Confidence Waxed Strong

On Friday night, I attended an Eagle Court of Honor. I was impressed by what I saw in the boy getting the award. It emphasized an impression I felt a few years ago when we first moved into our ward: That I would do my best to encourage and assist my boys to earn their Duty to God and Eagle Scout awards.

If there is one thing that I have felt lacking in my personal development, it is the confidence to do what the Lord requires of me. From the Lectures on Faith 3:2-5:

Let us here observe, that three things are necessary, in order that any rational and intelligent being may exercise faith in God, unto life and salvation:

First, the idea that he actually exists.
Second, a correct idea of his character, perfections and attributes.
Third, an actual knowledge that the course of life which he is pursuing, is according to his will.

It is the third that is the kicker for me. The other night we were studying Alma 5, "do ye suppose that such an one can have a place to sit down in the kingdom of God, with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob, and also all the holy prophets, whose garments are cleansed and are spotless, pure and white?"

This is a hard doctrine. How can we expect the Lord to reward us the same as those who have sacrificed, exercised their faith, developed their character so that the Lord can trust them to only ask for that which is according to His will?

I am convinced that by following the program the LDS church has put in place, my boys will gain confidence in themselves to do the work of the Lord. They will be exceptional husbands, fathers, providers etc. While they are young, they will prove to themselves and the Lord that they have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. They will also have faith in themselves. They will live and grow according to His word, "relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save". (2 Ne 31:19).

"To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed"

About a year ago I bought "Simple Gifts" as sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. When I turn my heart toward God I feel the lightness and joy this song has. The joy of simplicity! Here are the lyrics from lyricszoo.com

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,
'Tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,
And when you find yourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed.
To turn, turn will be our delight,
'Til by turning, turning we come 'round right.

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be true,
'Tis the gift to labor 'til the day is through.
And when you find yourself in the place so fine,
'Twill be in the cool of the birch and the pine.
When true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed.
To turn, turn will be our delight,
'Til by turning, turning we come 'round right.

'Tis the gift to be joyful, 'tis the gift to be free,
'Tis the gift, 'tis the gift, 'tis the simple gift to be!
And when you find yourself filled with pure delight,
The gift to be simple has led you aright.
When true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed.
To turn, turn will be our delight,
'Til by turning, turning we come 'round right.