New Church Life Sep/Oct 2014 | Page 45

   Consider some of the heavy thoughts and feelings the hellish influences in our lives would like us to carry: • • • • • • • • You got angry; this shows you’re a bad person Making a mistake is a terrible thing If people knew what you were really like they wouldn’t like you Bad things are likely to happen to you Other people cannot ever really be trusted; they will let you down Other people are getting more than you are You’re trying but you’ll never get it right Life in this world is all there is; when someone dies he or she is gone forever • You are alone in a world that doesn’t make sense Compare these ideas and feelings to what the Lord would like us to have in our minds: • • • • • • • • • We will never change if we feel incapable of changing, or if we tell ourselves and others: “It’s just the way I am. I’ve got a bad temper.” If this fosters apathy toward change, it is not good. Ask for the Lord’s help The Lord loves you always Learn what the Lord teaches Try to act in loving and wise ways Even when you are not perfect the Lord will work to bring as much good from what you do and say as is possible The Lord is continually leading you toward greater happiness and usefulness The Lord cares more about where you are now than where you’ve been Turn away from things that would hurt you and others You will get to see loved ones who have died when you get to the next life We will never change if we feel incapable of changing, or if we tell ourselves and others: “It’s just the way I am. I’ve got a bad temper.” If this fosters apathy toward change, it is not good. The Lord has told us that we are all born with natural inclinations to think and will things that are harmful to others and ourselves. He has told us that everyone needs to undergo a fundamental change of heart and mind, in order to be truly happy. 431