June 15, 2010

Today I am reading a Conference talk by Jeffrey R. Holland. It is called Place No More for the Enemy of My Soul. This talk had to do with how to protect ourselves from immoral actions that destroy families. It is true that all of us are "assaulted by immoral messages of some kind flooding in on us from every angle." And it is also true that, as he points out, "immoral activity isn't just a man's problem." I have been tempted with immoral thoughts myself. I made a point, even though it was not easy, to talk to my husband about the temptations facing me. And let me tell you, it was so much easier to talk to him about the thoughts I've had instead of waiting and having the burden of sinful choices on my soul! In fact, talking with him about the thoughts and temptations that were plaguing me really helped strengthen me. I haven't been bothered with those thoughts since then, but I know that they, and others, may strike at any time. That is why I am grateful for this talk and the reminders about how to protect myself from the assault of immorality.

One suggestion he gave really struck me. This is what he says: "If a TV show is indecent, turn it off. If a movie is crude, walk out. If an improper relationship is developing, sever it. Many of these influences, at least initially, may not technically be evil, but they can blunt our judgment, dull our spirituality, and lead to something that could be evil. An old proverb says that a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, so watch your step." This really was a good reminder to me, especially where he says these influences may not technically be evil. I have found myself justifying certain things before... a movie, or a relationship... and using that very reasoning... this isn't evil. So I am grateful for the guidance here that even if the particular influence is not evil... "watch your step!"

His next suggestion has to do with thoughts and this one I have given much thought to due to a recent experience I had. I was away from my husband, attending a business convention for the weekend, and I cannot even begin to describe how heavily and forcefully the adversary began attacking me. It began with thoughts and he was trying desperately to get me to accept and embrace the ideas that a thought doesn't hurt... it's just a thought... no one can ever know what you're thinking... indulge yourself a little... you can have some real fun with your thoughts and no one will know... it's not like you'll be doing anything... and on and on. It was quite incredible how forceful Satan's attack was. I am very grateful for the Spirit and my choice to read good literature, for at this convention, in the inbetween times when I was just sitting in my seat, I would open up a book I had brought with me. I was reading Norman Vincent Peale's The Power of Positive Living. And in it he quoted someone and I will never forget reading these words, "Thoughts are the ancestors to deeds." I loved the word "ancestor" because it implies giving birth. And giving birth is something that is basically inevitable. With no complications, a woman impregnated will give birth to a living, breathing human being. So when I read that, it was like I could look into the future and see the pedigree chart, so to say, of what kinds of deeds the thoughts I was being tempted with would give birth to. And then and there, I decided surely that I would not allow a single one of those innocent seeming thoughts to take root in my mind, for if I did, they surely would bear deeds down the road that would tear me away from everything I want and hold dear in my life. It was a powerful lesson for me, and I'm glad that I have now recorded it.

My favorite part from this talk is this: "If you are endowed, go to the temple as often as your circumstances allow. Remember that the temple arms you with God's power... puts His glory round about you, and gives His angels charge over you. And when you leave the temple, remember the symbols you take with you, never to be set aside of forgotten." I have felt the protecting power of the temple and this has inspired me to want to attend more frequently so that I can continually have that protecting armor around me. Because it really is a constant battle for souls. I know Satan wants me and will never give up on attacking me. But there is something I want more, and that is an eternal marriage and family. I will do everything I can to keep my relationship with my husband holy and undefiled. I want our family to be forever.