Be Clean

Last Sunday I got a call from a member of my Church's leadership asking me to speak at a Conference that we were having the following Sunday. A member of the Seventy, a General Authority or you one of the higher up leaders in my Church was going to be in attendance as well. He said we want you to talk about how you stay clean in an unclean world and you only have five minutes. Boom! If you know me I'm kind of long winded, not to mention speaking about such a loaded topic. But all week long I couldn't stop thinking about that question.....

I really wanted to say something profound. I wanted to say something that everyone would remember. Maybe even something that was quotable. I know really humble right...oh well. But then I realized I didn't have anything profound or new to say. The same simple things keep coming into my mind and they are as about as simple as it gets.

1. Daily prayers
2. Daily scripture study
3. Understanding the consequence of sin
4. Keeping the Sabbath Day holy

I'm sorry guys, nothing new here. But I think that is what makes them so important. So often we push aside the simple things when we want help in this crazy, messed up world. We want some big profound answer when we've been taught the correct answer for as long as we can remember.

Daily Prayer & Scripture Study:

"Never let a day go by without holding family prayer and scripture study. Put this, the Lord's program, to the test; and see if it does not bless your home with greater peace, hope, love, and faith. I promise you that daily family prayer and scripture study will build within the walls of your home a security and bonding that will enrich your lives and prepare your families to meet the challenges of today and the eternities to come."  - Elder L. Tom Perry

I love this quote about prayer and scripture study. I'm so far from perfect. But one thing I always make sure I do is pray each morning and read my scriptures. Whether it is with my family, on my own, or before I go to bed. It is no secret that the world is getting worse so we need that protection more then ever. I know it is because I do those things that I have an easier time pushing off temptations. 

Understanding the Consequence of Sin:

Kind of a loaded topic and I'll only touch on it briefly but I think too often we talk about repentance, repentance and repentance. Don't get me wrong, I'm not downplaying the importance of it, it is so important! What I'm saying is we don't often talk about what will happen if we do sin, so that we can just avoid the repentance process all together. 

Because I understand the consequence of sin I don't ever have to wake up the next morning wondering what I did the night before. I don't have to worry about getting any crazy diseases. I don't have to worry about getting caught and going to jail. Of course these are all worse case scenarios but I'm grateful that I can live a life that even though I still make mistakes I'm free from the large consequences that could really harm me. 

Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy:

This is huge for me, and I even found myself getting emotional as I talked about it in my talk yesterday. I love Sunday. It is hands down my favorite day of the week. Not because I don't have to go to work and not because of the football games that are on (I don't even watch those anyway). But because I get to go to Church, I get to renew my covenants, I get to think of my Savior and build my relationship with him. I get to be rejuvenated for the upcoming week. Readjust my armor and prepare for whatever that week has to throw at me. I've found the Sundays when I ask myself the question "Will this help me draw closer to Christ?" my Sundays are so much better!

Some think that having to go to Church on Sunday takes away from their day off but to them I say going to Church and truly worshiping on the Sabbath Day is the true way to show your Savior and Heavenly Father you are grateful for the six other days he gave you that week and so much more! 

How can you ensure that your behavior on the Sabbath will lead to joy and rejoicing? In addition to your going to church, partaking of the sacrament, and being diligent in your specific call to serve, what other activities would help to make the Sabbath a delight for you? What sign will you give to the Lord to show your love for Him? - President Russell M. Nelson

I'm so grateful for the knowledge I have been blessed to have in my life of how to live a clean and pure life. I by no means am perfect and will continue to strive to be better but I love knowing that I am on a safe and clean path. One where as I continue down it I can become closer with my Savior. If you have any questions about what I've written please comment below or feel free to contact me!