As I sat
there on the 3rd row from the front, listening to the annual
conference on 6 April 2014. I sat on my own as I needed no distraction or
disturbance. It came into my attention how important self-discipline is. At
some point I used to sit in the middle of the chapel next to my sister, my mind
would wonder around and I would only select what I hear.
Since then
my sister would wake me up an hour earlier than the time I used to wake up, and
guess what? yes, we will seat at the middle front row. I automatically and willingly
paid attention to the speakers and the spirit made me hear and understand what was shared. This is one of the ways I stopped misbehaving,
being distracted and listen with my physical ears and spiritual ears. To
change one’s behaviour it only takes a desire of change and at times a sister
to inspire you and pull you towards a positive direction.
Today’s blog
is inspired by a talk from/by Elder Claudio D.Zivc “let’s no take the wrong
way”. He shares a story or a young boy who would hide to skipped his piano
lessons as soon as the piano teacher arrives, “… but one day something
marrelous occurred he began to love music so much that he continued practicing
on his piano”. Elder Zivc adds by saying "If we could reach that point in the process of our
conversion, it would be marvelous. It would be wonderful to have a desire deep
in our hearts to keep the commandments without anyone constantly reminding us
and to have a firm conviction that if we follow the right path, we will have
the blessings promised in the scriptures".
As I
listened to this talk I repeatedly asked myself the question Elder Claudio
asked himself “how often do we make mistakes about the right, letting ourselves
to be led by the threads of trends of this world. He briefly shared the following:
A marvelous teaching is found in the book of John:
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit
of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me,
and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do
nothing” (John 15:4–5).
Using this analogy, we can see the very close, transcendent
relationship we have with Jesus Christ and the importance He places on each one
of us. He is the root and the trunk that conducts the living water to us, the
sap that will allow us to be nourished so that we can produce much fruit. Jesus
Christ taught us in such a way that as branches—or beings dependent upon Him—we
would never underestimate the value of His teachings.
There are some mistakes that may be serious, and if we do
not correct them in time, they can permanently lead us off the right path. If
we repent and accept correction, these experiences will allow us to humble
ourselves, change our actions, and once again draw closer to our Heavenly
Father.
I want to give an example of this concept by making
reference to one of the most dramatic moments that the Prophet Joseph Smith
experienced. Through this experience, the Savior has given us invaluable
teachings regarding principles that we ought to keep in mind throughout our
lives. It happened when Martin Harris lost the 116 translated pages of the
first part of the Book of Mormon. "
If any one of you reaches the point of abandoning the Lord’s
way—at any point along that way—with great remorse you will feel the bitterness
of having set at naught the counsels of God, of having broken the most sacred
promises made before God, of having trusted in your own judgment, or of having
boasted in your own wisdom".
I felt it in me that it is
important to remain in touch with our heavenly father seek for guidance never boast about your own wisdom and ask
to be guided/directed to our destiny in a safe journey. That is one of the greatest
things I’ve learned in this talk.
