn't just mean giving donations to those less fortunate. It means to love all people as Jesus loves. He gave His life for our benefit. We can manage to give love. Does that really sound like an attribute that would cause someone to look down upon others or treat them as lowly servants? Also, He advises us to think virtuous thoughts. That can be a hard one. When we are mistreated, or so we feel, what thoughts do we harbor? It's one thing to be immediately hurt but another to dwell on wishing someone else ill or being obsessed with defensive words and thoughts. If Jesus wants us to be like Him, why would he advise us to think virtuous thoughts and be more holy if the intention is to have us be inferior to Him?? If God does not want us to have confidence, why would He advise us about how to gain it? Last of all, And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. That does not sound to me like counsel to just bow low and obey. The obedience should have occurred long before we meet Him. When we have already chosen obedience and humility, we will not be compelled to bow. We will want to bow because of gratitude, trust, and acknowledgment of His great wisdom, love, and power- all of which He longs to share with us! But, only if we choose that- if that is our own desire.
In the dictionary, pride is explained as an over high opinion of oneself, conceit, wantonness, extravagance, or excess. To most of us, this is clearly not desirable if we want to follow Jesus Christ. He certainly showed none of that during His mortal life. We can also go to the scriptures for clarification as to the Lord's feelings about being proud. Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! (Isaiah 5:21) You don't see exclamation points in the scriptures very often! Also, Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18) Even more recently there is this warning in D&C 3:1 But beware of pride, lest thou shouldst enter into temptation. How could having pride make you more susceptible to temptation? For the day of the Lord of Hosts soon cometh upon all nations, yea, upon every one; yea, upon the proud and lofty, and upon every one who is lifted up, and he shall be brought low. (2 Ne 12:12) Do either God or Jesus Christ want us to grovel in their presence? The only ones who need to fear being brought low are those who are proud and lofty. Are we to be treated as the dust of the earth, even though that's what our mortal bodies are made of? We are told that God made us in His image. We are to be considered His children. There are billions of us so how can we be of any importance?? I wish that all people had the experience of either being one of a large family of children or working under an authority over many people when the parents or boss was compassionate, concerned for the welfare of everyone under their responsibility, and desirous of their eventual success and happiness. Then all people could better understand how it can be so much more beneficial for us to be humble, teachable, and willing to submit to or learn from God and Jesus Christ. They want us to be self-reliant and strong, yet trust in them so we're willing to listen to their counsel so we can progress and improve. That would bring us to better understanding confidence.
The dictionary defines confidence as an assurance of mind or firm belief in the trustworthiness of another, self-reliance, assurance, boldness, or courage. This is not the same thing as the haughty "I can do it myself and you can't stop or improve me" kind of attitude that comes from pride. Again, we can turn to the scriptures for the Lord's clarification of this attribute: Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. (Hebrews 10:35) Or, Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God" (D&C 11:45), which contains a lot of important points. First of all, we must remember the Lord's definition of "charity" which is the pure love of Christ. It doesn't just mean giving donations to those less fortunate. It means to love all people as Jesus loves. He gave His life for our benefit. We can manage to give love. Does that really sound like an attribute that would cause someone to look down upon others or treat them as lowly servants? Also, He advises us to think virtuous thoughts. That can be a hard one. When we are mistreated, or so we feel, what thoughts do we harbor? It's one thing to be immediately hurt but another to dwell on wishing someone else ill or being obsessed with defensive words and thoughts. If Jesus wants us to be like Him, why would he advise us to think virtuous thoughts and be more holy if the intention is to have us be inferior to Him?? If God does not want us to have confidence, why would He advise us about how to gain it? Last of all, And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. That does not sound to me like counsel to just bow low and obey. The obedience should have occurred long before we meet Him. When we have already chosen obedience and humility, we will not be compelled to bow. We will want to bow because of gratitude, trust, and acknowledgment of His great wisdom, love, and power- all of which He longs to share with us! But, only if we choose that- if that is our own desire.
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Mom and Dad
There are things I have learned from my parents, some positive, some negative, and some very different one parent from another. Both of my parents were honest and generous. Both were loving and willing to help anyone. I don't really consider myself a judge of them, or of anyone. I can't know what goes on in someone else's head or have accurate insights as to their motivations. I also know I have a different perspective than any of my siblings or anyone else who knew them simply because I am a different person, just as everyone else is a distinct person having a separate and distinct perspective. Because I spend so much time typing my dad's journals into the computer, I have my parents on my mind a LOT. It causes me to ponder just what my own children think about me and my motivations. So I'm going to just consider a few aspects of each of my parents.
My dad: Probably the one aspect of my dad that is memorable to just about anybody who ever knew him is his love of work. From what my grandmother told me long ago, he has loved to work all his life. Even as a teenager- an age often associated with ravenous hunger and self-centeredness- he would be out working in the fields and miss meals because he didn't want to stop. Later, as a husband and father and prior to cell phones, he often missed family meals because he was "who knows where?" working. My mom and siblings all appreciate that he worked so hard and was a good "provider" but we all have varying levels of admiration for the degree to which he worked. I know there were many times that my mother was frustrated that he was always away and she rarely knew when to expect him home. As for me, I spent a great deal of my childhood- especially the teenage years- resenting that he seemed to value work over family. He rarely attended kids' games, concerts, recitals, or what-have-you. He was an excellent example of working until the very end. He was never lazy or anything even close to it. However, it would have been nice if he had spent more time just being with his family. He was also a very pleasant man to get along with. He rarely got angry and managed to be able to identify with nearly anyone regardless of social or intellectual standing. However, I know my mother was sometimes surprised at what could only be called hypocrisy and I personally witnessed it more than once. In his efforts to "get along", he would sometimes say or do things very different from what he claimed he knew was right. He never stole or murdered or was unfaithful- it wasn't that extreme. However, he did make covenants with God that he often ignored. In fact, he would make it a point of contention with Mom or others by overtly disrespecting the Sabbath or refusing to do things he knew he should be doing. He would make it seem unreasonable to follow such restrictions. I don't think that was fair to my mother's efforts to respect God's commandments.
My mom: I think it's usually easier for kids to criticize mothers because they are more familiar with so many aspects of them since they spend so much more time with mothers as opposed to time with fathers. Probably the major complaint any of us kids had with mom was hoarding. She just crammed spaces full of stuff and continued to collect more. I won't go into dramatic details but it was definitely as much a problem, if not more so, than my dad's tendency to work. However, my mother was not wrong when it came to faith. She made covenants with God and Jesus Christ and earnestly sought to keep those covenants. She believed God was real and put effort and sincerity into developing a relationship with Him. She may have been ridiculed or at least barely tolerated for her desire to do what God would want her to do: pray, read scriptures, attend church and the temple, keep the Sabbath and all the other major commandments. I know she was considered eccentric if not over-zealous in wanting to spend Sundays in a way God would want by His declarations of it in the scriptures (generally unread by those who would question her interpretations of appropriate Sabbath activities). She loved our Savior but was not necessarily recognized for the goodness and rightness of her feelings toward Him.
Everyone has weaknesses and temptations and makes mistakes. That's part of being mortal. In the scriptures we are told that "this life is the time to prepare" to meet God and determine exactly what kind of person we want to be. We will continue to learn and progress through eternity but it's apparently easier to "get it" through our experiences here with the opposition provided by the influence of Satan. Once we're back in the presence of only good again (God and Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost) we won't always see just exactly why rules are the way they are. We will be more likely to have the rebellious child attitude of "why?" and "I have my own ideas about how to do it". I know both of my parents were as good and kind as nearly anyone who has or does live on Earth. I know they will continue to progress just as I hope to. I hope I am being a good example and influence now, despite my shortcomings. I'm glad to know what I know so far and am anxious to learn more.
My dad: Probably the one aspect of my dad that is memorable to just about anybody who ever knew him is his love of work. From what my grandmother told me long ago, he has loved to work all his life. Even as a teenager- an age often associated with ravenous hunger and self-centeredness- he would be out working in the fields and miss meals because he didn't want to stop. Later, as a husband and father and prior to cell phones, he often missed family meals because he was "who knows where?" working. My mom and siblings all appreciate that he worked so hard and was a good "provider" but we all have varying levels of admiration for the degree to which he worked. I know there were many times that my mother was frustrated that he was always away and she rarely knew when to expect him home. As for me, I spent a great deal of my childhood- especially the teenage years- resenting that he seemed to value work over family. He rarely attended kids' games, concerts, recitals, or what-have-you. He was an excellent example of working until the very end. He was never lazy or anything even close to it. However, it would have been nice if he had spent more time just being with his family. He was also a very pleasant man to get along with. He rarely got angry and managed to be able to identify with nearly anyone regardless of social or intellectual standing. However, I know my mother was sometimes surprised at what could only be called hypocrisy and I personally witnessed it more than once. In his efforts to "get along", he would sometimes say or do things very different from what he claimed he knew was right. He never stole or murdered or was unfaithful- it wasn't that extreme. However, he did make covenants with God that he often ignored. In fact, he would make it a point of contention with Mom or others by overtly disrespecting the Sabbath or refusing to do things he knew he should be doing. He would make it seem unreasonable to follow such restrictions. I don't think that was fair to my mother's efforts to respect God's commandments.
My mom: I think it's usually easier for kids to criticize mothers because they are more familiar with so many aspects of them since they spend so much more time with mothers as opposed to time with fathers. Probably the major complaint any of us kids had with mom was hoarding. She just crammed spaces full of stuff and continued to collect more. I won't go into dramatic details but it was definitely as much a problem, if not more so, than my dad's tendency to work. However, my mother was not wrong when it came to faith. She made covenants with God and Jesus Christ and earnestly sought to keep those covenants. She believed God was real and put effort and sincerity into developing a relationship with Him. She may have been ridiculed or at least barely tolerated for her desire to do what God would want her to do: pray, read scriptures, attend church and the temple, keep the Sabbath and all the other major commandments. I know she was considered eccentric if not over-zealous in wanting to spend Sundays in a way God would want by His declarations of it in the scriptures (generally unread by those who would question her interpretations of appropriate Sabbath activities). She loved our Savior but was not necessarily recognized for the goodness and rightness of her feelings toward Him.
Everyone has weaknesses and temptations and makes mistakes. That's part of being mortal. In the scriptures we are told that "this life is the time to prepare" to meet God and determine exactly what kind of person we want to be. We will continue to learn and progress through eternity but it's apparently easier to "get it" through our experiences here with the opposition provided by the influence of Satan. Once we're back in the presence of only good again (God and Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost) we won't always see just exactly why rules are the way they are. We will be more likely to have the rebellious child attitude of "why?" and "I have my own ideas about how to do it". I know both of my parents were as good and kind as nearly anyone who has or does live on Earth. I know they will continue to progress just as I hope to. I hope I am being a good example and influence now, despite my shortcomings. I'm glad to know what I know so far and am anxious to learn more.
Monday, March 12, 2018
Maintaining a healthy diet
I read an article about people who have lost a considerable number of pounds, like those on the show "Biggest Loser". It's not easy to lose weight. They have to make major changes in their diet with the help of a nutritional coach, and it's essential that they do constant, strenuous exercise with the help of a physical trainer. They all manage to shed pounds admirably. However, it's most often only temporary. It's a rare person who succeeds in keeping the excess weight off. Most of the time,the people go back to their more normal way of life with poor eating habits and minimal exercise. As a result, their weight goes back up. They have only temporarily won their battle.
Spiritual conversion is similar. Often in the face of a significant trial (loss of loved one through death or divorce, diagnosis of potentially fatal disease or serious accident, even being arrested for crimes and incarcerated), people will "find God". They often will have admitted to knowing God was always there, they just didn't acknowledge Him in their life. Sometimes people will be "born again" and enjoy the euphoria of feeling the love of God. Acknowledging the existence of God and accepting the incredible gift of the atonement of Jesus Christ is definitely an essential step in spiritual development. It's not the same as true "conversion". Faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost do not bring about total conversion. To be really effective, we must "endure to the end" in our desires, actions, and thoughts to truly change our lives thereby changing our hearts. Just as the overweight must change permanently their lifestyle if they want to avoid returning to their heavy poundage, the penitent sinner must permanently change their lifestyle in order to maintain their connection with God. It's not that God turns away from anyone. He is always there, wanting us to want Him just as a loving parent may sit by the phone waiting for a call from a beloved child. No, it is we who turn from Him. We decide we enjoy Babylon too much to reach for Heaven. God wants all of His children to be happy. He will let us choose what makes us happy. If we consider obeying His commandments, even the "hard" ones, to be an unpleasant chore, He will not force us to obey. He may make an effort to get our attention occasionally but He will force no man to heaven.
Spiritual conversion is similar. Often in the face of a significant trial (loss of loved one through death or divorce, diagnosis of potentially fatal disease or serious accident, even being arrested for crimes and incarcerated), people will "find God". They often will have admitted to knowing God was always there, they just didn't acknowledge Him in their life. Sometimes people will be "born again" and enjoy the euphoria of feeling the love of God. Acknowledging the existence of God and accepting the incredible gift of the atonement of Jesus Christ is definitely an essential step in spiritual development. It's not the same as true "conversion". Faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost do not bring about total conversion. To be really effective, we must "endure to the end" in our desires, actions, and thoughts to truly change our lives thereby changing our hearts. Just as the overweight must change permanently their lifestyle if they want to avoid returning to their heavy poundage, the penitent sinner must permanently change their lifestyle in order to maintain their connection with God. It's not that God turns away from anyone. He is always there, wanting us to want Him just as a loving parent may sit by the phone waiting for a call from a beloved child. No, it is we who turn from Him. We decide we enjoy Babylon too much to reach for Heaven. God wants all of His children to be happy. He will let us choose what makes us happy. If we consider obeying His commandments, even the "hard" ones, to be an unpleasant chore, He will not force us to obey. He may make an effort to get our attention occasionally but He will force no man to heaven.
Thursday, March 08, 2018
shirking
This word does not appear in scripture though it is in a familiar hymn, "We all have work, let no one shirk." I have been thinking about the concept of shirking and even had a dream about it last night. I don't very often remember my dreams but I was truly troubled, even angry (which I also don't often indulge in as I find it too depleting) toward people in my dream who evade or neglect a duty or responsibility. (dictionary definition of shirk- can be a noun or a verb apparently) Most people have probably experienced or witnessed shirking a duty or responsibility. Having to go to the bathroom (who can deny someone that?) at a moment when one is hoping to avoid something or returning from somewhere purposely late hoping to avoid a task or pretending to be asleep or sick- these are all examples of "shirking". People who shirk often feel clever or relieved when their shirk is successful. On the other hand, people who are shirked often resent the person who left them holding the bag. It can be so thrilling to be a part of a group of people with the same goal in mind and the willingness to achieve that goal. It can be demoralizing to have in our midst those who shirk.
I am thrilled when I hear people testify of Jesus Christ. He performed a unique service for every single human being who is, was, or ever will be even if they don't acknowledge it. His atonement allows every one of us the opportunity to be resurrected and forgiven and to potentially live with Him and our Heavenly Father forever. Anyone can know the truth of this if they have a desire to know. Quoting from a talk in the LDS Conference Oct. 2017 by Elder David F. Evans,
To know the truth, we need to live the gospel and experiment on the word. We are cautioned to not resist the Spirit of the Lord. Repentance, coupled with a determination to keep the commandments, is an important part of each individual's search for truth. In fact, we may need to be willing to "give away all" our sins in order to know the truth.
Once we know the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ for ourselves, most people are willing to be obedient to His teachings, including the Ten Commandments along with the admonition to be baptized. When we are baptized we can be reminded once a week by partaking of the sacrament of our willingness to take His name upon us and be obedient. Part of this covenant to follow Him is to "mourn with those that mourn, comfort those who stand in need of comfort". It isn't simply a willingness to believe in the Atonement or resurrection or the existence of God. It entails a duty or responsibility on our part. We are to do what Christ would do if He were here. That can be overwhelming! Most of us would readily admit we are FAR from being like Him despite our earnest intentions. Fortunately for us, His Atonement was just for the purpose of helping us do our duty despite our weaknesses. Forgiveness if freely and infinitely offered. However, we still have a duty that only each of us individually can perform. He cannot choose for us. He cannot perform for us. We are not going to change the world as He did by any huge action. We each have only a small part but it's OUR part and if we neglect or refuse to do our small part, we are shirking. Our small part may be attending church or being kind to our neighbors or seeking out our kindred dead or teaching and testifying of eternal truths. However small our part, we each must do it and endure well to the end of this mortal probation. God, please help me to never shirk. I want to be an effective part of the team.
I am thrilled when I hear people testify of Jesus Christ. He performed a unique service for every single human being who is, was, or ever will be even if they don't acknowledge it. His atonement allows every one of us the opportunity to be resurrected and forgiven and to potentially live with Him and our Heavenly Father forever. Anyone can know the truth of this if they have a desire to know. Quoting from a talk in the LDS Conference Oct. 2017 by Elder David F. Evans,
To know the truth, we need to live the gospel and experiment on the word. We are cautioned to not resist the Spirit of the Lord. Repentance, coupled with a determination to keep the commandments, is an important part of each individual's search for truth. In fact, we may need to be willing to "give away all" our sins in order to know the truth.
Once we know the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ for ourselves, most people are willing to be obedient to His teachings, including the Ten Commandments along with the admonition to be baptized. When we are baptized we can be reminded once a week by partaking of the sacrament of our willingness to take His name upon us and be obedient. Part of this covenant to follow Him is to "mourn with those that mourn, comfort those who stand in need of comfort". It isn't simply a willingness to believe in the Atonement or resurrection or the existence of God. It entails a duty or responsibility on our part. We are to do what Christ would do if He were here. That can be overwhelming! Most of us would readily admit we are FAR from being like Him despite our earnest intentions. Fortunately for us, His Atonement was just for the purpose of helping us do our duty despite our weaknesses. Forgiveness if freely and infinitely offered. However, we still have a duty that only each of us individually can perform. He cannot choose for us. He cannot perform for us. We are not going to change the world as He did by any huge action. We each have only a small part but it's OUR part and if we neglect or refuse to do our small part, we are shirking. Our small part may be attending church or being kind to our neighbors or seeking out our kindred dead or teaching and testifying of eternal truths. However small our part, we each must do it and endure well to the end of this mortal probation. God, please help me to never shirk. I want to be an effective part of the team.
Tuesday, March 06, 2018
The nature of God
I want so badly to share anything and everything I understand with others and thrill to absorb good and helpful information others might offer me in return. I recently shared, in a testimony meeting at church, insights I have received concerning the nature of God. I never know if my insights are of any benefit to others or if I am just rattling on. I guess I can make a record of my insights, if only to later read over them and remember them for myself.
My most recent awareness of God's relationship with His children came as I prayed to have guidance in our hunt for the next dwelling place, which we hope to be our last. We have no desire to move again and look forward to establishing connections more permanently than we have been for the past couple of decades. It has been my observation (personal as well as anecdotal from others) that God's guidance often comes "last-minute". I guess He wants us to make all the effort we can on our own because that causes us to stretch and learn. As I whined at God about how difficult it was to try to plan, not knowing ahead of time what was going to happen, I realized that He deals with the very same thing in working with us! Because He wants us to learn and grow and decide for ourselves, we have the agency to choose. His plan is for us to make choices that will lead us back to Him but we don't always take a direct path. He has promised that He will turn even uncomfortable situations to our good if we look to Him and trust Him. He has to be really fast and flexible as all of His billions of children make choices that endanger ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually. He will force no man to Heaven but He does sometimes intervene to prevent our foolish destruction. I'm grateful.
I have also long admired His ability to allow us to harm ourselves and others in order to suffer our own consequences in learning. Priorities must be chosen as to how far to let us go in heading toward destruction. He sometimes allows the evil intentions of others to be carried out, even at the expense of pain suffered by innocents, in order to justly and fully condemn the wicked. He had to watch His only Perfect Son be mocked, spit upon, abused, and eventually grievously and unjustly crucified in order to atone for so many of His children who are not even remotely deserving of such a sacrifice. I have a hard time watching my children suffer much less pain even when they actually deserve it! God is a perfect parent and, in His wisdom, He knows suffering is an essential part of our existence. He wants us to be eternally joyful and serene, but getting there will require some sorrow. I don't know how He watches it but I can only pray for some of His wisdom as I try to hold the hands of those who suffer and encourage them through their trials.
There is much for us to learn in order to inherit all that God would give us. I can only continue to pray for strength and insights to more fully love Him even a portion of the magnitude with which He loves me.
My most recent awareness of God's relationship with His children came as I prayed to have guidance in our hunt for the next dwelling place, which we hope to be our last. We have no desire to move again and look forward to establishing connections more permanently than we have been for the past couple of decades. It has been my observation (personal as well as anecdotal from others) that God's guidance often comes "last-minute". I guess He wants us to make all the effort we can on our own because that causes us to stretch and learn. As I whined at God about how difficult it was to try to plan, not knowing ahead of time what was going to happen, I realized that He deals with the very same thing in working with us! Because He wants us to learn and grow and decide for ourselves, we have the agency to choose. His plan is for us to make choices that will lead us back to Him but we don't always take a direct path. He has promised that He will turn even uncomfortable situations to our good if we look to Him and trust Him. He has to be really fast and flexible as all of His billions of children make choices that endanger ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually. He will force no man to Heaven but He does sometimes intervene to prevent our foolish destruction. I'm grateful.
I have also long admired His ability to allow us to harm ourselves and others in order to suffer our own consequences in learning. Priorities must be chosen as to how far to let us go in heading toward destruction. He sometimes allows the evil intentions of others to be carried out, even at the expense of pain suffered by innocents, in order to justly and fully condemn the wicked. He had to watch His only Perfect Son be mocked, spit upon, abused, and eventually grievously and unjustly crucified in order to atone for so many of His children who are not even remotely deserving of such a sacrifice. I have a hard time watching my children suffer much less pain even when they actually deserve it! God is a perfect parent and, in His wisdom, He knows suffering is an essential part of our existence. He wants us to be eternally joyful and serene, but getting there will require some sorrow. I don't know how He watches it but I can only pray for some of His wisdom as I try to hold the hands of those who suffer and encourage them through their trials.
There is much for us to learn in order to inherit all that God would give us. I can only continue to pray for strength and insights to more fully love Him even a portion of the magnitude with which He loves me.
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