"2 And they had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth. And they all cried aloud with one voice, saying: O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things; who shall come down among the children of men. 3 And it came to pass that after they had spoken these words the Spirit of the Lord came upon them, and they were filled with joy, having received a remission of their sins, and having peace of conscience, because of the exceeding faith which they had in Jesus Christ who should come, according to the words which king Benjamin had spoken unto them." (Mosiah 4:2-3)
These people had just sat and listened to some very inspired words from King Benjamin. He taught them principles of the gospel. They clearly listened to what he had to say because they immediately acted. They viewed themselves in their carnal state, as less than the dust of the earth. In other words, they recognized their sins, and were humbled. I think these two things are really the key ingredients for repentance. They prayed for mercy. They prayed for the atonement to take effect in their lives. They expressed their faith in Christ. Adding these ingredients (having faith and praying for forgiveness) resulted in being filled with the Spirit, filled with joy, and receiving forgiveness. They believed the words of the prophet at what could be called a general conference of sorts.
We just had the same opportunity to listen to general conference. To have our own prophets and apostles that take the time to share with us messages of faith and inspiration is such a blessing. I know that this is a blessing I've taken for granted. I listen to, but don't always review, their words. I don't always take note of any impressions that come to me as I listen to their words. I want to be better. I do desire that. Another point mentioned later in the same chapter of Mosiah really hits home.
"9 Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.
10 And again, believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them." (Mosiah 4:9-10)
I believe. I know.
I know God lives and that he is my Creator. I know that His plan is what made my life and my ability to repent and return to Him again possible.
The last line there, though, is where I fail the majority of the time. "If you believe all these things see that ye do them." Pretty poignant reminder that just believing, just having faith, isn't enough. You have to act on that belief. Like the Nephites who just finished listening to King Benjamin speak. If they had all just said, "wow, that was a great speech" and had gone home and continued their lives, how different of an experience would that have been for them.
There are a number of things that I don't do very well when it comes to showing my faith. I desire to improve myself in those areas. I want to be the kind of person that I know I can be. I spend a lot of time on the "good" things, but sometimes I leave the "better" or the "best" things undone.
I do know these things to be true, and I am going to try to make changes to become that person I want to be. That is, a faithful servant of the Lord, and a better husband and father.
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