Temptations and the Beatitudes Strategy

"The beatitudes give us the formula for coming unto Christ.

We can sue them as a foundation as we seek for a Christ-centered life."

- Elder Robert E. Wells

This week we studied a topic that is always one I come back to: temptations and the power to overcome them. 

We read in the New Testament about Christ's childhood and his baptism. We also discussed about his journey fasting and communing with the heavens, to come back and be tempted by Satan. We then studied his Sermon on the Mount. The coolest thing I got from all this, though, was how they all tie together.

To start, we know that in this life we have short term struggles with long term rewards in store. We are promised many blessings and are blessed--aka the power and  future promises of "enjoying happiness, enjoying the bliss of heaven, and bringing pleasure or contentment." ♥

However, we also know that in mortality we will be challenged and tempted. Satan uses such doubts, fear, and confusion to suck us in to his "if" scenarios. Satan offers short term, instantaneous gratification in exchange for long term regret, misery, and burden -- however, it is difficult to see these things because he is subtle and the choices are not always all at once. Satan also works in such a way as to make us feel as if work is not worth it and consequences don't need to be worried about.

And even though we may do our best to make good choices and be disciples of Christ, we are mortal and we make mistakes. Our Heavenly Father and Savior knew this, and that is why they came up with the Plan of Salvation. Though we may fall to temptations and Satan's snares at times, we always have a way back -- through repentance. Though we may not be the best we can right now and we are not perfect, there is always a way to become better. What matters most is what we are striving to become and what our desires are!

We learn this in Matthew 5, when Christ shares the Beatitudes we all know and love. But this time, we're going to look at it from a different perspective:  the Beatitudes are also the steps and process of becoming better through repentance. They are advice directly from Christ of how we can overcome our weaknesses and temptations, so that over time in the eternities we will be prepared to become like him. Right now we only have the potential to become such, and he gives us those key desires we should have.

So, here we go, follow along in Matthew 5, or 3 Nephi 12.

Steps to becoming a better disciple of Christ:

1.) I recognize that I am not who I need to be yet. 

"Blessed are the poor in spirit"  

Think: Who are the poor in spirit? We are -- there is always more we can do to have a more constant companionship with the Holy Ghost and a closer relationship with the Godhead. 

2.) I feel bad that I am not better

"Blessed are they that mourn"  

Think: Who are they that mourn? Those who desire repentance and to become righteous sons and daughters of God, who wish to do better.

3.) I'm willing to do what God wants me to do

"Blessed are the meek"  

Think: Who are the meek? Those who humble their will to God's in order to fulfill His plan and move forth His work in His way.

4.) I take action.

"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness"  

Think: Who are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness? Those who desire nothing more than to be in the presence of God and will do all they can in order to gain that promise. They will take action, no matter how difficult, to fulfill His word. 

5.) I will forgive myself

"Blessed are the merciful"  

Think: Who are the merciful? Those who forgive even the hardest of people to forgive: themselves. They will trust in the promise of the Lord that they have been made clean and can move forward with faith.

6.) I will forgive others

"Blessed are the pure in heart"  

Think: Who are the pure in heart? Those who are kind, humble, loving, and accepting to others.

7.) I'm will change my ways and continue to strive to become better

"Blessed are the peacemakers"  

Think: Who are the peacemakers? Those who strive to become the best they can be and be an example of their Savior -- as caretaker, friend, advocate, example, disciple, etc.

8.) I will stay true and be prepared for the challenges and opposition that will com

"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake"  

Think: Who are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake? Those who take a stand in their testimony and share the truth with love.

Anyway, I loved this perspective -- that our personal growth and righteous desires truly are what matter. All we have to do is ask "what lack I yet" and take the action to continue on!