Why are we so hard on ourselves when we don’t read the scriptures or pray every day?
Here’s an idea I’ve been thinking about:
We know that we are going to be judged by our works.
So we start to feel like we are drowning because we just can’t seem to be consistent with our scripture study or prayer habits.
If we are going to be judged by our works, that puts a lot of pressure on us when we feel like we are constantly falling short.
But here’s what we learn in D&C 137:9.
“For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts.”
That last part is the key.
Yes, we are judged according to our works, but it is “according to the desire of their hearts”.
To me, this isn’t an excuse, but instead a beautiful showing of mercy.
How many times have I been stopped from going to welcome a new member at church by a kid who needed me immediately?
Or how many times have I been trying to read my scriptures as my eyes keep closing after a long day?
God sees and understands EVERYTHING.
He isn’t keeping track of our daily scripture study as tick marks for or against us.
He has just asked us to come closer to His Son, Jesus Christ, and He is happy to see any good works we choose to do to bring ourselves closer.
And He also completely understands the desires of our hearts when we fall short of what we wanted to do.
He sees both. The actions, and the desires.
How merciful is our God!
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
