This LDS Gem was particularly thought-provoking this morning:
We can have eternal life if we want it, but only if there is nothing else we want more.
(Bruce C. Hafen, “The Atonement: All for All,” Ensign, May 2004, 98)
This LDS Gem was particularly thought-provoking this morning:
We can have eternal life if we want it, but only if there is nothing else we want more.
(Bruce C. Hafen, “The Atonement: All for All,” Ensign, May 2004, 98)
Interesting question. I’m sure that all of us would say that we want nothing more than eternal life. But our actions are what define us, and ultimately our actions and thoughts will convict us or set us free. Do I want eternal life? Yes, I love the thought of spending eternity in the presence of our Father. The real question is; do I act like I want it? Do I change the station when something questionable comes on the screen? Do I serve others willingly and lovingly? And a million more questions I could ask myself. I’m not trying to pass judgement on anybody. I just feel there is a big difference between wanting something and conducting your life in a way that will generate the desired reward. Darn the natural man, he makes things so hard sometimes.
I agree with Elder Hafen.
Perhaps that’s why our bodies are made to slow down and break down more towards the end of life: To remind us that there’s more coming that “just this”.
Personally…and hey, I’m allowed to my opinion…I think that far too many of us that categorize ourselves as Latter Day Saint are really not keeping the eternal perspective. We focus too much on the riches of this life, and not the life to come.
Frankly, if we’re not using the riches we gain in this life to ensure ourselves and others a more sure hope of happiness in the life to come, I’m afraid we’ll be surprised at the few who make it to the goal of eternal life.
I’m interested to see what others say though…
I am so thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He is our Loving Saviour who trod the winepress alone. Who came unto His own & they received Him not. I recently read from the words of Isaiah found in Isa. 48:10 For, behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction & in Isa. 49:14-16, But Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me. I know that we are loved of God & He has prepared a plan for our Happiness & if we press forward with a steadfastness in Christ feasting upon the words of Christ & endure to the end, having a perfect brightness of hope & a love of God & of all men, behold thus saith the Father, Ye shall have Eternal Life!!! (2 Ne. 31: 20) May we Seek this Hope my Dear Brothers & Sisters.