In my last blog I sounded a bit depressed, self-critical, and disappointed. I guess that's probably normal for anyone who doesn't reach a goal. My husband has pointed out on multiple occasions that almost everyone gets overly sensitive when their neck is on the line. But I'm feeling much better about the whole thing now.
Michael and I went to the temple last Friday for date night. We participated in a sealing session, sealing together families for eternity. One thing about the sealing blessing really impressed me, and then in my scripture study this morning the same idea was presented again:
"Be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven" (Doctrine and Covenants 6:37).
See, we don't have to run a campaign to make it into the kingdom of heaven, to inherit all that God has and to become like Him. We inherit it, we receive it, based on our actions, choices, and desires during our mortal life.
In a political campaign, other people (the voters) determine whether or not we are successful. In our "heavenly" campaigns, we ourselves are the main determining factors.
In political campaigns, you first have to focus inward and figure out why you're running, what is important to you, how you think you're going to make a difference. But ultimately, you have to focus on who is voting and get a lot of people to like you and what you stand for. Success depends on getting at least one more vote than your competition.
But all the popularity in the world would never get you into the Kingdom of Heaven if you haven't been keeping the commandments, showing faith in Jesus Christ, becoming reborn of the Spirit, and enduring the best you can (which to me, means repenting every time you fall and getting back up and trying again). Of necessity there has to be a focus outward, but it's based on charity and a desire to keep the commandment to "be our brother's keeper," not a desire to "win a vote."
Yes, political campaigns are essential to figuring out "the voice of the people" (see Mosiah 29:26) so we can live out our mortal lives in a peaceful and free civil society. But in the final analysis,
THANK HEAVENS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS NOT LIKE A POLITICAL CAMPAIGN!
A place to compile and review my political thoughts on current events, personal experiences, scriptures, etc. I encourage respectful and thoughtful discussions of these topics.
1 comment:
oh wow! thank goodness it isn't!
by they way, i would love a post on how to get involved in your area, how to contact your representative, etc. i don't like it when people just whine about what's going on instead of doing something. and i need to learn how to do something!
you are great wendi!
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