"I Don't Have Time Right Now"

This week has been pretty interesting over here. More than anything, I saw things that really represented a clear lack of understanding.

I want to plead with every one of you to not ever say, "I don't have time right now." When talking about the things of God, that has to be the number one priority. And I don't say it because I am a missionary and I want you to listen to me. In this day and age there is a prevailing attitude and understanding that religion is optional. It's something we do on Sundays, or when we have extra time. What we don't understand is Mosiah 2:41 --

"And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it."

This is really the key. God will bless us in all things! Whatever things are taking up your time, you will be able to perform better with God. Who can compete with an omnipotent being? You will never be able to accomplish everything you want to do, without God. But really it's much more than that. If you think that it's too much time, or too much effort, what are you really trading? That time and effort, what difference does it make? It's the difference between living a static, single life, forever, or living with God, and our families, and progressing eternally. I know I've always felt that sting when I know I could have done better, but that now it's too late. Imagine looking up at those who do gain that eternal reward, and knowing it was in your power, that only your decisions stopped you from getting there. That is the "lake of fire and brimstone."

So I urge every one of you who are striving to follow the commandments, to not give up. Not ever. We will always make mistakes, but when we give up we accept our fate. That is when we stop progressing. God will never give up on you. He will always be there lifting you up and blessing you with strength. And to those of you who are feeling like religion is nice and optional, it's never too early to start striving, to accept the blessings God wants to give you. But it will be too late. At some moment this time to change and become will end, and we will be judged. Don't let it beat you! I know everyone can do it. Were it not so, God wouldn't have sent us here to earth. He is your biggest champion! The whole history of the world is small, weak people becoming the most important, through God. Enoch was young and slow of speech, and ended up creating a city so righteous it was translated. You can do it!

And then there are those who don't believe. I implore you to reconsider. At least give it a shot. If you really want to know God, he will reveal himself to you, but in his own way. There is so much evidence for God, but much of it is personal. How one feels when he is praying, reading the scriptures, going to church, all of these things are the evidence for a God. I know correlation doesn't imply causation, but over weeks, months, or years, it does. In the end, it comes down to a choice to believe and experiment. There is a video I have always liked about how one atheist came to believe, and I know it works for everyone, but it has to come from the heart.

https://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/the-hope-of-gods-light

I love you all, and please, please, never give up!!