Today

I learned about personal revelation today. It is the most important thing you can get in this life. I have learned this before, but I needed to hear it again and once again realize how important it is. There are the basic things we need to enter the gate -- (4th article of faith) faith, repentance, baptism, holy ghost. But that is only the 1st gate. In order to become part of the church of God (that is not what it is called, but I cannot remember for the life of me what it really is called) we must meet Jesus there at the gate to enter that. That is where your calling and election is made sure. Callings and elections are all part of the process -- we will eventually have to have it either here or in the next life. We live our lives with our eyes single to the Glory of God and doing what we should, and it can come to us. Callings and elections are made known to us either by a blessing (example Patriarichal blessing or just a blessing) in the temple, or by personal revelation. We are justified by Christ, then sanctified. This I know -- it is vitally important to know for ourselves (and teach our children) exactly what personal revelation is. It is important for us to have it so we can know what we must do in this earth life. Now -- can we get personal revelation for others? What has been taught is that if we have a stewardship over them, we can. But, we then must also have the revelation on whether to even tell them about that revelation. It may be something they have to come to an understanding all on their own.

Another thing that I have been learning is how important it is to recognize that each individual on this earth life must walk their own path. We can support, cheer, encourage, uplift, but the ultimate decisions on what they will do and be is up to them. That is the whole purpose of Free Agency. That is the biggest gift Heaveny Father gave us (next to His Son, Jesus Christ). But people's choices - especially the ones we do not agree with -- is just that -- Their Choice. They must live with the consequences. It is hard to see someone we love making bad choices. It is hard to see people around us making stupid choices. But, we CANNOT be judgemental. That is the Lord's job. All we can do is love them -- which is OUR job.

As I have looked back on my life, I have been critical of what I termed "stupid people". I have just begun to realize that I should never have judged them. I never walked in their shoes. I may think I have and I may project what I think and feel on to them, but when all is said and done, it is the Lord's job to judge them on what they know. Only He can see what is in their hearts. I have much repenting to do. I feel that I also was a bad example to others in this area. Critical is not a thing of Heavenly Father. It is so easy to do though. The general authorities have warned against criticism. It tears the person down who criticizes and also tears down the person you are criticizing. Where is the charity in that? Where is the pure love of God in that? Even if they are doing something stupid, or something they know they should not do, we have to love and leave it be in God's hands. Something easy to type, something not so easy to do. However, I am learning this and focusing on when I start to do this, and I try to stop. Just another thing of my mellowing out a bit in this time of my life.