Bridled or Damned
It has been an interesting couple of days. I have had the opportunity to ponder, be inspired, and then humbled by the moving of the spirit as I strive to apply the lessons of the gospel to my life. Through the course of different events these two words have come to mind.
I attended a motivational conference with the leadership of my company this week. Different leaders from all around the world flew to a central location to receive corporate updates, inspirational pep talks, and wonderful chances to network with fellow co-workers and share best practices with one another.
At sessions of the first day came to a close, we were all invited to an evening of socializing, dining, and for some imbibing. We met at a large dining hall that was filled with loud music, large steins, and pretzels. Many of us attempted to mingle above the overbearing accostations of the foriegn band. It did not take long to notice that the larger the steins became, the louder and more unbridled those imbibing became.
Ninety minutes into the events, I was given a choice. I could continue to observe the unbridling or move to another local that might be less accostatious. It was an interesting choice. As I look back, I am not sure which was the lesser of two judged evils. You see the alternative was to pass the time wandering the halls of one armed bandits at the local casino. I rashly chose the bandits, hoping to find an area of social interaction that might be less boisterous.
Either way, I was able to learn from both environments.
That evening, I found myself reflecting upon the events as I read scriptures, both ancient and modern. My minds eyes were open to many interesting points, points that had one thread of commonality - the natural man.
I found it interesting that as we left the halls of motivational uplifting, those who worked so hard to fight the natural man, striving to remain stout and dignified among their peers were nipping at the bit, to have their bridles removed. They clamored for little green tickets that would allow them to imbibe freely and without reservation. In their minds, they shook off the chains that were holding down the natural man and allowed him to run free. And run he did.
At the other venue, I witness those who regularly showed great restraint and thriftiness, suddenly lost control of all their impulses. They could not feed the bandits and tables fast enough. Then they sat there mindlessly watching their money slip from their sight. As it faded away, emotions of anxiety, frustration, anger, and helplessness would surface to the room only to be settled by feeding the hungry machines with more flowing cash or walking away feeling dejected and uncontrolled. It was an interesting battle to observe. Many could not walk away on their own. They had to be encouraged, prodded, and/or forced by the realization that they had nothing left to feed the hungry with.
I was left to wonder. Was it really worth it to remove the bit? The following morning, I did not see much value and self worth in the eyes of those who were unbridled. As the events were discussed, there was shame and embarrassment. I realized that even though the bits had been removed, the chains that held them down remained. Progress was halted. The flowing rivers of inspiration were damned. Guilt and remorse filled the room.
As I read the words of David A. Bednar share in April 2013 General Conference, I could not help but make the comparisons. I was filled with gratitude to be able to recognize true freedom. Grateful to know the importance of bridling my passions, appetites, and impulses. Overwhelmed with an understanding of the Atonement and its power to heal us from the spiritual wounds and pains of guilt.
I add to is words and testimony that I do know where true freedom originates. I know that through the Atonement we can bridle our passions, appetites and impulses that chain us down with doubt, depression, anxiety, and guilt. As we abide to the principles of the gospel, temper the natural man and gain control as spiritual royalty, we will be liberated from being damned in our progression toward celestial lives. This I know. I pray that you will find this same conviction for yourselves.
I attended a motivational conference with the leadership of my company this week. Different leaders from all around the world flew to a central location to receive corporate updates, inspirational pep talks, and wonderful chances to network with fellow co-workers and share best practices with one another.
At sessions of the first day came to a close, we were all invited to an evening of socializing, dining, and for some imbibing. We met at a large dining hall that was filled with loud music, large steins, and pretzels. Many of us attempted to mingle above the overbearing accostations of the foriegn band. It did not take long to notice that the larger the steins became, the louder and more unbridled those imbibing became.
Ninety minutes into the events, I was given a choice. I could continue to observe the unbridling or move to another local that might be less accostatious. It was an interesting choice. As I look back, I am not sure which was the lesser of two judged evils. You see the alternative was to pass the time wandering the halls of one armed bandits at the local casino. I rashly chose the bandits, hoping to find an area of social interaction that might be less boisterous.
Either way, I was able to learn from both environments.
That evening, I found myself reflecting upon the events as I read scriptures, both ancient and modern. My minds eyes were open to many interesting points, points that had one thread of commonality - the natural man.
I found it interesting that as we left the halls of motivational uplifting, those who worked so hard to fight the natural man, striving to remain stout and dignified among their peers were nipping at the bit, to have their bridles removed. They clamored for little green tickets that would allow them to imbibe freely and without reservation. In their minds, they shook off the chains that were holding down the natural man and allowed him to run free. And run he did.
At the other venue, I witness those who regularly showed great restraint and thriftiness, suddenly lost control of all their impulses. They could not feed the bandits and tables fast enough. Then they sat there mindlessly watching their money slip from their sight. As it faded away, emotions of anxiety, frustration, anger, and helplessness would surface to the room only to be settled by feeding the hungry machines with more flowing cash or walking away feeling dejected and uncontrolled. It was an interesting battle to observe. Many could not walk away on their own. They had to be encouraged, prodded, and/or forced by the realization that they had nothing left to feed the hungry with.
I was left to wonder. Was it really worth it to remove the bit? The following morning, I did not see much value and self worth in the eyes of those who were unbridled. As the events were discussed, there was shame and embarrassment. I realized that even though the bits had been removed, the chains that held them down remained. Progress was halted. The flowing rivers of inspiration were damned. Guilt and remorse filled the room.
As I read the words of David A. Bednar share in April 2013 General Conference, I could not help but make the comparisons. I was filled with gratitude to be able to recognize true freedom. Grateful to know the importance of bridling my passions, appetites, and impulses. Overwhelmed with an understanding of the Atonement and its power to heal us from the spiritual wounds and pains of guilt.
I add to is words and testimony that I do know where true freedom originates. I know that through the Atonement we can bridle our passions, appetites and impulses that chain us down with doubt, depression, anxiety, and guilt. As we abide to the principles of the gospel, temper the natural man and gain control as spiritual royalty, we will be liberated from being damned in our progression toward celestial lives. This I know. I pray that you will find this same conviction for yourselves.
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