Do I Trust in the Lord?

This past week I had a great opportunity for self reflection. This week’s blog topic may not be a direct tackle on the topic of obedience, but I do feel it applies to the commandment of obedience, and will leave it to you to ponder how so!

As part of the weekly reading for my class, I had the opportunity to read in 1 Timothy. There were many wonderful truths, but one that really struck me was in 1 Timothy 6:17, which states: 

“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.” 

This passage admonishes us, Christ’s followers, to be a warning voice. We must “charge” others to put their trust in God (for it is through God that we receive true and everlasting riches), rather than in the world and its temporal riches. But in that moment, I couldn’t help but ask myself if I do the same. Do I truly trust in the Lord more than I do “uncertain riches”? If I didn’t, how could I charge others to do the same?

I began to write out a list of things and people I generally trust in, and then asked myself if I trusted them more than I did my Father in Heaven. I have always felt my trust and faith in God was quite strong, but in this moment, I realized how much that relationship could be improved. It wasn’t that I have no trust in Him, rather a realization that it is nowhere near enough.

How often, when a problem arises, do I reach for the phone and call my mother or best friend, rather than pray to my Heavenly Father? How often do I turn to things such as Netflix to take my mind off things, rather than turn to my scriptures? How often do I shortchange my nightly prayers, especially because I spent too much time on my phone, and should have spent that time talking to my Father? Sadly, the truth is that it is far too often.

When I prioritize and turn to those things rather than to my Father in Heaven, I am trusting in “uncertain riches.” I am trusting in those who are imperfect, more than I am in my perfect Father. To turn to friends and family members is not a bad thing, but we should never value another’s thoughts above those of the Lord’s.

I realize that I am imperfect, and while living in this mortal state never will be, but that does not mean I should not strive for perfection. Upon reflection, I decided to make some changes and set a few goals. One of my immediate actions was to delete certain applications on my phone that were a distraction to me. In doing such a small and simple act, I already feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life so much more than I had before. I have set other goals, such as praying with purpose, and turning to the Lord, before turning to a phone call home.

A friend shared a great scripture with me in Philippians 2:12, which states that we must “work out [our] own salvation.” I know that as I strive to better work out my own salvation in putting my trust in God, I will be able to “charge” others to do that same without hypocrisy, and with sincerity of heart. I have already felt a change in my life, and it has been for the better. I hope this post does not discourage, but rather encourages you to take action too. My hope is that you will be enlightened, as I have been, and I admonish you to ask yourself the same question: Do I truly trust in the Lord more than I do “uncertain riches”? In what ways can I further my trust in Him?

I know that as you do so, and set goals and make changes for the better, you will be richly blessed by our Father in Heaven; and I know that I can extend this promised blessing with no hypocrisy, because I have felt it in my own life.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” - Proverbs 3:5-6

An Example of Obedience Changes Lives

This week in my New Testament class we were studying Romans 1-8. These are chapters that are relatively heavy in doctrine, and the longest epistle Paul wrote to any given people. There was so much cram-packed in a short amount of chapters, making it really difficult to pick what to blog about this week. However, seeing that a big focus in this blog is what is taught about obedience, I have decided to focus on Romans 5:19, which states:

“For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”

Now, this is a powerful statement with a lot of truth, which could also be taken in a lot of directions. My hope is that you ponder the power behind this passage personally, and that you find other ways in which it applies to you. The Holy Spirit is the real teacher of truth, and I am writing to share just a few of my thoughts and things He has taught me.

For me personally, one of the things I pondered about were instances of how disobedience or obedience have affected me directly and/or indirectly, as well as times where my disobedience and obedience has affected another. The list is endless, and there are many examples that could be used. I’m sure you are thinking of many ways (no matter how great or small) right now.

A particular example of obedience that has made a huge impact on my life, for example, took place before I was ever born, and this is a very condensed version:

My mother was not raised a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly known as the LDS or Mormon Church), nor did she practice any particular Christian faith devoutly. She was raised in humble circumstances, and had a belief in God, but many unanswered questions. While in high school she met some girls who were members of the LDS Church. She became good friends with them, and they were a wonderful example to her.

My mom was really impressed by their obedience and faithfulness, especially since they were in their teenage years when most go through bouts of disobedience and dishonesty. They had a light about them, and every time she was in their home, she felt at home. She came to recognize that they, as well as all of their family members, had something special about them. There was something different, and she wanted to know what it was. She wanted to have whatever it was.

She came to recognize that it was the Spirit which dwelt with them, who was present because of their devotion to the faith. Because they were obedient to the commandments of the Lord, they were worthy of His Spirit. My mother’s friends obedience blessed her , and she had a desire to gain the same peace, happiness, and spirit of light that they encompassed. Their examples of obedience and the blessings it brings ultimately lead my mother to “be made righteous” as well.

She was converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and in remaining obedient and faithful has additionally blessed the lives of me, my seven siblings, and many others. If it were not for the obedience and faith of her friends, she probably would not be who she now is, and if it were not for her obedience and faith, I would not be who I am now either (side note: nor would I be here, by the way. She ended up marrying the older brother of these sisters/friends!)

So, the question is: Will I be an example of obedience or disobedience? Romans 5:19 states that all it take is ONE person to lead people toward sin or toward righteousness. I pray to do the latter. I pray that I leave a positive impact upon all that I meet, and that I am never the cause of leading someone astray to a path of sin, but rather to a path of righteousness toward our Savior Jesus Christ, and Loving Father in Heaven.