I was in a men’s combined class Sunday in a discussion, the theme of which I had heard many times before… and agreed with. Then I realized that the idea discussed, developing * line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little’ … is a reasonable way of justifying my slower (than it could be) rate of progression. Could I set my sights higher? … The scriptures often seem to encourage a more proactive approach. Any of the Lord’s leaders (look too at today’s leaders) have a strong, more earnest approach. Historically, in calling His leaders, that closeness (reality) took some intervention from the Lord. At other times it was earnestly sought by mere mortals… and granted. What negatives am I now living / hearing / embracing. . . may cause me to progress at a slower rate than I’m capable, causing me to miss opportunities (or turn a blind eye, not) to become anxiously engaged with my Savior’s view of my potential (and in behalf of others)?
Inasmuch as the Lord loves us all equally and is willing to bless the faithful, he will do so (for me) when I learn how to consistently choose Him… the key! A healthy approach then, to God and his will for me, would embrace His commandments, while enjoying life within them. Yes, I do need distractions… they should be wisely chosen (and managed) to sustain, not fight against His eternal purposes for me.
There are so many distractions that could be reworked to honor the Lord. What if I were to take one of my most time consuming worldly distractions, cut the time I spend on it in half, and devote the other half to the Lord?… Then, in time choose another, and again in time, yet another. (quitting all ‘distractions’ at once is a recipe for frustration and failure!) If I am prayerful, He will lead me along an upward path, an incredible journey, that will make the worldly distractions seem as trite as children playing in a sandbox!
Christ’s infinite knowledge and reasonable plan, has doable opportunities with attendant blessings for the faithfully engaged. It includes accompanying rewards (including inner peace, depth of purpose, discipline, ongoing closeness to Him) that would have me looking for more distractions to send into the background, for the Lord has in mind increased blessings for the increasingly faithful… willing to sacrifice to follow His voice, His path. What might I do with so much more time? ANYTHING for a closer relationship with Him, becoming more of my brother’s keeper, finding deeper study in scripture (including present day counsel from our leaders), taught by the spirit, which would then have become a greater part of the newer me. And that may well be the very beginning… There are increasing rewards for those who become increasingly involved and faithful.
Sounds ‘spiritually delicious’, but no doubt comes with temptations and surprises that could make such a direction difficult, challenging, at times seemingly impossible. The adversary will ‘knock himself out’ with his own agenda to frustrate anything that brings us closer to our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ. kdm
* Doctrine and Covenants 128:21
(Edited, first posted 6.27.18.)
