August 10, 2010

Tonight I finished up reading Alma chapter 24 about the converted Lamanites who gave up their lives rather than take up the sword, and whose act ended up converting over 1,000 more Lamanites to the Lord. The thing that most impressed me as I read this story is in verses 18-19. In those verses it contrasted the things they would have done prior to their conversion to the things they would rather do now. I saw this as a rather applicable question and answer session with myself to see where my own heart is in my own conversion process. Would I rather give up my own life than shed the blood of another? Would I rather give to people than take away from them? Would I rather labor abundantly with my hands than spend my days in idleness? What do my actions say about where my heart is? I have been "brought to believe and know the truth." Am I "firm" in my conversion? Would I rather suffer death than commit sin? I want to answer "yes" to all of these questions, but I also want to really pay attention to my own actions over the next while and really ask myself sincerely if I am firm in my conversion and if my actions are evidence of that firmness of faith. I have a feeling I will be pleased with what I discover. I am so grateful for the power of Jesus Christ to wipe away my pain. I experienced that today and it was beautiful and wonderful beyond measure. Accepting the atoning power of Christ in my life is so cleansing, peaceful, and most of all, it is absolutely liberating. I am so grateful for this amazing gift.