October 1, 2024 - Jonathan M. Bliss
Change is an inevitable part of life, often bringing both challenges and opportunities. Embracing it can lead to personal growth and a more fulfilling existence but it requires that we shift our mindset and view change as a natural and necessary part of life rather than something to fear. By embracing change, we open ourselves to new possibilities, experiences, and personal growth.
To take advantage of the constant changes in our lives, we must adopt a growth mindset which enables us to see challenges as opportunities for learning and development. While we can’t control the circumstances of our lives, we can control how we respond to them and our response will determine our happiness.
King Benjamin taught us that “the natural man is an enemy to God…and will be forever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord.” (Mosiah 3: 19). The Lord requires that we make an effort to change, to be less like the world and more like Him.
President Nelson taught us, “that it is more exhausting to seek happiness where you can never find it! However, when you yoke yourself to Jesus Christ and do the spiritual work required to overcome the world, He, and He alone, does have the power to lift you above the pull of this world…expect opposition, because the adversary does not want you to discover the power of Jesus Christ. But yoking yourself with the Savior means you have access to His strength and redeeming power.” (Overcome the World and Find Rest, October 2022 General Conference).
It is our prayer that our hearts and minds will be open to receive revelation from a loving Heavenly Father on those things that He would have us change in our lives. As we come to General Conference with a desire to know and obey, we will be blessed, Father will speak to us, and we will find strength to change and put off the natural man.
Will you listen for, and strive to warmly embrace the changes the Lord would have you make?
We love you and thank you for the wonderful examples you are. Your efforts do not go unnoticed!