The natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love” (Mosiah 3:19).
Many of us become Saints in name only at baptism and spend the rest of our lives struggling to “put off the natural man” and develop the characteristics listed in this verse. How has this struggle prepared you to accept that only through the Atonement of Christ—by becoming one with Jesus Christ and with the Father—can you experience redemption?
I really know now more than ever before that there is no other way to overcome the “natural man” than without the help of God and His son Jesus Christ. I’ve been trying to overcome my character weaknesses by myself for almost 20 years and have only done so so at best.
I fully accept that the Atonement is the only way I can do this. I need to remember, remember and put my trust in God at all times. I feel putting my trust in God and submitting my will to Him has to do a lot with the little things:
- Reading my scriptures every morning
- Working on at least one question per day of the program, preferably at the beginning of the day
- Saying my personal and family prayers
- Setting specific goals that I stay accountable to
Things I’m Thankful For
- That I got some good things done today
- That I started the answers to this question early in the day, although I finished at 4:45 p.m.
- That I got to take Caleb to school today
- That I’m getting off work on time to meet Becky (she’ll be happy about that)
- That I’m working on my goals for the month of May
- Called George about big order
- Chatted with Jeff about VIQ project
- Following up with HS leads tonight and tomorrow
Hasta Luego!
Nate
The main thing I’ve been thinking about lately related to this question is simple “Did you think to pray?”
When I pray and have prayer on my mind continually, things just go better – period. When I try to do things on my own or simply “don’t feel like” submitting my will, I struggle at best.
The ONLY way I’m going to be able to maintain sobriety and overcome my addictions is through Jesus Christ, the Atonement, and submitting my will to God.
I’ve outlined above ways I can do that – now I just need to be consistent and accountable – not just all talk.
I’m grateful for the chance I have to write in my journal and “see” my feelings on paper.
I’m finding that writing things out is really helpful in my recovery.
Hasta Luego!
Nate