"Mortal life is a marvel of elegance, but by heavenly standards it is coarse of flesh. Wisely designed imperfections-mental, emotional, and physical-make our bodies the perfect schoolhouse. They indicate to heavenly friends that we are still in school, facing problems not found in heaven.
It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. -Psalm 119:71
Mental imperfections severely limit memory and thought for the spirit within. When Nehor offered his falsehoods to the the Nephites, "many did believe on his words, even so many that they began to support him and give him money." In their first estate, none of these people (not even Nehor) would have bought such nonsense. But in the mental limits of the second estate, they embraced what they once rejected. In this schoolhouse, we pass test by trusting rather than brains.
Emotional imperfections permit salty tides to toss the spirit to and fro. But we still have a choice: swim or drift. our best efforts in the strong waves of emotion may seem weak. But what matters is our exertion, not our position, in the ocean of emotion. Will we at least try to imitate the calm and dignity of our Exemplar and turn to him for stability? Strong undercurrents surge from our upbringing, genetic influence, and chemical activity in the central nervous system. These are not always in our control, but in some degree we can react according to the light we have. To our degree, we choose whether to passively float along or actively battle the negative current.
Physical imperfections present all sorts of distractions relating to pleasure, pain, and fatigue. But we are dual beings. The finer part of us must get control of the coarser part before the two fuse together in the resurrection. The daily question is, "Shall I do with my physical temple what God would ask?"
This earthly school offers us our finest hours, even on ordinary days. The lab of the bitter cup teaches us to discern good from evil, polish from stain, living water from poison. Our hearts develop perfect hearing and bearing. Graduation with highest honors awaits every learner who wears the garb of flesh with patience and faith.
In much wisdom is much grief. -Ecclesiastes 1:18
The Lord gave Joseph Smith a sample list of troubles that might be permitted in the life of a righteous person, such as being hunted by bloodthirsty men, opposed by the forces of nature, or jailed unjustly. Then the Lord explained that trouble serves two purposes.
All these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. -D&C 122:7
Trouble teaches. What did Joseph learn from his troubles? Above all, he learned that "the God of my fathers delivered me out of all, and will deliver me henceforth." Serious trouble can give us serious experience with God. The more experience we have, the more we may witness his deliverance. Experience reveals the living God to be a faithful God.
But trials will only give us knowledge necessary to understand the minds of the ancients. For my part, I think I never could have felt as I now do, if I had not suffered the wrongs that I have suffered. -Joseph Smith, History of the Church
Trouble transforms. We are here to do more than experience the goodness of God. We must acquire it.
It seems to me my heart will always be more tender after this than ever it was before. -Joseph Smith, History of the Church
Because of the matchless way it teaches and transforms, a mortal life rich with difficulty is the best educational bargain in eternity. It fits us to be witnesses, heirs, and friends of God. That is why it is worth the trouble."
That is beautiful -- thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteIt reminded me of a video that has really helped me survive the last few months. You may have already seen it... Here is the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQi4FtsdDew
Thanks, again!!
Katrina you beautiful woman, thank you so much for sharing that video. I was only just able to watch it and it had me trickling then flowing in tears. I needed that perspective, especially through some particularly interesting and hard things I have been called to the last few months as well. It has helped me so much and I hope others are uplifted by it too. Thank you Katrina! Miss you!
ReplyDelete