This talk, given by C. Terry Warner (back in 2001, at Ricks College) is something to think about, ponder, then move us into action. I present it to you as a challenge.
One day, Bro. Warner decided to arrange his scriptures by topic. This was of his own volition, without assignment, and was clearly an enormous undertaking, but one which he hoped would bring him closer to the Lord, which was his purpose in doing it. When he completed his little project, he indeed felt closer to the Lord and learned a great lesson: “Stepping out on our own to do what’s right, to obey the commandments of our own free will, to go beyond the minimum that’s expected—this draws into our lives the delivering and sustaining power of God.”
Elder Busche spoke similar words, “When we take a responsible step to do what is right or sacrifice what is wrong…we will be given strength to persist. What the Lord contributes is infinitely greater than what we contribute, but it comes to us only by our initiative and diligence.”
The words INITIATIVE and DILIGENCE intrigued Bro. Warner. The definition of Initiative is a willing, decisive action that starts something going. Diligence is a constant, attentive, persistent, caring effort to accomplish something. And, may I add, isn’t this the very reason we chose to come to earth: to prove our initiative and diligence to the Lord, over Satan?
He states several examples in the Book of Mormon; those who have shown these two characteristics: Nephi, because he desired to see and hear and know for himself; Enos, who prayed mightily; The sons of Mosiah, choosing to go on a 14 year mission; The Lamanites, who buried their weapons; The 2000 sons whose idea it was to fight for their fathers; Captain Moroni, Teancum, Nephi and Lehi. You will find more.
Satan always has a counterfeit. In this case, it is the attitude of “This is just the way I am”– I’m not churchy, I’m too shy, It’s too hard, etc. Bro. Terry quotes Pres. Kimball with a lengthy checklist. It says, in part, “You need to evaluate yourselves carefully. Take a careful inventory of your habits, your speech, your appearance, your weight, and your eccentricities, if you have any. Take each item and analyze it. Can you make some sacrifices to be acceptable? You must be the judge.” Bro. Warner follows up with, “You must take the initiative to claim your blessings. Work diligently at becoming a Christ-like person. Then the help from heaven comes.”
He suggests we create a list of everything we, a Latter-day Saint, should be. Then do it. With each triumph, cross it off your list. We know where our weaknesses lie. We know what the prophets have asked us to do. And we know what we aren’t doing. Many of us just shrug it off and say, “It’s too hard”, or maybe, “some day I’ll get to it”. Bro. Warner says, “Examine that statement. It is not an explanation. It’s an excuse. Remember the principle: When we take a responsible step to do what is right and sacrifice what is wrong, there flows to us, often immediately, a quiet confirmation from the Spirit of the Lord that we are doing right, and encouragement and strength to keep going.” Start with something small, or easier, if you have to. But once you initiate the course, diligently walk along its path.
Recognize that Satan will try to stop you. Do not let him win. He cannot control you. “Often it is only when we make an effort to repent that we realize how tight [his] grip on us has been. You must completely avoid entertaining the sin in any form, even in thought.”
Bro. Warner’s testimony is powerful and motivating. “I bear witness to you, from my personal experience, that putting our whole heart into learning and living the gospel draws the Spirit of the Lord into our lives, with stirring power. We feel filled as if with fire to worship God and learn of His ways. Our confidence begins to “wax strong”, a lively hope awakens within us confirming that we are on the course to eternal life.”
My challenge to you is to create your list of weaknesses. Turn them into your strengths. Prove to the Lord why you have come to earth, and why you choose Him.
(If you go to www.byui.edu you can do a search for this talk: Initiative and Diligence)