Continuing from a previous post: Finding Peace “Not Withstanding My Weakness”
From Elder Neal A. Maxwell: In the scriptural display window we see Lehi struggling as an anxious and “trembling parent.” (2 Nephi 1;14.) We see sibling rivalries but also deep friendships like that of David and Jonathan. We see that all conflict is not catastrophe. We view misunderstandings even in rich relationships like that of Paul and Barnabas. We see a prophet candidly reminding King Saul that there was a time when “thou wast little in thine own sight.” (1 Samuel 15:17.)
We see our near perfect parents, Adam and Eve, coping with challenges in the first family, for their children, too, came trailing traits from their formative first estate.
We see legalistic Paul, but later read his matchless sermon on charity. (See 1 Cor. 3.) We see a jailed John the Baptist—and there had been no greater prophet (Matt. 11:11) needing reassurance (Matt. 11:2-4) We see Peter walking briefly on water but requiring rescue from Jesus’ outstretched hand (see Matthew 14:25-31); later we see Peter stretching out his strong hand to Tabitha after helping her restore to life (see Acts 9:36-42) Moroni was not the first underinformed leader to conclude that another leader was not doing enough. (See Alma 60.) Nor was Pahoran’s sweet, generous response to his “beloved brother” Moroni the last such that will be needed. (See Alma 61.)
What can we do to manage these vexing feelings of inadequacy? Here are but a few suggestions:
- We can distinguish more clearly between divine discontent and the devil’s dissonance, between dissatisfaction with self and disdain for self. We need the first and must shun the second, remembering that when conscience calls us from the next ridge, it is not solely to scold, but to beckon.
- We can contemplate how far we have already come in the climb along the pathway to perfection; it is usually much farther than we acknowledge. True, we are “unprofitable servants,” but partly because when “we have done what was our duty to do” (Luke 17:10), with every ounce of such obedience comes a bushel of blessings.
- We can accept help as well as gladly give it. Happily, General Naaman received honest but helpful feedback, not from fellow generals but from his orderlies. (See 2 Kings 5:1-14.) In the economy of heaven God does not send thunder if a still, small voice is enough, or a prophet if a priest can do the Job.
- We can allow for the agency of others (including our children) before we assess our adequacy. Often our deliberate best is less effectual because of someone else’s worst.
- We can write down and act upon, more of those accumulating resolutions for self-improvement that we so often, uncovered, at the edge of sleep.
- We can admit that if we were to die today we would be genuinely and deeply missed. Perhaps parliaments would not praise us, but no human circle is so small that it does not touch another, and another.
- We can put out hand to the plow, neither back or around, comparatively. Our gifts and opportunities differ; some are more visible and impactful. We have at least one gift and an open invitation to seek “earnestly the best gifts.”
Continued with Finding Peace III.
