Read: Alma 34-36
Mark: Alma 34:32-33
"The thought of intentionally committing serious sin now and repenting later is perilously wrong. Never do that. Many start the journey of intentional transgression and never make it back. Premeditated sin has greater penalties and is harder to overcome. If there is sin, repent now--while you can." --Richard G. Scott
To ponder:
"What does Satan do to try to keep you from repenting? How many reasons can you think of for why it's important to repent now?
Today's quote has really caught me by surprise! I just did not think that people would actually intentionally commit a sin, with the plan that they would repent after doing so. Do people really do this? I guess so, or Elder Scott would not bring this to our attention. I'm fairly certain this is Satan's plan and idea.
ReplyDeleteIt's so important to repent as soon as we realize that we have sinned. Why carry such burdens with us, feeling guilty and bad? Repentance is very positive--it is a turning away from something that is bad and moving toward that which is good. Alma makes it clear that we must repent now.
I love Alma 34:38, where we read: "...and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you." I know that this is not the most importance scriptures of today's reading--but this is what I needed to read, hear and learn today. I truly am not appreciative of all of the many blessings that surround me each day--I need to learn to live in thanksgiving daily.
One final thought: I love Alma 35:16 because to me Alma is preparing to give each of his sons a PPI! He begins with Helaman in Alma 36 sharing his testimony with his son. What an important example Alma again provides for each one of us.
I'm working on catching up! Can't wait to get back on track with the rest of you guys and comment regularly again. It was impossible for me to stay on track during my vacation as it was a family reunion where we all stayed in a house together, so there was NO quiet downtime! I kept getting interrupted, which is fine, because it was important to spend that time with family. I did manage to read a little bit (I'm in Alma 24 right now) and should be all caught up by Sunday at the latest. I love this challenge!
ReplyDeleteHi Jenny, I totally understand! So glad you are still reading with us--tomorrow is another catch up day! Love, Patti
ReplyDeleteOh man, I love Elder Scott's quote! Yes, there are people who think, well, I can always repent later. In fact, there's a common phrase that "it's easier to ask forgiveness than permission" that I hear quite often. It's this twisted logic that since you didn't actually ask whether or not an action is okay that if you do whatever you want it's technically not against the rules and therefore is forgivable by whatever authority you report to (parents, teacher, boss, GOD).
ReplyDeleteIt is SO important to repent now. Not only will you save yourself a LOT of work and heartache, you really can't afford NOT to! What if Christ came tomorrow? In five minutes? Now? Even if it's 20 years or 2000 years down the road, I want to be prepared! There's not really "deathbed repentance" in our faith. We don't have a priest who will come out and magically forgive all our sins as we die and then we're magically saved from a life of transgressions. Even thinking that this is a good way to go is ludicrous and purely a teaching of the devil! We must repent and act righteously to the best of our abilities afterwards to be forgiven of our sins! True, there IS repentance and baptism even after death, but it's a lot harder then than it is on earth.
I just think of how much happier I am because of righteousness. I think of how my burdens are lighter, how I have more peace in my heart, and how I have so much more I look forward to because of my faith in Jesus Christ. I can't imagine how much more difficult my life would be if I were tethered down by sin. It's a sad existence, and I pity anyone who lives that way. So many people see the word repentance as a nun with a ruler--something painful that should be avoided. But repentance is more like doing laundry, where the clothes go in dirty, are agitated, and come out cleaner than before. Sometimes pretreatment is necessary. Sometimes soaking is required. On rare occasions, some clothing is beyond hope and must be thrown out or re-purposed. Any way you look at it, the best stain treatment is regular washing and avoidance of bad substances!
Chapter 34: We should pray over all aspects of our lives and continuously be in conversations with God. If He is to respond to our cries though we must show that charity to the people who are needful around us. Listen & respond is what we must do if we expect Him to do the same for us.
ReplyDeleteChapter 35: Words are powerful. Many took offense at the words of the gospel - either because it called them out in their wickedness, ruined their livelihood or both. This offense at words (and fear that they were true) led to WAR. Make truth a common thing - speak openly and honestly to your children! Leave nothing to surprise.
Chapter 36: Alma shows his humility and bravery in a new way. he shares his mistakes and stories of repentance with his children. Man yparents will share that they made mistakes and that they repented, but I think it takes courage to share the details. He shows his trust in the Atonement & his fear of God is greater than his fear of what men may think. He is proactive with his children. He is not blind to their sins and does not worry about their response to his warnings. He's not worried about being their friend. He does the best thing for them. We should follow his example as a father - as difficult as it may be.