Big sins and little sins

Dear friend

We might think to simplify the categories of disobedience to God's commandments as either "big sins" or "little sins". While this might be conveniently concise, it may also be devilishly dangerous. It is a simple step to see little sins as of little significance. Satan loves this thinking. In fact, he thought it up.

I wonder if the trivial transgressions are not actually the tacit test of trustworthiness. I like the truism contained in the Lord’s couplet as recorded in the New Testament, Luke 16:10.

10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

There is a lesson here for the casual convert. We might discern the dallying disciple not so much by looking for serious sins, but by noticing the minimised misdemeanours.

Although guilty of very self-destructive and demeaning deeds, young Corianton was counselled by his father, Alma, to be scrupulous in spurning sin, even to the least level. His fatherly advice on the topic comes from the Book of Mormon, Alma 42:30.

30 O my son, I desire that ye should deny the justice of God no more. Do not endeavour to excuse yourself in the least point because of your sins, by denying the justice of God; but do you let the justice of God, and his mercy, and his long-suffering have full sway in your heart; and let it bring you down to the dust in humility.

Sin is sin, and wickedness never brings happiness. So yes, while perfection in obedient performance comes step by step, we should always remember the stationary stipulation of complete compliance as specified in Doctrine and Covenants 1:31.

31 For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance;

It has been wisely said that the most important commandment is the one we are currently having the most trouble keeping. I pray we will be rigorous in righteousness and daily seek that strict obedience which Jesus taught us to aspire towards.

Samuel.

Look at it this way ... or that way

Dear friend

It is possible for two people to look at the same thing, but perceive it differently. The classic example is the glass half full or the glass half empty. This is generally thought of as a rough test of optimistic or pessimistic personality. Our attitude to gospel principles can also be affected by our personal perspective. Such an insight is suggested in the Old Testament, Proverbs 27:7.

7 The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

I suppose the full soul sees a half empty glass as a trial to finish. The hungry soul sees a half full receptacle as a start to filling their void. A further illustration of seeing things differently comes from the Lord, as recorded in the New Testament, Luke 24:1-4.

1 And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.
2 And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.
3 And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:
4 For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.

This is an example of divine discernment; a more perfect perspective. How we see things can strongly influence how we respond to them. Some people see commandments as restrictions to personal freedom ("thou shalt not ..."). Others see obedience as the chance to accrue beneficent blessings ("if you do this then you get that").

I think it is helpful to occasionally analyse our perspective, in case we are obstructing our options or missing the mark. I believe that in situations of unclear vision, by applying the principle of hope it will help us to see opportunities out of opposition instead of hurdles to happiness.

So I hope we will try to see things more as God sees them, for He sees them as they really are. I pray that our perspectives will be increasingly positive through the Spirit enlightening the eyes of our understanding.

Samuel.

In the Garden of Gethsemane

Dear friend

If ever there was a passage of scripture that should be pondered over and over, it is surely the account of the Lord praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. There is so much to learn and to love. There are so many inspiring insights that allow us access to the divine nature. The words lead us to adore the Saviour more and more. One version is from the New Testament, Luke 22:39-44.

39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Luke says He "went, as he was wont". So Jesus had a special place where he liked to go to speak with His Father. Maybe we should have a special prayer place too?

As with the exemplary "Lord's Prayer", at this critical time He reminds His escorting disciples to pray to avoid temptation. Isn't that counsel still so relevant, so fundamental?

Jesus prayed to His Father in like manner to our praying; on His knees. He understood the enormity and universally unique trial He was about to face and asked if He could avoid it. We too don't always get out of our trials when we ask. Jesus willingly submitted to the Father's will. Do we?

The Father sent an angel, someone to help Jesus through the struggle. He will do the same for us if we need it.

He "prayed more earnestly". What a thought! Even Christ could discover a deeper well within Himself to draw from. Do we know how to dig deep in prayer when things get tough?

The agony caused a physical reaction. Do our worries (or sins) make us ill sometimes? The body and the spirit are intimately intertwined.

I hope we will return often to God's garden to share that moment with Him. Of all the places we might go to discover Him, this is where we learn of Him at His most vulnerable and at His most powerful.

Samuel.