...remember that ye are free to act for yourselves-to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life.
Often I see people falling away from the church because they have had a particularly hard trial or because someone has offended them. These poor souls are choosing the way of everlasting death. Sure, they didn't choose their trial, but they were free to choose how to react.
In the Lord of the Rings, Frodo says of his trial (to carry the ring), "I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened."
I think that Gandolf's reply to Frodo's complaint is wonderful. He said, "So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with (what) has been given us. There are other forces at work in this world besides the will of evil."
Satan is working hard, but we are blessed to have the gospel on the earth at this time. We have The Book of Mormon and a living prophet to guide us. We are the valiant souls who were saved for this time because we are strong. We are free to act for ourselves and the decisions we make now with "what to do with what has been given us" will affect us forever.
Richard G Scott said,
In the Lord of the Rings, Frodo says of his trial (to carry the ring), "I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened."
I think that Gandolf's reply to Frodo's complaint is wonderful. He said, "So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with (what) has been given us. There are other forces at work in this world besides the will of evil."
Satan is working hard, but we are blessed to have the gospel on the earth at this time. We have The Book of Mormon and a living prophet to guide us. We are the valiant souls who were saved for this time because we are strong. We are free to act for ourselves and the decisions we make now with "what to do with what has been given us" will affect us forever.
Richard G Scott said,
You cannot remotely imagine what the decision to be unwaveringly obedient to the Lord will allow you to accomplish in this life...As you walk the path of righteousness, you will grow in strength, understanding and self-esteem. You will dicover hidden talents and unknown capacities. The whole course of your life may be altered for your happiness and the Lord's purposes...Your righteous descisions determine who you are and what is important to you...For happiness now and throughout your life, steadfastly obey the Lord, no matter what preasure you fell to do otherwise (Making the Right Descisions, Ensign, May 1991, 34).
I know first hand that trials are hard and that we don't always wish to have them, but I am so thankful that I am free to act for myself, that my circumstances, or the actions of others don't control me, I control me. I always have the power to choose how I handle the situation. I have the power to choose the way of everlasting death or eternal life.
2 comments:
It is so amazing and freeing to know that we have this power to control our actions and the course of our lives. How we respond to trials and challenges will determine our destiny.
You know what a big "Lord of the Rings" fan I am, so quoting Frodo and Gandalf sure got my attention. As impressive as their comments are, I am even more inspired by Elder Scott's quote that we can even remotely imagine what we can accomplish in this life if we are unwaveringly obedient to the Lord. And as you and the scripture point out, it's our decision to take advantage of that blessing.
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