One of the reasons we don’t acknowledge truth and live with it is because we are afraid. But fear is the opposite of faith. When we refuse to Live in Truth because we are afraid, we are refusing to live in faith.We can see this exemplified in simple things in our relationships. Let’s pretend that Zelda says to her husband Ralph, “You don’t spend enough time with me.” At this point Ralph has a choice to make as to how he will react to his wife. Some of the choices that might occur to him are: to ask for more information to better understand what Zelda wants and needs. To acknowledge that he doesn’t spend enough time and work to solve the problem. To decide that it is Zelda’s problem and ignore what she is saying. To ask if he could have a little time to think about what she has told him, and then they will discuss it some more. Obviously these are just a few of the possibilities. The important thing, however, is not the possibilities, but to realize that when a problem occurs our hearts will tell us which of these possibilities is right for us at that time.
Let’s pretend again, that in our example here, when Zelda accuses Ralph of not spending enough time with her, Ralph immediately knows in his heart that what she is saying is true. But at that realization fear kicks in. He begins to think, “I’m going to have to give up my golf game on Saturday morning!” or “This is going to mean no more watching football.” So his heart is telling him Zelda is right, but his head is telling him he is going to have to suffer if he admits it. At this point he has two more choices. He can move into the realm of Illusion and will then need to counteract the negative feelings of anger that Illusion always brings with it. Most often that is done by sulking, blaming, demeaning, or accusing Zelda—anything to make it seem like it is her fault instead of his. Or Ralph can go with his heart and admit that she is right. At this point he is Living in Truth and acting in faith.He doesn’t want to suffer, but he is willing to accept the Truth and by moving forward in truth he is trusting that the Savior will show him how deal with the problem with the least amount of suffering and pain. That is an act of faith.
Living in Truth also means living in faith
Picture: http://emilymphotography.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/follow-your-heart.jpg
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3 comments:
I love the picture and the names you chose for your characters in this example. :)
Wendi, I'm glad you liked them.
Sherrie, I've got a question for you. I find myself creating scenarios in my head to deal with what is missing in my life and sometimes even speak my lines out loud even though I know no one is there. I crave someone to talk to. Life in my head is better than real life. It's a coping method I believe because it's not constant. I'm not sure what to do about it.
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