Hi! : D Life has been busy and good! My husband and I are working hard, accomplishing a lot, and a niece and nephew just visited our family (what fun! I Love those wonderful young people!). They just left this morning and I am anxious to blog some photos of our fun on my family blog! But here today, I plan to write about how I spent the remainder of this morning... lying around with my daughter, Mindy… just thinking, talking, and crying (happy tears) with her. I LOVE talking with THAT GIRL! :D
One of the things Mindy and I talked about is being saved by grace. We talked about how amazing it is that even though the greatest efforts we could ever hope to make could never save us, and of how even though we depend upon the grace of Christ to be saved… His grace is there, to forgive us of ALL THAT WE REPENT OF… Could the Atonement also exist to raise us up and perfect us to the level that we strive to reach? I don’t know if this is doctrine (the idea that Christ perfects us to the degree that we strive to attain), but it is something that came to my mind as Mindy and I talked, and I believe that even though we ARE saved by grace, Christ saves those who are true followers of Him; and that if I am a true follower – then I will be STRIVING to walk in His footsteps/live as He lives; and I do… It's part of what I do because I Love Him... And it gives me joy to know that it gives Him joy to see me striving. :D
So… I’m OK with the fact that when I was a youth they called me, “Molly Mormon.” And I’m still striving to be perfect. I’m also very much OK with the fact that I’m NOT perfect. Because I understand that ALL of my efforts could NEVER MAKE ME PERFECT. But I also BELIEVE, in my Savior, Jesus Christ. And I believe that when He said, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect” (St Matthew 5:48) He really meant it. He meant for us (His followers) to strive to be perfect. And even though He is the one who perfects us, I believe that the long hours, weeks, months, and years of striving for a goal, are what make the attainment of that goal sweet. And I believe He gives victory to those who are willing to work for it… Nothing is impossible for Him. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)
I don’t imagine I will attain perfection in this life, but I do believe I should still strive for it - now and always. - And I will continue to find joy in striving… :)
One of the things Mindy and I talked about is being saved by grace. We talked about how amazing it is that even though the greatest efforts we could ever hope to make could never save us, and of how even though we depend upon the grace of Christ to be saved… His grace is there, to forgive us of ALL THAT WE REPENT OF… Could the Atonement also exist to raise us up and perfect us to the level that we strive to reach? I don’t know if this is doctrine (the idea that Christ perfects us to the degree that we strive to attain), but it is something that came to my mind as Mindy and I talked, and I believe that even though we ARE saved by grace, Christ saves those who are true followers of Him; and that if I am a true follower – then I will be STRIVING to walk in His footsteps/live as He lives; and I do… It's part of what I do because I Love Him... And it gives me joy to know that it gives Him joy to see me striving. :D
So… I’m OK with the fact that when I was a youth they called me, “Molly Mormon.” And I’m still striving to be perfect. I’m also very much OK with the fact that I’m NOT perfect. Because I understand that ALL of my efforts could NEVER MAKE ME PERFECT. But I also BELIEVE, in my Savior, Jesus Christ. And I believe that when He said, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect” (St Matthew 5:48) He really meant it. He meant for us (His followers) to strive to be perfect. And even though He is the one who perfects us, I believe that the long hours, weeks, months, and years of striving for a goal, are what make the attainment of that goal sweet. And I believe He gives victory to those who are willing to work for it… Nothing is impossible for Him. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)
I don’t imagine I will attain perfection in this life, but I do believe I should still strive for it - now and always. - And I will continue to find joy in striving… :)
PS. Is there something you can do or change, to help you better follow Jesus Christ? I invite you to "Go and Do!" ;) And enjoy the journey!
Corine :D
Beautiful thoughts. I know He does lift us higher because we are trying and doesn't wait until the next like to apply the powers of the atonement in our lives.I don't know what I'd do without it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Valerie. :) I can't imagine life without Him and the Atonement, either...
DeleteGreat challenge here to go do it
ReplyDeleteHi Cassie! :D Great to see you here! Thank you for your comment! :D I'm so happy that you like the challenge! :)
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