Some time ago I stumbled upon a true principle that I was aware of many years ago. In coming to my attention again, I’ve had time to understand how such sweet gems can become ‘reburied’. They require patience and focused effort until a new discipline / habit is formed. In my view, this rediscovered principle explains how to joyfully live some of the most difficult teachings of Jesus Christ (teachings such as —> D&C 6:36, 32-37, & D&C 19:23; teachings that sustain a more constant ‘friendship’ with Christ himself and therefore a much happier approach than living without them). I can have firm resolve over a period of days, but when weeks turn into months, I must do whatever it takes in focus, effort, prayer and fasting to push past the stuff of life to form this new habit… or I’ll lose it again. With repeated ‘losing it’ I can also weaken resolve to continue.
I live each day in the moment with Christ constantly at my side as friend and confident. The here and now is the only time I am in direct control… giving my volition over to Christ is the wisest and happiest of all choices because I am on track with eternal possibilities and increase. No other earthly distraction or assurance from others or the adversary comes remotely close to the pure joy Christ promises the faithful.
Satan makes sure my here and now is filled with inviting choices towards his counterfeits. These are unlimited self centered distractions that waste precious time and cheat me away from eternally joyful possibilities. In the here and now he would love to have me become fixed upon distractions such as gaming, addictions, habits such as cell phones (sometimes the cell phone is not so far from a cell with real bars, that can keep us from healthy, happy relationships and progress because of endless preoccupation!) Such habits, of no long term consequence, yield destinations away from Christ. The adversary shows me how simple and easy his way is with immediate gratification but he offers no sweet eternal reward because, simply stated, he can’t!! kdm
8.10.15
