30 Day Challenge Day Two: My Savior

Today is day two of my 30 day challenge. I've recently started reading the New Testament again. I always find it a pleasure reading about the Savior and His ministry. Today I am thankful for  His example, for His teachings of how to live a happier life and how to help others live a happier life. He was never unkind or selfish. Never once did he speak in hushed tones about someone else, He was always aware of the needs of others and always willing to serve and show His and The Father's love for His children. Today I was reading in Mark chapter seven. In this chapter the Pharisees are condemning His disciples for eating with unwashen hands as is tradition. Christ goes on to explain to the Pharisees and His disciples "Whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; Because it entereth not into his heart...That which cometh out of the man, that defile the man. For from within, out of heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man." (Mark chpt. 7 18-23)

The Savior teaches a very important lessen in this chapter, one which President Dieter F. Uchtdorf spoke of in the April 2012 General Conference. In his talk entitled The Merciful Obtain Mercy, or as I remember it The Just Stop It talk. The talk is mainly focused on forgiving others and ourselves, however some of the things listed to be forgiven are things that coming from our hearts would defile us as sons and daughter of our Heavenly Father. He says "When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges, or wanting to cause harm, pleas apply the following: STOP IT!...I don't know exactly how to articulate this point...with sufficient eloquence, passion, and persuasion to make it stick. I can quote scripture, I can try to expound doctrine, and I will even quote a bumper sticker I recently saw. It was attache d to the back of a car whose driver appeared to be a little rough around the edges, but the words on the sticker taught an insightful lesson. It read 'Don't judge me because I sin differently than you.'" I think along with Christ's list of those things which defile us, we should also add, judgment. The Savior said "I will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men." The rude and unloving thoughts we have of others will also defile us and allow the adversary to have that much more influence over our lives. To all those I have judged, spoken evil about, or hurt, or gossiped about, or offended in any way, I offer my sincere apology and pray that you can forgive me .  This is something that I am not perfect at, but I have been striving to think positively of others and to speak kind words in their favor. I pray we can all become better at this and let the love of our Savior and Heavenly Father spread to all His children.