Here’s an entry from my scripture journal from over a year ago.  I found it useful then, but didn’t feel like I could share it until now.

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.  (1 Tim. 6:3-5)

I found this block of verses and I was excited because it perfectly skewers a problem I’ve been having lately with my own thoughts.  They are thoughts of not fully consenting to wholesome words of doctrine and asking, “But what about me?” and “But what if…?” as if the wholesome words won’t be true for me.  I’ve realized something was wrong with it, but I haven’t been able to put my finger on why.  But Paul does, brilliantly.

It is pride to think that the rules and promises won’t apply to me.  If the wholesome words do not answer my questions, then nothingcan answer to my satisfaction and I must just obsess about those questions endlessly, envying others for the blessings that come to them (because they keep the commandments) but not to me (because I don’t), surmising evil will happen to me and everyone else, and falling back on filthy lucre as a manifestation of God’s favor (because spiritual blessings are withdrawn).

But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage. (Mosiah 7:33)

This, I suppose, is the antidote to my problem above, along with repentance.  I need to turn to God with full purpose of heart and serve Him with all diligence of mind.

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