Time for Introspection
I recently came across three different quotes that have caused me to ponder and do a great deal of introspection. Here goes:
"Only those with firm testimonies and full conversions will be able to remain steadfast prior to the Lord's Second Coming."
Does not this explain the state of the world we live in today? We live in a time when wickedness is accepted and glorified. A time when righteousness and faith in Christ are mocked and shunned. And may I be so bold to say that this is true among those who claim to be believers and followers of Christ, even those who belong to His true church. I am reminded of a time several years ago that I realized my testimony was not as deeply rooted as I once thought it was. The idea of not being steadfast was very alluring. Thankfully, through the sweet voice of the Spirit I was reminded why I do what I do, and why I believe what I believe and with this came a knowledge that it is all worth it and that I cannot give up.
So how do we maintain a firm testimony and stay converted to Christ and his Gospel? I believe it is little by little. By the drops of oil added to our lamps as we strive to do the things and live the way Christ taught.
"If you will pay more attention to your spiritual self, which is eternal, than to your mortal self, which is temporary, you can always resist the temptations of Satan and conquer his efforts to take you into his power." - M. Russell Ballard
After reading this I had a conversation in my mind that went something like this: Does this mean I don't have to watch what I eat or exercise? Does this mean I can stop doing laundry and ironing clothes? Does this mean I shouldn't get my hair colored next week? Does this mean I should stop worrying about what color we paint the living room or trying to find the perfect accessories to go with the newly painted kitchen, bedroom and bathroom? Silly girl! Only if these things are taking the place of the attention you are giving to your spiritual self and the spiritual selves of your kiddos.
I think my spirit needs more attention than I am currently giving it. All too often the powers of Satan are winning. Winning in ways that are manifested in a lack of patience, in becoming discouraged and feeling overwhelmed. But this is an if - then type statement. If I want the reward, I have to do the if. This promise is not new, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. . . But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all things shall be added unto you," just said in a new way. A way that speaks to me.
"Pride creates a noise within us which makes the quiet voice of the Spirit hard to hear." - Henry B. Eyring
I love the imagery this quote creates. It seems so simple if I just removed pride from my life/heart/mind then communication from the Spirit would be so much clearer and easily understood. So how do I remove pride? Perhaps a good place to start would be with things like repentance, forgiveness, and charity. Perhaps a good study and application of the Atonement of Christ would help too!
It always feels good to take a moment for introspection. It turns in to a truely "thankful moment".
"Only those with firm testimonies and full conversions will be able to remain steadfast prior to the Lord's Second Coming."
Does not this explain the state of the world we live in today? We live in a time when wickedness is accepted and glorified. A time when righteousness and faith in Christ are mocked and shunned. And may I be so bold to say that this is true among those who claim to be believers and followers of Christ, even those who belong to His true church. I am reminded of a time several years ago that I realized my testimony was not as deeply rooted as I once thought it was. The idea of not being steadfast was very alluring. Thankfully, through the sweet voice of the Spirit I was reminded why I do what I do, and why I believe what I believe and with this came a knowledge that it is all worth it and that I cannot give up.
So how do we maintain a firm testimony and stay converted to Christ and his Gospel? I believe it is little by little. By the drops of oil added to our lamps as we strive to do the things and live the way Christ taught.
"If you will pay more attention to your spiritual self, which is eternal, than to your mortal self, which is temporary, you can always resist the temptations of Satan and conquer his efforts to take you into his power." - M. Russell Ballard
After reading this I had a conversation in my mind that went something like this: Does this mean I don't have to watch what I eat or exercise? Does this mean I can stop doing laundry and ironing clothes? Does this mean I shouldn't get my hair colored next week? Does this mean I should stop worrying about what color we paint the living room or trying to find the perfect accessories to go with the newly painted kitchen, bedroom and bathroom? Silly girl! Only if these things are taking the place of the attention you are giving to your spiritual self and the spiritual selves of your kiddos.
I think my spirit needs more attention than I am currently giving it. All too often the powers of Satan are winning. Winning in ways that are manifested in a lack of patience, in becoming discouraged and feeling overwhelmed. But this is an if - then type statement. If I want the reward, I have to do the if. This promise is not new, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. . . But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all things shall be added unto you," just said in a new way. A way that speaks to me.
"Pride creates a noise within us which makes the quiet voice of the Spirit hard to hear." - Henry B. Eyring
I love the imagery this quote creates. It seems so simple if I just removed pride from my life/heart/mind then communication from the Spirit would be so much clearer and easily understood. So how do I remove pride? Perhaps a good place to start would be with things like repentance, forgiveness, and charity. Perhaps a good study and application of the Atonement of Christ would help too!
It always feels good to take a moment for introspection. It turns in to a truely "thankful moment".
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