A new look at the Pride Cycle:
My Book of Mormon professor showed us this recently. He has eight basic steps in the pride cycle and it can start wherever, but I love some of the connections he made. For the Terrestrial kingdom and lifestyle the bride cycle continues along the basic outer circle. This includes the pride, sin, and destruction that come about a lot in our own lives and specifically in the Book of Mormon, but this cycle offers humility and many blessings and prosperity that come from their repentance. We all go through this cycle within our lives to some extent. With Telestial and Celestial they only cycle between four of these stages and continue to build upon them.
This diagram helps me track our goal to find humility from our blessing and prosperity given to us and continue to keep the Savior in our hearts and minds to not become prideful. This creates a spiral between these processes and helps get you to the Celestial Kingdom or on the other hand takes you on a path of misery, sorrow and temptation.
Something else taught in Book of Mormon comes from the story of the brother of Jared. He had three concerns about the barges that were made and their journey. He asked God about light for the barges, steering to stay on course, and how to breathe and have air within the barges. From these three issues every question you take to God will fall under. Let me explain: for the first question of light in the barges God gave the brother of Jared agency to discover a way to light the barges on his own. Then he gave him two ways not to do it and let him figure it out. We must use agency and action many times in response to questions to God, for then he can direct our path if needed but let us choose.
The second question asked was about the steering of the barge, and God's answer relied on grace. Therefore, the brother of Jared need not worry about steering for he will direct you to the promised land. We don't tend to find this answer to most questions, but it's another option. At times we are given other tasks, service, situations to focus on while others might be taken care of. I've heard countless stories of miracles and blessings received through paying their tithing and many other things. The last question about breathing Heavenly Father gave step by step instructions to help him accomplish this task.
Every question asked will not be ignored but he might let you choose your own way. I love this quote from Boyd K. Packer, "Prayer is your personal key to heaven" and you really can receive answers to your prayers. I just love the the idea that every question you take to God will fall under agency, grace, or steps. There are still times a lot of work is needed with your agency to follow God's plan and will for you. Even the brother of Jared didn't go get stones that were right around him for his light, but he traveled to get them from one of the highest mountains and eventually ended with molten rock. For this wasn't perfect but it was the best that he could do without the touch of God.
Whatever God touches it lives! Make your best efforts glow and shine and help others shine through Christ. Go out and serve others during this Christmas Season! Have a great week!
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