Freedom is an interesting topic - what really makes us free? Is freedom determined by where we live? By the laws that have been set in place by the governments whose jurisdiction we fall under? By the people who fight for us to remain free? or does it go deeper and further than that?
Freedom, in my opinion, extends far beyond the scope of government and our life here on earth. Freedom is an eternal principle which we accepted long before we ever set foot on the soil of the earth. We were given a choice, long ago, to decide if we wanted freedom or if we would be satisfied in captivity. Thankfully, we all chose freedom at that time. and here, we can continue choosing that same freedom each and every day. We are free according to the flesh; and all things are given to us which are expedient for man. and we are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death. and now, my family, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto His great commandment; and be faithful unto His words, and CHOOSE ETERNAL LIFE, according to the will of His Holy Spirit; and not choose eternal death. That is the choice laid before each and everyone of us - and I tell you what, that is the ultimate freedom we have. There are two paths laid out before us - the one being straight with a gate that is narrow, few being there to find it, the other being wide, with a broad gate that many follow. The funny thing is - those gates are not far from each other at the beginning but the destinations are in complete opposition- one being sweet and the other bitter. More bitter than you can ever imagine. So the choice is yours - you are FREE to act for yourself. That is the freedom I am most thankful for - don't get me wrong, i am especially thankful for the temporal freedoms we enjoy too, becasue without them I could not be here in New Mexico sharing eternal truths about freedom with people and that would just be sad. I think the greatest part ( I don't know if you have caught on - but there are heaps of "greatest parts" I think I add a new one evry single day!!) is that we are not alone in making that decision - we have help!
When you entered in by the way (which was baptism by water) you received the gift of the holy ghost - and what an incredible gift that is! another one of the greatest parts. even jacob tells us that our freedom to chooose eternal life is according to the will of the Holy Spirit. isn't that neat? I never caught that before - he is with us at all times and helps us to make the decisions that will keep us moving down the narrow path in a straight course to life eternal! yahoo! It is the Holy Ghost that withness of the Father and the Son - who we need to press forward in, having a perfect brightness of hope and a love of God and of all men . If you will press forward, feasting upon the words of Christ, and endure to the end, Father says, you WILL have eternal life - which gift truly is, the greatest gift of God. That is the freedom we can enjoy.
and that begs the question.. how do we endure? Think about it. let me know what you come up with - I will probably share my thoughts with you next week. This is already far too long. sorry.. rambles. I am good at that. The past few companionship inventories we have had my area of improvement has been to not talk so much - and when I do, make sure I stay focused on topic. eep...
But life is good. God is greater and He loves you!
and so do I!
Love SIster STuart
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