Something we talked about at Institute tonight got me thinking a little. We talked about the "Armor of God" and had this whole metaphor going about a wounded soldier. It started with a question, "What happens when a soldier is wounded during a battle?" and there were many answers, like "a medic comes out to help him", "he is left to die", and "he keeps fighting". Then we examined the "Keep on Fighting" idea. It sounds like a good thing and all, perseverance, determination, etc. At least I thought that's where we were going with that idea.
Spiritual wounds are sins. When we sin, Satan wins. What happens when a soldier is injured but keeps on fighting? His ability to fight efficiently is diminished. He's not as effective in future battles. So, to be "wounded" and to "keep on fighting" without healing allows Satan to win two ways: first, he wounded you. Second, he wins by making you less able to fight future battles.
That's not actually the thought I was thinking of when I started this blog, but it's good, huh?
Anywho, so we all have this "armor of God" protecting us from Spiritual Wounds. The best way we can protect ourselves for future battles is to make sure that our armor is complete and free of vulnerabilities from all angles. Satan tries to wound us by targetting our vulnerabilities and weaknesses.
Thinking about the last week or so, I think I'm starting to know where some of my weaknesses are, not necessarily for sin but for sorrow. I wonder if I've been leaving myself unprotected. I wonder if somehow this is all just a way that I'm being tempted into some sin. Is excessive worry, anxiety, and sadness a sin? I guess that worrying about things is a lack of faith that everything will be okay and that i'll be taken care of.
Goodness. Anybody have any luck finding me a time machine yet?
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2 comments:
I can't tell you what a sin is or isn't, but I encourage you to read this article. http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Ensign/1984.htm/ensign%20october%201984%20.htm/first%20presidency%20message%20god%20hath%20not%20given%20us%20the%20spirit%20of%20fear.htm
(If the link doesn't work, search LDS.org for "God Hath Not Given Us The Spirit of Fear".
What stands out to me is the end of the 4th paragraph, "Fear is the antithesis of faith".
I have a very personal and powerful witness of the corrosive effects of fear (/worry, guilt, etc.) and the healing, comforting, strengthening power of the Atonement.
try this
I think you're "unprotected" whenever thoughts/life/worry consume your attention without turning to God. so, if you're all worried while praying "help me" and leaning there for strength, no problem.
But if you're all worried and telling yourself you're alone, not protected, it won't work out.. well... I wouldn't use the term "sin" but I'd agree with "unhealthy".
Sadness and worry are often very warranted feelings in life. there's nothing wrong with feeling them and exploring them. Just don't get lost in there. Pray lots.
There's some saying about life that you don't get what you don't ask for. You know, like job promotions, or being treated right. Maybe blessings are like that- readily available if you would just ask for them.
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