Natural, flawed beings Taking a cynical, almost nihilistic view of humanity, one might argue that we, as humans are nothing but a bundle of basic carnal urges, designed to keep us alive as individuals and as a species. We supposedly live to satisfy these urges and desires, and we ultimately have no choice in the matter. But such a view discounts everything that makes us human, and reduces us to little more than clever animals who have learned some amusing tricks. It's dehumanizing, and for that matter, sacrilegious to suppose that men and women are only on the earth to stay alive, and satisfy their biological impulses. Please don't suppose by the wording of my intro that I am anti-science. That couldn't be further from the truth. I love science. It is a wonderful lens for observing and dissecting the mysteries of the universe. But I am anti-cynic. A cynic will observe some disappointing pattern of human behavior, and then assume that the disturbing trend is not only natural and common, but inescapable, to be expected. While perverse and animal-like behavior are very natural and innate within each of us, that doesn't mean they are ever uncontrollable, or even necessary. Each of us has control over our actions, and the ability to choose how we respond to any earthly stimulus. "But the devil made me do it!" "There is also an age-old excuse: 'The devil made me do it.' Not so! He can deceive you and mislead you, but he does not have the power to force you or anyone else to transgress or to keep you in transgression." -President Boyd K. Packer of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints As part of mortal living, each and everyone of us is subject to temptations and urges. But we always have a choice in the matter! Temptation does not equal obligation. We are the captain of our own ships and we make the decisions. Our ability to choose, sometimes referred to as "agency", is a precious gift that we too often take for granted. It is our ultimate tool in this test we call life. We can choose good, and receive blessings, and return to live with our Father in Heaven, or we can choose evil and subject ourselves to the devil. This decision is laid out before is the clearest of terms, but Satan likes to fuzzy the line. One of his most effective weapons is confusion. Putting out a fog of lies, half-truths, and justifications, hoping we fall. Jesus Christ and escape from sin But Jesus Christ shines a light into the mist that penetrates all. When we stand on holy ground (do righteous things) we are more able to perceive the light of the Lord, and therefore more able to follow it to safety and happiness. We will never be thrust into a hopeless position. The Lord doesn't place us in a situation where temptation is so powerful, we can't resist it. We always have a way out. Sin is a tantalizing prison, bondage dressed up as freedom. And we all find ourselves trapped in it on occasion. But escape is simple. The prison of sin unlocks from the inside, and all we have to do is beg forgiveness, repent, and ask God for the key.He wants you to be happy. You just have to put in the effort to bridle your natural urges, and keep the commandments He has given you. To Learn more about agency, repentance, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you can click here to chat live with actual missionaries!
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