September 28, 2010

Tonight I finally finished the rest of Alma 30, verses 30-60. One thing Alma said to Korihor stood out to me. He said, "ye have put off the Spirit of God that it may have no place in you." I have learned for myself that doing everything I can to welcome the Spirit's influence and to be worthy of his constant companionship is the one sure way that I can be protected from the pull of the adversary. I know I cannot be deceived (for long) when the Spirit has place in my heart, and likewise, if I "put off the Spirit," I surely will invite spiritual destruction and apostasy into my life. That is not a choice I am willing to make. Standing out in opposition to God is a dangerous place to be because one always has to live with the consequences of their choices. Korihor wasn't willing to back down from his opposition and lost not only his ability to speak, but eventually his life. What a sad end to his life! If I were to apostatize and at some future point discovered I was mistaken, that there is in fact a God, I would truly regret so much of my life and choices. But staying faithful and obedient I have found has helped me to really become a person of strength and great character. If I find out at some future point that there is no God, I would in no way regret the life I have chosen to live. So, for me, I choose to believe. And I choose to keep my heart open to the Spirit. I am grateful for the guiding influence I feel in my life as a result of my choices.