In Doctrine and Covenants 88: 25, we read about how the earth "filleth the measure of its creation." I started to ask myself how we fulfill the measure of our creations. The first and most important answer I can come up with is that we are to build families and serve the Lord, but I think there is more depth to this than I first thought.
88:32 says that those who do not go to the Celestial, Terrestial, or Telestial Kingdoms "shall return again to their own place, to enjoy that which they are willing to receive, because they were not willing to enjoy that which they might have received."
This is something I could think about for hours: What might I receive--if I am willing to receive it? Are there particular revelations, blessings, ideas, etc. that the Lord wants to give me, but that I choose not to receive because I am too preoccupied straightening my couch pillows or looking at my wrinkles in the mirror? I'm sure there are, and I want to get to the point where I can and will receive everything the Lord wants me to have.
The footnote from "measure of its creation" leads us to 2 Nephi 2:12--verse 11 spoke about how there is opposition in all things. If there weren't, "it must needs have been created for a thing of naught; wherefore there would have been no purpose in the end of its creation."
What I get out of this is that each of us has specific purposes. Absolutely. Will we encounter opposition as we try to fulfill those purposes? Absolutely. But there is no way that we were created for a thing of naught. That simply is not how the Lord works. He creates for a reason. His children have more potential and power than most of us see. He doesn't want us to fail or to sit around being lukewarm--He wants us to have joy in doing what we were meant to do.
The Topical Guide has a great section on "Purpose" It led me to Ephesians 1:11. "in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will." Verse 4 says "he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world." I also love verses 17 and 18: "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ...may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him...the eyes of your understanding being enlightened..."
What beautiful words! There is so much that each of us can do. I think we begin to feel discouraged and frustrated with life when we are not living according to this doctrine. Whenever I focus too much on the flab I still carry around from having four babies or the dust on my end tables or the clutter in every room, I feel tired and insignificant. However, when I think about the gospel, the love of my family, the blessings of having a mind and a spirit, and the potential I have to make a difference in the lives of my family, friends, community, etc., I feel alive.
Every prophet, every church leader, every person truly inspired of the Lord teaches this--they teach us that we are children of God, that we have potential, that the Lord will help us to reach that. I want to remember that and live accordingly.
Personal Goals:
- Focus each day on my purpose. Consider why the Lord put me here, at this time, in this place, and let the other stuff fade into the background.
- Do what I am afraid to do, but what I know I must.
- Encourage and help others to fulfill their purposes.
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