A pattern that we can see in our society as well as the times of the Book of Mormon is the idea that this life is it. In the Book of Mormon (another testament of Jesus Christ) we read in 2 Nephi 28:7-8
7 Yea, and there shall be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us.
8 And there shall also be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God.
This motto of eat, drink, and be merry survives today. I know that most of you (if not all) have heard the motto YOLO. You only live once.. as members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we know this is not true. This earth life is merely a step in the plan that our Heavenly Father has for us. YOLO allows individuals to justify their actions because they are young and life is for living to the fullest. I am happy to say that living life to the fullest does not have to include giving into temptations. Those who live the fullest of lives are those who follow the principles that the Lord has set for us. God has placed specific instructions for us here on earth. He knows that we are weak and that we need him. He sent his son to teach us and show us by example all the things that we need to do so that we can have a successful happy life here on earth and eventually return to live with him again.
In the New Testament in John chapter 3 verse 16 it says,
16 ¶For God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
The Savior of the world, Jesus Christ, was sent here not only to pay for our sins but also to give us an example to follow. He led a perfect life and never gave into temptation. He was always a friend, a teacher, and master to those who believed him. For us to gain salvation we must not be distracted by what the world has to offer. We need to learn to recognize the tender mercies of a loving Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. These tender mercies protect us from temptation, comfort us when we are weary, and help us reach our potential. I know that when we strive to follow the example of Jesus Christ we will see a difference in our lives. The spirit of the Lord will be with us, helping us get through our trials and temptations. God has put it simply John 14:15, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." The Lord shows his love for us through blessings received and we can show our love through our obedience to his commandments.
So what can we do to protect ourselves from temptations?
Well, we need to know our Savior better. Only with and through him can we become perfected. When we know him we will understand better our purpose here on earth. We will feel the desire to become more like him and to obey his commandments. We must study the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. It testifies that he lives and that he suffered and died for us. He did all of that with the grand purpose that we would one day return to him. If you feel far from God just know that he wants to be close to you. He wants you to know that he loves you, we just need to give him the opportunity to do so by opening ourselves up to him. Daily scriptures study, personal morning and evening prayer, and going to church every Sunday. Make the Lord a priority in your life and you will see that the Lord will make you his priority. He loves you and misses you.
