It has been said that if we are not progressing, we are regressing. Is there merit to this saying? Is it not a commandment to become perfect even as the Savior is perfect? In that way, is it not a sin not to strive to better ourselves daily; in other words, isn't it a sin to be passive in our aspirations for divine perfection? C.S. Lewis in his book The Screwtape Letters writes "It does not matter how small the sins are provided that their cumulative effect is to edge the man away from the Light and out into the Nothing." He continues "Murder is no better than cards if cards can do the trick. Indeed thesafest road to Hell is the gradual one--the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts." So truthfullythere is some validation in the earlier statement. By way of omission, if we fail to become more christlike, we are essentially paving our way on that subtle road.
So how is it that we can conscientiously become more like Christ? Obviously there is much to gain by studying his words and his actions through the scriptures. In Henry IV Shakespeare writes, "Ignorance is the curse of God, knowledge the wing whereon we fly to heaven." However, I believe there is a fundamental difference between knowledge and wisdom. I agree with Lord Tennyson when he wrote, "Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers." Knowledge comes to the mind but wisdom lingers in the core, in the heart of our very soul. Knowledge may weigh on our conscience but it is wisdom that transform our actions. So what is it that we need to emulate from the life of the Savior? In short, everything but this is harder to tackle thantheorize.
The other day I heard a young lady speak on the topic of temple worship. She said that being temple worthy is the only worthwhile goal. I sat and contemplated this presumptuous statement. Surely it is an exceptional goal but aren't there other worthwhile goals involving daily pray or meaningful scripture study? Although this is true, I came to realize that all the worthwhile goals I could think of where included in becoming temple worthy. Now someone reading may say, what about goals involving sports, physical fitness, social relationships. Well clearly social relationships are included in temple worthiness. In the temple recommend
interview, we are asked if we are honest in all of our doings with our fellowmen. What about those encompassing physical fitness? We've also been counseled to take care of our physical bodies; in the epistle to the Corinthians in the New Testament, they've even been referred to as temples. So clearly physical appearances, physical fitness should all be included in temple worthiness. Okay fine, but what about goals like becoming a professional athlete or an expert snowboarder? Jesus commands us to magnify our talents, so once again, I believe temple worthiness encompasses these attributes in our lives. As I pondered these questions and responses in my mind, I quickly came to the conclusion that temple worthiness should be one of our all encompassing goals. Since being temple worthy symbolizes our worthiness to enter into the Lord's presence, it is a good indicator of our spiritual commitment and our spiritual progression.
So how do we become temple worthy? Clearly temple worthiness is a continual process that takes work; we must consistently be conscience of our efforts to improve. Sacrificing to go to the temple is a way to help us stay worthy. Reviewing the temple interview questions, becoming more charitable, being honest with our fellowmen, becoming christlike in all we do are all important in our continual efforts for temple worthiness. As we strive to become temple worthy, we will progress in the sight of the Lord. When we are temple worthy, we not only symbolically enter into the presence of the Lord but we are physically and spriritually prepared to return to Him.
The other day I heard a young lady speak on the topic of temple worship. She said that being temple worthy is the only worthwhile goal. I sat and contemplated this presumptuous statement. Surely it is an exceptional goal but aren't there other worthwhile goals involving daily pray or meaningful scripture study? Although this is true, I came to realize that all the worthwhile goals I could think of where included in becoming temple worthy. Now someone reading may say, what about goals involving sports, physical fitness, social relationships. Well clearly social relationships are included in temple worthiness. In the temple recommend
interview, we are asked if we are honest in all of our doings with our fellowmen. What about those encompassing physical fitness? We've also been counseled to take care of our physical bodies; in the epistle to the Corinthians in the New Testament, they've even been referred to as temples. So clearly physical appearances, physical fitness should all be included in temple worthiness. Okay fine, but what about goals like becoming a professional athlete or an expert snowboarder? Jesus commands us to magnify our talents, so once again, I believe temple worthiness encompasses these attributes in our lives. As I pondered these questions and responses in my mind, I quickly came to the conclusion that temple worthiness should be one of our all encompassing goals. Since being temple worthy symbolizes our worthiness to enter into the Lord's presence, it is a good indicator of our spiritual commitment and our spiritual progression.So how do we become temple worthy? Clearly temple worthiness is a continual process that takes work; we must consistently be conscience of our efforts to improve. Sacrificing to go to the temple is a way to help us stay worthy. Reviewing the temple interview questions, becoming more charitable, being honest with our fellowmen, becoming christlike in all we do are all important in our continual efforts for temple worthiness. As we strive to become temple worthy, we will progress in the sight of the Lord. When we are temple worthy, we not only symbolically enter into the presence of the Lord but we are physically and spriritually prepared to return to Him.
