Thursday, March 11, 2010

Choices

We go through life and have to make choices every day...

I am going to share 2 men's choices with you and then ask you (and me) to think about who we are more like... obviously, I do not expect you to say who you are more like... this is just a thought question for each of us...



Here goes...



The 1st example is the rich man in Matt. 19:16-22



16. And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
17. And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
18. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
19. Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love they neighbour as thyself.
20. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
21. Jesus said unto him, if thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
22. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for had great possessions.



The 2nd example is King Lamoni's father in Alma 22:15-18



15. And it came to pass that after Aaron had expounded these things unto him, the king said: What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou has spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day? Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy.
16. But Aaron said unto him: If thou desirest this thing, if thou wilt bow down before God, yea, if thou wilt repent of all thy sins, and will bow down before God, and call on his name in faith, believing that ye shall receive, then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest.
17. And it came to pass that when Aaron had said these words, the king did bow down before the Lord, upon his knees; yea, even he did prostrate himself upon the earth, and cried mightily, saying:
18. O God, Aaron hath told me that there is a God; and if there is a God, and if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto me, and I will give away all my sins to know thee, and that I may be raised from the dead, and be saved at the last day....


What lack I yet? (and walk away because it is too hard)
or
I will give away ALL my sins to know Thee!


What are we willing to give away that we might know Him?

8 comments:

rad6 said...

I sure know who I WANT to be like!
The amazing thing to me is that we all have favorite sins... just one or two little things we would rather not give up. I am sure King lamoni's father had a few favorites too... but if we are truly converted we will give away even our favorite sins...
hence the word... ALL.
Love this post.
I needed to think about this! Thanks

Robin Beck said...

Just dropping in to tell you that you can come to Washington any time you want-Just give me a little notice and you guys can stay at our place and I'll take you around to all the hot spots!

Good seeing you on my blog!


Smiles and hugs,

Robin~♥

CB said...

Great post! I love examples that come from the scriptures.
I have thought about this before and I think it is good for all of us to keep these things in mind. We all sin and will continually do so. I have decided in my life that the older and wiser I get the easier it is to give up those things that sometimes can be hard to let go of. (Does that make sense?)
I think that is why I love the older sisters in our ward. They are so wise - they are over earthly things, and earthly desires, and eartly habits - they have learned. It is good to get old and be wise - but we need to start while we are young! I know I need alot of practice!

How did your talks go?

Joy For Your Journey said...

I love the story of King Lamoni's father. I am not quite there yet--there are a few sins I seem to be clinging to, but I have a hope of being better.

I like how you compared the two stories.

Pancake said...

K, Shaila, I told you I dont blog anymore, but thought I would see what it was you were wanting. Here is a various spin on your thought... Why is it that the church in the meeting houses and in the temple baptismal font, has the picture of the rich young man? Ponder that.... What lessonS could there be for us? Maybe ... to remind us,at least by the font, that there is someone, who did give everything for us to have the gospel. What lessons for us are there?
I love Lamoni and his progression. First he would give half his kingdom, how do material things and giving them away .. compare to giving away sins? (Badly phrased question, but you get it)
I like how the ruler too, came to Christ, if I recall, he RAN to him... what a good contrast to how he left.
Are we willing to do as the Savior asks? What has he asked of you, that is like unto giving away all your posessions?
anyway.... have a good day my dear friend. you are doing such good things with those kids. you are a blessing to so very many. Love you! ME

Pancake said...

K, Shaila, I told you I dont blog anymore, but thought I would see what it was you were wanting. Here is a various spin on your thought... Why is it that the church in the meeting houses and in the temple baptismal font, has the picture of the rich young man? Ponder that.... What lessonS could there be for us? Maybe ... to remind us,at least by the font, that there is someone, who did give everything for us to have the gospel. What lessons for us are there?
I love Lamoni and his progression. First he would give half his kingdom, how do material things and giving them away .. compare to giving away sins? (Badly phrased question, but you get it)
I like how the ruler too, came to Christ, if I recall, he RAN to him... what a good contrast to how he left.
Are we willing to do as the Savior asks? What has he asked of you, that is like unto giving away all your posessions?
anyway.... have a good day my dear friend. you are doing such good things with those kids. you are a blessing to so very many. Love you! ME

The Kooky Queen--Rachel said...

Love your spiritual insights! You are such a powerhouse. :)

Dev & Di said...

look at mt blog. I nominated you for beautiful blog.