There are opposites to everything in this world. There is wet and dry, bitter and sweet, war and peace. Some of the best stories ever told have to do with good and evil. Star Wars is a battle between the evil controlling Empire and the good freedom-loving Rebels. Lord of the Rings is a battle for power that features the peace-loving hobbits and the evil, violent Orcs. And then, there is Heavenly Father’s plan of Salvation. This plan is designed to glorify and lift mankind through the loving atonement of Jesus Christ, our older brother. However, this plan is strongly opposed by another powerful older brother whose arrogance and pride led him and others to rebel against Heavenly Father. Indeed, opposition makes this world a very dramatic place.
We, ourselves, are comprised of two elements – an eternal spirit and a mortal body. The eternal spirit pulls towards the divine and longs for communion with God. The mortal body is selfish and wants immediate gratification and bodily comfort. These two elements, our spirit and our body, war within us and teach us many things.
For instance, we learn to recognize when someone sincerely loves and appreciates us through their support and kindness. Conversely, we learn to recognize hatred and selfishness in the insincere, jealous, and hurtful actions of others. Sometimes we follow the spirit of the Lord and dwell on those things that uplift and bring joy. Other times we follow our natural man (body) as we dwell on thoughts of revenge and ill-will.
As we ponder the perfect love and obedience of Jesus Christ, His atoning sacrifice and ultimate hope for us, the choice between the two paths should be easy. And yet, it isn’t!
As a Christian, you may think you already chose the right path so there is no more to be done. This is simply not true! There are as many decisions to be made as there are seconds in the day.
For example, maybe you are in a negative mood and your friend talks with you and tries to make you feel better but you find yourself making excuses. — “Oh, she doesn’t understand! She never has any problems! Her family is perfect!… and she’s rich too!”
It’s almost too easy to choose negative thoughts, envious explanations, and reasonable justifications over humble acceptance of God’s will for you in your life.
Our natural man tendencies war within us, and the truth is God and goodness must be intentionally chosen EVERYDAY!
How can we do that?
Choose God first. Start your day with a morning devotional that includes prayer and scripture study. This is a great way to be an intentional disciple of Jesus Christ. As the day progresses you may still go off course in your thoughts and actions. But, in doing a daily devotional that invites the spirit of the Lord, you will be more aware when His spirit leaves you. You will know what led you astray and you will know that you must correct your course!
We are not meant to travel this path alone. Jesus Christ showed us the way through His wonderful example of love and service. He was baptized, and received the Holy Ghost. When we are baptized we can awaken spiritually to a new life with the Holy Ghost as our constant companion to help us navigate our complex lives.
Will it be easy? No, it can’t be. The two paths are literally everywhere! However, choosing to hold a daily devotional can help us focus on eternal principles and the joy of living in God’s light. Choosing to build our lives on Jesus Christ will make all the difference.
31 He hath given unto you that ye might know good from evil, and he hath given unto you that ye might choose life or death; and ye can do good and be restored unto that which is good, or have that which is good restored unto you; or ye can do evil, and have that which is evil restored unto you.
Helaman 14:31
