Horses vs. asses

Elders, 

How are we motivated? Is it an outward motivation or an inward motivation? Are we forced to be good, to be reverent, to be obedient, to be faithful? Is it coercion and compulsion or a willing desire to obey? Do we grudgingly arise in the morning? Do we groan in following the Savior because he asks a hard thing from us? Must the law be written in stone alone or is it written in the fleshy parts of our hearts (2 Corinthians 3:3)? We are asked to be a candle light in the darkness and a city upon a hill (Luke 11:33-35; Matthew 5:14).

Show gratitude for the blessing of light and knowledge that God has revealed to you. He has shown you mysteries that others yearn to know. He has no secrets. Secrets are for shame. Mysteries are to be revealed as we are ready for them. God has no secrets. Be glad for that. He wants to open your eyes and show you things that will brighten your hope, strengthen your faith, and enrich your joy, not only for you but also for those that you touch. Open your mouth and bear your testimony every day and pray, pouring out your joy, gratitude, frustration, and sorrow. Remember the Lord appreciates your sacrifice. 

In the story of the Brother of Jared, two things we need to overcome. Where to get light and where to get air. For air, Mahanri got instruction on the boats construction modification but he had to dig deep in his faith to get light and in so doing saw the Savior. Brothers, the immediate things are openly given to us by the Lord but to get the Light of Christ requires a true search for instruction. It will be given to those who dig deep in the deep desire, and the Lord will show us more than we knew we wanted. Because of faith and a desire to obey, the Jaredites were not blind in their progression but traveled through life with a reaffirmed faith.

Another thought that has crossed my mind is that the Lord cannot steer a parked car. You have all the tools to move forward. You have the power of God, the keys of the priesthood, and the path laid out before you, but you must use your keys, plan your path, and remember that the power moves a man farther than walking alone. The Lord is your copilot through the Holy Ghost if you let him. This chapter in your life requires you to move boldly into the unknown knowing that God knows the path and he knows you, the pilot. You got this.

Finally, remember the words of the Lord, "I am able to make you Holy" (D&C 60:7). You may feel your imperfections attempting to crush you in doubt and disbelief. You are men of God sent to do great and marvelous things, to reap what has been sown, to sow where there has been no seed. Make goals to show a desire to improve. Prepare the people to see the Lord, to touch the prints in his hands, and kiss his feet. Ready yourselves for greatness. You will see Earth moving miracles that will change your world.

So in conclusion, be a horse, wild and obedient, who runs to obey their master, and less of the ass who is compelled to obey because of a bridled force. You have greatness in you and I wait for the day to see you again and see it within you. God bless you and God bless and magnify the work you are doing. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Brother Nathan Bingham 

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