Week 14

I was reading in Moroni 7 and came upon  verse 13: "But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God." This seems like a pretty obvious statement, but it made me think of the talk "Good, Better, Best" by Elder Dallin H. Oaks from the October 2007 General Conference. 

I've been watching a decent amount of a TV series and although it certainly isn't evil, it doesn't "enticeth [me] to do good." I've realized that although it is enjoyable while I am watching it, it doesn't leave me with the same good feeling I get after I read the scriptures, have a meaningful conversation with a friend, or serve others. This verse was a good reminder that there are more fulfilling things in life than watching a TV series and that while you're wrapped up in fictional characters' lives, your own life does not stop and you miss out on fun college adventures you could be having. I think this is the point of good, better, best. The best option for me would be to focus on others and try to improve myself for the remainder of the semester rather than get sucked into my tv series. I need to be reading my scriptures more so I can be more receptive to the promptings of the spirit about what I should be doing to help others or improve myself. If I'm not actively seeking for the best options, I will get stuck in the same good situation and I will never improve past my current state. If I truly want to improve, I need to be consistently choosing the best options for myself and heeding the promptings of the spirit so I can become the best me I can possibly be. If this means foregoing my TV show to gain a better relationship with my roommates, I can definitely minimize the amount of time I spend watching it and use that time for the best options. 

Week 13

In my personal scripture study, I was reading in Mormon 9 where Moroni is exhorting all those who do not believe in Christ to repent and come unto Christ. He says in verse 3, "then will ye longer deny the Christ, or can ye behold the Lamb of God? Do ye suppose that ye shall dwell with him under a consciousness of your guilt? Do ye suppose that ye could be happy to dwell with that holy Being, when your souls are racked with a consciousness of guilt that ye have ever abused his laws?"

This verse is really powerful because it reminds me of a conversation I had with my mom. I was wondering why God doesn't allow all of His children to live in the highest degree of glory in the Celestial Kingdom because the scriptures say that's where the happiest people are located. If He really loved us He would want us in the place that will make us the happiest so He should allow everyone to live in the Celestial Kingdom. This line of thinking is inaccurate, however, because those who have not repented of their sins and still take pleasure in things not of God will be fully aware of how guilty they are and want to hide from their maker. They would be uncomfortable and feel inadequate around others who have progressed faster than they have. I certainly wouldn't have felt worthy to dwell there at that point in my life. I'm not sure how the whole system in Heaven works out, but I know that God wants the best for all of his children and as long as they are trying their hardest and putting forth the effort they need to, He will put them right where they need to be because He is a God of love.