The theme for Fast and Testimony Meeting on Sunday seemed to be: Recognizing One's Blessings Amidst Trials.
I shared with the branch these thoughts:
I was thinking about a quote I had read a long time ago. In a certain culture (I can't remember which), one of the strongest curses you could wish on someone was to say, "May you get what you deserve."
At the time I remember thinking, "Huh? I can think of way stronger curses than that. Boils on your unmentionables. --Now THAT sounds like a strong curse."
But (as is the case when one is going through struggle), I have since been pondering on things..and that quote came to mind. It occurred to me, what if I only got what I deserved? Now, I've done some good things in my life, but I've made quite a few mistakes, too. What if I only received what I have 'earned' in life?
Luckily, I have a Heavenly Father who loves me enough to give me MORE than I deserve. And who often reminds me that the price of His Son -- included me.
I am so grateful that I can always count on receiving more.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
This is what I learned in church on Sunday
On Sunday, one of the brethren in my branch, Nick Walcott, was speaking on the second Article of Faith : We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.
As he was speaking the realization came to me that by choosing to partake of the forbidden fruit, Adam accepted facing consequences. Eternal consequences are what allow us to know joy and pain/sorrow. Adam and Eve expressed their willingness to be responsible for, to be active participants in their progression. I'd never seen The Fall in that light before.
In Sunday School, Abe was teaching about covenants. He was using the analogy of a leaseholder in a rental agreement (since so many in the branch will be renewing their apartment leases at this time of year.) He asked what type of consequences could result from his living with his roommate without signing the lease?
The thought that came to me was that he would have no claim on the landlord. Should any type of trouble arise, the landlord would be under no obligation to assist or fix the situation. It brought to mind the scripture, Doctrine and Covenants 82:10 : I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say, but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.
So while I do not believe the Lord would ever abandon any of His children, a disobedient child would not have the assuredness, would not have the promise of his aid. You have not bound yourself to Him, so He is therefore not bound to you. It affects one's peace of mind because you feel more uncertain of what your fate may be.
As he was speaking the realization came to me that by choosing to partake of the forbidden fruit, Adam accepted facing consequences. Eternal consequences are what allow us to know joy and pain/sorrow. Adam and Eve expressed their willingness to be responsible for, to be active participants in their progression. I'd never seen The Fall in that light before.
In Sunday School, Abe was teaching about covenants. He was using the analogy of a leaseholder in a rental agreement (since so many in the branch will be renewing their apartment leases at this time of year.) He asked what type of consequences could result from his living with his roommate without signing the lease?
The thought that came to me was that he would have no claim on the landlord. Should any type of trouble arise, the landlord would be under no obligation to assist or fix the situation. It brought to mind the scripture, Doctrine and Covenants 82:10 : I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say, but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.
So while I do not believe the Lord would ever abandon any of His children, a disobedient child would not have the assuredness, would not have the promise of his aid. You have not bound yourself to Him, so He is therefore not bound to you. It affects one's peace of mind because you feel more uncertain of what your fate may be.
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