A Mighty Change of Heart

I visited another ward’s gospel doctrine class today because somebody I knew was teaching the class (my daughter). It was an awesome lesson (in my unbiased opinion) – jammed packed with spiritual jewels. Basically, she talked about the difference between “belief” and “conversion.” The difference being that when we are converted to the gospel we are compelled to act: To change our ways and follow the Lord. There was one analogy in particular that has been playing and replaying in my mind that I’d like to share with you. She asked the class if any of them had ever tried to go up a down escalator. It takes a concerted effort. If you stop moving forward, you immediately get dragged down. She likened that to trying to follow Christ. We have to be continuously moving forward, upward toward our Father in Heaven. If we stop, we get dragged down by Satan and worldly desires. She challenged us to pick one thing to work on for 21 days. It didn’t have to be anything big like quit smoking or drinking. It could be something like controlling our anger, being kinder to our family and friends. Whatever we choose we must make a sincere effort to improve that quality in our lives. Since I’m perfect, I don’t have anything to work on…oh wait, I guess that’s my problem. It’s that old “pride” thing again. I guess I have to quit thinking I’m so perfect. But for 21 days…come on.

In keeping with this subject. Here is a list we received from our Bishop enumerating the qualities that indicate a change of heart:

1. Faith crowds out doubt
2. Fear, worry, and insecurity are replaced by peace, self assurance, and self confidence
3. We have no disposition to do anything outside of the will of God
4. We develop an unquenchable desire to serve and help others
5. We generate an uncompromising fidelity to worthy causes
6. We are content in any of life’s circumstances
7. Time becomes precious and is used in worthwhile endeavors
8. We have a keen desire to align our lives with what God would have us do
9. There is a constant striving to realize our full potential here in mortality
10. Our relationships take priority over self centered desires
11. There is a striving for truth and the Spirit that conveys it truly becomes a constant companion
12. The tendency to be critical of others is replaced with a desire to be encouraging to those around us
13. Our ability to live in the present and hope for the future is strengthened
14. The Word of Wisdom takes on new meaning
15. Things of the Spirit overshadow the vain things of the world
16. We develop a great desire to be in the Temple
17. The adversary’s influence in our lives becomes ineffective
18. It is impossible to offend us
19. Our desire to share the Gospel impels us to action
20. Our countenances change to reflect the light of Christ
21. Optimism becomes a constant and enduring quality in our lives
22. We are reminded often of the love God has for us
23. We adopt the Atonement of Christ as a central and fundamental part of our life here in mortality
24. We communicate with God continually
25. We generate a desire to put everything around us in order
26. Repentance becomes a daily activity

Perfection

If no one and nothing is perfect, why do we try so hard to make it so? My house isn’t always perfect (and I don’t care – it’s good enough for company). My kids aren’t really perfect (at least that is what others would have me believe), and I’m not perfect (well I am, but I’m not at liberty to say that – however you may feel free to think it if you’d like and I won’t argue with you). But when I start a project, any project, I go into it trying to make it perfect. It won’t be, but if that is my goal, then it will turn out a whole lot better than if I just go at it half way.

The good thing about me is that when things don’t turn out perfect, I don’t beat myself up over it. I know that I did everything I could and the rest has to be up to whoever else is involved. There is always going to be somebody who slacks off. There are a lot of people who say they want to help, but when you ask them to do something, they don’t do it. I keep the receipt and don’t ever ask them again. When I really need something to be done, and done right, I know who to call. (That’s why there is an old saying that if you want something done, ask the busiest person you know, not the one who has nothing else to do. Believe me – that it true!)

My advice to you is not to hold yourself up to anyone else’s standard. Just like golf, if you try to play up to the club champion’s level, you’ll feel like a failure. Every golfer is competing only with himself and trying to improve his own game.