“A successful life, the good life, the righteous Christian life requires something more than a contribution, though every contribution is valuable. Ultimately it requires commitment–whole souled, deeply held, eternally cherished commitment to the principles we know to be true in the commandments God has given…~ President Howard W. Hunter (deceased),
The point is, in this difficult world I live in, I build upon that which I am doing right for Christ now, hold onto it fiercely, then live the change that he next suggests… a step at a time. It will require increasing commitment and faith, but I will find my burden becoming lighter as I am yoked to Him who makes it so. He knows it all better than me, because he carried that load, even my specific load when he bought me with His blood! Yes I continue to make mistakes, even at times ‘backslide’ into old paths of rhetoric, human foibles, sin… and we both know it, yet the purity of my intent grows daily as I accept and implement his suggestions.
Change can happen in a moment but seldom does. More typically, it comes when I have paid the price of listening and following consistently, again– yoked to him. Then the load becomes easier, the burden lighter, and the pace a little quicker! He is the best, most reliable companion and friend I can have in this mortal existence. Why would I ever deny myself such a friendship, that eternal friendship? He is, will always be, the key to the good life!… and good things often come with effort on my part. The very idea of becoming yoked to my Savior, doesn’t mean I stand back and have Him pull alone… there is little growth in that approach. My ‘pulling power’ though far less than his, yields deeper gratitude and greater growth simply because the ‘something for nothing’ approach never has been or will be a gratitude, or growth principle. (see Matthew 11:28-30) kdm
If we will be true and faithful to our principles, committed to a life of honesty and integrity then no… contest will be able to compromise us. For the success of the kingdom of God on earth, may we stand as a witness for him ‘at all times and in all things, and in all places that (we) may be in, even until death.’ (Mosiah 18:9) ~ President Howard W. Hunter (deceased), (see, hear his talk… Standing as Witnesses of God)
