“The Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us plainly, for the salvation of our souls” (Jacob 4:13; see also D&C 93:24).
I’m reading a talk this evening by Elder Bednar titled “Things as They Really Are“.
“The devil has no power over us only as we permit him; the moment we revolt at anything which comes from God, the devil takes power.”2
When any of Heavenly Father’s children misuse their physical tabernacles by violating the law of chastity, by using drugs and addictive substances, by disfiguring or defacing themselves, or by worshipping the false idol of body image, whether their own or that of others, Satan is delighted. To those of us who know and understand the plan of salvation, any defiling of the body is rebellion and a denial of our true identity as sons and daughters of God (see Mosiah 2:36–37; D&C 64:34–35).
Please be careful of becoming so immersed and engrossed in pixels, texting, earbuds, twittering, online social networking, and potentially addictive uses of media and the Internet that you fail to recognize the importance of your physical body and miss the richness of person-to-person communication.
I offer two questions for consideration in your personal pondering and prayerful studying:1. Does the use of various technologies and media invite or impede the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost in your life?
2. Does the time you spend using various technologies and media enlarge or restrict your capacity to live, to love, and to serve in meaningful ways? You will receive answers, inspiration, and instruction from the Holy Ghost suited to your individual circumstances and needs.
President George Q. Cannon (1827–1901), First Counselor in the First Presidency: “God has reserved spirits for this dispensation who have the courage and determination to face the world, and all the powers of the evil one, visible and invisible, to proclaim the gospel and maintain the truth and establish and build up the Zion of our God fearless of all consequences. He has sent these spirits in this generation to lay the foundation of Zion never more to be overthrown, and to raise up a seed that will be righteous, and that will honor God, and honor Him supremely, and be obedient to Him under all circumstances.”7
The Savior has warned us repeatedly to beware of deception by the adversary:
“Jesus answered, and said unto them: Take heed that no man deceive you; …
“For in those days there shall also arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch, that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant. …
“And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived” (Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:5, 22, 37).
“Hearken unto the words of the Lord, and ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things soever ye shall stand in need. Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling before him.
“Be wise in the days of your probation; strip yourselves of all uncleanness; ask not, that ye may consume it on your lusts, but ask with a firmness unshaken, that ye will yield to no temptation, but that ye will serve the true and living God” (Mormon 9:27–28).
These were some of the highlights of the talk.
Now I’d like to look at them from my perspective:
The first thing that really stands out in this talk is the last scripture I copied about “hearkening unto the words of the Lord, and asking the Father in the name of Jesus for what things soever I stand in need. Doubting not, believing, and beginning as in times of old, and coming unto the Lord with all my heart and working out my salvation with fear and trembling before him…” This is such a direct application of Step 7 in the Addiction Recovery Manual. This is what I seem to continue to put off. If I look at things as they really are, I feel the biggest reason I continue to put this off is SELFISHNESS.
Part of me, the part I don’t like, doesn’t want to completely give up my addictions. Part of me keeps saying, “You’re fine…” But I’m NOT!
Today wasn’t a “bad” day per se, but it wasn’t really good either. I lost patience with my class at church a little for being so loud, not paying attention, etc. I lost patience with my kids for the same basic reason. I lost patience with Becky on a few occasions. And I feel all of these instances could have been avoided if I was continuously asking myself the question: “What would Thou have me do?”
I know this won’t happen overnight. But I have to have the faith and courage to start the real process. I can tell Becky is getting frustrated. She has said on a few occasions that she feels she lives with two different people. I feel that way too sometimes. I can go from feeling really good about how things are going to completely losing my temper, which then leads me to browse around and fall in to “lustful tendencies”.
I have a testimony of Jesus Christ. I guess the question is, “Am I living my testimony everyday?”
I taught my kids in church today about Elijah and Ahab and serving two masters. Who is the master than I’m serving right now?
One question that Elder Bednar mentioned, as well, is this:
Does the use of various technologies and media invite or impede the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost in your life?
I feel I’m two people is this area too. When I’m using Facebook for business, I’m doing ok. It’s when I start browsing around that the Spirit leaves and I’m on my own.
I’m grateful for this talk and the points Elder Bednar shared.
I hope to have a great week and really get on my knees and follow these words.
I know the Lord is at the door waiting for me to open it so we can sup together.
Hasta Manana!
Nate
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