What are covenants? Why do we have and need them?

 All of us have signed a contract, That contract binds us to certain responsibilities and obligations and in turn we receive certain benefits...We pay a phone bill, we get internet and make calls, we pay for our mortgage we get to live in our house..etc
We also make sacred covenants or spiritual contracts but these are between Heavenly Father and ourselves.

So, what are covenants?

In LDS doctrine, a covenant is a two-way promise between God and His children. We promise to obey certain commandments, and in return, He promises us specific blessings—often eternal in nature.

President Russell M. Nelson taught:

“In a coming day, only those men who have taken their covenants seriously will be able to maintain their families.”
(“The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming,” Apr. 2020)

God’s covenants include baptism, receiving the priesthood, temple ordinances, and ultimately entering into eternal marriage. Each covenant brings us closer to Him and prepares us for eternal life.

But why do we need them?

Because covenants provide power. Power to overcome sin, power to receive divine help, and power to return home to our Heavenly Parents. In a world full of distractions and spiritual fog, covenants are like a compass—they point us to Christ and help us stay on the covenant path.

President Dallin H. Oaks said:

“The gospel of Jesus Christ is the plan by which we can become what children of God are supposed to become.”
(“The Challenge to Become,” Oct. 2000)

And we become through covenants. They change us. They bind us to God.

A Modern Analogy:

Think of a marriage. Two people make sacred promises—not just to love, but to remain loyal, to work through hard things, and to build a life together. The covenant doesn't mean the relationship is perfect, but it gives it structure, depth, and sacredness. Likewise, our covenants with God shape our daily choices and deepen our spiritual connection to Him.

A Real-Life Example:

Imagine a young man preparing to serve a mission. The day he enters the temple and makes covenants, he is no longer just preparing—he is committing. That sacred moment changes him. He may still have struggles and weaknesses, but that covenant gives him the power and divine backing to grow and serve.

C.S. Lewis once wrote:

“The terrible thing, the almost impossible thing, is to hand over your whole self... But it is far easier than what we are all trying to do instead. For what we are trying to do is to remain what we call ‘ourselves,’ to keep personal happiness as our great aim in life… That is exactly what Christ warned us you cannot do.”
(Mere Christianity)

I love C.S Lewis  but i reread this quote like 3 times and i couldn't understand it..finally i asked ChatGPT to explain in to me and it all made sense afterward...

What does it mean?

Lewis is describing the deep struggle of true discipleship. We often try to follow Christ partially—giving Him our time on Sundays or when it's convenient, but holding back parts of ourselves like pride, comfort, or control. We want the blessings of Christ without fully surrendering to Him.

But Lewis points out that this middle ground doesn't work. Christ asks for our whole self. Not because He wants to dominate us—but because it's the only way to become who we were meant to be. It's not about losing ourselves, it's about finding our true self in Him.

How it connects to covenants:

This is exactly what covenants help us do. When we make a covenant—like at baptism or in the temple—we are saying to God, "I give Thee my whole heart. I will follow Thee, even when it's hard."

Covenants are how we hand over our whole selves to Christ. They are the structured, sacred way we say, “Thy will be done,” instead of “I want to do it my way.”

Elder Neal A. Maxwell expressed this idea similarly:

“The submission of one’s will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God’s altar. The many other things we ‘give’ … are actually the things He has already given to us.”
(“Swallowed Up in the Will of the Father,” Oct. 1995)

So, Lewis’s quote reminds us: trying to chase personal happiness without surrendering to God will always leave us unfulfilled. But when we enter into covenants and give ourselves to God, we discover true joy—the kind that lasts into eternity.

Covenants help us hand over our whole selves to God. They guide us away from selfishness and toward discipleship.

Covenants are not burdens—they are blessings. They are evidence that God wants a relationship with us. He wants us to return home, and He has provided a covenant path to get there.

Let us take our covenants seriously. Let us renew them weekly through the sacrament. Let us remember that each covenant is a step toward becoming like our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Todos nosotros hemos firmado un contrato. Ese contrato nos compromete a ciertas responsabilidades y obligaciones, y a cambio recibimos ciertos beneficios... Pagamos el recibo del celular y obtenemos internet y podemos hacer llamadas. Pagamos la hipoteca y podemos vivir en nuestra casa... etc.

También hacemos convenios sagrados o contratos espirituales, pero estos son entre nuestro Padre Celestial y nosotros.

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¿Entonces, qué son los convenios?

En la doctrina SUD (Santos de los Últimos Días), un convenio es una promesa de doble vía entre Dios y Sus hijos. Nosotros prometemos obedecer ciertos mandamientos, y a cambio, Él nos promete bendiciones específicas—muchas veces eternas.

El presidente Russell M. Nelson enseñó:

“En un día futuro, solo los hombres que hayan tomado en serio sus convenios podrán mantener a sus familias.”
("El futuro de la Iglesia: Preparar al mundo para la Segunda Venida del Salvador", abril de 2020)

Los convenios de Dios incluyen el bautismo, recibir el sacerdocio, las ordenanzas del templo y, finalmente, entrar en el matrimonio eterno. Cada convenio nos acerca más a Él y nos prepara para la vida eterna.

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¿Pero por qué los necesitamos?

Porque los convenios nos dan poder. Poder para vencer el pecado, poder para recibir ayuda divina y poder para regresar al hogar con nuestros Padres Celestiales. En un mundo lleno de distracciones y neblina espiritual, los convenios son como una brújula—nos apuntan hacia Cristo y nos ayudan a permanecer en el sendero del convenio.

El presidente Dallin H. Oaks dijo:

“El evangelio de Jesucristo es el plan por el cual podemos llegar a ser lo que los hijos de Dios deben llegar a ser.”
("El desafío de llegar a ser", octubre de 2000)

Y llegamos a ser a través de los convenios. Ellos nos transforman. Nos unen a Dios.

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Una analogía moderna:

Piensa en un matrimonio. Dos personas hacen promesas sagradas—no solo de amarse, sino de mantenerse fieles, de trabajar juntas en tiempos difíciles, y de construir una vida en común. El convenio no significa que la relación será perfecta, pero le da estructura, profundidad y santidad. De la misma forma, nuestros convenios con Dios moldean nuestras decisiones diarias y profundizan nuestra conexión espiritual con Él.

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Un ejemplo real:

Imagina a un joven que se está preparando para servir una misión. El día que entra al templo y hace convenios, ya no solo se está preparando—se está comprometiendo. Ese momento sagrado lo cambia. Tal vez todavía tenga luchas y debilidades, pero ese convenio le da poder y respaldo divino para crecer y servir.

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C.S. Lewis una vez escribió:

“Lo terrible, lo casi imposible, es entregar todo tu ser... Pero es mucho más fácil que lo que todos intentamos hacer en su lugar. Porque lo que intentamos es seguir siendo lo que llamamos ‘nosotros mismos’, mantener la felicidad personal como nuestro gran objetivo en la vida… Eso es exactamente lo que Cristo nos advirtió que no se puede hacer.”
(Cristianismo y nada más)

Me encanta C.S. Lewis, pero leí esta cita como tres veces y no la entendí... finalmente le pedí a ChatGPT que me la explicara y todo tuvo sentido después...

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¿Qué significa esto?

Lewis está describiendo la profunda lucha del verdadero discipulado. A menudo intentamos seguir a Cristo a medias—le damos nuestro tiempo los domingos o cuando nos es conveniente, pero retenemos partes de nosotros mismos como el orgullo, la comodidad o el control. Queremos las bendiciones de Cristo sin rendirnos completamente a Él.

Pero Lewis señala que ese punto intermedio no funciona. Cristo pide todo nuestro ser. No porque quiera dominarnos, sino porque es la única manera de llegar a ser quienes fuimos creados para ser. No se trata de perdernos a nosotros mismos, sino de encontrar nuestro verdadero yo en Él.

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¿Cómo se relaciona esto con los convenios?

Esto es exactamente lo que los convenios nos ayudan a hacer. Cuando hacemos un convenio—como en el bautismo o en el templo—le estamos diciendo a Dios: “Te entrego todo mi corazón. Te seguiré, incluso cuando sea difícil.”

Los convenios son la forma estructurada y sagrada de decir: “Hágase Tu voluntad,” en lugar de “Quiero hacerlo a mi manera.”

El élder Neal A. Maxwell expresó esta idea de forma similar:

“La sumisión de la voluntad propia es en realidad la única cosa exclusivamente personal que tenemos para colocar en el altar de Dios. Las muchas otras cosas que ‘damos’ … en realidad son cosas que Él ya nos ha dado.”
("Absorbidos en la voluntad del Padre", octubre de 1995)

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Entonces, la cita de Lewis nos recuerda: intentar perseguir la felicidad personal sin rendirnos a Dios siempre nos dejará vacíos. Pero cuando hacemos convenios y nos entregamos a Dios, descubrimos la verdadera alegría—la clase de gozo que dura por la eternidad.

Los convenios nos ayudan a entregar todo nuestro ser a Dios. Nos guían lejos del egoísmo y hacia el discipulado.

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Los convenios no son una carga—son una bendición. Son evidencia de que Dios quiere una relación con nosotros. Él quiere que regresemos a casa, y ha provisto un camino de convenios para llegar allí.

Tomemos en serio nuestros convenios. Renovémoslos cada semana mediante la Santa Cena. Recordemos que cada convenio es un paso hacia llegar a ser como nuestro Salvador, Jesucristo.

The Story of Lot’s Wife – A Lesson on Looking Forward with Faith

The Story of Lot’s Wife – A Lesson on Looking Forward with Faith

The story of Lot’s wife takes place in the early chapters of the Bible, specifically Genesis 18–19.

The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah had become places of extreme wickedness and corruption. The people there were unrepentant and violently opposed to righteousness. Sin wasn’t just common—it had become a cultural and generational norm. People were born into a society where sin was accepted, even encouraged.

When God revealed His plan to destroy the cities, Abraham, the prophet, pleaded with Him to spare them if even ten righteous people could be found. Sadly, not even ten could be found.

In His mercy, God sent two angels to rescue Lot and his family, giving them a clear warning: flee the city and do not look back. The cities were destroyed by fire and brimstone—complete and utter devastation.

As they fled, Lot’s wife disobeyed. She looked back at the burning city, and as a result, she was turned into a pillar of salt.

Why did this happen? It wasn’t just sadness over what she was leaving behind. It may have been that she longed for the lifestyle and enticements of Sodom. But most importantly, she had received a clear and divine command—to not look back. God was inviting her, and all of us, to look forward to the future with faith.

God wants us to move forward, to forgive, and to let go of the past. Holding on to what we’ve been asked to leave behind—whether it’s sin, regret, or even past comforts—can prevent us from receiving the blessings ahead.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland gave a powerful message on this topic in a BYU devotional:

“There is something in us, at least in too many of us, that particularly fails to forgive and forget earlier mistakes in life—either mistakes we ourselves have made or the mistakes of others. That is not good. It is not Christian. It stands in terrible opposition to the grandeur and majesty of the Atonement of Christ. To be tied to earlier mistakes—our own or other people’s—is the worst kind of wallowing in the past from which we are called to cease and desist.”

What does this mean? Wallowing in the past, and refusing to forgive ourselves or others, undermines the purpose of the Atonement. Christ paid the price for our sins. Only God has the authority to judge, and He offers each of us endless opportunities to change and grow.

Let Lot’s wife be a reminder: Don’t look back at what God has already delivered you from. The blessings He has prepared for you are ahead—not behind.

Lot’s wife serves as a powerful reminder—not just of what happens when we look back, but of what we miss out on when we don’t look forward. God wasn’t just pulling Lot’s family out of Sodom—He was trying to lead them toward safety, growth, and new blessings. But Lot’s wife couldn’t let go of what was behind her, and in doing so, she missed everything ahead.

Sometimes we hold onto the past—our regrets, our old habits, even former comforts that we know weren’t good for us—because it feels familiar. But the Lord is always inviting us to move forward, to become new, and to step into a future filled with promise.

As President Russell M. Nelson said:

“The Lord loves effort, and effort brings rewards. As you act in faith, you will be guided, and you will know how to move forward.”

When we choose not to look back—when we let go of what no longer serves us—we make room for peace, healing, and progress. God’s blessings are almost always ahead of us, not behind us.

So whatever your past holds, trust that your future with Christ is brighter. Lift your eyes, take His hand, and walk forward with confidence. The best is truly yet to come

Remembering Him During the Sacrament

Remembering Him During the Sacrament

Reading today’s We Believe reminded me of something I learned a long time ago—but today, it hit me differently. During sacrament meeting, I felt deeply humbled.

Each time we partake of the sacrament, we covenant to remember Him. But it's more than just a ritual. If you look closely at the bread and water as they sit covered, waiting to be blessed, it resembles someone wrapped in a white blanket. That image quietly symbolizes Christ. The bread and water represent His body and His blood.

Seeing that again made me pause. How often do I just sit there without truly remembering the sacredness of what He did for us? Do I really reflect on why we take the bread and water and what it represents?

Today, I made a promise to myself: to always be reverent during the sacrament. To intentionally look at the bread and water and remember what I’m promising, why I’m promising, and how I’m living up to my covenants.

President Russell M. Nelson taught:

“Our covenants bind us to Him. They are not just one-time ceremonies. They are promises that require our daily devotion.”

Elder David A. Bednar reminded us:

“The Holy Ghost brings all things to our remembrance—what we need to know, do, and become.”

There are a few words we hear often in the Church: The Living Scriptures, The Living Christ. These aren’t just phrases—they’re powerful truths.

The gospel isn’t only based on ancient texts. We have a living prophet who receives continuous revelation from Christ. That’s why we call them Living Scriptures—the words our prophet speaks are for our time. Christ is not a figure of the past. He is alive. He knows each of us personally. He is the Living Christ, because of His Resurrection.

 

How God has reached out to us over time...

Sometimes some of these are hard to understand so this will be a quick breakdown of what it means:

1. "How oft have I called upon you by the mouth of my servants" 

God speaks to us through his prophets, Like Moses, Noah and more recently Nephi, Joseph Smith and Modern day Church Aposltes and our Prophet Elder Nelson. He sends us His word, has called us to repentance, guides us and teaches us the truth thru them

2. "And by the ministering of angels"

The scriptures talk about literal Angels have came to Earth to deliver a message, In the Book of Mormon  an Angel appeard to Alma when he was be rebelious, Angels appeard at Christs Birth and in his resurrection. Nowadays, Missionaries could be Angels, Members of the church that show up to help when we are in need...You and me can also be Angels.

3. "And by mine own voice"

He has spoken to us Directly, when he presented him in the first vision.

“God is not silent. He loves us and will speak to us if we listen.” — Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

4. "And by the voice of thunderings, and by the voice of lightnings, and by the voice of tempests, and by the voice of earthquakes, and great hailstorms"

This is referring to Nature, the Earth it testifies of God. When Christ was crucified, the Earth shook, there was night during the day..

5. "And by the voice of famines and pestilences of every kind"

When we get sick, sadly that is a way that foreces us to get closer to God

“Sometimes God lets you hit rock bottom so that you will discover that He is the Rock at the bottom.”

6. "And by the great sound of a trump"

The trump often symbolizes final calls to repentance or resurrection. This is a reference to the Second Coming when the trumpet will sound and all will be judged.

7. "And by the voice of judgment, and by the voice of mercy all the day long"

God’s call includes both justice and mercy. He lovingly warns of consequences, yet patiently offers grace and forgiveness continually.

Like the father of the prodigal son, God is always waiting with open arms, willing to receive us—even after repeated mistakes.

Answers to our prayers...Divine Signatures from God

                                      

Sometimes, understanding the direction we should take in life is hard. We pray and wait for an answer, and sometimes it feels as if it never comes. Other times, we have several options that confuse us. Satan knows which path will lead us to growth and closer to God, so he may place things in our lives that seem good or convenient—but are actually meant to distract us or slightly steer us off the right path.

Our perspective should always remain eternal. We should ask ourselves: Does this answer provide a temporary solution, or an eternal one? Does this option help me reach goals that align with God's will—goals that keep me walking His path?

Sometimes, it's easier to take the more convenient or comfortable route because it feels good in the moment. But all that does is delay our progress and take us further from where we are supposed to be.

This is what is called the path of least resistance, Imagine hiking up a mountain, there are 2 paths in front of you , one of them is wide and with pavement but it takes you 3-5 hours to get to the top, the other is a narrow dirt trail, you see branches that you'll have to push to the side, rocks you might trip over and large stones you might have to climb over...but this path is direct, you arrive in 30 minutes.
For some 3-5 hours might be worth it but to someone who is willing to put the work and get there faster the narrow path is the right choice...Applies to lifes choices and choosing what the world offers or choosing the path that takes us to Heavenly Father 

Another important point: sometimes we must be tested, and our faith must be tried, before we receive a blessing. Let me explain: imagine someone with an addiction who believes they have overcome it and is seeking a specific blessing. Before receiving it, they may be tested with a temptation to fall back into that addiction. Why? Because God needs to see that we have truly changed. What’s the point of blessing us if we’re just going to choose the wrong path again? We need to show that we've learned from the past and sincerely desire change by refusing to go back to what hasn’t served us.

Ether 12:6 – “...ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.”
Moses 1:39 – God's work is to bring about our immortality and eternal life—He is personally involved in that mission.

We also have to remember that sometimes we want answers on our timeline. We live in a society of instant gratification, so we expect quick responses. But God doesn’t work that way. He has His own perfect timing. Yes, sometimes His answers come quickly, but in most cases, patience is required so we can grow and learn from the experience. Some of the most powerful confirmations come after silence, after a period of struggle, and only once we’ve demonstrated our faith and trust.

Today's  We Believe reminded me of a powerful book I read a few years ago by an LDS author called Divine Signatures  Gerald N Lund. It teaches how to recognize the signs God places in our lives when He approves of an action or request.

A Divine Signature is a spiritual marker—something beyond coincidence—that confirms God's hand in a situation. It's a tender mercy that leaves no doubt He was involved. It’s "a spiritual fingerprint of the Lord"—personal and unmistakable.

Here’s an example:
You’re thinking about moving to another city. You pray, asking the Lord to guide you and to open the right doors. You are striving to follow his commandments Then, at a random event, you meet someone from that city who gives you helpful information—even their realtor’s contact. You call the realtor, and he’s friendly and familiar. He shows you a few homes, and you fall in love with one. You’re nervous about finances, but the loan officer that your new realtor recommended helps you figure it out, and everything works out smoothly. Every door opens. That is a Divine Signature. God is guiding your next chapter.

Now the contrast:

You’re considering moving, but you’re filled with doubt. You can’t find helpful information. You meet a realtor who seems more focused on making a sale than helping you. You run into financial issues, and everything feels forced. You sense the move might bring temporary happiness but feel deeply uncertain. If you ignore those signs and go through with it just because it’s convenient, you might find yourself unhappy and facing new challenges.

Elder Lund emphasizes that while not every event is dramatic or miraculous, many small coincidences are actually God's interventions:

“God is not silent, nor is He passive. He is actively involved in our lives—even in the details.”
“Through faith, obedience, and trust, we put ourselves in a position to receive and recognize divine signatures.”

I promise you that If we are striving to live the Gospel, obeying the commandments, praying, reading, and doing our part, God will show up. When He sees our effort, there is no doubt He will bless us in His time, especially when our requests are aligned with His will.

Remember,  if you're in a time of waiting or confusion, don't lose hope. Trust in God's perfect timing. Stay close to Him. Watch for the divine fingerprints along your path—they are there. Our job is to stay spiritually tuned so that we can recognize them when they come.

                                                TRANSLATED TO SPANISH
                                                TRADUCCION EN ESPANOL

A veces, entender la dirección que debemos tomar en la vida es difícil. Oramos y esperamos una respuesta, y a veces parece que nunca llega. Otras veces, tenemos varias opciones que nos confunden. Satanás sabe cuál camino nos llevará al crecimiento y nos acercará a Dios, así que puede colocar cosas en nuestras vidas que parecen buenas o convenientes, pero que en realidad están diseñadas para distraernos o desviarnos ligeramente del camino correcto.

Nuestra perspectiva siempre debe ser eterna. Debemos preguntarnos: ¿Esta respuesta me da una solución temporal o una eterna? ¿Esta opción me ayuda a alcanzar metas que se alinean con la voluntad de Dios, metas que me mantienen caminando en Su camino?

A veces es más fácil tomar la ruta más conveniente o cómoda porque se siente bien en el momento. Pero eso solo retrasa nuestro progreso y nos aleja de donde se supone que debemos estar.

Esto es lo que se llama el camino de menor resistencia. Imagina que estás subiendo una montaña y tienes dos caminos frente a ti: uno es ancho y está pavimentado, pero te toma entre 3 y 5 horas llegar a la cima; el otro es un sendero angosto de tierra, ves ramas que tendrás que apartar, piedras con las que podrías tropezar y rocas grandes que tendrás que escalar... pero este camino es directo, llegas en 30 minutos.
Para algunos, tal vez valga la pena caminar 3-5 horas, pero para alguien dispuesto a esforzarse y llegar más rápido, el camino angosto es la elección correcta.
Esto se aplica a las decisiones de la vida: elegir lo que el mundo ofrece o elegir el camino que nos lleva al Padre Celestial.

Otro punto importante: a veces debemos ser probados, y nuestra fe debe ser puesta a prueba, antes de recibir una bendición. Déjame explicarlo: imagina a alguien con una adicción que cree haberla superado y está buscando una bendición específica. Antes de recibirla, tal vez sea probado con una tentación de volver a esa adicción. ¿Por qué? Porque Dios necesita ver que realmente hemos cambiado. ¿De qué sirve bendecirnos si vamos a volver a elegir el camino equivocado? Debemos demostrar que hemos aprendido del pasado y que sinceramente deseamos cambiar al negarnos a regresar a lo que no nos ha servido.

Éter 12:6 – “...no recibís testimonio sino hasta después de la prueba de vuestra fe.”
Moisés 1:39 – La obra de Dios es llevar a cabo nuestra inmortalidad y vida eterna—Él está personalmente involucrado en esa misión.

También debemos recordar que a veces queremos respuestas en nuestro propio tiempo. Vivimos en una sociedad de gratificación instantánea, así que esperamos respuestas rápidas. Pero Dios no trabaja de esa manera. Él tiene su propio tiempo perfecto. Sí, a veces sus respuestas llegan rápido, pero en la mayoría de los casos, se requiere paciencia para que podamos crecer y aprender de la experiencia. Algunas de las confirmaciones más poderosas llegan después del silencio, después de un periodo de lucha, y solo cuando hemos demostrado fe y confianza.

La lectura del We Believe  de hoy me recordó un libro poderoso que leí hace algunos años de un autor Santo de los Últimos Días llamado Firmas Divinas de Gerald N. Lund. Enseña cómo reconocer las señales que Dios coloca en nuestras vidas cuando aprueba una acción o petición.

Una Firma Divina es una señal espiritual—algo más allá de una coincidencia—que confirma la mano de Dios en una situación. Es una misericordia tierna que no deja duda de que Él estuvo involucrado. Es “una huella espiritual del Señor”, personal e inconfundible.

Aquí tienes un ejemplo:
Estás pensando en mudarte a otra ciudad. Oras, pidiendo al Señor que te guíe y abra las puertas correctas. Te estás esforzando por seguir Sus mandamientos. Luego, en un evento aleatorio, conoces a alguien de esa ciudad que te da información útil—hasta el contacto de su agente de bienes raíces. Llamas al agente, es amable y confiable. Te muestra algunas casas y te enamoras de una. Estás nervioso por el tema financiero, pero el asesor hipotecario que tu nuevo agente te recomienda te ayuda a resolverlo, y todo sale bien. Todas las puertas se abren. Eso es una Firma Divina. Dios está guiando tu siguiente capítulo.

Ahora el contraste:

Estás considerando mudarte, pero estás lleno de dudas. No encuentras información útil. Conoces a un agente que parece más interesado en vender que en ayudarte. Tienes problemas financieros, y todo se siente forzado. Sientes que la mudanza podría traer felicidad temporal, pero en el fondo estás inseguro. Si ignoras esas señales y sigues adelante solo porque es conveniente, podrías encontrarte infeliz y enfrentando nuevos desafíos.

El élder Lund enfatiza que aunque no todos los eventos son dramáticos o milagrosos, muchas pequeñas “coincidencias” en realidad son intervenciones de Dios:

“Dios no está en silencio, ni es pasivo. Está activamente involucrado en nuestras vidas—aun en los detalles.”
“Mediante la fe, la obediencia y la confianza, nos ponemos en posición de recibir y reconocer las firmas divinas.”

Te prometo que si nos estamos esforzando por vivir el Evangelio, obedeciendo los mandamientos, orando, leyendo y haciendo nuestra parte, Dios se manifestará. Cuando Él ve nuestro esfuerzo, no hay duda de que nos bendecirá en Su tiempo, especialmente cuando nuestras peticiones se alinean con Su voluntad.

Recuerda: si estás en un tiempo de espera o confusión, no pierdas la esperanza. Confía en el tiempo perfecto de Dios. Mantente cerca de Él. Observa las huellas divinas a lo largo de tu camino—están ahí. Tu trabajo es mantenerte espiritualmente sintonizado para poder reconocerlas cuando lleguen.

Anxiety or Anticipation over an event?

Title: Anxiety or Anticipation Over an Event

After my divorce, I remained very involved and active in the Church for about six years. I held a temple recommend, had callings, and felt that I was at a high spiritual level. Then, certain circumstances brought deep disappointment and hurt—mainly because, after six years of being single and doing everything I was supposed to do spiritually, I still hadn’t found my eternal companion.

Eventually, In 2016 I met and began dating someone who was a member of the Church but not active. She was also going through her own spiritual struggles—she was angry with God because of her divorce. I tried to help her by sharing scriptures and supporting her the best I could. But instead of lifting her up, I found myself slipping. I began doing things I never would’ve considered before—having the occasional glass of wine, becoming sexually involved, attending church less, and slowly neglecting prayer and scripture study.

This led me to a place of spiritual numbness. I had lost the companionship of the Spirit. But because finding love had become more important to me than my relationship with God, my spiritual priorities faded into the background.

Fast forward to the present: I met a beautiful woman whom I truly fell in love with. She was not a member, but within a few months, she chose to get baptized. I was thrilled. I thought, She loves me and now she’s a member of the Church—I’ve found my eternal person! But despite this spiritual milestone, my perception had changed over the years. Wounded by past experiences and unaware of deep emotional issues from my childhood, I thought, She needs to want the gospel for herself. Salvation is personal. I’ll support her if she asks, but she needs to pray, study, and grow on her own.

That mindset was a mistake, and it cost me greatly.

Our relationship became more strained due to communication issues, unhealed wounds, and childhood triggers that we both had and were still unresolved. We both decided to begin therapy. I did it with the hope of figuring out how to become a better person and a better partner. Through therapy, I’ve uncovered key emotional patterns that deeply affected the relationship.

Around the same time, I had a conversation with my bishop. He reminded me how important it is to stay close to Heavenly Father. He asked me:
“Are you willing to lose everything you've learned in the Church—every blessing you’ve received, every person you’ve taught, your testimony and spiritual experiences, the companionship of the Spirit—but most of all, your relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, just because you want something or someone?”

Those words echoed in my soul.

What was more important—my need for love and intimacy, or my relationship with God?

It was like a movie flashback—I saw how much time had passed and how much I had wasted. I was filled with panic. I felt a deep urge to change things now. I mentioned this to her, but due to the pain she was going through, it was hard for her to understand. She said, “No one can just change overnight. You’ve tried to change before—what’s different now?”

To give some perspective, Elder Dale G. Renlund gave a powerful analogy during the April 2025 General Conference that describes what I’ve been feeling, and why I believe change is possible—sometimes even suddenly.

“Consider this insight provided by the 18th-century Hasidic scholar Zusya of Anipol. Zusya was a renowned teacher who began to fear as he approached death. His disciples asked, ‘Master, why do you tremble? You’ve lived a good life; surely God will grant you a great reward.’

Zusya said: ‘If God says to me, “Zusya, why were you not another Moses?” I will say, “Because You didn’t give me the greatness of soul You gave Moses.” And if God says, “Why were you not another Solomon?” I will say, “Because You didn’t give me Solomon’s wisdom.” But… what will I say if God asks, “Zusya, why were you not Zusya? Why were you not the man I created you to be?” Ah, that is why I tremble.’”

This hit me hard. I’ve been living a life that isn't who i am and who i was meant to be. A life that mirrors those who have never heard the gospel—living by “You Only Live Once,” telling myself “Just live a little. One drink won’t hurt. I’ll figure it out later.” But if I were to die today and face God, and He asked me, “Did you live the life I laid out for you?”—I would want to hide at the edge of the universe in shame.

In that moment of reflection, I remembered every blessing God had given me: the people He placed in my path, the times my life was spared, the miracle of finding the true Church—. Out of 8 billion people, I found the restored gospel. People have  better odds of winning the lottery than accepting the true Church of God

This is the reason for my urgency to change. I feel I’ve wasted so much time, and now I must work hard to realign my life at a double pace—first repairing my relationship with God, then with forgiving and taking care of myself, and finally with those I’ve hurt. It’s not easy for others to understand what someone is going through, but when you realize you could’ve had the life you wanted if only you had healed sooner… that becomes your motivation. When you finally understand that the emptiness you’ve felt didn’t have to exist—and that it can go away—that’s when you set new priorities. You fix what needs to be fixed, and you act on it.

She once told me, “When I make a decision, I go all in.” That is a form of sudden change. It’s waking up one day and realizing: “I want this. This is good for me. I don’t want to lose it. If I do this, I can be happy.”

The real problem is losing sight of what truly matters—what is eternal. When you lose focus, you don’t realize what you’re capable of losing until it’s gone.

The topic of this journal entry is “Anxiety or Anticipation Over an Event,” referring to the deep anxiety I feel about not being prepared for the Second Coming of the Lord. It’s the same trembling feeling Zusya felt on his deathbed—the desire to know I’ve lived a life that’s right, the life of who i was meant to be and the impact I could;ve had with the people that were in my life

This anxiety drove me to change. At first, I wanted to prove to people that I had changed—“Look, I’m different now!” I would say,  But true change is hard to prove overnight. What I meant was, “I’ve come to a realization. I’ve hit a crossroads.” One path continues the pattern of unhappiness, failed relationships, and spiritual numbness. The other path is the one that will transform everything—my life, my relationship with God, with my family, and with the people I love.

I no longer want to live in fear of how knowing i am not prepared for the Second Coming, nor out of shame for the life I’ve lived. Instead, I choose to live in anticipation—with hope, purpose, and commitment. I know who I want to be: a man who walks with God, who honors his covenants, and who loves with integrity. The anxiety I once felt has become a sacred motivation—not to perform for others, but to become who I was always meant to be. This journey isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being aligned. And now, for the first time in a long time, I’m stepping forward with both eyes open, ready to meet the Savior—not with trembling alone, but with trust.

I am committed to keep moving forward—learning from my mistakes, growing from these experiences, making amends with those I’ve hurt, and transforming my love into one that is selfless, devoted, loyal, and unconditional—because I want to show that I can love the way I hope to be loved

The Holy Spirit, how to listen, what does it feel like when it whispers us the answers we are looking for.

The Holy Spirit, how to listen, what does it feel like when it whispers us the answers we are looking for.

When I first became a member of the Church, I knew nothing about the Holy Spirit. To me, it was just an invisible being watching over you to see if you were doing something bad and would "snitch" to God. On the flip side, it would also help you out if you were in need. You prayed and asked for God’s help, and you would receive it through the Spirit.

At the age of 18, I was baptized into the LDS Church. One year later, I went on a mission for the Church. It was so very intimidating... Here I was, a 19-year-old kid who knew very little about religion and didn't have even a fraction of the knowledge that these Utah Elders, raised in the Church, had. I was still in the process of learning and felt inferior compared to these other missionaries.

One month after arriving, I went to a mission conference where I got to hear our mission president speak. During his talk, something strange started to happen to me. Everything he said made sense. I felt as though he was telling me the truth, and I felt happy... but then I started feeling a burning sensation in my chest and became anxious because I didn't know what was happening to me. I thought I was going to pass out. My companion asked what was wrong, and I told him I didn’t know. I wasn’t sure if I had a headache and needed a pill or if I was having a heart attack. I couldn’t understand what I was feeling. We went out into the hallway, and the feeling went away. By that time, other Elders came to see what was going on. I told them what I was experiencing. One of them asked, "Were you feeling a burning sensation in your chest while the President was speaking?" I said, "Yes." He said, "Elder, you just experienced the Holy Spirit testifying to you that what he was speaking about is true."

In the mission field, feeling the Holy Ghost is different from how "normal people" experience it in everyday life. As a missionary, you dedicate two years to God—preaching, studying, testifying, and praying constantly—so the Spirit is right there by your side. In normal life, there are so many distractions that it can be hard to hear or feel the Holy Ghost. Elder Faust spoke about this in a talk, so I will quote from it:

“Give ear to the voice of the living God.”1 The voice of the Spirit is available to all. The Lord said, “The Spirit enlighteneth every man [and every woman] … that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit.” In other words, we ALL have the capability and the blessing of hearing the Holy Ghost. We can all receive instructions or guidance from Him, but we need to be diligent in seeking this companion.

He further says: But we hear other voices. Paul said, “There are … so many kinds of voices in the world”8 that compete with the voice of the Spirit. The Spirit’s voice is ever present, but it is calm.

But this part really opened my eyes:

The adversary tries to smother this voice (the Holy Spirit's voice) with a multitude of loud, persistent, persuasive, and appealing voices:

Here is my explanation of each, with a few insights of my own:

Murmuring voices that conjure up perceived injustices.

For example, you’re at work, and a coworker gets recognized by the boss for a project you also worked on. In your mind, you start thinking, “That’s not fair. I did just as much, maybe more. My efforts are always overlooked. Maybe the boss just likes them better. Why didn’t they do that with me, too?” Even though no one intentionally wronged you, those murmuring voices in your head start to conjure up a perceived injustice, so you get hurt and start building resentment.

Whining voices that abhor challenge and work.

When we whine instead of acting. When something seems too challenging or time-consuming, we find excuses not to do it. We may think, "Other people are just smarter. Why should I even bother? I’m not as smart." Satan makes us feel that we don’t have the capacity to succeed. But if we don’t listen to this whining voice, it opens our mindset to growth, experience, success, and confidence—showing us that we can tackle anything, no matter how hard or time-consuming it seems.

Our attitude should be: "It’s tough, but I can handle it, little by little. And I can ask for help if I need it."

Seductive voices that offer sensual enticements.

This one could be anything from pornography, to Hollywood trying to set a fashion trend that portrays women as needing to dress in overly revealing ways, to alcohol consumption, drugs, promiscuity, or having several sexual partners. The justifications we might hear are, “It’s harmless. I’m not hurting anyone. Everyone does it. It’s normal.”

Our attitude should be: “I know where this path leads, and I want better for myself. This moment doesn’t define me, but my choices do.”

Soothing voices that lull us into carnal security.

This one was a big one for me. When we’ve been in the Church long enough that we think we know a lot and don’t need to worry about our spiritual growth, we become complacent. For example: "I’ve been good today. I don’t need to pray. I’ll go to church next week; God knows I’m tired. I’ve already repented from this; I don’t need to repent again."

Our attitude should be: “Just because I feel fine spiritually doesn’t mean I shouldn’t seek the Spirit. I need to nourish my spirit, even when things are going well in my life.”

Intellectual voices that profess sophistication and superiority.

This could come from the media or from really smart people—scientists, for example—who might say that believing in God is naïve or for people who are not as intelligent.

Proud voices that rely on the arm of flesh.

These are thoughts we might have that tell us we do not need God. “I can rely on myself, on my own knowledge. I don’t need to pray to God; I’ve got this. I built my success; God didn’t do it for me.”

Flattering voices that puff us up with pride.

These are voices that inflate our egos, making us feel that we are better than others—more talented, more righteous, or more important.

Cynical voices that destroy hope.

These are the voices that make us think things won’t ever get better. They try to crush our faith and discourage us from even trying to get closer to God. “Things will never change for me. God helps other people, not me.”

Entertaining voices that promote pleasure seeking.

This one influences all of us, and sometimes we don’t even realize it. Certain types of music with very sexually explicit lyrics or suggestive images, things that promote feeling good or having fun regardless of the consequences—like they say, "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas."

We may hear: “You only live once. Live in the moment. You’re missing out.”

Commercial voices that tempt us to “spend money for that which is of no worth, [and our] labor for that which cannot satisfy.”10

This one is self-explanatory. I need the next iPhone, the newer car, or the latest clothes. We spend money on these things, and in the end, we still feel empty inside.

Delirious voices that spawn the desire for a “high.”

I’m not referring to a drug- or alcohol-induced high, but to the pursuit of dangerous, death-defying experiences just for the thrill. Life, even our own, is so precious that we are accountable to the Lord for it, and we should not trifle with it. Once gone, it cannot be called back.

Another thing we should be aware of is what we call a "gut feeling." Gut feelings are intuitions, perceptions, or judgments based on our reasoning, and they are usually influenced by emotions or personal experiences we've had in the past. Sometimes we can be right about our gut feelings, leading to positive outcomes by going with that feeling. But gut feelings can also lead us away from what is true due to incomplete information or because our past experiences cloud our judgment.

This is why seeking the guidance of the Spirit is our best source. The Spirit will always make us feel what is true and comes from Heavenly Father. It will make us feel peace, love, reassurance, and calmness. If something is not of God, it will make us feel rejected, disoriented spiritually, uncertain, or unsettled.

How to distinguish the Holy Spirit from gut feelings:

Gut feelings are usually based on emotions, memories of hurt, or past experiences. The Spirit speaks to us through small, gentle promptings—whispering to our mind and heart, filling us with a warm feeling a feeling of closeness and even of love.

To finish, the Holy Ghost is what God has given us to help guide us to the truth. It testifies of the Father and the Son, comforts us, and sanctifies our souls. We can all have this companion, but we must strive to be close to it by reading the scriptures, praying, living a life of service, working on developing Christlike attributes, being grateful for our blessings, going to church, fasting, and repenting regularly. Remember, when asking God for inspiration through the Spirit, we need to be still and listen. We lead busy lives, but to hear the Spirit, we need to slow down and focus our attention, tuning out the other noises of the world.

Waiting around. Theres good wait and bad wait...which one are we doing?

Stop Waiting—Start Creating with God

Many people today find themselves stuck in a passive state—waiting.
Waiting for circumstances to change.
Waiting for someone to notice them.
Waiting for a miracle to fall into their laps.
Waiting for a sign that it’s time to move forward.

At first glance, waiting seems harmless. But spiritually, it can lower our vibration, diminish our faith, and distance us from the divine creative power that God has placed within each of us.

When we are endlessly waiting—waiting for a text, a promotion, validation, or even for a soulmate to arrive—we place ourselves in the position of the effect rather than the cause. We hand over our agency, a sacred gift from God, to forces outside of ourselves.

But in the gospel of Jesus Christ, we are taught that we are to act and not be acted upon.
As the Book of Mormon teaches:

“...men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life... or to choose captivity and death” (2 Nephi 2:27).

We were not created to sit still. We are meant to mirror the Creator—to be creators ourselves!
God is the ultimate First Cause. His work is one of continual creation, movement, and life:

“For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39).

Creation does not sit stagnant like a swamp; it flows, grows, and moves forward like a living river.
When we wait idly—hoping someone else will complete us or open the door for us—we resist our divine nature.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf beautifully taught:

“You are sons and daughters of the greatest, most glorious Being in the universe. He loves you with a perfect love... You are no ordinary beings. You are glorious and eternal.”

Because of that truth, we must choose today to partner with God in creating the life we are destined for.
Faith is a principle of action and power, not of passive waiting.
As the Prophet Joseph Smith taught:

“Faith is the moving cause of all action” (Lectures on Faith 1:10).

There are, of course, moments when the Spirit prompts us to wait, but that kind of waiting is different:
It is an active waiting—a deliberate, faithful patience while we prepare ourselves and act in wisdom, not fear.
Waiting in fear, doubt, or dependency is not faith.
Waiting in faith, preparation, and trust in the Lord is powerful and creative.

When we shift from waiting to creating, miracles are drawn to us.
As Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said:

“Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come.”

Today, declare with faith:

"I am the cause, with God, of my life. I release the energy of passive waiting and step into the power of divine creation. Miracles flow into my life as I listen to the whisperings of the Spirit and take consistent steps toward the vision God has planted in my heart."

Move forward with trust in God's timing, but don't stay still.
You are not waiting for life to happen—you are co-creating it with God.

I got the idea from this post that really shook me to my core:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI9A5epJyqy/?igsh=bXoxNWdxMjR4djA3

                                                TRANSLATED TO SPANISH
                                                TRADUCCION EN ESPANOL

Deja de Esperar—Comienza a Crear con Dios

Hoy en día, muchas personas se encuentran estancadas en un estado pasivo—esperando.
Esperando a que cambien las circunstancias.
Esperando a que alguien las note.
Esperando que un milagro caiga en sus manos.
Esperando una señal de que es el momento de avanzar.

A primera vista, esperar parece inofensivo. Pero espiritualmente, puede bajar nuestra vibración, disminuir nuestra fe y alejarnos del poder creativo divino que Dios ha puesto dentro de cada uno de nosotros.

Cuando estamos esperando interminablemente—esperando un mensaje, una promoción, validación, o incluso la llegada de un alma gemela—nos ponemos en la posición del efecto, en lugar de la causa. Entregamos nuestra agencia, un regalo sagrado de Dios, a fuerzas fuera de nosotros mismos.

Pero en el evangelio de Jesucristo, se nos enseña que debemos actuar y no ser actuados.
Como enseña el Libro de Mormón:

“...los hombres son libres según la carne; y todas las cosas les son dadas que son convenientes para el hombre. Y son libres para escoger la libertad y la vida eterna... o para escoger la cautividad y la muerte” (2 Nefi 2:27).

No fuimos creados para quedarnos quietos. ¡Estamos destinados a reflejar al Creador—¡a ser creadores nosotros mismos!
Dios es la causa primera última. Su obra es una de continua creación, movimiento y vida:

“Porque he aquí, esta es mi obra y mi gloria—el traer a pase la inmortalidad y la vida eterna del hombre” (Moisés 1:39).

La creación no se queda estancada como un pantano; fluye, crece y avanza como un río vivo.
Cuando esperamos de manera ociosa—esperando que otra persona nos complete o nos abra la puerta—resistimos nuestra naturaleza divina.

El presidente Dieter F. Uchtdorf enseñó bellamente:

“Ustedes son hijos e hijas del Ser más grande y glorioso del universo. Él los ama con un amor perfecto... Ustedes no son seres ordinarios. Son gloriosos y eternos.”

Debido a esa verdad, debemos elegir hoy asociarnos con Dios en la creación de la vida para la cual estamos destinados.
La fe es un principio de acción y poder, no de espera pasiva.
Como enseñó el profeta José Smith:

“La fe es la causa que mueve toda acción” (Lectures on Faith 1:10).

Por supuesto, hay momentos en los que el Espíritu nos inspira a esperar, pero ese tipo de espera es diferente:
Es una espera activa—una paciencia deliberada y fiel mientras nos preparamos y actuamos con sabiduría, no con miedo.
Esperar en miedo, duda o dependencia no es fe.
Esperar en fe, preparación y confianza en el Señor es poderoso y creativo.

Cuando cambiamos de esperar a crear, los milagros se sienten atraídos hacia nosotros.
Como dijo el élder Jeffrey R. Holland:

“Algunas bendiciones llegan pronto, otras llegan tarde, y algunas no llegan hasta el cielo; pero para aquellos que abrazan el evangelio de Jesucristo, llegan.”

Hoy, declara con fe:

“Soy la causa, junto con Dios, de mi vida. Libero la energía de la espera pasiva y entro en el poder de la creación divina. Los milagros fluyen en mi vida mientras escucho los susurros del Espíritu y doy pasos constantes hacia la visión que Dios ha plantado en mi corazón.”

Avanza con confianza en el tiempo de Dios, pero no te quedes quieto.
No estás esperando que la vida suceda—la estás co-creando con Dios.

The Millennium Falcon and the Power of Light: A Reflection on Our Responsibility to Shine

Stake Fireside      4/27

The Millennium Falcon and the Power of Light: A Reflection on Our Responsibility to Shine

The talk I heard recently wasn’t really about vending machines—it was about how we, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, can be a light to the world.

The speaker shared a powerful analogy. During a blackout in their home, the family tried to navigate through the darkness using glowsticks. These small lights barely illuminated enough to see if someone was directly in front of them. They offered only a foot or two of vision—just enough to not trip, but not enough to feel safe or connected.

Then, one of her sons brought out a toy: the Millennium Falcon. When he turned it on, its rear "engines"—bright LEDs—lit up the entire room. Suddenly, everyone could see clearly. The darkness didn’t vanish, but the powerful light made it manageable and safe.

That image struck me deeply.

As I listened, I felt sadness stir in my heart. I realized that although I know I’m supposed to be a light to others, I haven’t always been. My light had dimmed. And in that dimness, I failed someone I deeply loved and cared about—and someone new to the gospel. I had hoped she would grow spiritually out of her own desire, that she would find her path independently. But I now see that I could have been the light to help her find hers.

I thought it was solely her responsibility to keep her testimony burning. And in a way, it was. But I also now understand that it was also mine.

As disciples of Christ, we are not called to simply hold our lights; we are called to share them. As the Savior taught, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid” (Matthew 5:14). Our light is not just for ourselves—it is meant to guide, inspire, and uplift others, especially those who are new or struggling.

I thought of the Parable of the Ten Virgins. I used to assume the wise virgins hoarded their oil. But maybe some of them had once shared. Maybe they encouraged each other along the way. Maybe they helped one another gather oil when there was still time. And maybe, just maybe, I could have done that too.

President Thomas S. Monson once said:
"We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us."

Looking back, I see where I fell short. But I also see where I can change and do better.

The Millennium Falcon lit the room not because it tried harder—but because it was designed to shine. So are we. Even if your light is small today, choose to turn it on. Choose to let it grow. Someone nearby may be stumbling in the dark, and your light might be the one that helps them see clearly.

    

                                                                TRANSLATED TO SPANISH

                                                                TRADUCIDO AL ESPANOL                    

Devocional de Estaca – 27 de abril
El Halcón Milenario y el Poder de la Luz: Una Reflexión sobre Nuestra Responsabilidad de Brillar

La charla que escuché recientemente no era realmente sobre máquinas expendedoras; era sobre cómo nosotros, como miembros de La Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días, podemos ser una luz para el mundo.

El orador compartió una analogía poderosa. Durante un apagón en su casa, la familia trató de moverse en la oscuridad usando varitas luminosas. Estas pequeñas luces apenas iluminaban lo suficiente para ver si alguien estaba justo enfrente. Ofrecían solo uno o dos pies de visión: lo suficiente para no tropezar, pero no para sentirse seguros ni conectados.

Entonces, uno de sus hijos sacó un juguete: el Halcón Milenario. Cuando lo encendió, los “motores” traseros—luces LED brillantes—iluminaron toda la habitación. De repente, todos podían ver con claridad. La oscuridad no desapareció, pero la luz poderosa la hizo manejable y segura.

Esa imagen me impactó profundamente.

Mientras escuchaba, sentí tristeza en mi corazón. Me di cuenta de que, aunque sé que se supone que debo ser una luz para los demás, no siempre lo he sido. Mi luz se había apagado un poco. Y en esa penumbra, fallé a alguien que me importaba—una persona nueva en el evangelio. Esperaba que ella creciera espiritualmente por su propio deseo, que encontrara su camino de forma independiente. Pero ahora veo que yo pude haber sido la luz que la ayudara a encontrarlo.

Pensé que era completamente su responsabilidad mantener su testimonio encendido. Y en cierto modo, lo es. Pero ahora entiendo que también es mi responsabilidad.

Como discípulos de Cristo, no estamos llamados solo a sostener nuestras luces; estamos llamados a compartirlas. Como enseñó el Salvador: “Vosotros sois la luz del mundo; una ciudad asentada sobre un monte no se puede esconder” (Mateo 5:14). Nuestra luz no es solo para nosotros; está destinada a guiar, inspirar y elevar a otros, especialmente a quienes son nuevos o están pasando por dificultades.

Pensé en la Parábola de las Diez Vírgenes. Antes asumía que las vírgenes prudentes simplemente habían guardado su aceite. Pero tal vez alguna vez lo compartieron. Tal vez se animaban entre sí en el camino. Tal vez se ayudaron unas a otras a reunir aceite cuando aún había tiempo. Y tal vez, solo tal vez, yo también pude haber hecho eso.

El presidente Thomas S. Monson dijo una vez:
“Somos las manos del Señor aquí en la tierra, con el mandato de servir y elevar a Sus hijos. Él depende de cada uno de nosotros.”

Al mirar hacia atrás, veo dónde me quedé corto. Pero también veo dónde puedo comenzar de nuevo.

El Halcón Milenario iluminó la habitación no porque se esforzara más, sino porque fue diseñado para brillar. Nosotros también. Incluso si tu luz hoy es pequeña, elige encenderla. Elige dejar que crezca. Puede que alguien cerca de ti esté tropezando en la oscuridad, y tu luz podría ser la que le ayude a ver con claridad.

Guarding the Constant Companionship of the Spirit

Guarding the Constant Companionship of the Spirit

 How easy it is to lose the guidance and company of the Holy Spirit? Learning the contrast between the joy we feel when close to God, and the emptiness when we allow temptation to distance us from Him.

The Gift of the Holy Ghost

After baptism, we are given one of the greatest gifts: the gift of the Holy Ghost. Elder David A. Bednar said:

"The Holy Ghost is a sanctifier who helps us become clean and pure and prepares us to return to the presence of God." (April 2006, That We May Always Have His Spirit to Be with Us)

The Holy Ghost warns, comforts, and testifies. When we are living worthily, the Spirit can be a constant companion.

But how easy it is to lose that companionship!
President James E. Faust warned:

"The Spirit cannot dwell in an unholy or unclean tabernacle." (October 2000, The Gift of the Holy Ghost—A Sure Compass)

The Feelings of Being Close to God

When we are close to God, we feel peace, clarity, and love. As Paul taught:

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." (Galatians 5:22–23)

We feel grounded. We have strength to resist temptation. We are more forgiving, more patient, more hopeful.

Nephi expressed it beautifully when he said:

"My soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard." (2 Nephi 4:16)

The Feelings When We Distance Ourselves

In contrast, when we sin, even in small ways, the Spirit withdraws. We begin to feel confusion, anger, irritation, despair, and loneliness. Moroni reminds us:

"And if ye have no hope ye must needs be in despair; and despair cometh because of iniquity." (Moroni 10:22)

Satan doesn’t usually tempt us with obvious, immediate rebellion. Instead, he works slowly, incrementally.

In The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis has a senior devil explain:

"Indeed the safest road to hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts."

Small sins, little compromises, justifications—this is how Satan works. He numbs our conscience little by little until, as Alma warned:

"The devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell." (2 Nephi 28:21)

Notice that word—carefully.
Satan is strategic. He knows that if he can just get us to lower our guard slightly, the Spirit will start to withdraw. We won't even notice it at first.

Modern Examples of Gradual Temptation

Consider how easy it is to justify small things:

• Skipping prayer one night because we’re tired.
• Rationalizing a little dishonesty.
• Becoming casual with the Sabbath.

Each small act pushes the Spirit a little farther away.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught:

"You cannot afford to be casual about your obedience." (April 2017, Be Ye Therefore Perfect—Eventually)

How to Keep the Spirit Close

So how do we avoid this slow drift? 

Daily prayer and scripture study. President Russell M. Nelson said:

"In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost." (April 2018, Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives)

Quick repentance. The sooner we recognize and correct small sins, the sooner we invite the Spirit back.

Partaking of the sacrament with real intent.

The sacrament prayers promise us "that they may always have his Spirit to be with them." (Moroni 4-5

Choosing environments that invite the Spirit. Music, entertainment, conversations, and friendships all either invite the Spirit—or drive it awatSatan will try to lure us quietly and softly away from God. But we have been given the tools to remain spiritually awake.

As C.S. Lewis wrote:

"The prayers offered in the state of dryness are those which please Him best."
Even when we feel dry or distant, our small acts of faith keep the Holy Spirit with us.

Let us be vigilant. Let us choose light daily, and fiercely protect the companionship of the Holy Ghost, for truly, there is no greater blessing on this side of eternity.

                                                                TRANSLATED TO SPANISH
                                                                TRADUCIDO AL ESPANOL                    

Guardando la Compañía Constante del Espíritu

¿Qué tan fácil es perder la guía y la compañía del Espíritu Santo? Aprendemos a distinguir entre el gozo que sentimos al estar cerca de Dios y el vacío que sentimos cuando permitimos que la tentación nos aleje de Él.

El Don del Espíritu Santo

Después del bautismo, se nos concede uno de los dones más grandes: el don del Espíritu Santo. El élder David A. Bednar dijo:

"El Espíritu Santo es un santificador que nos ayuda a ser limpios y puros y nos prepara para regresar a la presencia de Dios."
(abril de 2006, Para que siempre tengamos Su Espíritu con nosotros)

El Espíritu Santo advierte, consuela y testifica. Cuando vivimos dignamente, el Espíritu puede ser un compañero constante.

¡Pero qué fácil es perder esa compañía!
El presidente James E. Faust advirtió:

"El Espíritu no puede morar en un tabernáculo impuro o inmundo."
(octubre de 2000, El Don del Espíritu Santo: una brújula segura)

Los Sentimientos de Estar Cerca de Dios

Cuando estamos cerca de Dios, sentimos paz, claridad y amor. Como enseñó Pablo:

"El fruto del Espíritu es amor, gozo, paz, paciencia, benignidad, bondad, fe, mansedumbre, templanza."
(Gálatas 5:22–23)

Nos sentimos firmes. Tenemos fuerza para resistir la tentación. Somos más comprensivos, más pacientes, más esperanzados.

Nefi lo expresó hermosamente cuando dijo:

"Mi alma se deleita en las cosas del Señor, y mi corazón medita continuamente en las cosas que he visto y oído."
(2 Nefi 4:16)

Los Sentimientos Cuando Nos Alejamos

En contraste, cuando pecamos, incluso en cosas pequeñas, el Espíritu se retira. Empezamos a sentir confusión, enojo, irritación, desesperación y soledad. Moroni nos recuerda:

"Y si no tenéis esperanza, es necesario que estéis en desesperación; y la desesperación viene a causa de la iniquidad."
(Moroni 10:22)

Satanás usualmente no nos tienta con una rebelión obvia o inmediata. En cambio, trabaja lentamente, poco a poco.

En Cartas del diablo a su sobrino, C.S. Lewis hace que un demonio mayor explique:

"De hecho, el camino más seguro al infierno es el gradual: la pendiente suave, el suelo blando, sin giros repentinos, sin hitos, sin señales."

Pecados pequeños, pequeñas concesiones, justificaciones: así trabaja Satanás. Adormece nuestra conciencia poco a poco hasta que, como advirtió Alma:

"El diablo engaña sus almas y los conduce cuidadosamente al infierno."
(2 Nefi 28:21)

Observa esa palabra: cuidadosamente.
Satanás es estratégico. Sabe que si logra que bajemos un poco la guardia, el Espíritu comenzará a retirarse. Al principio, ni siquiera lo notaremos.

Ejemplos Modernos de Tentación Gradual

Considera lo fácil que es justificar pequeñas cosas:

• Saltarnos la oración una noche porque estamos cansados.

• Racionalizar una pequeña deshonestidad.

• Ser casuales con el día de reposo.

Cada acto pequeño aleja un poco más al Espíritu.

El élder Jeffrey R. Holland enseñó:

"No pueden darse el lujo de ser casuales con su obediencia."
(abril de 2017, Sed, pues, vosotros perfectos—eventualmente)

Cómo Mantener al Espíritu Cerca

Entonces, ¿cómo evitamos este alejamiento lento?

• Oración diaria y estudio de las Escrituras. El presidente Russell M. Nelson dijo:

"En los días venideros, no será posible sobrevivir espiritualmente sin la guía, la dirección, el consuelo y la influencia constante del Espíritu Santo."
(abril de 2018, Revelación para la Iglesia, revelación para nuestra vida)

• Arrepentimiento rápido. Cuanto antes reconozcamos y corrijamos los pecados pequeños, más pronto invitamos al Espíritu de regreso.

• Participar de la Santa Cena con verdadera intención.
  Las oraciones sacramentales nos prometen: “para que siempre tengan su Espíritu consigo.”
  (Moroni 4–5)

• Elegir ambientes que inviten al Espíritu. La música, el entretenimiento, las conversaciones y las amistades o invitan al Espíritu... o lo alejan.

Satanás tratará de alejarnos de Dios en silencio y con sutileza. Pero se nos han dado las herramientas para mantenernos espiritualmente despiertos.

Como escribió C.S. Lewis:

"Las oraciones ofrecidas en tiempos de sequedad son las que más le agradan a Él."

Aun cuando nos sintamos secos o distantes, nuestros pequeños actos de fe mantienen al Espíritu Santo con nosotros.

Seamos vigilantes. Escojamos la luz cada día y protejamos con firmeza la compañía del Espíritu Santo, porque en verdad, no hay bendición más grande de este lado de la eternidad.