101- 1-13-25 Spritual Growth

 In my personal study this week I have been diving deeper into Elder Christofferson’s talk from this past Conference, Burying Our Weapons of Rebellion. Below are so of my favorite parts of his talk, and thoughts of how I can apply them in my life.

I don’t have to look very hard for things I need to “bury” or improve upon personally. Some of these things for me are what Elder Christofferson describes as “passive rebellion”, but nonetheless rebellion. Rebellion against what God wants for me and what the Spirit’s constant companionship requires of me.

In his talk he describes it this way: “Perhaps the more insidious form of rebellion against God, however, is the passive version—ignoring His will in our lives. Many who would never consider active rebellion may still oppose the will and word of God by pursuing their own path without regard to divine direction. I am reminded of the song made famous years ago by singer Frank Sinatra with the climactic line “I did it my way.” Certainly in life there is plenty of room for personal preference and individual choice, but when it comes to matters of salvation and eternal life, our theme song ought to be “I did it God’s way,” because truly there is no other way.”

Invitation: Ask ourselves, What may be a “passive” form of rebellion in our life? What “small” thing, maybe even something we justify or rationalize in our thinking, goes against the will of God? What “my way” can be thrown away, as we apply the gift of repentance in our daily lives?

Identify it, and then change it, eliminating it from who we are, and allowing ourselves to grow spiritually.

An example for me of doing it “my way” and not the Lord’s way could be when I’m irritated, annoyed, or frustrated with someone I can tend to be dismissive, or judgmental. Thinking that if I just ignore, or remove myself from the situation, that I’ve solved the problem. Clearly this is a flawed way of thinking if my goal is to become more like Christ. The scriptures teach the exact opposite of my “natural man” response, to show kindness and forgiveness, tolerance and long suffering. To turn the other cheek, not to run and hide, or give silent treatment until the sting of the initial “smite” goes away. 

 

For me, one of President Nelson’s greatest teachings is on repentance. He has taught us, “When we choose to repent, we choose to change! We allow the Savior to transform us into the best version of ourselves. We choose to grow spiritually and receive joy—the joy of redemption in Him. When we choose to repent, we choose to become more like Jesus Christ!”

I love that so much. Isn’t that what we all want, to be the best version of ourselves. Striving to find ways or things in our lives, often things that come so naturally and easily, to repent of. Daily repentance, one day at a time, aligning our will with His. What seems like a very large undertaking, but such a rewarding process. In this process we feel closer to our Heavenly Father. We feel a greater dependence and appreciation for our Savior. And we relish in the gift and blessing of have the Holy Ghost as our constant companion.

Another example given by Elder Christofferson that is so easily relatable is how we speak to and about others. It’s so easy to be critical, or trying to be witty at another’s expense. Most times not meaning to be hurtful, we let words fly from our mouths faster than we have given thought to them. Quoting James from the New Testament he teaches us how we all can quickly fall into this form of “passive rebellion against God.

“But the tongue [it seems] can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

“Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

“Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”

Lastly, Elder Christofferson closes with my favorite scripture, and his testimony.

“In the end, burying our weapons of rebellion against God simply means yielding to the enticing of the Holy Spirit, putting off the natural man, and becoming “a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord.” It means putting the first commandment first in our lives. It means letting God prevail. If our love of God and our determination to serve Him with all our might, mind, and strength become the touchstone by which we judge all things and make all our decisions, we will have buried our weapons of rebellion.

Our Heavenly Father and His Son, our Redeemer, have confirmed Their unending commitment to our ultimate happiness through the most profound love and sacrifice. We experience Their love daily. Surely we can reciprocate with our own love and loyalty. May we bury—very, very deep—any element of rebellion against God in our lives and replace it with a willing heart and a willing mind. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.”

I have really enjoyed studying this talk again this week. I hope that we each will take time every night, to kneel in prayer and ask our Heavenly Father to whisper to our minds and hearts what we might work on to more closely align our will with His. And when He answers, which I know He will, that we give all our might, mind, and strength to make these changes. 

I love you all so much! Have a wonderful week. 

Dad

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