Mosiah 2:22-41
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The first sentence in verse 22 says it all: "And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments."
I truly believe we do not understand just how easy we have it.
Yes, our lives are hard at times, but a good portion of that is our own fault. The rest is part of the trial. But, the pain that we feel in this life is minimal compared to the pain that is required for us to be cleansed and return to God.
The Savior has suffered beyond our comprehension so we don't have to suffer more than we need be. He has done the hard part. In comparison, our lot is easy. All we have to do is keep His commandments and trust Him.
With that perspective, my trials seem light and trivial. I am not bleeding from every poor. I am not at death's door, needing angelic support. I am not hanging from a cross. He has done all of that for me.
I can handle what's been give me in gratitude because of that, and for many other things: the life he has given me, the blessings I receive for keeping the commandments,and so on.
We who keep the commandments should be in a blessed and happy state (v 41). If we are not, perhaps we are trifling with the things He has given us.
The first sentence in verse 22 says it all: "And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments."
I truly believe we do not understand just how easy we have it.
Yes, our lives are hard at times, but a good portion of that is our own fault. The rest is part of the trial. But, the pain that we feel in this life is minimal compared to the pain that is required for us to be cleansed and return to God.
The Savior has suffered beyond our comprehension so we don't have to suffer more than we need be. He has done the hard part. In comparison, our lot is easy. All we have to do is keep His commandments and trust Him.
With that perspective, my trials seem light and trivial. I am not bleeding from every poor. I am not at death's door, needing angelic support. I am not hanging from a cross. He has done all of that for me.
I can handle what's been give me in gratitude because of that, and for many other things: the life he has given me, the blessings I receive for keeping the commandments,and so on.
We who keep the commandments should be in a blessed and happy state (v 41). If we are not, perhaps we are trifling with the things He has given us.
Every once and a while I think about writing a letter to my family to be read when I die. When I was reading the words of Benjamin, it reminded me of that same theory. He knew he was headed home and wanted to tell those he loved a few things before he left. I wonder what things I would really say, if I wrote it down. Some of them would be the same as Benjamin.... serve others, love the Lord, be kind to each other, stick together, keep your eyes upward, do what is right and good consequences are sure to follow...
ReplyDeleteAnd if those are the things I would write, am I living them? The way to Heaven is easy, but it is hard as well. =)