We
cannot be blinded by the conditions of this world. Satan’s influence is real and he will attack
each of us, we have to be prepared and equipped to fight him.
In
the talk, Do Not Fear, Elder Packer quoted the Apostle Paul, when he prophesied
of “perilous times” in the last days (2 Tim. 3:1),
and he warned, “We wrestle not against
flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers
of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph. 6:12).
Paul’s
wisdom is for us today, we live in perilous times, and if we spend our life
“wrestling” with the things of no value we will have many regrets. It’s easy to get side tracked from what is
right and accept evil for good and good for evil. We live in a day where many people are
followers and lean on man for understanding instead of God. Why is it, even when we know what is right, we
still get side tracked and lose our eternal perspective?
“Wo unto them that call evil good and good evil, that put
darkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet, and
sweet for bitter!” 2 Nephi 14:20
It is surprising how many people look the other
way and do not care about God’s laws. They
profess a belief in God, but only on their own terms. Good for evil and evil for good is becoming
the norm. It makes it easier to sin. The
Ten Commandments are looked at as an old thing, pornography and bad movies have
become acceptable, yet are destructive to society and families.
“Wherefore do not spend money for that which is of no worth,
nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy.
Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken;
and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast
upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness.” 2 Nephi 9:51
The world would have us believe the things
of value are materialistic, that which money can buy. The Lord tells us to invest in the things
which are lasting and which will not perish.
We cannot and will not find the most valuable things amidst the filth of
this world, it darkens our spirits and leaves us empty.
As we combat the evil one, through
scripture study, worship, prayer and obedience, we put on spiritual armor to fight
Satan and his followers. I know the scriptures
are of great worth, feasting on them and delighting in the gospel of Jesus
Christ brings the greatest blessing to my life. I gain strength to conquer the
evils that so readily surround me. I do
not want to live with regrets when there is so much more to life. I, like Nephi, know my flesh is weak but I
also know in whom I can trust. To combat
the evils that surround me I must stand on the Lords side.
Mom
8 comments:
Great insight and scriptural references Mom. I especially liked how you stated " if we spend our life wrestling with the things of no value we will have many regrets." Regret is a good word to use, as each day is over worth, and our actions prove to us our thoughts, and in turn the days we live.
When I think of the bad in the world, I am also reminded of Elder Oaks' talk 'Good, Better, Best.' He talks about how there is "no competition for that contest of priorities," we have too many things pressing on us, and even choosing the good things and not the better or best things to do with our time can even be falling behind closer to what Satan would have us do.
I too know where I stand, and with that will do my best to stay steadfast, and encourage others on the same path.
I loved the discussion on the scripture of not feasting on that which will perish, and to let your soul delight in fatness. There is so much filth out there, but also so much great stuff as well. I hope we can always remember to look for the good stuff. (spiritual bacon)
Aaron you make me laugh! The good stuff is the bacon but it to perishes. :) Life without bacon would be so horrible.
Loren, I listened to part of Elder Oaks talk this week. We get caught in the thick of thin things. Many are good, but not the best we could be doing. It helps me to redirect my time. What do I want to accomplish today? You said, "Your actions prove your thoughts," is so true, what matters most is what we spend our time doing, and sometimes that does cause regrets. Thanks Loren and Aaron for sharing your thoughts.
Great essay mom. It got me thinking about where I have "holes" in my armor. Where does Satan try to attack me because he knows I am weak? And, what can I do to reinforce and strengthen those areas? Food for thought for my Sunday evening. Thx!
I like the part "we can not find value amidst the filth." I have been thinking about that concept a lot lately. Which activities, interests, hobbies, etc are getting me the most value for my time? For my families time? It's sometimes hard to cut out the 'filth' because it is usually easier than working towards something of value, but always worthwhile in the end no matter how hard it might seem at the time. And like Loren said, sometimes filth is disguised as something seemingly good, but even the good can replace the best.
Steffanie, those are great things to think about. I too have many "holes" in my armor. I know what many of them are, I just need to be willing to invest in fixing them. :)
Ellie,
For an assignment I have been recording what I do with my time. It has helped me see what and where my time goes. Some things i thought were good can really be replaced with better things. I made some new goals, focused on God,family, and others. I also included personal time. I know making changes will help me be a better person and even protect me from Satan.
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