Here’s the problem:
When we fall short of a goal, we tend to throw the whole thing out for a bit.
It’s human nature for many of us.
We don’t have time for our full workout, so we just skip the whole thing anyway.
And we do it with gospel habits, too!
“I’m way too tired to study a whole chapter of scriptures tonight so I’ll just go to bed and start again on Sunday.”
Paul gives us some really powerful counsel:
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord…” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Paul gives us counsel to be STEADFAST and UNMOVABLE in the work of the Lord.
But what about when we fall short of our habits and goals?!
I like to think of this scripture as two parts:
First, Paul is counseling us to be steadfast and unmovable— in Jesus.
Be so firm in our commitment to Jesus Christ that there is NOTHING that anybody could say or do to take that away from us.
And then, Paul’s asking us to abound in good works.
Do good things as much as we can!
It doesn’t need to be an “all or nothing” approach.
We miss one month of our temple attendance, we just try again the next time.
We read just a couple scriptures as our eyes are closing because we want to invite the Spirit into our lives as much as possible.
We can’t give our full commitment to our calling, so we just show up and give what we can.
The Lord isn’t looking for perfection, so He doesn’t want us to throw our efforts away when they aren’t perfection, either.
Be steadfast in Jesus.
Be unmovable in our testimonies.
And then fill our lives with the good works that we are able!
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
2 Responses
These thoughts so hit home. Recently moved, retired and admittedly not diligent in my study. All this adjusting! I have eased into not beating myself up but as you stated, resolve to do better at whatever and know that Heavenly Father and our Savior sees and loves my efforts. Kind of like watching my grandson play little league baseball and cheer for his efforts to improve.
Love this, thank you for sharing!