BEING COMPELLED

A prophet once said:

Therefore, blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble… (Alma 32:16)

One characteristic that has escaped this soul in the decades that have passed by is humility.  Many folks might feel the same.  What can be done?  Is it a lost cause, or can there be relief from the accouterments that come with a lack of humbleation (yeah, I know there is no such word – spell check is screaming red lines at me right now)?

The scriptures offer a solution – unpleasant though it may be – to the curse of pride.  For those who are afraid the change might be too hard, this is the time to stop reading. 

Those still with me – thanks and remember, I warned you.

Let’s start with the psalmist who shares this counsel:

The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in his thoughts. (Psalms 10:4) 

Sounds like a simple answer to overcome pride.  Seek after God and keep Him in your thoughts.  Some ways to accomplish might include:

1.   Pray regularly (morning and night).

2.  Look for God and Christ in the scriptures every day.

3.  Attend worship services and make it a point to listen to talks and sermons.

4.  Invite the Holy Ghost to teach you in all of the above.

Yeah, yeah,  we know this stuff.  So what else do you have to offer??

OK, here’s another selection that comes from Proverbs and shares this tidbit of advice:

These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.  (Proverbs 6:16-19)

I don’t believe anyone reading this blog is guilty of shedding innocent blood (and if you are, I don’t want to know – just go to the Police and take care of the problem). 

All the others!!!   Well, certainly they have cropped up a time or two in life.  And sometimes they were fun or satisfying (in a devilish sort of way) but in the end each proves to have a scarring effect on the soul. 

Probably best to leave those alone also.

Now, one last verse to tie all this together (I hope).  Again, I will return to the prophet that began this missive. 

  

And now, because ye are compelled to be humble blessed are ye; for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, seeketh repentance; and now surely, whosoever repenteth shall find mercy; and he that findeth mercy and endureth to the end the same shall be saved.  (Alma 32:13)

Hey, look at that.  In one simple verse the key to humility is given for all to see.  Pride is destroyed when repentance becomes a desired, daily, and non-optional part of life.  Then humility can latch onto the soul and preserve the sacred individual nature that desires eternal salvation. 

Who knew there was so much good advice in the scriptures? 

Oh!!  Wait!!  All of us should know.   

Alright, I will quit preaching and leave you alone.

For now!!  

But I will be back.  (Evil grin)

And, now for the last word.

Pride is the universal sin.  Repentance is the great destroyer of pride as it helps focus life on Christ and His Atonement.  The question is whether pride leaves by choice or by compelling circumstances.

And isn't that the cool thing about agency – we get to choose.