I recently contemplated the concept of sacrifice.
I was recently taught that in the gospel it means "Giving up something you love, for something of a greater purpose"
I have pondered this concept before, but it wasn't until this afternoon I was really able to truly understand its meaning to me.
A lot friends have said to me "I can't believe that you gave up Iced Tea, Tea is supposed to be good for you" Or sometimes I am attempted to be swayed into buying a strapless dress.
As sad is it sounds, I used to love both of those things so much. However, when I knew my baptismal date was fast approaching last year, after prayerfully considering my options, I knew that I had to make sacrifices.
I then thought over the sacrifice the early Latter-Day Saints made on their pilgrimage West until they finally arrived to the Utah Valley, Where they were finally able to settle down permanently.
These thoughts came upon me in my morning study. I found myself browsing hymns when I came across "Praise to the Man". This hymn, for those to don't know this, sings of Joseph Smith and his glory but also his trials.
One lyric jumped out to me
"Sacrifice Brings forth the blessings of Heaven."
Upon hearing this, I was humbled. I realized that as I complain about my petty sacrifices of Iced Tea and Immodest dressing. Those pioneers, gave up everything they knew and packed up all that they had, because of their faith. They knew that it was where they had to go.
Talk about putting things into perspective.
Then as I continued to ponder, I then thought of the ultimate sacrifice given in the history of mankind...
This was the sacrifice of the Savior and Redeemer of man. Jesus Christ sacrificed everything for humanity's salvation.
Now THAT is humbling.
We are all here on earth, sent to have our agency (freewill) and enjoy everything life has to offer. Yes we make mistakes, but they can be forgiven. This was all made possible through Jesus Christ and His atonement. He did not come to earth to explore and enjoy things for himself. He came to earth to ensure that we could have a chance of eternal life. How incredible is that??
Now when I think about sacrifice I will always remember these lyrics, and know that I can make sacrifices and move forward.
Christ gave his life for me. No matter what I do, I will never be able to fully repay Him, I know that through my little steps I can be on the right path.
I know that I have been blessed for sacrificing things for The Gospel, has it been easy? absolutely not. Has it been worth it? 110%. These thoughts I leave with you in the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.
I was recently taught that in the gospel it means "Giving up something you love, for something of a greater purpose"
I have pondered this concept before, but it wasn't until this afternoon I was really able to truly understand its meaning to me.
A lot friends have said to me "I can't believe that you gave up Iced Tea, Tea is supposed to be good for you" Or sometimes I am attempted to be swayed into buying a strapless dress.
As sad is it sounds, I used to love both of those things so much. However, when I knew my baptismal date was fast approaching last year, after prayerfully considering my options, I knew that I had to make sacrifices.
I then thought over the sacrifice the early Latter-Day Saints made on their pilgrimage West until they finally arrived to the Utah Valley, Where they were finally able to settle down permanently.
These thoughts came upon me in my morning study. I found myself browsing hymns when I came across "Praise to the Man". This hymn, for those to don't know this, sings of Joseph Smith and his glory but also his trials.
One lyric jumped out to me
"Sacrifice Brings forth the blessings of Heaven."
Upon hearing this, I was humbled. I realized that as I complain about my petty sacrifices of Iced Tea and Immodest dressing. Those pioneers, gave up everything they knew and packed up all that they had, because of their faith. They knew that it was where they had to go.
Talk about putting things into perspective.
Then as I continued to ponder, I then thought of the ultimate sacrifice given in the history of mankind...
This was the sacrifice of the Savior and Redeemer of man. Jesus Christ sacrificed everything for humanity's salvation.
Now THAT is humbling.
We are all here on earth, sent to have our agency (freewill) and enjoy everything life has to offer. Yes we make mistakes, but they can be forgiven. This was all made possible through Jesus Christ and His atonement. He did not come to earth to explore and enjoy things for himself. He came to earth to ensure that we could have a chance of eternal life. How incredible is that??
Now when I think about sacrifice I will always remember these lyrics, and know that I can make sacrifices and move forward.
Christ gave his life for me. No matter what I do, I will never be able to fully repay Him, I know that through my little steps I can be on the right path.
I know that I have been blessed for sacrificing things for The Gospel, has it been easy? absolutely not. Has it been worth it? 110%. These thoughts I leave with you in the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.