Which is it going to be?

Helaman 14

Samuel prophesies the coming of Jesus Christ, the signs of his birth and the signs of his death.

This is a sobering chapter.  We know it happened because of the many things that have been written on Christ’s birth and death.  I can’t help but wander just a little as I read.  What will it be like when he comes again?  Will I be ready?  Will I be on the front row?  This is my strongest desire.  I’ve always liked the front row. 

But the comment that hit me like a brick as I read was in the last verse.  Throughout the chapter we are told we need to repent.  Of course, Samuel was speaking to the people then, but we’ve been told to liken the scriptures unto ourselves.  In that context, he is speaking to me.  The last two verses carry a punch – one that needs to be carefully thought about.  Samuel tells us to “. . . remember that whosoever perisheth, perisheth unto himself; and whosoever doeth iniquity, doeth it unto himself; for behold, ye are free: ye are permitted to act for yourselves. . .”  Nobody is holding a gun to our head forcing us either way.  Then in verse 31 it states that he (God) hath given you that ye might know good from evil.  How do we know that?  In Moroni 7:16 it tell us “For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil.”   This is a gift we did nothing to deserve – just because we were born.   We know when we’re doing bad things.  It’s that icky feeling that we prefer not getting. It can be snuffed out if we ignore it enough.  But he continues to tell us that we can “. . .choose life or death; and ye can do good and be restored unto that which is good, or have that which is good restored unto you; or ye can do evil, and have that which is evil restored unto you.” 

Which is it going to be?  I get to choose for myself only.  And so, I keep on keeping on.  Make course corrections as they come along, but try ever so hard to be working toward being in the presence of my Heavenly Father again.  That is the goal.