WHILE DEEP CONVERSION, COMPLETE CONSECRATION TO GOD AND HIS CHURCH AND KINGDOM ARE SURELY THE PRODUCT OF CONSISTENT AND SUSTAINED GOSPEL LIVING, WHAT DO THESE LOOK LIKE? HOW MIGHT WE KNOW IF WE ARE, THROUGH THE YEARS, EXPERIENCING REAL GROWTH? WHAT MIGHT WE BEGIN NOTICING IN OUR OWN DISCIPLESHIP? -There begins to develop within our hearts a desire to do more to further the work of the Lord and to be better people than we are. -We gradually begin to view commandments, laws and church directives differently, to no longer see them as guard rails, barricades or hindrances to lifes enjoyments, but instead as helps, guides and kind gestures of a benevolent Father in Heaven. -The more we search the scriptures, we begin to see patterns, connections, parallels and principles for living. -Holy writ becomes more and more relevant to everyday life. -Our personal gospel study becomes more and more enlightening and faith affirming, so that regularly during he week we are fed and spiritually strengthened. -We begin to be more secure and settled in our faith, less troubled by unanswered questions; in short, we begin to have doubt banished from our hearts and minds. -We begin to feel a deeper sense of love for and loyalty toward the apostles and prophets, those charged to guide the destiny of the Kingdom of God. With the passing of time and as we mature spiritually, our faith is transformed into certainty. Indeed, our receipt of personal revelation and our regular encounter with the Spirit of God leads us to that point where our faith begins to be unshaken in the Lord (see Enos 1:11). Further, that conviction manifests itself in commitment. Because true faith entails a decision. Yes, we as followers of Jesus Christ need ... an understanding of the doctrines and principles of the restored gospel that is as stimulating and satisfying to the mind as it is soothing and settling to the heart. In addition, we need a witness and an assurance that produce and result in real growth, in deep conversion, in complete consecration. In this way and through this sacred process, the work of the Almighty is hastened within our own souls. -Robert L. Millet, professor emeritus of Ancient Scripture and former dean of Religious Education at BYU- (extracted from his article Real Growth: Hastening the Lords Work Within Our Own Souls, L.D.S. Church News, 26 Dec 2014)
Posted on: Sat, 03 Jan 2015 16:09:58 +0000
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