In asking a few days ago what I needed to learn from my trials and challenges, I heard "humility". Therefore, I've been trying to study humility so I can get over the trials! If only it were possible. I get a little successful at trying to be humble and then an uncharitable thought about another person pops into my mind and I get feeling like I'm the greatest and this other person doesn't have a clue. All I have to do is look in a mirror and I see it isn't so. I need to learn how to use the power of my spirit to overcome my worldly mind and body. There is such a big section on humility in the topical guide that I've been studying for a couple of days and haven't gotten out of Proverbs (of course with cross-referencing that just gets me off on new tangents!), but I really enjoy the Amplified Bible with all its possibilities. It adds all these extra words to "amplify" the meaning. I'm all about using a dictionary to get a better understanding of words.
I guess I got off of humility. We've been reading The Redeemer, a compilation of articles by various authors. I have gotten so uncomfortable about Jesus Christ doing so much for me, someone who is not worth all the suffering He went through. I do not like to impose on people. This I have no control over. I guess I agreed to it in the pre-existence. I think we all agreed to things about this life without really knowing what they would mean. We couldn't know until we experienced earth life. Maybe that's for the best, eh?
One insight I received yesterday about gaining humility was "service". I guess if we are busy serving others, we're thinking more of them, loving them, becoming more charitable in our thoughts and hopefully there would be less room for uncharitable thoughts.
2 comments:
My dearest lavonneskid: I just read all of your entries, back to 2007 entry on your 35th anniversary. Yes, I agree with you on your family. I am so proud of you and yours. Your postings of your musings are so good. They should be published. I hope that people will read them. This is not all on humility, just comments on all your musings. You do have a lot to be grateful for, as do I. When you spoke about not being worthy (I don't think you used that word) of the Savior's suffering in your behalf, I thought of Nephi, who spoke of the "wretched man that I am", of himself. We all are in that same boat and you are doing what you are supposed to be doing, by study, prayer and scripture reading. I too feel that way too, and you are better than I am. But, little by little, precept on precept, we build on our spiritual strengths and knowledge. You are my gift from Heavenly Father, a choice gift who has taught me so much by your example. I love you.
"bonsmom"
I realize it has been a few months since you posted this, so I am here to offer you encouragement to continue writing. Keep at it! I am still a reader of your blog and enjoy your insights.
Re: humility, the key to accepting Christ's atonement is having the faith and the willingness to press forward in our lives in such a way that we can improve the lives of others because we have been forgiven. I don't find the expression inappropriate that we become Saviors (as long as we aren't self-exalted or exalted by others) as we utilize the power of the atonement to change ourselves and help others.
I love you very much, and above all, keep writing!
nate
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