Endure

Enduring to the end. That's the step we, as latter-day saints, are at for the majority of our lives. Jesus' gospel revolves around five things: 1. Have faith in Christ 2. Repent of your sins 3. Be baptized 4. Receive the Holy ghost, and 5. Endure to the end. 

Approximately eight decades of our lives will be dedicated to this fifth gospel principle. The trick is that in order to accomplish #5 successfully we need to be living numbers 1, 2, and 4 on a daily basis. 

So what does this entail? 

1. We must have faith in Him and His plan - everyday. 

I've been feeling a little overwhelmed as of late. I wake up every morning wishing there were 10 more hours in a day. It's like one big welcome to the conscious world anxiety attack until I get on my knees and pray for help. I've been trying to pray for specific guidance in helping me prioritize my day. The direction I receive afterward requires faith at times. Once in awhile it doesn't make sense to my brain but when I have the faith to do His will, this very day, there is a great peace that enters my life. Enduring to the end is a day to day activity. 

2. Be aware that sometimes you suck as a person (myself included) and be comforted in knowing our Father in Heaven can make weak things become strong. Again, hit your knees and offer up a prayer. Repent. If you're out in public, say a prayer in your heart. I'm totally the lady who can be seen "talking to herself in the car" or zoned out in the aisle at the grocery store - I'm always chatting with Him, trying to keep myself in check. 

3. Openly receive the gift of the Holy ghost E.V.E.R.Y.D.A.Y. Are we searching for His comfort and guidance? Did we take the time to invite Him in before the busy bustle of life began today? And if so, later on, did we listen to what He had to say? The last few months I have been working on developing the attribute of sincere listening. At first my goal was simply to improve my relationships with my family and friends but it is amazing what happens when you take the time to close your mouth, clear your mind, and listen. The Holy Ghost's promptings are real and happen often. I bear testimony of this.

4. In 3 Nephi 27:32 Jesus says, "... for they will sell me for silver and for gold, and for that which moth doth corrupt and which thieves can break and steal." Oh how my heart breaks when I read this verse. What am I selling Him for?  Is it my selfishness, laziness, materialism, an unkind word or thought? Am I selling Him to accomplish my will over His or maybe to suit my convenience?  I hope never. I hope everyday day I will choose to embrace Him, not sell Him for things of naught.

5. Any questions we have regarding enduring to the end can be found by looking to Christ. He gives us the key in 3 Nephi 27:27, "... Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am. 

Everything in Christ's life was about us. Us! It was about you and me and how we can receive ultimate joy. All we need to do is look to Him and endure. One. Day. At. A. Time.