Preventing Spiritual Rebellion: Insights from Helaman 4 and 2 Timothy

 

Spiritual rebellion often begins with small sins that weaken faith. In Helaman 4, we see how minor transgressions lead the Nephites into turmoil. These sins cloud judgment and disrupt peace, highlighting the need for vigilance against even the slightest wrongdoing.

Helaman 4:11-13 emphasizes the consequences of sin. Sin not only weakens individuals but can also erode entire nations. When we ignore God's commandments, we open the door to rebellion. Sin creates isolation, pushing us further from God. To guard against rebellion, we must cling to divine principles and seek connection with our faith.

Pride creeps in silently, leading us away from humility. It manifests when we prioritize our ideas over others or refuse help. This self-centeredness fractures community unity and pushes us towards rebellion. Recognizing pride is crucial. We must embrace humility, seek feedback, and encourage openness to foster a supportive environment.

Wealth can lure us away from spiritual values. It tempts us to measure worth by riches instead of character. As we accumulate wealth, we risk losing empathy and connection. To avoid this trap, we should set boundaries, prioritize values, and share resources with those in need.

Ignoring the plight of the poor is another form of spiritual rebellion. Disregarding their needs erodes our morality and weakens community bonds. We must nurture compassion to prevent spiritual disconnect. Reflecting on our actions can help us recognize our role in building a supportive society.

In Helaman 4, humility is often targeted by prideful individuals. Smiting the humble leads to spiritual decay. We must appreciate and promote humility, recognizing it as a strength, not a weakness.

Mocking sacred beliefs tears down faith. It cultivates cynicism and discourages devotion. To counter this, we should choose respect over ridicule, allowing our spiritual connections to flourish.

Denying prophetic guidance leads to instability. Ignoring the Spirit of Prophecy creates confusion and weakens faith. We must actively seek and apply prophetic teachings to navigate our spiritual journeys.

Murder signifies severe moral decay and spiritual rebellion. It not only destroys lives but also creates cycles of hatred and isolation. To promote peace, we must practice forgiveness and build community bonds.

Theft undermines trust and moral standards, leading to spiritual rebellion. To combat this, we must restore faith and rebuild trust in our communities.

Lying creates distance in relationships and erodes faith communities. Honesty fosters deeper connections and strengthens our collective integrity.

Adultery and sexual immorality fracture families and disrupt communities. The emotional scars can ripple outward, leading to broader spiritual decline. Recognizing these impacts can help us make better decisions that honor our values.

Contention breeds division and weakens faith. It creates distrust and isolates individuals. We must address conflicts early to prevent spiritual rebellion from taking root.

Exegetical insights from Helaman 4:22-26 illustrate how sin diminishes personal and communal strength. Minor sins can escalate, leading to widespread rebellion. Therefore, we must remain vigilant against spiritual decay and prioritize unity.

In 2 Timothy 3:2-4, Paul warns against behaviors that signal spiritual decline. These negative traits create cycles of weakness that mirror the issues in Helaman 4. Spiritual rebellion can occur swiftly, even among the faithful.

Elder M. Russell Ballard emphasizes the importance of covenants as anchors for our faith. He warns that neglecting them can lead to spiritual rebellion. Today, we face distractions that can pull us away from our spiritual paths.

Open dialogue and community support are vital for addressing doubts and strengthening faith. Reflective practices can help individuals reconnect with their spiritual roots.

Lastly, signs of spiritual rebellion today include declining church attendance and questioning core beliefs. Understanding the causes can help us foster a more engaged faith community.

By recognizing the dangers of sin and the importance of maintaining strong spiritual roots, we can avoid the pitfalls of rebellion and strengthen our connections to faith and community.

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Our Call to Go Forward with Faith in God

 

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels

~ Exodus 14:13-15 ~

And Moses said unto the people, fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you today ... The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward

As we contemplate the many challenges all of us faced in the past year - there appears to be a call upon the hearts of men to go forward without fear, to stand still, to allow the Lord to fight for us, and hold our peace so that we are able to see the salvation of God unfold. For us, we faced a pandemic, economic shut down. People have lost loved ones, lost employment, experienced natural disasters worldwide. We have also seen an increase in human despondence and desperation.

Even among those who claim to be faithful Christians - we have seen murmurings, complaints, and a movement of deconstructing faith. Challenging religious pious traditions into a more palatable gospel and teaching. And many appear to proclaim the end may be ever progressing nearer to Christ's return. And because of this, there appears to be a continual call of a spiritual awakening and revival that brings people back to the principle truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our present condition seems bleak, dreary, and unfortunate. Behind us is an army of chaos, violence, and increase in disharmony, injustice, and deconstruction of our values and truths. Before us stretches a sea of uncertainty, fear, doubt, and a fathom of despair. A pandemic that has yet to see an end to where we are able to get back to a place of normal living. Continued increase in political, religious, and social divisiveness.

The condition of the Israelites appeared to be unfortunate. The armies of Pharaoh coming after them and the sea was before them. The command of God was for Moses to call the children of Israel to press forward into the sea. However, what we learn is that God's commands give us assurance, protection, and faith in that he will guide us through any challenge or obstacle.

Nephi commented to his father the following observation:

I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.

1 Nephi 3:7

Today, we have faced the challenge of a pandemic that impacted our world. A pandemic that seems to have changed the course and fabric of the way we live our lives. This came on the heels of the end of chaos, violence, and protests that had occupied our society and culture the previous year. To say the least, we are ever living in times of increasing uneasiness, of uncertainty, and times of groanings and increase in vain imaginations of a man's heart (Genesis 6:5; Psalm 2:1-3, 140:2; Proverbs 6:18, 12:20; Jeremiah 11:8, 13:10; Zechariah 8:17; Acts 4:25; Romans 1:21).

Yet, we are still called to go forward with steadfastness of faith in God. This calls us to be faithfully obedient to the will of God - no matter the obstacles and challenges we may face in this life. Moses obeyed God, raised his rod, and the sea parted for the Children of Israel to cross over. Our willingness to walk in faithful obedience to the will of God is done with humility and without murmuring or dispute (Philippians 2:14).

Murmuring is an act of rebellion and sin

In the October 2001 General Conference Address - H. Ross Workman gave a message on the parable of the Nobleman and the Servants (Beware of Murmuring). In this message, he relates his desire to persuade us to listen to the prophets and leaders of the faith. He also warns us of the deceptive tactics of the adversary. This deception comes through our murmuring and disputes.

Workman outlined how murmuring leads to disobedience and potentially apostasy from the truth and light of God.

The first observation is how the servants began to question those instructions given. Workman observes:

They felt to exercise their own judgment upon the instruction given by their master: "What need hath my lord of this tower, seeing this is a time of peace?" they said (D&C 101:48). They questioned first in their own minds and then planted questions in the minds of others. Questioning came first.

The next stage observed is how those servants began to rationalize and excuse themselves from doing what they had been instructed to do. Quoting D&C 101:49, we read: "Thus, they made an excuse for disobedience.

And the third step, accord to Workman's observation, is slothfulness in following the commandment of the Master. Quoting D&C 101:50, we observe: They became very slothful, and they hearkened not unto the commandments of their Lord.

The end resulted in disaster.

Workman also observes:

God has blessed His children with prophets to instruct them in His ways and prepare them for eternal life. The ways of God are not easily understood by man. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord” (Isa. 55:8). Obedience is essential to realize the blessings of the Lord, even if the purpose of the commandment is not understood. Ibid

And then shares this insight:

The adversary whispers the deceptive invitation to murmur to thus destroy the power that comes from obedience. Ibid

It is quite unfortunate that within the membership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and in Christianity general - many have given themselves over to murmuring and disputing of what God has declared, taught, revealed, and commanded. This is evident with the rise in the progressive and deconstructing faith movement.

From what one gathers, the idea behind this deconstruction of faith movement ascribes to the idea that one examines their faith to the point of tearing down any old beliefs, identifying any views that may be outdated or intolerant within acceptable social norms, and then reconstruct such faith based on world standards and ideas.

While it is true, we are to examine our faith and scrutinize it - it is done in the sense to examine our thoughts and motivations to see if they are in line with God's will and desire. Unlike the scripture call to examine our faith, the movement calls us to do so outside the guidelines of scripture. Much of this, unfortunately, has gained prominence among many people who have felt abused, neglected, or isolated within their respective faith community. Others do so under the guise of adopting the ideas and beliefs of the social justice movement wherein they change the nature, character, attributes, and understanding of who Christ is. To a person who has undergone deconstruction of their faith - Christ is fashioned as a social justice warrior sent to overthrow what is perceived to be tyrannical oppression of a society that marginalized certain people. They misinterpret passages reflecting Christ's statements concerning the poor and less fortunate.

In one such conversation - I mentioned that Christ never challenged Roman authority, nor Caesar, or even said anything in opposition or judgment concerning Rome. What we do find is Christ constantly focusing on the false and hypocrisy of the religious leaders in how they have corrupted and change the ordinances, laws, and teachings of God.

What this leads us to is to understand that modern deconstruction of faith is the stage and act of murmuring and disputing our faith until it is molded and fashioned after the cares and desires of this world. One questions the commandments and teachings of God. One begins to whisper and converse with others to where they begin to question and challenge the teachings and commandments of our Heavenly Father. Such individuals then begin to rationalize and excuse their behavior, beliefs, and thoughts. Finally, they are led to act out in open rebellion, falling away, and challenge the established truths and principles that now confront their deconstructed faith in God.

God is calling us to have confidence in Him

The command for us to go forward in faith is a call for each one of us to have a firm and resolved assurance and confidence in obeying all that our Heavenly Father has revealed and taught through his son Jesus Christ. Whether it is through scripture or those whom he has called to lead His Church - we are to believe on such authority all declarations and commands. All warnings, and instructions. When those things appear to be at variance with our views, we are to remember what the Psalmist says: All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies (Psalm 25:10).

Our call, therefore, to go forward. Not to step back. Not to remain stationary. We are to go forward fighting the good fight of the faith (2 Timothy 4:7); where we work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). To do so means we are willing, ready, and committed to do all that the Lord has commanded for he has given no commandment whereby he has prepared a way for us to accomplish it (1 Nephi 3:7).

Go forward with a humble mindset

Humility is not one of many Christian virtues. It is the root of all Christian virtues. Therefore, as we go forward, we do so with a humbleness of mind. Stripping away any pride or vanity. Not acting arrogant in thinking we are wise, worthy, or showing any merit of compassion and mercy in the past year. No, we go forward with contrition of spirit, humble and meekness of repentance and forgiveness. As the Lord taught, we seek forgiveness for our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us (Matthew 6:12-14).

We go forward with humility in remembering that it is not merely our opportune to worship our Heavenly Father on the Sabbath. We are called to worship and serve God throughout the week as well. While the sabbath is a day of rest for us - we are called to minister, to teach, to call all men and women unto repentance through grace, love and compassion, and to serve in whatever capacity where we show love and kindness daily.

Go forward with a grateful heart

The Apostle Paul calls each one of us to not only serve God and others. To minister and show charity. We are called to rejoice and to pray - giving thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) always. And what type of thanks are we to show gratitude for? Gratitude toward his mercies upon us and the salvation through Jesus Christ (Psalm 97:12).

Through Jesus Christ, our Heavenly Father has shown us the grace and mercy of the infinite atonement. Through Christ, we find an eternal purpose and destiny. Through Christ, we are given peace - not the peace of the world (John 14:27). We are also blessed with an abundant life (John 10:10) through Christ and the infinite atonement.

Go forward knowing God provides and fulfills his promises

Those who have humbled themselves and sought God through deep prayer and meditation, walked in humility and faced the challenges of the past year - have done so with the assurance and confidence that God will make way and provide for each of us. This is the promise for those who choose to willingly follow Christ. Those who were willing to walk in faithful obedience to the will and desire of our Heavenly Father, adhering to the teachings and commandments he has given.

Having established our confidence and assurance of faith. Going forward in humility and with contrition and a repentant heart, worshiping God and serving him, and praising and giving thanks - we are firm in our conviction that our Heavenly Father will fulfill his promises. He has declared, I will never leave thee nor forsake the (Hebrews 13:5).

Go forward with steadfastness in prayer, meditation, and fasting

How are we able to go forward if we neglect the power of prayer, meditation, and fasting? Our souls will be exposed to temptations, to murmurings, and disputing. Instead, when we give over to earnest and constant prayer, we shall experience a deep and enriching love and relationship with our Heavenly Father. We bring every need to His throne of Grace. We make our petitions known (Philippians 4:6).

Go forward with confidence of our divine destiny of immortality and eternal life

Finally, we shall go forward knowing that God's purpose and plan is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man (Moses 1:39). We endure, overcome, and do all that which is in our power, through the grace and will of our Heavenly Father, to lay hold upon the crown of righteousness that awaits us (2 Timothy 4:8).

We are on the cusp of a new year. Make it a year of going forward with steadfast and bold faith in Christ. Go forward with a steadfast humble mindset. Go forward into the new year with a resolve to seek forgiveness as you are forgiving others through grace, love, and compassion. Show kindness and love toward one another. Go forward with a grateful heart, worshipping, serving God, and doing all that he has taught and commanded us. Go forward with the spiritual discipline of prayer, meditation, and fasting to seek God's will continually. Finally, go forward with assurance and confidence in knowing you have a divine destiny of an immortal and eternal life through the infinite atonement of Jesus Christ.

As we go forward, let us also remain still, seek the salvation for which the Lord our God shall shew forth unto us. That as we endure, overcome, and seek to do the will of the Father that we shall lay ahold upon the crown of righteousness for having fought the good fight.

When we put away all the foolish doubts, the questionings, the murmurings, the complaining, and the disputes - we shall open our eyes, hearts, minds, and spirit to the Grace, Truth, Life, and Light that is Jesus Christ. Let us, therefore, go forward with a mindset of being more Christ-like so that our light shines forth unto the darkness whereby men come to know the love and mercy and grace of God.

Cultivating Joy Through Repentance

Photo by Xan Griffin on Unsplash

 

Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.
~ Doctrine and Covenants 58:42 ~

The huge project to renovate the Salt Lake Temple continues. From my office I have a front-row seat to watch the work taking place on the temple plaza.

As I have watched workers dig out old tree roots, plumbing, wiring, and a leaky fountain, I have thought about the need for each of us to remove, with the Savior’s help, the old debris in our lives.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of repentance. Because of the Savior’s Atonement, His gospel provides an invitation to keep changing, growing, and becoming more pure. It is a gospel of hope, of healing, and of progress. Thus, the gospel is a message of joy! Our spirits rejoice with every small step forward we take.
~ President Russell M. Nelson - Welcome Message to the April 2021 General Conference ~

There is forgiveness and healing for each one of us. It comes by way of Christ's infinite atonement. No greater promise, and hope, than that which is given by our Heavenly Father. We are empowered to cultivate joy through the process of repentance. And it takes faith in Christ as well as our determination and commitment toward healing and restoration. Repentance is also a process of spiritual growth toward a more meaningful and purposeful life. One that we are able to attain.

What are some of the debris that prevents us from experiencing joy in Christ? What has caused our faith to leak out? What has rooted into our hearts and minds that has distracted us from living the Gospel of Christ? Answering these important questions helps us level out our path and keeps us firm in our conviction toward what lays ahead (See, Proverbs 4:20-27).

Elder Craig C. Christensen said this:

Joy is much deeper than simply passing moments of contentment or feelings of happiness. Real joy, or “everlasting joy” (2 Nephi 8:11), comes from experiencing the power of the Atonement through sincere repentance and from a spiritual confirmation that we can be redeemed from sin through the Lord Jesus Christ and inherit eternal life.

The Joy of Repentence - April 2007 General Conference

Elder Christensen went on to teach, quoting the Ancient Prophet Mormon, what type of joy that manifests in each of our lives:

Although we cannot receive a fulness of joy in this life (see D&C 93:33–34), we can receive daily manifestations of joy as we live the gospel. Mormon taught the pattern for finding joy when he said of the faithful Nephites, “They did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God” (Helaman 3:35).

Elder Christensen also gives this thought on how joy is cultivated through repentance:

When we understand that being filled with joy involves being filled with the Holy Ghost, we realize that true happiness comes from repenting of our sins and living worthy of the Spirit. In addition, when feeling the Spirit, we can find great joy in knowing that we are being sanctified before God.

The joy that comes from repentance is evident on many levels. First is the joy and comfort that come to the heart of a repentant soul as the burden of sin is lifted. Second are the deep feelings of joy and love that come to those who help others work through the repentance process. And finally there are the joyful feelings of a loving Savior as He sees us follow His admonitions and rely upon the healing power of His atoning sacrifice.

True repentance, living the Gospel of Christ, experiencing the presence of the Holy Spirit, and being transformed into Christ's image and likeness is a process we all experience in this life. In order for this to occur, we are asked to do three powerful things.

First, we need to come to a place of humility. Whether it is being made humble, because of our consequences, or choosing to humble ourselves - we seek after God's love and forgiveness. His mercy and grace. Second, we are to surrender ourselves over with willing desire to follow our Heavenly Father's will and care for our lives. Third, we recognize the need to clear out any and all debris that has hindered our spiritual growth and impeded our journey toward Eternal life.

As we follow the principles of the Gospel - we are able to come to a place and experience how repentance leads to more happiness.

Humility and Lowliness of Heart

The ability for each of us to remove the old debris from our hearts, minds, and life begins when we are at a place of humility. When we are humble and experiencing a lowliness of heart the blessings of Christ's infinite atonement works to heal us. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says this:

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land

The Complete Jewish Study Bible has the same verse in this manner:

 then, if my people, who bear my name, will humble themselves, pray, seek my face and turn from their evil ways, I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin and heal their land.

And James 4:10 shares this: Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

When one comes to examine the true teachings and messages of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - one may find the following and simple truth. This comes from Alma 37:33-34:

We also find joy in knowing the cleansing power experienced through #confession, #repentance, #faith, and #forgiveness.

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Preach unto them repentance, and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ; teach them to humble themselves and to be meek and lowly in heart; teach them to withstand every temptation of the devil, with their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ. Teach them to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly in heart; for such shall find rest to their souls.

From these scriptures - we come to know that each one of us are called to:

• Be humble in order to be meek and lowly in heart
• Exercise faith in Jesus Christ
• Withstand every temptation the adversary may cause to come our way
• Not to be weary in being obedient to our Heavenly Father's will and commandments

If we follow these truths - we shall experience rest to our souls. Rest refers to a sense of peace. A place to remain. In Hebrew, rest is shaqat  (shaw-kat' = שָׁקַט) and means to be quiet or undisturbed. Here, we see that through humility, meekness, and lowliness of heart we are able to find our souls to be quiet and undisturbed. This is found in Isaiah 57:20-21: But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

As we understand the truth of repentance - we come to understand that it is a process. A process by which each one of us experience a healing. This healing is where we may find our souls quiet and undisturbed by rebellion, disobedience, and sin. Continued disobedience keeps our souls locked up in a prison of weariness. A prison of shame and guilt. Disobedience and ongoing rebellion is rooted in pride and keeps us busy with finding fault in others. When there is no peace in our hearts, minds, and soul there is no experience of peace. No experience of healing.

In the September 2016 Ensign Barbara A. Lewis writes:

The defining characteristic of humility is the submission of our will to God’s will. “The submission of one’s will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God’s altar,” said Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “The many other things we ‘give’ … are actually the things He has already given or loaned to us. However, when you and I finally submit ourselves, by letting our individual wills be swallowed up in God’s will, then we are really giving something to Him! It is the only possession which is truly ours to give!”

Lewis also shares:

Humility is not a sign of weakness; it is just the opposite. It shows that we know our strength comes from God. When Christ’s disciples asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” our Savior taught, “Whosoever … shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:1, 4). Contrary to what we might often think, greatness does not come only because of strength and power; true greatness requires humility.

Humility requires our willingness to submit ourselves over to the care and will of our Heavenly Father. This includes when we come to the altar to seek forgiveness and engage in the process of repentance. Meekness and lowliness of heart also means we are willing to receive the strength of Jesus Christ and His infinite atonement to withstand temptation and are empowered to conquer and overcome our disobedience.

It is through this act and willingness on our part where we begin to cultivate joy through the process of repentance. Not only do we find rest in Christ's infinite atonement. We also find joy in knowing the cleansing power experienced through confession, repentance, faith, and forgiveness.

Are you experiencing a lack of joy because of disobedience? What prevents you from coming to know the truthfulness of Christ's infinite atonement through the process of repentance? How does this help you understand the joy one may experience through repentance and forgiveness? What are you struggling with today?

Please share your thoughts on this and how this message helps you today in your faith and relationship with Jesus Christ. Want to know more about what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches? Want to be connected and learn more about how Latter-day Saints walk in bold and resilient faith in Jesus Christ? Share this with others. Subscribe for more inspiring messages on gospel topics. And please partner and sponsor Mormon Apologia for more inspiration and apologetic articles.

Facing your Goliath on the battlefield

"...for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands."

(See, 1 Samuel 17:45-47 in context).

NOTE TO READERS: This article is an adaptation from a previous article I had published at another blog, and a teaching given by Mormon President Thomas S. Monson. The relevance shares insights in furthering our understanding in facing the challenges in life. Whether one wants to admit it: life is a battle we are engaging in. We either let it defeat us, or we rise and continually prove to be the victors in managing and directing our own life.

"I... like to think of David as the righteous lad who had the courage and the faith to face insurmountable odds when all other's hesitated, and to redeem the name of Israel by facing that giant in his life - Goliath of Gath." President, Thomas S. Monson.

 What Goliath stands between us and our happiness? 

The story of David and Goliath is a very profound story of facing one's greatest enemy. The courage to stand alone with only a simple weapon at hand. With faith in Israel's God, David stood face to face with the giant warrior of the Philistines. A shepherd with only five stones and a sling against a Giant clads in battle armor and brandishing weapons of war. To the onlooker, David appeared foolish. Appeared to be on a suicide mission. Yet, there he stood, a young boy facing the greatest enemy of his people. As the account goes, David not only slays Goliath, he decapitates the giant's head.

Many people, today, face their Goliath. Whether it is substance use, abuse, traumatic experiences from childhood, rejection, broken-heart, death, or any other significant loss. Armed with only simple means of defending oneself proves to be vital in our fight to continue to endure and overcome our own obstacles in life.

Facing a well-protected giant

Goliath appears to be more powerful when we appear to be suffering. For the individual - it is the courage and faith to stand alone to battle and overcome. Meaning, it is not merely enough to slay - it is to overpower and subdue one's fear. To decapitate it. How is this accomplished?

Just like in the story of David and Goliath, David recognized that the enemy he faced was not merely going to be slain by his own hand. David recognized that it took a greater power than himself to stand there and face the giant of the Philistines. "I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty God" is what David declared.

Higher power and divine inspiration

Recognizing the need of a higher power is not so much about having a sense of religious conviction or experience. The need for a higher power is the recognition that it is going to take something greater than ourselves and greater than the power of our adversity over our lives. We may be armed with simple tools, yet when placed in the hands of one who seeks to rely on their higher power, those simple weapons turn into the greater blessings of defense against the constant slandering of our Goliath. What are these simple tools? The Shepard boy went to the stream and carefully selected five specific smooth stones.

Selecting our smooth stones from the stream of life

Stone of Courage

There are two courses in life we may take up our journey. The first is an easy road, well-traveled, conforming to social standards, and easily paved by other individuals who made the journey. It is not our chosen path. The second path we may take up is a journey where we are required to forge our own path. It appears to be impossible, impenetrable, and raises a sense of hopeless. We either surmise it is difficult and opt for the easy, well-traveled path, or become courageous to forge our own path.

The stone of courage gives us the strength to face and overcome our fear and sense of helplessness in life. It provides the means in which, despite our fears, we move forward toward our own sense of purpose and meaning.

Stone of Effort

This stone is two-fold. It is our mental effort and our physical effort. Mental effort in that it takes energy to silence the critical voice in our heads. The voice of judgment, ridicule, criticism. The effort here is capturing our thoughts and challenging them. Physical effort reflects our ability to physically push through to continue toward the realization of our goal. Working to save money, climbing out of our own sense of suffering, endure hardship.

Stone of Humility

This particular stone recognizes our limitations, our weaknesses, and shows our sense of gratitude toward something that is more powerful than our own volition and ability to overcome. It is our ability to recognize the need to surrender and give our own will over to something that provides personal revelation and guidance in our own lives. For the Christian, this is God. For others, a higher sense of consciousness.

Stone of Prayer and meditation

Through our sense of humility, we come to recognize the need to consistently meditate and enter into prayer. It helps keeps us humble, ground us, and connect us to a higher sense of purpose and revelation.

Stone of Duty

The final stone we select is duty. Engaging in facing and overcoming our own adversity and obstacles that bar us from achieving a life of meaning and purpose requires a sense of duty. We continue to follow through with our commitment, whether we may like the presenting circumstances or not.

The Sling of Faith and staff of virtue

These five stones are not enough. We need to have the power the sling of faith offers. Couple this with the staff of virtue, we are steady and ready to face whatever obstacle we may face.

So, how do these stones help bring down the Goliaths in our path?

• Stone of courage destroys our fears

• Stone of effort destroys indecision and procrastination

• Stone of humility will destroy pride/ego and envy

• Stone of prayer and meditation will destroy obstinate

• Stone of duty collides with and destroys anything that threatens our self-respect

Decisions are to be made purposefully

It is when we face adversity in our lives that decisions to go one way or another make a difference. We face battles daily. Our victory does not happen by default. When we move toward a more conscious understanding of living life, we understand that we are to anticipate any challenges and decisions needing to be made.

Do we hide, tremble in fear, or take up the staff of virtue, the sling of faith, and carefully select our stones that will help us defeat whatever Goliath stands in our way?