Truth - Fear of Change

“Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don't belong”. 

Change is inherently frightening for many people. The truth often demands change, whether it’s a change in behavior, attitude, or understanding. Embracing the truth can mean acknowledging that certain aspects of our life need to be altered. This can lead to feelings of uncertainty and fear. The status quo, no matter how flawed, provides a sense of familiarity and security. The unknown, which often accompanies change, can be a source of anxiety.

People run from the truth because it threatens to disrupt their lives. It’s easier to continue living with comforting lies than to face the possibility of upheaval. The fear of change is a powerful motivator, leading people to resist the truth even when it’s in their best interest to accept it. Never fear the truth. It’s the comforting lies that will destroy you.

Accepting things we cannot change, acting with courage to change the things we can, and having the wisdom to know the difference is priceless. We have little power over the circumstances, seasons, wind, weather, and other things outside of our stewardships, boundaries, or jurisdictions assigned to us. We cannot change all

situations where other people are involved without their permission, labor, and toil, but we can individually change ourselves. Recognizing that we are not where we want to be, identifying a better place to be, and accepting the changes needed to get there is a good starting point. 

Change brings opportunity, but some people don’t like change until the alternatives bring enough disaster to their “journey of life” to cause at least a change of heart.

With enough pain, hearts are softened. Without a change of heart, we can’t change direction. If we refuse to change direction, it’s a pretty good chance we will end up where we are going. Life doesn’t get better by chance. It gets better by calculated change, which can appear to be “quick and easy” or “slow and hard”, but is usually cumulative and happens incrementally in perfect timing with essential repentance. God holds us accountable for our thoughts, our words, and our deeds. We are personally responsible for our actions.

… “Finally, there are countless ways to commit sin and I can’t possibly list them all. However, I can warn you that if you don’t remain vigilant and pay close attention to your thoughts, words, and actions, and if you don’t follow God’s commandments and maintain your faith in the Lord until the end of your life, you will perish. So please, remember this and avoid perishing!”  (Mosiah 2:6 CE)

“Now, my people, consider this: If you’ve experienced a change of heart and felt moved to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, Do you still feel that way? Have you been keeping yourselves innocent before God? If you were to die now, could you honestly say you’ve been humble enough, that your clothes have been cleansed and made white through the blood of Christ — who is coming to redeem His people from their sins?” …   (Alma 3:5 CE)

… “You’ve seen and know that all who are converted to the truth, abandon the wicked and perverse traditions of their ancestors, and are persuaded to believe the holy scriptures (the prophecies of the holy prophets written there), which led them to faith in the Lord and to repentance, which faith and repentance bring them a change of heart; therefore you know all of them are firm and resolute in the liberty God has given them.” …  (Helaman 5:15 CE)

New Year's Resolutions ... At This Time of Year???

Over three months ago on the 3rd of January, I sent a text to my children and a few others, approximately as follows: 

"I don't believe new year's resolutions are necessary, unless you sincerely feel a need to alter your behavior or begin a process of change on January 1st. If you want something changed, change it today instead of waiting for another 363 days for a new year to roll around again.

If you asked me for my new year's resolutions, I would say that happened two days ago and I am succeeding. If you asked me what my plan for now as of today is, it would be to receive answers to three questions from God Himself:

1) With detail and in the fullest sense, who I am?

2) What is my current state and standing with you, God?

3) And God, from your perspective, what is my next step of progression or assignment that would be most beneficial?

Benjamin Franklin is known to have said, "Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man." ... Or woman of course"

Sooo... Since new year's day (as of today) is approximately 102 days in the past and there are about 263 days before the next new year's day, would you find it wise to make a new resolution today, rather than waiting? If so, what is your new resolution, goal, desire, question, relationship with God, whatever? As of today, April 13, 2018, what do you want?

Just Change ... Don't Complain

Within your circle of influence with others, using persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness and meekness and love unfeigned, change for good can certainly happen, if the other person makes that choice.

On the other hand, within yourself, you get to make the choices of change, therefore, don't complain about things or consequences of your choices that you are unwilling to change.