Jeffrey R. Holland shared in his book ‘Trusting Jesus’ and from a talk he gave in 2000 titled ‘Sanctify Yourselves’.
. . . .”Recently I read an author who said: “Our leisure, even our play is a matter of serious concern. [That is because] there is no neutral ground in the universe: every square inch, every split second, is claimed by God and counterclaimed by Satan.”1 I believe that to be absolutely true, and no such claiming and counterclaiming anywhere is more crucial and conspicuous than that being waged over the minds and morals, the personal purity of the young.
. . . part of my warning voice tonight is that this will only get worse. It seems that the door of permissiveness, the door to lewdness and vulgarity and obscenity swings only one way. It only opens farther and farther; it never seems to swing back. Individuals can choose to close it, but it is certain, historically speaking, that public appetite and public policy will not close it. No, in the moral realm the only real control you have is self-control.
. . . if you are struggling with self-control in what you look at or are listening to, in what you say or what you do, I ask you to pray to your Father in Heaven for help. . . Wrestle like Jacob did with the angel, refusing to let go until the blessing had come (see Genesis 32: 24-26). Talk to your mom and dad. Talk to your Bishop (or minister). Get the best help you can from all the good people who surround you. Avoid at all cost others who would tempt you, weaken your will, or perpetuate the problem. If anyone does not feel fully worthy tonight, he (she) can become worthy through repentance and the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Savior wept and bled and died for you. He has given everything for your happiness and salvation. He certainly is not going to withhold help form you now!
Then you can help others to whom you are sent, now and in the future. . .
. . . .Nearly two hundred years ago, William Wordsworth wrote that “the world is too much with us.” What on earth would he say about the encroachments pressing on your souls and sensibilities today?
. . . .In the most difficult days of World War II, Winston Churchill said to the people of England: “To every man . . . there comes that special moment when he is, figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a special thing unique to him and fitted to his talent. What a tragedy if that moment finds him unprepared or unqualified for the work which would be his finest hour.”
. . . And to the audience of the Young Men to whom this was originally addressed. . . In a more serious kind of spiritual warfare, brethren, that day may come—indeed I am certain it will come—when in an unexpected circumstance or at a time of critical need, lightening will strike, so to speak, and the future will be in your hands. Be ready when that day comes. Be strong. Always be clean. Respect and revere the priesthood you hold, tonight and forever. I bear witness of this work, of the power we have been given to direct it, and the need to be worthy in administering it. Brethren, I testify that the call in every age—and especially our age—is Joshua’s call: “Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” ~Jeffrey R. Holland, Trusting Jesus (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2003) 122-24
Notes: From a talk given in general conference, October 2000, see. . . ‘Sanctify Yourselves’
- C. S. Lewis, Christian Reflections, ed. Walter Hooper (Grand Rapids, MIch.: W.B. Eerdmans, 1967), 33.
(Posts with a preamble asterisk * are for a more general audience, and not specific to teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.)
