And now I remember why true study of God's word is worth the time.
An experiment in perfection: Doing one thing perfectly for one month
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Day 22: Scripture Challenge
It's interesting how the Lord has led me this month. In the beginning, I had only a vague plan of what and how I was going to fill the thirty minutes each day. Before long, I felt a need to study faith. As I studied faith, I was naturally led to love. I am still stuck on love, though each time I study I feel like I am being given another hint at what my Father in Heaven would like me to change. The best part is that the longer I go on this path, the more God changes me. It is not overwhelming because God is in control. As the spirit takes charge of my studies, I am learning at the pace that is appropriate for me. Almost without my noticing or making specific goals (which for me can sometimes become contrived) my heart is changing.
And now I remember why true study of God's word is worth the time.
And now I remember why true study of God's word is worth the time.
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3 comments:
I like this! Sometimes I make lots of goals and hope to change myself that way. It's good, but it's not enough--because most measurable goals are just changes of behavior. I notice that as I study the doctrine of the gospel, and come to understand it better, my vision of myself and my purpose changes, and my behavior changes as a natural consequence. I noticed that last week. We are studying Family History in institute, and we talked about the Spirit World. My heart seemed to undergo a change in just that one class. As I understood the Spirit World, and was able to envision my ancestors there, my desire to do family history work increased. Goals are important, but knowing the doctrine makes the goals mean more to me. I don't know if I adequately connected my thought to your own, Cam, but what you said reminded me of this little family history experience. :)
Great comment, Em!
And cam, I loved that last sentence. We really can't remember the value of sincere, dedicated study unless we're doing it!
My study notes tonight:
Today I got upset with one of the housekeepers because of a letter of resignation she wrote to Mom and Dad. I feel a great dislike and irritation towards her, and have all kinds of judgmental thoughts and feelings towards her. I don’t like this feeling at all! It is the opposite of charity. I’m rarely faced with tests like this because usually I get along with people just fine. When I feel like someone judges and wrongs people as good as my parents, I get upset.
Therefore, I said a prayer about this and asked God to help me overcome these feelings. I decided to take a leaf from Cam’s book and study Charity as she’s been doing lately. I pulled up the topical study aid on lds.org and found the following scriptures:
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things” (Moroni 7:45)
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34-35). In relationships with family members and others, followers of Christ look to the Savior as their example and strive to love as He loves, with unfailing compassion, patience, and mercy.
I bolded the parts I’m failing at right now. Christ commanded us to love AS HE loves. That’s very different from how normal mortals usually do it. I should love this girl (and anyone and everyone else) with “unfailing compassion, patience, and mercy.”
How do I do this?
Maybe I should study this topic for a while, and pray about it.
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.” (Moroni 7:48)
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