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The blessings of heaven

My mission president used to tell us:

Sacrifice is giving up what you want for something you really need.

Hymn number 27 teaches us:

Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven...

What is it that you want? What is it that you need? What are you willing to give up to get it?

One of the most powerful passages of scripture is found in Alma relative to the conversion of the king of the Lamanites. Remember this one? On his first encounter with Ammon, he was ready to give up half his kingdom if Ammon would spare his life. Later, when Aaron came to teach him about the gospel, he was ready to give up his entire kingdom for just the knowledge of the truth. Finally, he admitted to God that he was willing to give up all of his sins to know Him.

I don't think I am there yet.

I have my own personal sins that I like to hold on to. I wish I were. Oh, how I wish I were.

I wish I could speak more gently and lovingly to my wife and children.

I wish I could treat others with the kind of respect they deserve as my brothers and sisters.

I wish I didn't struggle with things I struggle with.

So the beat goes on. And I will struggle within myself - for this is the good fight, the race that will be run, and the road that leads to eternal progression.

I have felt His spirit, as I do now, testifying and cleansing and fortifying.

God be thanked for His matchless mercy, light, and power.

Comments

Anonymous said…
I just wish I was as good as you.
March 5, 2009 at 4:10 PM
Jeanette said…
Just remember there was only one perfect son, the rest of us are just here to muddle through the best we can, and learn as much as we can before the sand runs out.
March 5, 2009 at 5:50 PM
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