The world often views rules and standards as restricting - as prison bars, in a way - and I suppose I can understand why. I've been asked many times about my reasons for obeying commandments and not just doing what everyone else does. Some think we Mormons are just sheltered and never given a chance to see the real world. But that's not true.
Yes, we have standards. Yes, following them can keep us from doing other things - sometimes things we even want to do. And yes, there is a time when everyone questions the reasons. But ... the reasons are good ones. Through all of my experiences, I've learned a simple truth: I'm happier when I keep the commandments. I'm happier when I do what's right. And in the end, it's not the righteous choices that I regret. It's the choices when I knew better, and pressed forward anyway. Of course, I learned a lot from those choices, so I can't really wish them away. But that's not the point I'm trying to make. :)
As Jean A. Stevens said in General Conference yesterday morning: "The gospel is not weight. It is wings." Only through doing God's will do we ever truly fly. Only in letting go of temporary pleasures and 'happiness' can we find true joy. And isn't that our goal - true joy?
We are meant to have joy, but we can't get there without letting God help us, and He helps us by guiding us in the right directions. He loves us enough to give us our agency, and He knows that we need every experience we go through. He knows what choices we'll make before we make them, and He's ready to help us through them. But along with our agency, He gives us other gifts: the Holy Ghost, the scriptures, prophets, and countless others that help us choose good paths. And despite our sometimes feeling restricted, we're really being given the keys to true freedom. To flight.
As we obey His commandments, God is giving us wings. Wings to fly. Wings to set us free forever.
Be open and ready to hear His voice, because you never know when the trial of your faith will come. Flying always starts with a leap of faith. <3
Bonnie Gwyn
Bonnie you are an amazing
ReplyDeleteMy iPad keeps freezing up. This is my 3rd try to comment. I am so impressed with you. You are a "SATURDAY'S WARRIOR" for sure. Keep up the good work....and keep flying
ReplyDeleteWhat wise words. I agree with you that obedience frees us to fly.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting The Busy Mom's Daily.
I'm not Mormon, but I have my own faith and agree with your words. Some people see other's believes as a wall and we know they are a bridge.
ReplyDeleteBrandon Ax: Writer's Storm
Once, I blindfolded the children in my second grade church school class & had them try to walk a straight line. First alone, then holding one end of a rope, and finally, holding my hand. When they held my hand, they were most secure & traversed the line with smiles on their faces.
ReplyDeleteThat's the way I experience following Christ, following the commandments, accepting what many I know consider restrictions. I can smile and soar because I know I'm within the boundaries He has set for me.
Thank you for this lovely post. I'm not Mormon but I'm very happy to be learning more of what Mormons believe and live. And thanks for stopping by my blog, http://lovedasif.com/. I look forward to reading more of your work. God bless.
I really like this, "I'm happier when I do what's right." Nice job.
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