Today's post will be more of a personal journal entry, as I couldn't find many resources that went along with this topic of living according to the essential things and beliefs in life.
So, (and note that most of the following questions are from Day 3 of the Pre-Trek Intensive; I answer all of these below each question.) Ask yourself each question with profound thought put into your answer.
How well do you "feast" upon the scriptures? Are they a priority in your daily schedule?
As of now, I spend at least 10 minutes each night reading and pondering scriptures. (The past few nights have been at least 20 minutes.) I read scriptures mostly because, 1) I want to finish Doctrine and Covenants by June 30, 2) It is a requirement in the Pre-Trek Intensive, and, most importantly, 3) I want to learn more about the prophets and doctrine, and the revelations from Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. Many of the scriptures from hundreds or even thousands of years ago can relate to our lives today, if not by what we physically do, then by what principles we are taught and what lessons are exhibited. As to being a priority in my daily schedule, scriptures have become a very important habit in my life that I hardly ever miss. If I go one night without reading scriptures for at least 10 minutes, I feel unaccomplished or unsatisfied. This is more of a recent thing, as I have just recently began reading more thoroughly.
I want to be able to really, sincerely look forward to reading scriptures. Instead of just being something I am required to do, I want to look at it like something I LOVE and ENJOY doing. For instance, if I have Mutual that night, I will spend my whole day in anticipation, waiting eagerly for the activity. I desire for a similar feeling for reading the scriptures. I can strengthen my genuine love for scriptures by a) praying for this feeling, b) exercising my faith in the scriptures, c) documenting my testimony of the scriptures an my love for the gospel, so I can look at this often, and d) associating scripture study with something perhaps more exciting, and possibly including small rewards, at least until I come to the point where study alone is reward enough (kind of like puppy training).
What are the things you think are most essential to a disciple's journey?
I think the things most essential to a disciple's journey are: gospel study, temple worship, church callings, hastening the work, reaching out to others, service, education, developing talents, virtuous and pure lifestyle, strong relationship with Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and Holy Ghost, strengthening family relationships and bonds, and creating a spiritual place where the Holy Ghost is welcome.
How well are you focusing on the "essential things" in your life?
I usually just go through my day in my regular routine, and that is usually going to school, eating, attending any event I have scheduled, scripture study, pray, and prepare in morning and for bed. I spend limited time pondering gospel concepts, unless instructed to do so.
How could you make the essential things more of a focus?
More faithful scripture study and implement gospel beliefs into daily activities and thoughts. If certain activities draw away from Spirit or distract from gospel study, they should be removed from my schedule.
Why does Satan want you to fill your life with things not essential to your spiritual progression?
He wants us to be distracted from our eternal goal. If we get too involved in activities that draw us away from the Spirit, we will fall off the path.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope this got you thinking about the real goals in your life.
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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