Things have been going pretty well: I went to the temple the other day and basically got confirmation that scripture study, being penitent, is one of the biggest keys to my success in overcoming my addictions and turning my will to God.
I’ve felt that many times and this time was another clear answer and reminder.
I don’t want to have to rely on anyone besides my Heavenly Father to get this done though. I don’t want to have Becky be bugging me to study. I don’t want to have to be reminded all the time or start over again and again.
I want to make gospel study an integral part of my day to day routine. I’ve felt that power before and know it’s there.
I read through President Uchtdorf’s talk again last night about pride and was reminded of how my unwillingness to do what I know God wants me to do is a direct manifestation of pride – doing my will instead of God’s.
Every mortal has at least a casual if not intimate relationship with the sin of pride. No one has avoided it; few overcome it.
Pride is sinful, as President Benson so memorably taught, because it breeds hatred or hostility and places us in opposition to God and our fellowmen…pride is a sin of comparison, for though it usually begins with “Look how wonderful I am and what great things I have done,” it always seems to end with “Therefore, I am better than you.”
Pride is the great sin of self-elevation. It is for so many a personal Rameumptom, a holy stand that justifies envy, greed, and vanity. 8 In a sense, pride is the original sin, for before the foundations of this earth, pride felled Lucifer, a son of the morning “who was in authority in the presence of God.” 9 If pride can corrupt one as capable and promising as this, should we not examine our own souls as well?
So the question that comes to me is this: I know that pride exists and that it is the core issue I have with all the things I deal with, but how do I overcome pride and turn my will over to God consistently?
We can be grateful for our health, wealth, possessions, or positions, but when we begin to inhale it—when we become obsessed with our status; when we focus on our own importance, power, or reputation; when we dwell upon our public image and believe our own press clippings—that’s when the trouble begins; that’s when pride begins to corrupt.
We know that the contribution we can make by ourselves is small; nevertheless, as we exercise the power of the priesthood in righteousness, God can cause a great and marvelous work to come forth through our efforts. We must learn, as Moses did, that “man is nothing” 15 by himself but that “with God all things are possible.” 16
…in all things we seek to do the will of the Father, just as the Savior did. 19
It means that we lose ourselves in the service of others, just as the Savior did.
These ideas give me some direction, and then President Uchtdorf asks the very same question:
So how do we conquer this sin of pride that is so prevalent and so damaging? How do we become more humble?
We don’t discover humility by thinking less of ourselves; we discover humility by thinking less about ourselves. It comes as we go about our work with an attitude of serving God and our fellowman.
Humility directs our attention and love toward others and to Heavenly Father’s purposes. Pride does the opposite. Pride draws its energy and strength from the deep wells of selfishness. The moment we stop obsessing with ourselves and lose ourselves in service, our pride diminishes and begins to die.
SERVICE, serving other people, looking for ways to help others – this is one of the best answers. Through reaching out and serving others, we stop thinking about ourselves and think more about others.
I’m grateful for this study today!
I want to overcome pride and be my best self!
Hasta manana!
Nate
Recent Comments