Never Just Enough

"O all ye that are spared because were more righteous than they, will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I  may heal you?" (3 Nephi 9:13)

This verse comes as a real eye opener to me. Imagine one day, seeing all the wickedness and unrighteousness being wiped from the earth, and you are left standing. You are probably feeling pretty good about yourself. But, than Christ comes to you, and says, "Will you not repent and be converted?" What? You are saying being spared wasn't good enough? I'm still wicked? Just slightly less wicked than everyone else??

But, something we don't have to imagine is being a disciple of Christ today. We don't swear. We dress modestly. We keep the word of wisdom and the honor code. Clearly, I am more worthy for heaven! Just the fact that I got into BYU means I'm more worthy than any other college student out there!

No. That is not enough.

Christ is not waiting for us to be "better than the next guy". He won't come to earth and pick the top 10% of nice people to make it into heaven. Our mortal life is not about learning to be just good enough to be spared. We are here to learn to be like Heavenly Father, and God does not run on an honor code check list to govern His creations. We as latter day saints need to be active in our faith, going the extra miles, continually renewing our covenants and acting as Christ's hands here on earth. Part of this progression is learning that we can't become more than "good enough" without the help of our Savior.

"Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive;" (3 Nephi 9:13)

We may only be "good enough" but we all have the chance to come unto Christ, and receive the fullness of His mercy. Nothing is stopping us, but our own sin.  I hope that I can remember these verses when ever I feel myself settling for "good enough", and I hope we can all answer Christ's invitation to repent, and come unto Him.

Even so will I Boast

"I do not boast in own strength, not in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full. . .and I will rejoice in my God. Yea, I know that I am nothing. . .therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many nightly miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever." (Alma 26:11-12)

This chapter has been may favorite for many years, these verses most of all. It such a powerful ending to the missions of sons of Mosiah. They are together again after so long, recounting the stories of their journey, and Ammon is so caught up in his joy, that he begins to run his mouth about how wonderful it was, and all the things they were able to do. And Aaron, his sensible brother, tells him to get a hold of himself, for "fear that thy joy doth carry thee away unto boasting."
But this is Ammon's response, ya - I'm boasting. But, not of his own power, but that of God. I don't know if I have ever been a very proud persons, but this chapter is a constant reminder to me about the nature of humility. Humility is not timid, it is not silent and brooding. Humility is action oriented, but not attention seeking.
It's hard for me to explain exactly what I mean, but humility is gratitude. Gratitude in your successes, knowing God is by you. When I succeed, I pray. When I fail, I try harder and I pray. Humility is remembering God when it might be easy to forget Him.
And most importantly, humility is joy. Joy in accomplishments, and knowing the Lord is on your side. Pride is a fleeting thing, lasting only as long as the lime light is shining. But joy in service begets more service, and more joy.
I feel like this was all very scattered, because I'm not quite sure how to convey all I love about Ammon's speak, but I thing he say's it all perfectly near the end;

"Now, if this is boasting, even so will I boast; for this is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation . . . blessed be the name of my God, who has been mindful of us, wanderers in a strange land . . . this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen." (Alma 26; 36-37)