![]() ![]() But the character of Christ the consistent capacity to turn outward and minister to others in the midst of affliction.”Īs an example, Elder Bednar writes of the forty days of fasting and trial by Satan that Jesus experienced in the Judaean wilderness following his baptism. And what is the mainspring of Christ’s character? It is, writes Elder Bednar, in the difference between the Redeemer and “you and I as fallen, natural men and women would likely turn inward with self-absorption, self-pity, and selfishness. Bednar writes about the importance of learning for ourselves about the character of Christ. In his book entitled Act in Doctrine: Spiritual Patterns for Turning from Self to the Savior, Elder David A. ![]() The additional increment of spiritual work that is required to overcome weariness in well-doing is born of an intensification of our “devotion and loyalty and integrity, and above and beyond everything else, faith in the Brethren and in God’s power and goodness.” With the redoubling of our effort in this spiritual work comes a supernal spiritual gift, a gift that lifts and strengthens, a renewed vigor and enabling power that comes “in and through of the atonement” of Jesus Christ.Īs I study scripture and reflect on my own experience, I find that the spiritual work that conquers weariness in well-doing comes in three main ways - first, in turning outward second, in looking upward and, third, in enduring to the end.įirst, let’s talk about turning outward. The cure for weariness in well-doing does not come when we kick back and take a break, but rather, paradoxically, when we press forward and dig in deeper. While recognizing the wise counsel of scripture that we should do all things “in wisdom and order” and “not run faster than strength,” I believe that, in the most common situations, the cure for weariness in well-doing is the opposite of the cure for tiredness. It is a mental, emotional, and spiritual condition, not merely a physical one. It can build up over long periods of time and may continue to drain us, even when we are getting plenty of rest. A change in scenery or a good night’s sleep is often enough to cure tiredness. As anyone who has experienced weariness knows, it is different than being tired. In preparing this message, I have felt to have a personal word with any of you who, in this era of hastening the work, may feel weary in well-doing. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. … Could you pray for me, my dear family and friends?Īnticipating the fact that weariness would become a chronic companion to many of the best of souls in the latter-days, the Lord spoke these comforting words to a very weary Joseph Smith following his return from a difficult trip to Missouri, and as he prepared to move his family for the umpteenth time: Just as I truly began to feel back upon my feet, facing a brightening horizon, another incident occurs … leaving me floundering all over again. I am wrestling in restoring my relationship with one of my … sons … who has brought grief upon the family once again. If I not a woman of faith and did not know better … existing on only emotions … and could truly leave all troubles behind … I would take the first train to anywhere - somewhere beautiful and balmy where everyone lives happily ever after. Recently, I came across the following statement on a blog of a woman whom I do not know: To sign up for Meridian’s Free Newsletter, please CLICK HERE
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