No Empty Chairs

Written 8/24/14

I've been thinking over and over about a quote I once heard, "The world tries to change people from the outside in. The gospel changes people from the inside out."

I was also pondering on the scripture in D&C 18:38 "And by their desires and their works, ye shall know them." The challenge of this life is overcoming the natural man, or in other words, changing not just our behavior to match the commandments, but changing our innermost desires. I thought upon examples in the scriptures of the gospel changing our desires and changing us from the inside out. Take Enos, for example. Enos experienced an "inside out" change. He said that as he was out doing everyday things- in his case, hunting wild beasts- he remembered the words of his father and they sunk deep into his soul. His "soul hungered" (to be forgiven of his sins) and he knelt and prayed. His simple desire, planted by the Spirit, led him to righteous actions, which led to significant spiritual results. His faith became unshaken. He became a great missionary... here we see how life shaping our desires turn out to be.

Compare this to Alma 30- Korihor, the anti-Christ. He had desires to become popular and powerful (desires placed on worldly things) which led him to preach false doctrines pleasing to the carnal man- bombarding the people with wickedness and temptations until they believed Korihor that every man "conquered according to his own strength" and "whatever they did was no crime", and believing there was no life after death- which bombardment eventually led them to "lift up their heads in wickedness" and giving in to devilish desires. Here we can see the stark contrast that the way of the Lord is to invite and prompt- inside out. Whereas the way of the devil is to tempt and persuade- outside in.

The hard part about these changes is that giving heed to the promptings and being changed from the inside out is a process that requires patience and humility. We must choose to yield to the Spirit. The way of the devil is much easier. All we have to do is be passive and comfortable and give into the "natural man" desires we already posses. I know that replacing those desires with Christlike desires is not easy, and I'm not perfect myself, but I know it's the only road to lasting and true happiness and peace.

Thanks for indulging my rambling. The work is going on. I was so sad to hear about Mamo passing away, but I do know that what I teach my investigators every day about the plan of salvation is true: We will see her one day with a perfect and complete body, never again to feel pain or sickness or exhaustion. Death is one part of the plan we must all experience, so that we can see each other again in celestial glory. The Lord comforts those left behind. On Saturday we had the chance to attend a funeral service of one of the members here in Manapla. Death always brings home the need for repentance and preparation to meet our God. I echo Aunt Laura's words, and I take peace in knowing that all of us are living worthy right now so that at the last day, there will be "No empty chairs in Eternity."

Love to you all,
Sister Luke

 

1. A recent convert. This is what they wear when they wash clothes here.

 

2. Happiness is... Krispy Kreme donuts.

3. I hereby dedicate this picture to Sister Andrus. Found this little guy while hanging up my laundry outside and went through quite the ordeal to catch him.