Category Archives: Opposition

Maxing Out in the Gospel

23 Friday Jan 2015

Posted by in Opposition, Sports, Strength, Types

≈ 1 Comment

Recently, I have been reading a lot about symbolism, types, similitudes, shadows, etc.  and in nearly every book related to these subjects, the author(s) cite Moses 6:63 which reads: “And behold, all things have their likeness, and all things are created and made to bear record of me, both things which are temporal, and things which are spiritual; things which are in the heavens above, and things which are on the earth, and things which are in the earth, and things which are under the earth, both above and beneath: all things bear record of me.”   Once I started to look, I realized that this is totally true, and not just true, but really exciting.  I have found that it is very eye opening, and surprisingly easy and incredibly fun to identify types or likenesses of the gospel, the atonement, and Jesus Christ in all things.

The best part is that all really does mean all.  It doesn’t mean most, or a few, or select, it means all.  It states that we can find these likenesses in spiritual things AND in temporal things (which we so often discount as just ‘things’ and give no attention to).  So, if we seek to find these likenesses, we will find them.  It also means that if we aren’t looking for an added measure of understanding or vision, we might only be seeing a portion (maybe even a small number) of the intended lessons, which as we are told, are in all things on the earth.  That means at the grocery store, in the library, while driving, doing the dishes, gardening, or maybe even watching a movie.  Also, it seems that a major purpose of these likenesses is so that we can understand a principle, or relate it in a way that is understandable to a larger number of people (to help us teach them), after all, didn’t the savior use very common things that were found in all the earth (fig trees, vineyards, feasts, birds, trails, roads, etc.) to teach the best lessons?

One likeness that I have found, that has become increasingly helpful in understanding the gospel, is a workout program called Insanity Max:30.  Now, as we all know, there are several workout programs available and many of them could be viewed in this same general vein, but this particular one has a unique component (secondary component) that I feel is crucial to understand – especially in a gospel sense.

The main purpose of this workout program is to change the participant into something better, something healthier, and something stronger.  But, as part of this underlying purpose, there is a secondary purpose, which is to have the participant fail all along the way – or as Shawn T puts it – max out.  Each of the daily workouts have been organized and prepared to be so hard, that you can’t actually finish them without failing.   This may seem like it’s defeating the purpose, but it’s not.  It’s doing two things – it’s helping you track your progress (as you are encouraged to write your ‘max out’ time each workout and see how much you are improving over time), and it’s helping you to understand that failure is not only ok, but it’s inevitable, and it’s been part of the plan all along.  Failure (as we’ve already noted here) is sometimes a cause for celebration.  In this particular case, if you ‘max out’ during a work out, it means you gave it everything you had, until you literally could not do it any more.  Once you’ve ‘maxed out’, you take a quick break, catch your breath, and jump right back in – until you max out again.  This is repeated for a period of 30 minutes.  It’s pretty intense.  This goes on 6 days a week, with a rest day on Sunday.  Every day is a grind, especially if (when) you forget the underlying purpose of the program.

As part of any workout program, there are also tips or rules to help any participant and rules about things to avoid in order to get the most out of the 60-day challenge.  Some rules are to give it your best every day, to eat right, to get enough sleep, and to prepare mentally.  The things to avoid (don’ts) are essentially the opposites of the tips (do’s) such as lack of sleep, eating unhealthy foods, not working hard or skipping workouts in general and if the participant either fails to do the do’s or continues to do the don’ts, it (they) may become ‘stumbling blocks’ that will cause them to become discouraged or even quit.

At the beginning of the program, or more accurately, when sitting in a comfy chair, sipping a lemonade making grand plans to do the program, it is pretty easy to envision the end results; ripped abs, killer arms, and cardio endurance for days, etc. and the participant thinks to themselves – I got this, 30 minutes is cake. I drive to work for 30 minutes every day and it is a breeze.  Then, you actually put the DVD in and 2 minutes into the warm-up on day 1, you realize that your lungs are on fire, your legs are Jell-O, and you can’t even recognize the wet noodles that are hanging from your shoulders.   You look at the folks on the video and they seem to be gliding along with ease, barely breaking a sweat, and you look at them and think – they must be on steroids and amped up on something crazy – because there is no way that anyone can do this.   This moment – the moment when your mind starts to come up with alternatives to this torture is called the beginning of ‘the grind’.

This moment hits you in the face every single day during every single workout – no exception.  Whether it’s in minute 3 or minute 23, it will come – and that’s the point.  The point is to see how you will respond to ‘the grind’ when it hits.  Will you grind through it?  Will you max out and say, that’s just too hard, – I’m going to grab an ice cream, or will you challenge yourself to max out?  And once you’ve maxed out, you have another decision to make; have I maxed out for the day, or do I catch my breath and jump back in?  Or, do I mentally look for my first opportunity in minute 7 to ‘max out’ on the plyo-burpee-lunge combo and bail for the day and then convince ourselves (and maybe others) that we nailed the whole thing?

During this program, Shawn T tries to motivate his groupies by telling them to ‘dig deeper’ and ‘focus in there’ and ‘you can do it, I know you can do it’.  He has even created an even crazier workout to directly address the mental grind called ‘Friday Night Fight’ referring to the fight between your mind and your body (especially during that ‘grind’ when your body is telling you that you should have maxed out 4 minutes ago) – in order to help your mind overcome your flesh – even if it’s just for 1 more minute.

If and when we push through that grind, making it just one more minute – something happens, we start to see the models on the workout video fall down, they collapse, they ‘max out’ and shake their head in disbelief and how ridiculous the workout really is, and we see Shawn T congratulate them for their efforts – and we realize – hey, these guys aren’t robots; they are actually sweating and working really hard, they are going through the exact same grind as me, and you realize, that they just might have been a little better prepared for this particular workout than me – but none of them are perfect either – because one by one – they max out.  They walk over to the board and write their name alongside the point in time where they maxed out.  No judgment, no ridicule, no criticism – just encouragement for making it as long as they did, and then they jump right back into it – right back into the middle of the grind.

The point that should be remembered during the grind and every time we are in the ‘Friday Night Fight’ with our minds is what the overall goal is, and what the overall goal is not.  The overall goal is to change, or to become stronger.  The overall goal is not to perform each and every workout with absolute perfection and never break a sweat.  That’s just impossible.  The overall goal is to give it everything you have, every single day, and improve.  Then, at the end of the 60-day period, take satisfaction in doing your best – and then start again.  This is best done at the end of the program, when you can see the end from the beginning – and see how much you’ve changed – even when you were failing all along the way.  The overall goal is not to give up as soon as it gets hard, or even way too hard.  The overall goal is to not forget the overall goal – and to try and remember why you started the workout program in the first place.  The overall goal is to get back up when you’ve maxed out, and to start again right where you left off, and to get up tomorrow when you’ve missed a day, and to do your absolute best.  The overall goal is the process of getting better, which can only happen when you meet ‘the grind’ face to face and try and beat it over and over again.

Now the question becomes, how does that have any likeness to the gospel?  For convenience (and because it’s fun), I have created a table to illustrate some similarities.

Insanity Max:30 The Gospel of Jesus Christ
The overall purpose of the program is to become stronger, better, healthier. The overall purpose of the gospel is to become something and someone stronger, better, healthier.
A secondary purpose is to ‘max out’ or to fail. Part of the point of mortality is ‘to fall’ or to fail.  This helps us rely wholly  on the savior and keep us humble.
Failure to perform the workouts perfectly is inevitable. Failure to keep the commandments perfectly is inevitable.
The workout program starts with a warm-up followed by increasingly difficult moves, combinations, and level of difficulty.  A knowledge of the fundamentals is key. In the gospel, as our understating and maturity increases, the level of responsibility or ‘load’ is increased to reflect that growth.  A knowledge and testimony of the fundamentals (principles) is key.
At some point in the workout, difficulty comes.  How we approach and work through that difficulty will largely determine our outcome (not to mention the mental benefits of lessons learned,   helpful methods, etc.) At some point in mortality, trials and difficult times will come.  How we approach and work through that difficulty will largely determine our outcome (not to mention the intangible lessons learned and testimonies gained).
It is easy to envision the end results of completing the project prior to actually starting. It is easy to envision the results of the gospel (living in the celestial kingdom) prior to actually starting and trying to live a celestial law.
At some point during every workout, you will hit ‘the grind’. At some point during every day/week/month, you will hit ‘the grind’.
Rules (do’s and don’ts) are given for maximum performance. Commandments (do’s and don’ts) are given more maximum performance.
Failure to obey the rules results in lack of progress.  Those who see the rules as ‘silly’ or unnecessary may not keep them and are highly unlikely to complete the program – especially during ‘the grind’. Failure to obey the commandments results in a lack of progress.  Those who see the commandments as ‘silly’ or unnecessary are highly unlikely to complete or stick with the program – especially during ‘the grind’.
The grind, and how the participant responds to the most difficult portion of the program, is in large part the entire purpose of the program. The grind (trials, difficulties, stress, etc.) and how the individual responds to them is in large part the principal purpose of the gospel.  “And we will prove them herewith” (Abr. 3:25)
Giving your best to the program will make you tired – really tired. Giving your best to the gospel will make you tired – really tired.
At first, it may seem if the other participant (models) are perfect, yet as the workout progresses – they fail, just as everyone else does. It may seem that others are perfect, yet everyone has failed, everyone makes mistakes, nobody is perfect, and everyone is in need of the atonement.
Just when you think you’ve reached the point where you can’t handle any more – Shawn T asks for a little more.  He asks and motivates us. During times of struggle (the grind) or when we think we are maxed out – Christ asks for just a little bit more.  His example is a perfect motivator and he helps us give just a little more.
As we near the completion of the program, we can look back and appreciate ‘the process’ of improving more than the small details and exact times of failure.  We understand that while we haven’t been absolutely perfect, the direction that we are headed is more important that the specific location where we currently sit, and we feel motivation to continue and improve. As we periodically reflect on our gospel journey, we can look and reflect and/or appreciate the tender mercies along the way, the progress we’ve made, and try not to worry about the little setbacks, or specific failures we’ve made.  We can understand and see that ‘the process’ of becoming is what is important.  The direction is more important than the specific location we are currently in, and we put more value in who we have become rather than what we have done.  We feel motivation to continue and improve – and to do our very best.
This workout program includes coaches, communities, message boards, etc. to provide motivation, support, and experience to help users all along the way. The gospel and the church are set up in a way to provide teachers, leaders, bishops, counselors, etc. to provide motivation, support, and valuable experience to help us all along the way.  Not to mention prayer, which is a priceless tool for support.

While participating in the program, if you skip a day, or you miss a workout, you are not disqualified from further participation, nor are you forced to start over at the very beginning.  You are encouraged to get back up, and pick up right where you left off the next day.  The idea is to not let one missed day turn into 2 missed days, which could turn into several missed days, which could turn into quitting altogether.

 In the gospel, if you skip a day (reading scriptures, prayer, etc.) you are not disqualified from further participation, nor are you forced to start over at the very beginning. You are encouraged to get back up, and pick up right where you left off the next day.  The idea is to not let one missed day turn into 2 missed days, which could turn into several missed days, which could turn into quitting altogether.
In case of injury or doctor’s orders, the program may need to be suspended and or stopped until healing/preparation for re-starting the program can take place.  It is also recommended that periodic evaluations take place (with physicians and or coaches) to ensure that you are physically able to continue or to discuss progress, goals, and any needed supplements and/or dietary needs. In rare cases of severe spiritual injury (or priesthood leaders orders), certain blessings or privileges may need to be suspended until proper healing and preparation for recommencing the program can take place.  It is also requisite that periodic evaluations take place (with bishops or leaders) to ensure that you are spiritually sound, measure progress and goals, report on successes/hardships, and to plan for any supplements and/or spiritual dietary needs.
While participating in the program, it is likely that you will start to see results, and it is also likely, others will see the results in you (added energy, more confidence, physical changes, happiness, etc.) and ask you to explain what you have been doing, or what changes you have made in your life to bring about this mighty change.  This will provide you with an opportunity to share your feelings about the program, how it has helped you, what the program is, and some of the benefits of it. While participating in the gospel, it is likely that you will start to see spiritual results, and it is also likely, others will see the results in you (added happiness, more confidence, countenance changes, increase of service, etc.) and ask you to explain what you have been doing, or what changes you have made in your life to bring about this mighty change.  This will provide you with an opportunity to share your feelings about the gospel, how it has helped you, what the program is, and some of the benefits of it (i.e. share your testimony as a missionary).
While participating in the workout program, 14 million things will come up during the days, weeks, and months that could distract you or prevent you from working out.  If you let them, these distractions will prevent you from reaching your goals, even when they seem to be legitimate distractions that need attention.  Preparing a plan beforehand, and establishing a routine/schedule that is firm will assist in helping deal with these distractions.  (i.e. working out early in the morning prior to the day helps complete the program before distractions can become a concern, whereas waiting to ‘fit the workout in somewhere during the day’ seems to be more difficult). While participating in the gospel program, 14 bazillion things will come up during the days, weeks, and months that could distract you or prevent you from spiritually working out.  If you let them, these distractions will prevent you from reaching your goals, even when they seem to be legitimate distractions that need attention.  Preparing a plan beforehand, and establishing a routine/schedule that is firm will assist in helping deal with these distractions.  (i.e. scripture study early in the morning prior to the day helps you to get your shield on before distractions can become a concern, whereas waiting to ‘fit the study in somewhere during the day’ seems to be more difficult).
Shawn T says (about the program) “if it wasn’t a challenge, everyone could do it, and it wouldn’t get you the results you want”.  This means that any workout program that doesn’t cause you to come face to face with ‘the grind’ and cause you to ‘dig deeper’ won’t produce the results and the intestinal fortitude necessary to produce the body and results that you really want. Sheri Dew says (about the gospel) “If it was easy, it wouldn’t be hard”, and Joseph Smith said (about the gospel) “a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has the power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation.”
If you push through the workout program, and you complete it, you are pretty quick to admit that everything you put into it (while incredibly difficult in that moment) was worth it, and the results are actually greater than the sacrifices made.

If you continue through (and especially in) the gospel, you are quick to admit that everything that you have put into it (given to the cause of Jesus Christ), while at points may be incredibly difficult, was worth it, and the results and blessings that are obtained, are greater than anything that is given up along the way.

The idea of this post is to help us (all of us) realize that sometimes we are in the middle of ‘the grind’, and when we are in the middle of that grind, the best thing we can do is just keep going, or as other people (likenesses in all the world) have said, “just keep swimming”1, “keep moving forward”2, or “keep on keepin’ on”3.  We knew in our minds that when we started this gospel program, that there would be days where our best was just making it until bedtime without a full scale explosion– and that’s okay, because we all max out – what’s important is that we get up as soon as we can, we jump right back into it, and we give everything that we have left again and again.  And, it’s to help us realize that ‘the process’ of becoming like Christ requires a whole lot of ‘grinding’ just like ‘the process’ of becoming fit requires a whole lot of ‘grinding’.  We just have to remember that we can’t forget about (or be angry with) ‘the process’ compared to the end result (goal of perfection), because the end result happens to be directly related to what we put into the process all along the way.

I started with a scripture, and I’ll end with a scripture – but this one is to help us understand that when we are in the grind, those moments, those days, those weeks, those months, or even those years – that’s right where we should be, and that’s right where the sweet spot is, and as hard as it is to remember, that spot (the grind) is the one spot that creates the greatest growth in each of us.  Of that moment, Shawn T says (when it really starts to burn); “don’t run from the work, feel the work”.  And that is the qualifier for progress.  As Nephi (quoting Isaiah) reminded us in 1 Ne. 20:10 it’s from that spot where he chooses us; “For behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction”.  So when we find ourselves in the furnace – and we think we are maxing out – just follow Shawn T’s advice and “give it one more minute.  Dig a little deeper and focus in there, and I promise you, you will see results”.

Notes

1 Dory (Finding Nemo)

2 Cornelius, and really the entire Robinson family (Meet the Robinsons)

3 Embarrassingly enough, I just used a reference from Joe Dirt in my blog post about the gospel.

Migrating Salmon vs. Migrating Hairlines

21 Friday Nov 2014

Posted by in Opposition

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We’re all familiar with the annual migration of Salmon swimming upriver. These Salmon expel every single ounce of energy in their effort to “migrate to greener pastures” to safely lay their eggs. Shortly after their eggs are laid, the fish that have actually reached their goal and destination die from the exertion of the trip itself. The journey for these fish is laced with myriads of pitfalls like fisherman, bears, hawks, polluted water, and competition from other fish that can prevent them from reaching their goal. This migration is of course necessary and is for the greater good of the species to continue its existence. In contrast let’s compare that to my hairline. The hair on top of my head as of a couple years ago seems to have started its own migration toward what it deems as “greener pastures” which seem to be located in my ears and nose. This totally gross aspect of aging is totally not cool and even worse, unlike the Salmon the hair on top of my head is not returning, rather, it’s dying off and headed for extinction! I see the logic and reason for the Salmon migration yet my hairline doesn’t realize it’s being deceived and that the “greener pastures” it’s migrating toward are really not greener at all! In fact, are leading to its demise!

Let’s take a look at our own migration pattern. There are two sides to this battle here on earth. These two sides have been at war, are at war and will continue to be at war until Christ returns. In this war you are on one side or the other and always in migration (never standing still). You are either heading deeper into your chosen side or closer toward the opposite side. There is no middle ground! There is only black and white. Your allegiance, your alliance, your time, your talents, your gifts and abilities are sought constantly and relentlessly by both sides to give their side strength to overcome the other. Here’s the kicker though… we all know which side will be victorious in the end! Both sides are claiming that the “Grass is greener on their side” yet only one can be true and that truth is easily recognized. Christ loves us, cares for us, wants us to be happy, and wants to help us so we can help ourselves and others. Aside from the countless blessings and gifts he gives us are a living Prophet to inspire and lead us. He also offers us gifts like the Priesthood and the Holy Ghost. These gifts help us with understanding and help us reach our potential. Of all the gifts, signs, and aids he gives to us, the most telling of them all is the atonement itself. That single act, the greatest act that has ever, or will ever take place was done for each of us.  Our Master, our Capitan, our Leader, our Teacher, our Example literally sacrificed his life for you and I. Read that again, the very creator of the world, the Savior himself, perfect in every way died for you and I. THAT is love. That is courage, sacrifice, love and understanding and that is the type of leader I want to follow. In this battle however, that is exactly opposite to the type of conniving leader that Satan in. Rather than sacrifice himself he’d rather throw any and all “under the bus”. He hasn’t, nor would he ever do anything to uplift or help anyone, not even those he attempts to lure to his own side! He wants to use us, trap us, force us, enslave us, and snare us in his grip under the false advertisement of fun, good times, the easy way out, or the more socially accepted thing to do.

So the question is where are we “migrating” to? Are we being unrelenting and productive like the Salmon towards the greater good until our time comes? Are we using and utilizing every gift and ability that we are able to, to insure that we stay on the right team and enhance our team’s abilities? Are we giving everything we have to God? Are we migrating to the “correct pasture”? Are we avoiding the pitfalls, being careful and attentive to avoid the snares the adversary places before us to entrap up to stop us from reaching our goals? Or, are we like the hair on my head. Migrating toward the “ears” and “noses” of life realizing or not realizing they are filled with only empty treasures. After all, the only “treasures” ever found in ears and noses are blobs of earwax and boogers. Contrast that to the mansions and treasures we know are in Heaven. Let us strive to be faithful servants. Let us check our “migratory pattern” and insure that it leads to the “greener grass” which God’s presides over and resides in.

Successful Failures

17 Monday Nov 2014

Posted by in Failure, Opposition, Success

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Sometimes in life, we fail. Sometimes we even fail miserably.  But, I am convinced that for every single failure we experience – there is an increased opportunity for success.  True failure only occurs if we miss the opportunity to make it a success.  Heavenly Father sent us all down here to earth to be tested, and part of that test is experiencing a life completely full of failures (our own and others), which are really opportunities for improvement which cannot be learned or discovered any other way.

When Satan tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, he no doubt thought that by getting them to partake of the forbidden fruit he would enjoy a success and that they would suffer a failure.  Yet in reality, this was Adam and Eve’s greatest success – realizing that ‘man could be’1 in no other way.  I imagine that in that moment (or even the first few days and weeks), to Adam and Eve this great success might have felt a whole lot like a failure because they were driven out of the garden, the earth was cursed, and they were intimately introduced to bitterness, pain, sorrow, vice, and sickness.  In addition, they had their sorrows ‘greatly multiplied’. 2 On the surface that doesn’t sound like success, yet we all know that we must experience these things in order to know (and choose) the sweet.  Thus, we can understand that the event labeled as ‘the fall’ might be one of the greatest successes this world has ever known.  It brought about physical life (as we know it) and activated agency and accountability.

Opposite Adam and Eve in the garden was Satan, who at first thought his subtlety -which resulted in their eating of the fruit – was a success (on his part), realized shortly thereafter that his perceived success resulted in God calmly informing him that the seed of the woman (made possible only by his enticing and their subsequent eating of the fruit) would have power to ‘crush his head’. 3   Thus Satan achieved what he thought was a great success, only to understand later that it was in reality, a most glorious failure, one in which he helped facilitate his own demise.   All of this came about because he (Satan) ‘knew not the mind of God’. 4   The mind of God is ever working towards improving His Children, and there can be no doubt that He has prepared a successful outcome for each and every one of our failures.

The fall, as described above (even when viewed as a glowing success – which it is), did bring to pass negative things (physical and spiritual death).  It brought about a separation from God, and in the world of eternal life – separation from God along with physical disease and death can be viewed as failures.  Yet these conditions were necessary in order to require redemption.  This cannot be overstated.  The results of this perceived failure (along with many of our perceived failures) are the actual catalysts or pre-requisites for future success.  You can’t fix it if it’s not broken, and in this sense a fixed person (redeemed or improved person) is much more than a non-broken (innocent or non-improved) person ever could be.  The result of the fall created the requirement for a Savior.   The requirement for a Savior resulted in the most amazing event in all of creation, where God’s own son, even Jesus Christ suffered the full weight of the world5 in order to redeem us all, which in turn, allows us to draw upon that power and become much better. This is the most monumental success the world will ever know, and it was all required because of a planned failure.

Shortly following the events in Gethsemane in which the Savior performed the miracle of all miracles, His mortal life came to an end.  Jesus Christ was in no way taken, but offered Himself up willingly as the Lamb of God once His great work was completed.  However, in the minds of many (especially at the time of Christ), they considered His capture and death to be a failure (something less than complete), at least in the sense that His ministry did not result in the immediate and successful convincing of the governmental leaders, and general population to the gospel.  This perception could have been based in the fact that Christ had escaped their snares many times before – and been able to continue His ministry – but now it seemed as if all of the opposition to Jesus had finally overtaken Him.  This perceived failure was in large part due to the lack of fully comprehending the magnitude and necessity of the events, the important role of Jesus Christ, and the promises that He had made.6 Similar to the atonement however, the perceived failure (which resulted in his crucifixion and death) was an absolute requirement for His next great success – the resurrection.  In order for Christ to be resurrected, He had to die.

By defining ‘failure’ in our actions or events as ‘less than perfect’ or ‘there is some (or much) room for improvement’ we can better understand the process of learning from our mistakes, as well as the idea that our mistakes are a critical part of our success – if we learn from them.  God has laid out this plan for us on earth, and he knew very well that every single one of us would be ‘less than perfect’ or that we would act in a way that ‘could be much improved’.  Yet because of this knowledge, He has also prepared a way that because of our mistakes, we can have success.   There is no way that we can become who we are meant to become without ‘growing up unto the Lord’. 7 This includes making many mistakes, but it also includes the requirement to learn from those mistakes.  It requires our constant and continuous use and application of the atonement.  If we truly understand that the Lord can and will use us as tools to ‘do His work’ not despite our mistakes necessarily, but in large part because of our mistakes, since they are the very tools necessary to create true humility, reliance upon the Lord, and therefore true strength and power within each of us.8 If we can understand that process, then we can start to see our failures and our mistakes and what they are meant to be – lessons.  Lessons planned out from ‘before the foundation of the world’ that have been tailored to us individually and collectively.  The decision then becomes ours; whether or not we ‘will hear and know’. 9

Our lives are literally filled with opportunities to learn and during the times when it seems we are failing the most, it is likely the time when we can learn the most – if we are willing to be taught.

‘The Holy Ghost works in perfect unity with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, fulfilling several roles to help us live righteously’10 Some if not all of those roles are directly related to the process of teaching.11   This role is often played ‘independent of any kind of formal teaching or learning setting’. 12 Thus, it is our own responsibility to be aware of learning opportunities, because the Holy Ghost never stops teaching.   Being aware of these opportunities (in good times and bad) is a key element, because ‘one of the greatest acts of agency is the willingness to open our hearts to the promptings of the spirit… God allows us to be the guardians, or the gatekeepers, of our own hearts.  We must, of our own free will, open our hearts to the Spirit, for even though He has a primary role to teach, He will not force Himself upon us. 12 We should all be open to expanding our understanding of what we ourselves consider to be ‘formal teaching or learning settings’ so that we do not restrict ourselves from learning some of the most important lessons in life.  We must not, and cannot ‘try to limit the functions of the Holy Ghost – not what He does, not where He does it, not when He does it, and not how He does it.14

I think when we truly understand this concept we can take a giant step forward by understanding that God is not necessarily frustrated with our failures, since He sees the end from the beginning and recognizes the process of learning as it being played out in our lives.  He has created such a great plan, that it accounted for all of our failures, and uses them for our (and others’) successes.  This is an amazing concept, one that I (sadly) did not recognize until recently.  It doesn’t mean that the disappointments or discouragement with my own failures have evaporated, because they haven’t, but it does help me to understand that I should not dwell on them longer than is helpful, because God doesn’t.  I should only use them to be humble, learn from them, and try and discover how I can turn the failure into a success, and then help other people to learn from my mistakes.15 

An example of this concept is found in maybe the most well known and oft-quoted scripture in the LDS community, 1 Nephi 3:7 which reads ‘And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.’  I imagine the Lord thinking at the time – Nephi, I know that you and your brothers are going to go back to Jerusalem to get these plates, and you are going to fail…. twice.16 But, if you pay attention to what I say to you through the Spirit (during and after these failures), you will learn things that will help you not only now (being successful in getting the brass plates from Laban), but you will also learn some valuable lessons that will help you later because after you complete this long and hard journey, I am going to ask you and your brothers to go back to Jerusalem again.17  I don’t think that it is a coincidence that Nephi’s 2nd trip (going to get the family of Ishmael) – seemed to go a lot smoother than the 1st trip – at least until they were headed back to the wilderness when it was time for some more lessons. 18 This episode (the 2nd trip) is also an illustration of the previous concept that the Holy Ghost will only teach us what we are willing to learn.  It also is a repeat of the same process just explained in obtaining the brass plates, because during this 2nd trip (on the way back from Jerusalem), Nephi was tied up and bound and suffered much at the hands of his brothers (failure), which happened to be a success because he learned how to rely on the Lord, and act for the next time(s) that they attempted to take his life, or bind him in their anger.  This could also be a pattern for us, that any failures that we don’t learn from may be repeated until we learn the appropriate lesson and understand the reason for the failure.

    

So, next time we fail, or next time we are less than perfect, which for me will be about 1 second from now – let us remember that failure is an important part of success if we can keep our hearts open to the spirit and learn from the master teacher.  This process of repeated failure also helps each of us with opportunities to practice forgiveness, love, and serving others, which are essential parts of our learning the art of becoming like Jesus Christ – which is the ultimate goal for all of us.

1 2 Ne. 2:25

2 Gen. 3:16.  This scripture refers specifically to Eve, but I’ve left it in the plural connotation (they) intentionally because when a woman/wife experiences sorrow greatly multiplied, it also affects the husband.  I am not claiming (in any way) that a husband shares in, or somehow helps shoulder the great physical pain (especially during the child bearing process), but I for one, am very much influenced by my wife’s moods and feelings (including pain).  

3 Gen 3:15 (see footnote c)

4 Moses 4:6.  This idea can be applied to the martyrdom of Joseph Smith, as well as any of the other prophets or disciples of Jesus Christ who have sealed their testimonies with their own lives.  Perhaps that is the reason that the footnote d in this verse refers to John 16:1-3 which clearly explains that they (their moment of perceived success) who ‘killeth [them] will think that he doeth God service.  And these things will they do unto [them], because they have not known the Father, nor me [Christ].’

5 See D&C 19:16-19

6 See the Topical Guide and Bible Dictionary under the topic ‘Jesus Christ, Resurrection’ for a complete listing of all scriptures in which The Lord himself (and many others) prophesied of his resurrection.

7 Hel. 3:21

8 See 2 Ne. 33:11, Ether 12:23-28; 37, D&C 50:16, and D&C 62:1.  There is also the fact that we cannot do his work until we willingly choose to do his work, which is the starting point for all change. 

9 See Alma 10:4-6

10 LDS.org topic ‘Holy Ghost’

11 Though this refers to ‘some’ of the roles related to teaching, all of the roles of the Holy Ghost are in one sense or another ‘teaching’.  These include testifying, comforting, witnessing, enlightening, sanctifying, etc.

12 See “In Tune” by Gerald N. Lund pg. 36

13 Ibid. pg. 42-43.  Read the whole book, it is fantastic.  This concept is also explained very well by Elder David A. Bednar in his 3-book series ‘Increase in Learning, Act in Doctrine, and The Power to Become’ and in his talk ‘Seek Learning by Faith’ which was given to CES educators on Feb. 3, 2006.

14 Ibid. pg. 78 emphasis in original.

15 In reference to mistakes of a moral nature, if no other success is readily visible from the recognition of these mistakes other than the true Godly sorrow which leads to the cleansing and redemptive power of the atonement through the repentance process – that is a very real success.

16 The first failure is portrayed in 1 Ne. 3:11-14.  The second failure is portrayed in 1 Ne. 3:22-27.   The third attempt (success) is portrayed in 1 Ne. 4.

17 1 Ne. 7:2

18 1 Ne. 7:6-21.

The Absolutely Critical Necessity of Basic Fundamental Core Essentials for Increased Improvement of Progression and Betterment

30 Thursday Oct 2014

Posted by in Fundamentals, Opposition, Sports

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If the title was a bit dramatic – I apologize, but I tried to create a feeling of real dependency – one that in this case I feel cannot be overemphasized.   I also apologize for having another post with reference and illustrations from sporting events – I just can’t help myself.

There are many athletes with nicknames, and some of them are awesome.  Some of them are also horrible – and some of them are not even worth considering because they either aren’t nicknames (T-Rod, A-Rod, etc. are not nicknames – they are just shortened versions of their real names) or these supposed nicknames were as Jim Rome puts it ‘self glossed’ which is jungle way of saying ‘you can’t give yourself a nickname – that’s just not how it works’.    Some of the great nicknames throughout history are known – and some not so much.  But there is one nickname that might be the best of all – ‘The Big Fundamental’.  I don’t know where or when Timothy Theodore Duncan was first called ‘the big fundamental’ but it fits and he’s seen some awesome results.  He is a five-time NBA champion, two-time NBA MVP, three-time NBA Finals MVP, and was the NBA rookie of the year.  He is a 14-time NBA All-Star, and the only player to be selected to both the All-NBA and the All-Defensive teams during each of his first 13 seasons – and I’m not aware of a single endorsement deal of his. Let that sink in.

Part of why I like his nickname so much is that it so complimentary.  Others (especially those who have given themselves nicknames) probably think his nickname is ‘lame’ and highlights his lack of flash or show – which is precisely why it’s such a compliment – especially to him.  I guarantee you he loves this nickname.  He’ll probably never tell you as much or even bring it up – but he loves it.  He loves it because that he knows the value of and has seen the result of hard work continually centered in the basic fundamental core essentials.  He probably spends 95% of his time working on the ‘plain and simple’ things like footwork, positioning, dribbling, outlet passes, rebounding, etc. instead of the ‘strong and mighty’ things like dunking, crossovers, taunting gestures or cute hand signals to be practiced each time a relatively good play is made.  In short – he paid attention to, saw the benefit of, and grew to love the ‘weak and simple things’ of the basketball world that ‘brought great things to pass’ and ‘confounded the wise’ or in Tim’s case – the other teams.  They cannot figure out how and why the Spurs keep winning – despite their small market status, their lack of a flashy star, and their consistent use of ‘small and simple things’ like the old fashioned pick and roll.  I realize Greg Popovich has a lot do to with this – but his nickname isn’t the big fundamental so he isn’t the focus here.

You’d think in the NBA that most people would have a pretty good handle the fundamentals by now – and most of them do okay, but Tim Duncan has mastered the basics.  He doesn’t keep going ‘back to the basics’ when things get crazy or when they lose a few games – he just doesn’t stray from them.  They are who he is.  They are what he is.  They have become his identity and his purpose and his love.  So much so that they have started to exude from his person.  He sweats fundamentals.  He sneezes and fundamental drills come out.  He cries footwork drills.  He dreams about the three-man weave while mapping out his next bank shot.  He loves them because he knows that they are the foundation of greater things and that nothing great can last without a solid foundation.

If we think of his nickname in a spiritual sense (likening basketball to spirituality and eternal progression in real life) – what things can we work on, and how can we think in order to become like ‘the big fundamental’?  The answer is the same for all of us – it’s an unwavering allegiance to, understanding of, and consistent practice in the gospel basic fundamental core essentials.  These are the core doctrines and principles that we learn when we are young but tend to overlook (or assume we know all about) when we get older.  If we learned everything about basketball fundamentals while we were in Jr. Jazz – we might be in trouble.  And if we are relying on our primary aged recollection of the fundamentals –  we might be in trouble.

With this in mind, these fundamentals are often looked at or even referred to (by others) as ‘weak and simple things’, and nobody likes to think of him or herself as weak and simple, and certainly nobody likes to be ‘complimented’ in a way that highlights or ‘reinforces’ their weak and simple characteristics or their repeated use of and reliance upon them.  But if we can get to the point where we really love the fundamentals, we can love that nickname or that ‘compliment’ as it’s applied to us.  We can truly relish the basics and start to see the ‘weak things become strong’ even if our opponents and seemingly all the other players around us are focused on more advanced topics or have seemingly moved on to ‘gospel calculus’ instead of ‘gospel addition and subtraction’.

This is especially true when we realize how much work still needs to be done, how hard and long that work will be, how slowly we seem to be progressing towards the ultimate goal, how daunting our opponent is, and how quickly and repeatedly he claims his powers and ability as ‘great’.  We all like to think we are ‘strong and mighty’ and I emphatically include myself in this category – since I need to remember this as evidenced by the topics I’ve chosen to write on in my last few posts (offense vs. defense, competition, power, etc.) – but the fact is that the answers (to all the questions that matter) are ‘always in the doctrines and principles of the gospel’ (See Elder Bednar’s Increase in Learning book).

Perhaps we often overlook the fundamentals and the ‘weak and simple things’ because we live in the age of instant gratification and quick results.  We tend to believe in and rely on results – and when the results aren’t amazing and mammoth-sized after 16 seconds – we give up or move on to the next promise of results because we don’t think we have time to develop patience or work to help ‘weak things to become strong’ (See Ether 12:27).  But it may also because we tend to believe way too much in our perception, what our mortal eyes are able to see, or what our mortal brains process based on the outward appearance of strength instead of strength ‘as it really is’ (See Jacob 4).

The point I am trying to make is that true power and true strength (real greatness) often do not come dressed up the way most people think they do.  They come disguised as weakness and are further developed and solidified by the repeated performance of very simple things – or in other words, they come dressed up as basic fundamentals.   This process (the repeated performance of weak and simple things, or the very nature of weak and simple things themselves) in many cases turns out to be very irritating to the wise and powerful people, groups, and organizations that claim to have all the answers.   It has always been this way, and it will always be this way, because God said it more than once (in 3 different books by way of 3 different prophets).  He said in Alma 37:6, “by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise”.  He said in 1 Cor. 1:27 “God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty”, and in the D&C he has said “I call upon the weak things of the world, those who are unlearned and despised, to thresh the nations by the power of my Spirit” (D&C 35:13), and “The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones” (D&C 1:19).

So what are the weak and simple things (fundamentals) that confound the wise?  How about some things that are so weak and simple (often termed as ‘old fashioned’ or ‘out of style’ that even our primary aged kids (4 and 5 and 6 year olds) understand but the ‘wise’ (as termed by the world) in large part throw aside as unnecessary, childish, or as a certain someone termed them ‘lame’.  Things like prayer being a very real communication with God and that the habit of praying regularly builds strength.  Things like reading scriptures to grow in spirituality.  Things like 14-year-old boys with no formal education being used to restore the greatest kingdom ever.  Things like getting out of debt and staying out of debt. Things like food storage.  Things like simple obedience.  Things like serving other people before us.  Things like going to church and worshiping on Sunday instead of seeking for entertainment.  Things like home teaching.  Things like genealogy.  Things like temple attendance.  Things like living prophets.  Things like faith.  Things live love.  Things like self-control and discipline.  Things like tithing.  Things like being nice and thoughtful and patient and kind – even when nobody else seems to be.  Things like assisting other people and helping them reach their goals instead of spending so much time and effort in what we ourselves want.  Things like placing more value in people that in things.  Weak and Simple things like that.

Before we think of this as counter-intuitive and contrary to reality (weak and simple things being true power) let’s remind ourselves that Tim Duncan and his Spurs are five-time champs AND “there are many called, but few are chosen…(they are not chosen) because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson…that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness…when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves, the Spirit of the Lord is grieved…he is left unto himself…to fight against God” (good luck in that fight)….”no power or influence can or ought to be maintained…only by [note the weak and simple things that are listed] persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; by kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile…let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men…and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly, then shall they confidence wax strong in the presence of God”.  That might be the epitome of using weak and simple fundamentals to bring great and mighty things to pass.

Offense vs. Defense

25 Saturday Oct 2014

Posted by in Battle, Opposition, Strength

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I think all of us (at least all of us who have been familiar with sports) at one time or another have heard or participated in a debate of offense vs. defense. We’ve likely even heard the phrase ‘the best offense is a good defense’ or even ‘the best defense is a good offense’.  Both of these tend to be supported by those who specialize in one area or the other.  For example – a fantastic offense (think of Oregon in years past) would likely feel confident enough in their talents, skills, stamina, and strategy that by the end of the game they (the offense) would have produced more results  (a.k.a. points) than their opponents’ offense therefore allowing them to come out victorious in the end (without too much thought about defense – or at least what appeared to be a much less focused emphasis on defense).  There are others (think of Alabama in years past, the SEC, or maybe even Provo High School basketball in years past) who subscribe to the opposite school of thought in the sense that they feel confident enough in their defensive strategy, skills, schemes, and stamina that by the end of the game, their defense allowed fewer points than their opponents defense did, also allowing them to come out victorious in the end.

Now, the important part of relating this concept to a spiritual setting is not whether you subscribe to the offensive or to the defensive mindset (as both have very valid points), but whether we can truly and fully understand the concept of an offensive defense and a defensive offense – at the same time.  Hold that thought – because before we can understand that concept we need to understand exactly what the traditional differences are between offense and defense.

Offense:  There are two main definitions for offense and I think both of them are appropriate in this particular context.  The first is: the act of attacking, or a pattern or style of scoring attack, and the second is: something that offends or displeases (or the act of offending or displeasing).   The main (traditional) idea is that when we are offensive, we are in the state of attacking, or on the move attempting to dismantle, outsmart, outplay, or be stronger than any defensive attempt made by our opponent.  Depending on the type of game you are playing, this might be one play at a time (football), or it might be a sequence of plays off and on (basketball or soccer), a very established set of events (half inning in baseball), or a one-on-one defense/offense showdown such as boxing, tennis, or fencing.  The whole point of offense is to force the opponents defense to retreat, give in, or be moved allowing us to gain the goal, or in other words, to force the opponents defense to surrender.

Defense:  The best definition for defense in this context is: resistance against attack; or the practice or art of defending against attack.  The main (traditional) idea is that while on defense, we are not actively attacking, but straining to prevent an attack from the opponents offense.  There are just as many strategies, schemes, and formats for defensive positioning, all with the goal of strengthening the defensive stance against the opposing offense.  Similar to the offense described above, there are times when it is performed one play at a time, one sequence at a time, in a series, or in a one-on-one showdown.  The whole point of defense is to not allow the opponents offense to gain ground or score, or in other words – to force the opponents offense to fail.

With this understanding, it is important for us to realize that there are some types of competition, especially in individual competition (boxing, fencing, karate, sumo, chess, etc.) where the lines (strategies, functions) between offense and defense are not entirely clear.  This may make it increasingly difficult for casual observers (and maybe even seasoned observers) to understand if the individuals are taking a defensive stance or an offensive stance, which is which, and when the transition between the two takes place.  They may just see ‘fighting’ or ‘some type of competition in which two people (or teams) are fighting to achieve the same goal’ – which is to win – let’s be clear on that.  That does not, I repeat, that does not discount the fact that there are two very different styles and approaches being utilized by each team (offense and defense) at the same time.

Now, back to the initial debate of offense vs. defense and which stance is better – and I think for all of us the answer is easy:  it’s both – at once.  Especially if we are to ‘liken all things unto ourselves’ and make this a spiritual discussion – we need the best of both worlds.  We need a strong defense, and we need a strong offense – and we need them at the same time.  We need an offense that is literally relentless, and we need a defense that absolutely refuses to yield.  We need an offense that is ‘sharper than a two edged sword’, and we need a defense that can withstand the exceeding fury from Satan himself.

So, how is this to be done?  How can our defense also be our offense?  And how can our offense also be our defense?  The logical answer is to:

  1.     .      Arm ourselves with power that is simultaneously offensive and defensive
  2.    .       Understand that as participants in the ultimate battle between good and evil being defensive is very offensive to our opponent (Satan).

What kind of power is both offensive and defensive?

Before we think of the type of power, it may help if we recall that the places (very literally places of refuge from the storm) that we commonly refer to and attend in order to rest from the constant storm of evil to bolster our defense are in fact the same places that we attend in order to bolster our offense.  For example, our homes are a very real defense against the storm, but they are also the places where we arm ourselves and our children with faith, with testimony, and ‘with the sword of truth and right’ (See Hymn 259).  This defense creates a very real power that we can use offensively.  The temple is another place that we can go to be literally away from the cares of the world and mend our spiritual defenses.  But do not forget that the temple is the one place on earth where we can receive an ‘endowment of power’.

In addition to the places that we go to receive this power, we have tools that can help us receive this power.  The scriptures, living prophets, and maybe the best of all – direct and unlimited communication with the source of said power who is willing (eager even), to bestow as much of this power on us as we are able to bear and use.  This power (the kind that is both offensive and defensive) is the power of the gospel.  This power comes from earnestly seeking, repeatedly asking, and righteously using it.  It comes from obedience.  It comes from knowledge.  It comes from exercising your faith.  It comes from fasting and prayer.  It comes from sharing it with others.  It comes from consistent, diligent, and steady seeking, using, and serving.  It comes from God.  It comes as a gift made available through priesthood ordinances and temple covenants.  It speaks to us and is confirmed to our hearts through the Holy Ghost and it is all made available through the miraculous atonement of our savior Jesus Christ.  It is available to everyone and it is the greatest power there is.

Being defensive is very offensive and being offensive is very defensive.  

As we steadily and diligently acquire this power and as we understand the defensive use of this power is very offensive to our opponent and the offensive use of this power creates a great defense for us.  In fact, the more we use this power, the previously clear lines between offense and defense become less and less distinguishable – and we are simply ‘watching with all perseverance’ (see Eph. 6:18).  The goal is to get to this point (watching), where there is not a series, or play of offense followed by a series or play of defense.   We want to get to the point where our offense is on full attack mode at the same time that our defense is operating in 4th and goal mode where we cannot give an inch.

This process can become so developed within us that our opponent will be confused as to which state they are in or should be in to combat us.  They will think they are in the midst of an offensive attack only to realize (when it’s much too late) that they have been misled all along the way by our offensive defense.  A perfect example of this is in Alma 52 where the majority of the Lamanite army is pursuing a portion of the Nephite army (led by Teancum), and during this pursuit (since the Lamanites saw the Nephites start to flee) they ‘took courage and pursued them with vigor’ and ‘supposed by their numbers to overpower Teancum’ (vs 23-24).  At this point, the Lamanites (in their minds) are clearly playing offense, meanwhile, another portion of the Nephite army (led by Moroni) took possession of the Lamanite controlled city of Mulek (also playing offense) without much resistance and yet another portion of the Nephite army (led by Lehi) is waiting to meet the Lamanites near the city Bountiful.  When the Lamanites meet Lehi (who had met with Teancum) and his army the Lamanites ‘fled in much confusion’ likely because they thought they were on the offensive side only to discover that the Nephites were much better at offense in this battle and they had not planned on a defensively offensive approach.  So, the Lamanites attempt to flee back to their base (the city of Mulek) and outrun Lehi only to run into Moroni and the portion of his army fresh from their overtaking the city (which no doubt the Lamanites realized immediately) finding themselves in an extremely defenseless position (surrounded by offensive Nephites).   This battle ends bad for the Lamanites, and there are key phrases (which lead to further understanding) in verses 33 and 34.  “And it came to pass that Jacob, being their leader (of the Lamanites), having an unconquerable spirit he led the Lamanites forth to battle with exceeding fury against Moroni…Jacob was determined to slay them and cut his way through to the city of Mulek (back on offense).  But behold, Moroni and his men were more powerful; therefore they did not give way”.  The Nephite army was definitely offensive (trapping, cornering, taking the city of Mulek), but at the same time, they were extremely defensive to the Lamanite fury that ‘they did not give way’.  This duplicity of strength (offense and defense simultaneously) was so effective that the Lamanites ‘being much confused, knew not whither to go or to strike’ (vs. 36).  This is effectively defending and offending the opponent until they are defeated.

Moroni and his captains knew how to fight.  They knew how to play offense and defense, and they knew how to play them at the same time.  They knew how to acquire power and use it.  They learned this so well in fact, that if we (all of us here and now) ‘had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men’ (Alma 48:17).  This is amazing.  But before we deflate ourselves with the thought that ‘nobody could be as awesome as Moroni’, let’s remember that the very next verse gives us hope since he (Moroni) ‘was a man like unto Ammon, the son of Mosiah, and even the other sons of Mosiah, yea, and also Alma and his sons, for they were all men of God…and ‘Helaman and his brethren were no less serviceable unto the people than was Moroni…” (Alma 48:18-19).  It can be done.  It must be done.  We can do it.  We must do it.  We can arm ourselves with such power that we can continually play defense by ‘not giving way’ and continually play offense ‘by gaining power’ and cause our opponents to ‘flee in much confusion’.

As Sheri Dew put it, ‘it seems clear that the only way to fight the fire and brimstone of hell prepared for Lucifer and those who follow him is through the fire and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the fire of testimony’ (See her book ‘God Wants a Powerful People’ – pg. 80).  I can think of some pretty impressive firepower rooted in faith.  The fire of a burning, unwavering, unshakeable testimony of Jesus Christ, his prophet of the restoration Joseph Smith, and the Book of Mormon.  The fire of obedience and love for truth and right.  The fire of the spirit as it literally burns in our hearts.  The fire that we can call on to defend and protect our souls.  The fire of the gospel as it strengthens us, quickens our understanding, expands our visions, and motivates us to become like Christ himself.  This is the great offensive and defensive power.

Let us become great, immovable rocks planted firmly on the shore, with foundations in and on and through Jesus Christ and his gospel truths.  Let us withstand (defensively) the constant barrage of waves as they roll in from Satan and his followers with their malicious intent to weaken and destroy our homes and our families and our identities and potential.  Let us ‘not give way’ and refuse to yield.  While we are constantly withstanding these waves, let us move together (offensively) to limit his reach and his impact.  Let us offensively defend the shore becoming more and more powerful by moving further and further out to sea while behind us, the trail of our faith and power is creating a more ‘firm foundation’ of rock for us and others to stand on.  Let this continue slowly but surely until at last the small puddle of what used to his great sea of evil is surrounded on all sides by ‘mountains of the Lord’ firmly rooted in Jesus Christ, radiating his pure light, love and truth.  Let this be Satan’s last view as the walls close in.  Family after family linked together in love, the unit he attacked so fervently to destroy, becoming at last the most powerful weapon of all, causing him to ‘weep and to wail, and gnash his teeth’ in one final attempt at glorious darkness only to be extinguished by the piercing and pure light of Christ.

Competition

16 Tuesday Sep 2014

Posted by in Opposition, Strength

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I am the 2nd of four brothers that all grew up together (4 brothers in a row) and I am not sure I can overstate the level of competitiveness that prevailed in our home.  There was nothing that we did that wasn’t a competition of some kind (even if we didn’t say it – we all knew it).  Normal activities that somehow resulted in a full scale competition could range from who could eat the most or the fastest, who could win while playing any type of game, who could sleep the most, who could play with their friends more often, who was better at Nintendo, who could make the other one angry, who could drive the car, who had the best hair, who sat on the comfy chair, who got the last drink of Kool-Aid, and the list goes on literally forever.

There is however, one area of competition that seemed to be exceedingly intense – sports.  Ever since we could walk – we were competing in sports.  We were each other’s first and sometimes only opponents and we couldn’t escape it since we all lived in the same house.  We grew to understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses and with a complete lack of mercy these weaknesses were heavily exploited to make the competition even worse (Colby forced me to drive left every time.  Every. Single. Time.  Or, he made me shoot a deep 3). It forced us to study, and to learn the ins and outs of everything in order to try new things, understand the rules, improve the fundamentals, and more importantly, to become better.  I can guarantee that there weren’t any other boys our age (besides those we played with) that knew all the rules, and who loved the competition as much as us.  We understood exactly who we were, what role we played on the team (and just as importantly if not more importantly we knew what role the others on our team should play), what we could become, and we loved the competition!  I remember crying only a few times during my childhood and every single time it is related to sports.  I even cried while I was on the pitchers mound once…. during a game.  I cried in right field once after striking out with the bases loaded because I knew I had let my team down…. I cried on the bench of a basketball game because I didn’t get to play very much, and I cried after the game lots of times (only when we lost).  I loved playing and competing it so much I can’t even describe it for you.  Hint: it’s a lot.

Sports were the only things we ever did.  Before school, during school, after school, during the summer, during the winter, it didn’t matter what the weather was like – we were playing something somewhere with someone.  Even when we weren’t home playing each other – we were likely off with others playing some kind of sport.  For those of us who were not the oldest, this meant that you sometimes got to play (or were forced to play) with kids twice your age and twice your size.  Be it remembered again that I don’t think anyone ever got a single ounce of mercy from anyone else, and if they would have asked for it – that would have been the beginning of the end for that person.

There were many times when Colby and his friends would compete against me and my friends, and the results were very similar to MetroMan vs. MegaMind: “he would win some, I would almost win others”.   There were also times when I would practice for hours and then when I felt I was ready, I would come and challenge him and he would somehow win by a point on a lucky shot or a phantom foul call.  With all this practice I improved a lot and let’s be honest – it made him better.  There is no way that he could absorb the relentless attack of a motivated little brother who has no other goal than to beat his older brother and therefore retain bragging rights forever without exerting unnatural force and most assuredly some divine help.

This constant competition likely drove our parents crazy.  In fact, I’m positive that neither one of my parents have ever said to any of us “thanks for being so competitive and ruthless while you were growing up – It was super fun to watch and it really helped make my life easy”.  But looking back at those great moments – this ruthless competition provided many opportunities for us to grow up.  I learned how to compete.  I learned how to give every single thing I had against people that were twice as old and twice as big with little hope for success but that wasn’t stopping me at all.  I learned to work, and I learned to want it. I learned what to look for in teammates and what to expect from a good opponent.  I learned to battle.

Being so close to Colby in age also gave me the opportunity once in a while to be on the same team (brothers were always on the same team in Jr. Jazz, little league, etc.) and we quickly realized that while we were on the same team that competitive spirit that we each had somehow multiplied exponentially when we harnessed it together against the other team.  What that meant for me is that we didn’t spend any time or energy fighting with each other, and we had plenty of energy together to compete together – against the other team.  This was awesome.  When we combined talents, understandings, intentions, strategies, and energy to become the best teammates that we could – the results were pretty amazing.  This coherence only happened during sports (I don’t remember being on the same page during our Saturday chores or really any other time).  Our teams were always good and they were even better when others who we had normally played with (friends) were also on our team and they harnessed their energy and competitive spirit.  On the other hand – it also helped me realize the differences between good teams and not so good teams.  It also helped me understand and realize that sometimes there are people on my team, that aren’t really dialed in, or that aren’t giving the same level of effort that I was, and that affected the whole team, and this fact helped me try to be an even better teammate.  We also had the opportunity to play for some awesome coaches.  Coaches that helped us learn, helped us grow, challenged us and helped us understand things.  We also had coaches who didn’t really want to be there and couldn’t wait until the season was over so that they didn’t have to practice or deal with us anymore.  We (even then) knew the difference and would choose wisely if given a choice.

This constant competition in all things sports (combined with our intimate knowledge of professional athletes) also allowed us to talk about sports when we couldn’t play them.  During school or church, or while walking to school or church, or while sitting in the car, or pretty much anytime when we couldn’t actually play sports – we talked about them, we dreamed about them, we envisioned ourselves being them, and we called ‘I’m Jordan’ or ‘I’m Maddux’ when we played and thought that we were just as good as they were.  I know that we are all guilty of developing our own ‘dream teams’ based on opinion, facts, knowledge, bias, uniform colors, success, statistics, and maybe even location and arguing with each other over whose imaginary team is or would be better.  Some of us maybe even still do this in our minds…. and some of us might even still write them down.  Hopefully we have all arrived at a point in our lives where we can assemble these dream teams based on various roles, talents, characteristic attributes, etc. in order to make a great team (talents working together) instead of just a bunch of really good players who would happen to wear the same uniform (i.e. having 4 centers and one power forward on your dream team).   The hardest part of this activity was trying to decide which of the all time greats would be your 5 starters (basketball) or 9 (baseball) given the whole history of sports.  Good luck with that.

This whole backstory is to make a point: we can and do make our own dream teams.  Or maybe a better way to put it is, we can and do decide which team we play on, who our teammates are, and who our coach is.  The best part is that there is no limit to the number of starters that you can choose because there isn’t a limited number of positions like in baseball or basketball – at least not in the traditional sense.  For example – in the limited scope (when we attend or watch a sporting event) there is a single game going on where 5 or 9 or 11, etc. players from each team play and the others are on the bench waiting their turn.  But what if there were 20 games going on at once (between the same 2 teams), and each side has to field a team for each court/field/etc.?  Now imagine there were 2,000 games going on at once, or even 2 million games and each side has fielded its team to each of those locations.  This is the ultimate game.  Each team is recruiting players, and each coach is delegating authority and preparing their teams for continued battle.  This is the game of good vs. evil.  It is real and it is going on even now.

The more we realize this, and the more we understand that it is absolutely a competition, and that it has been going on since the beginning of the beginning the more excited we become, and the more involved we become in the action all around us.  We get to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each team, we get to see the players on both sides, dream about becoming like them, playing with them, and then (best news of all) we get to make a conscience choice to draft ourselves to whichever team we want to play for.  We also get to decide if we are a starter, a bench warmer, a utility player, a low post threat, a water boy, a pinch hitter, a closer, or maybe even a pinch runner.  We even get to try them (some voluntarily and some via ‘callings’) out until we learn and understand what we are really good at and how we can help the team more effectively. Some people are better suited to call the plays from the front office, some people are good at kicking field goals, and some people are good at running really fast.  Some people are good at shooting 3’s and some people are good at free throws.  Some people are good at defense and some are good at taping ankles.  Some people are good at shagging foul balls, and some people are good at throwing changups.  Some are good at laminating the coach’s card and others are good at holding the cord to the headset so that the coach can wander wherever he wants during the game.  The point is that there are a gazillion opportunities to help the team, and we need every single person that we can get.  This is why both sides are recruiting and constantly ‘enticing us to choose good or evil’.

When we (as players and competitors) decide to get on the same team, and to follow the same coach, and to give everything we have to help the team win, our competitive natures can exponentially increase the success of the team.   We get to practice while we play.  We get to improve by playing and playing and playing some more.  We get to enjoy the process, and we get to meet awesome people, and we get to feel that rush of being on the smallest but best team of all.   We get to focus our energy and our intensity with others who have the same drive, motivation, testimony, etc. in order to become the best teammates we can be, and to become the best team we can be.

We also get to compete against a team that on paper may seem to be much bigger, stronger, faster, more agile, more stacked, better coached, better prepared, has more experience, has flashier uniforms, a larger crowd or booster club, a better travel bus, and definitely more team members.  In fact, their team name is called ‘The World’.  Their warm up routine is a really great show.  It strikes fear into the hearts of many.  When they’re done with their warmup and all during the game, they are excellent trash talkers and they try to get in your head by saying whatever they think will affect us and IT’S ALL A SHOW to be ‘seen of men’ or ‘to have glory of men’ because ‘they think that they will be heard for their much speaking’.

The strength of ‘the world’ is in it’s show.  They are also very good at isolation defense.  They full court press and trap like crazy while on defense to make the offense feel ‘isolated’ and ‘apart from’ their team.  They try to make each person on the other team feel like they are alone, or that there is no hope of help.  This is their best strength – let us be aware of it as a tactic of battle – because only then are we able to properly see it for what it is – their weakness.  Their supposed strength (the show) is a complete weakness because it has no substance.  We can break that full court press by attacking it, and once we’ve attacked their trap, we will be able to see through their defense and reach our goals.  Do not confuse this breakthrough with complete victory, because ‘the world’ will fight and claw and cheat and steal and do whatever they can to disrupt us, make us panic, take us off course, confuse us, distract us, and they are coached and prodded by a relentless motivation of pure hatred which when backed against the wall will become ‘yet more angry’ and they will fight ‘like dragons’ and become ‘exceedingly wroth’.  This will require poise (especially under pressure), power, and focus to overcome.  It will require faith, and it will require confidence.

When it really comes down to it (the end)– they (the world) are the ones who are ‘exceedingly afraid’.  They are the ones who are ‘astonished’ and who ‘tremble’ and who are ‘filled with terror’ and wish that ‘rocks would fall’ upon them or that they could somehow ‘cease to exist’.  They are the ones that have ‘imagined up unto themselves’ glory or success or who ‘boast in their own strength’.  They are the ones that are ‘racked with eternal guilt’ and live in a ‘state of misery’, which hath no end.  They are the ones led by a coach of who abandons them when he promised he’d be there for them and when they think they need him most.  A coach who binds them down with chains to rule over them and ultimately rejoices in their misery and captivity.  Like most battles where a heavily favored opponent (the world) is defeated by ‘small, simple, and weak things’ – ‘how great and marvelous will be their fall’.

Do you want to be on that team? I don’t.

Let us not forget what we have on our side.  We have a power that they will never understand.  We have a coach that understands each one of us, our strengths, our talents, and he knows exactly where to put us to do the most good.  His only desire is to help us win because of what it does for us, not because of what it does for Him!  We have teammates who are willing to give everything they have.  We have the playbook.  We have the commentary on past history.  We have the game film from the game we are playing.  We know what happens, we know who wins.  We are the ones who have a coach that laid down his own life so that we could choose and become something more. We have a team that can do ‘all manner of miracles’ and have a ‘fulness of joy’.  We have team that has ‘seen and heard unspeakable things’ and have promised the same for others.  We have a team that can ‘smite the earth with the word of God’.   We have teammates that are ‘holy, and that the powers of the earth cannot hold them’.   We have a team that will ‘sing together, for we shall see eye to eye’.  We have a team that is ‘filled with the Holy Ghost’.  We have a team that is ‘encircled about with fire; and the angels do minister unto us’.  We have a team that ‘knows and do bear record of Jesus Christ’ and ‘have a knowledge of our redeemer’.    We have a team that can minister ‘with power and great authority’.  We have a team that can speak with such power that ‘it is not possible that they can disbelieve our words’.  We have a team that has ‘great joy, and is exceedingly glad, for great shall be our reward in heaven’.    We are members of a team that has ‘been chosen from out of the world’, and can ‘see with our eyes and feel with our hands, and do know of a surety’.  We have a team where the very ‘power of heaven shall come down among us’, and Jesus Christ himself ‘will be in our midst’.   We have a team that works together and helps each other out.  We have a team that is ‘scorned, and shamed, and spit upon’, but we have a team that will overcome through ‘power, through love, and a sound mind’.

Our uniforms, shoes, sponsorships, and bus may not be flashy, our team may not talk trash (Elijah can handle that for us), we may not act the part of what ‘the world’ thinks a team should be, but we are in fact the greatest team ever assembled, and I for one am going to give everything I have to this team, because I love this team and all those who play for it, I love our coach, and I love to compete against the world because I know ‘of a surety’ and have a knowledge of my redeemer and His great love and plan and it makes ‘my heart burn within me’.

The strength of our team is our power through unity and the light and love of Jesus Christ.  The power that comes through Him and His atonement.  The power that comes to each team member through faith, love, devotion, practice, and service.  This power is viewed as a weakness by the world because they can’t see it.  They don’t believe it’s real because they can’t see it.  They think they can defeat us because all they see are the weak and simple things of the earth going about believing ‘foolish traditions’ and ‘binding themselves with a yoke of bondage’ and weakness ‘as to the strength of men’.  What they don’t see are the legions of angels surrounding us at all times who are ready and willing to fight for and with us.  They don’t see the amazing and consuming power of the priesthood to ‘bind on earth and on heaven’.  They don’t see that all it takes is for us (members of the opposite team) to combine forces, motivations, and share that love and light to drive away their hate and darkness.  Don’t let this strength be our weakness, don’t let their traps and full court presses confuse us or fog up our minds or eyes – let us join with the angels, and ‘let our hearts be turned to our fathers’ so that we can call upon them during times of struggle and strife.  They are already here – we just might not ‘see’ them.  Let us feel them, and become more aware of them, and then have the faith necessary so that they ‘cannot be withheld from our sight’, or that we ‘cannot be kept without the veil’.  Then can our power grow, then can our ‘weak things become strong’.  Then we can show forth and share His power to destroy our foes.

Come join with us.  Take upon you His name – even Jesus Christ.  For “who can stand against the works of the Lord?  Who can deny his sayings?  Who will rise up against the almighty power of the Lord?… Who will despise the Children of Christ?…Behold, ye shall wonder and perish” (Morm. 9:26).  They shall be ‘as stubble fully dry’ and destroyed ‘to the uttermost’, for ‘the mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein’.

Christ the royal Master, leads against the foe

Forward into battle, see his banner go

Hell’s foundations quiver, at the shout of praise

Brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise

Like a mighty army, moves the Church of God

Brothers we are treading, where the saints have trod

We are not divided, all one body we:

One in hope and doctrine, one in charity

Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng

Blend with ours your voices, in the triumph song

Glory, laud, and honor, unto Christ the King

This through countless ages, men and angels sing

(Hymn 246)

Don’t Win by Forfeit

10 Wednesday Sep 2014

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A friendly Giardia bug

A long time ago, back when mullets were still cool, cell phones didn’t exist, and Bart Simpson was just getting started on his long and illustrious career, I had little league baseball practices with Tyson. We had them at Wilson school. At this time, we didn’t live so close as to be able to walk home, so we had to wait after practice was over for your mom to come pick us up. Sometimes, I’m sure, she was on time with this task. Other times, however, we were left on our own. Im sure she was just a little late, but to us it seemed like we would need to make camp, hunker down, and wait for daylight for rescue.  As is understandable, after a long practice of being totally awesome, putting on these clinics of baseball prowess, and baffling coaches with our unbelievable skill and abilities, we were thirsty. Apparently, we didn’t have the modern technology of today called water bottles back then, so we were left to improvise.  Without the adult supervision that may have dissuaded us in our next move, we used our excellent judgement and problem solving skills and routinely quenched our thirst with the ever so convenient irrigation ditch water that ran just outside the fence of our baseball practice field. Im sure this water had absolutely no contaminants, fowl excrement, dog and cat urine, mouse feces, or any such unpleasant thing as it’s appearance was totally clear. Im sure we had been warned against such a thing, but when your mouth feels like the mojave desert in the summertime of a multi-year drought, you do what you gotta do.

In the years since then, I have come to realize that what we were really doing those days when we partook of that cool, clean water was essentially immunizing ourselves from varying forms of water borne illnesses. Instead of just drinking ultra filtered, sterilized, treated boring water, we were preparing our intestinal tracts for future missions to Brazil. The sublethal doses of Giardia, ecoli, cholera, ebola, or whatever other microbial disaster was in that water was just preparing our bowels against future onslaughts of nastiness. We didn’t know it at the time, but we were conducting our own organic health clinic immunization program as we dipped our heads and faces in the water like parched dying animals.

So what does this awesome story of our bravery and survival have anything to do with anything? Its all about patterns. Thats the way things work in our lives. There are truths that span different aspects of everyday life. Tyson and I immunized ourselves against future disease by drinking that nasty ditch water.  By exposing ourselves to it, our bodies developed antibodies to whatever small amount of nastiness was in that water at that time. Our bodies then destroyed those intruders, and from the corpses of the invading germ armies, memorized their makeup, put out wanted posters, and FBI mugshots all over in our bodies to warn our insides about a future attack. Our bodies were then prepared with ammunition and specific customized armor to defend against that particular invading bug. Any subsequent attack would be thwarted instantaneously.

This true principle can be applied in all sorts of ways in our life. One has to do with how we prepare ourselves, or our kids, to go out in the disease ridden world. Do we send them out in the world after having lived in a protective sphere of purified air, water, and food, and living in a padded room in the basement with sunblock, a football helmet, and mosquito spray all over them? If we did, what would happen the first time they tasted a quarter pounder or sugar wafers? They would go crazy and devour every last one they could get their hands on. Do we send them out never having let them climb on a chair when they are 2 years old, fall out of a tree, never let them fall down the stairs, fall off a bike, or  scrape their knees, or get in a fight? As moms and dads, I think our first instinct is to protect our kids, and ourselves for that matter, from everything that can potentially hurt us, or them.  But are we really helping? Are we really helping by trying to shelter ourselves and our kids from the realities of the world?  Wouldn’t it be better to teach them to overcome these diseases by choice, so that they can live in the world and not of it? To let them drink out of the ditch so to speak?  We can’t protect ourselves from exposure to all the nasty things in the world, but we can immunize ourselves, and prepare ourselves to overcome, defeat, and withstand the fiery darts that are headed our way.  But, it requires us to allow that to happen.

What would happen if Tyson and I had asked our mom if we could drink from the ditch? What would the answer have been? Absolutely not! are you crazy? But, would Tyson and I have guts of steel resistant to all the horrible disfiguring diseases known to man if we had not? Did we, in some seemingly small way benefit from drinking a small amount of cow manure? I say yes, yes we did.

We have to be able to live full rewarding lives in the world we live in. Those are the cards we’ve been dealt. That world has some nasty garbage all over in it. But, its the world we live in. We can be strong, and honorable, and do the right thing, all while living in a wicked world. Remember, the iron rod was right in the middle of the mist of darkness, not around the periphery shielded from everything nasty. We cant shield ourselves from, hide from, and wish away all the bad things we will face. We have to trust ourselves, and our kids for that matter, to make the right choices. And sometimes, the choices will be to drink from a ditch. But, its not the end of the world. Real meaningful growth and progression doesn’t come living in a padded room with a helmet on. It comes from tripping, falling, getting dirty, and dusting yourself off, and moving in the right direction.

So, my advise to myself is, to teach myself, and my kids as best I can, and let them learn from their mistakes, just like I did. They need to learn to dust themselves off after they get dirty so to speak. to become clean after they get messy. Even though every last instinct is to do the opposite and try and protect them or us from everything that is coming our way.  We cant protectively squeeze ourselves or our kids so tight, that they suffocate for lack of air. We can do more damage than good. Sometimes we have to learn by trial and error for ourselves for it to actually mean anything.

Remember that war in Heaven thing when two plans were presented? The first would guarantee success, 100% retention, all God’s kids safely back home, no strays, no errors, no mistakes, nothing but pure obedience. The second plan, the dangerous plan, the plan that would cause pain, anguish, loss, betrayal, and every other fear of a parent. The second was the plan that was chosen. Because that plan included freedom and choice. Winning the game against a great formidable opponent means so much more than winning by forfeit. Its like beating Michael Jordan in a game of one-on-one vs beating a guy with no arms or legs in a boxing match. Its better to prepare for the realities of life, and overcome them than to fear them, ignore them, and wish they weren’t there. All life’s obstacles are there to struggle over, not sneak around. In the end, we need to be immune to the nastiness of the world, not just simply “lucky” never to have contracted any life-threatening diseases by hiding in the basement.

Opposition

15 Friday Aug 2014

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Sometimes, in order to learn how something works, we need to understand how it doesn’t work – we need to understand its opposite.  We need to know how it is different, what makes it different, and until we do, we cannot truly learn.   ‘It must needs be, that there is opposition in all things1”.   It has to be.  It must be.  It is.   Not just in some things or most things– but in all things.  The sooner we understand this the sooner we will begin to see ‘things as they really are’2.

Most of most of us have experienced opposites on a somewhat routine basis and have come to the conclusion about which of the two opposites we prefer.  The point is that a choice cannot be made unless there are two sides to choose from.  Unless there are two opposites, choice cannot even exist.  And even more than these opposites existing, is the necessity that these opposites both clamor for our attention and our choice.  Each opposite has its champion, and each champion wants our loyalty, because ‘man could not act for himself save it should be that he was enticed by the one or the other’3.

We cannot have truth unless there is un-truth.  There can be no right unless there is wrong.  There is no heaven unless there is hell.  If sin doesn’t exist, then neither does righteousness4.  If sadness doesn’t exist, then neither does happiness.  If evil doesn’t exist, then neither does good.  But good does exist – which means so does evil.  Right does exist – which means so does wrong.  Truth does exist, and so does un-truth, and therefore it ‘must needs be’ that we are being enticed by one and the other, and we must make our choice between the two because they ‘are in opposition to’ each other.  They are not friends.  They do not agree.  They are real and each champion says ‘come, follow me’5.

Not only do they (opposites) need each other to exist, but we actually understand and feel the strength of each opposite because its opposite exists.  We feel the strength of Christ and his good because we feel the strength of Satan and his evil.  We cannot truly experience sweet (and therefore prefer it and choose it and enjoy it) unless we know bitter.  We can’t truly feel joy (and therefore seek after it) unless we’ve felt its opposite of sadness – and the more exquisite the pain we’ve felt, the more exquisite the joy6 we are able to feel, because of the existence of its opposite.

This agency is absolutely necessary for our lives on earth. It is identified as being given to us by God, as He knows the necessity and power of choice; and moreover the attempted removal of our agency is the primary reason that Satan was cast out7 and therefore ‘became Satan’. Thus Satan became the champion of evil.  His opposite in all things – Jesus Christ – was and always has been the champion of good.  Each of these two champions have gained followers and are currently clamoring for our loyalty by ‘enticing us’ to follow them.

We are able to feel the strength or force of our choice when and because it is made with complete agency because we know it’s opposite also exists and we’ve chosen of our own free will (essentially – we’ve chosen sides).  And because we have been ‘instructed sufficiently to know good from evil’8 we are able to feel in our hearts the effect of our choices as they bring different results and consequences to their choosers. By these choices we begin to become more like the champion that we choose to follow.  If we follow Jesus Christ – and actively choose his enticements – we will become more like Him and his other followers and by necessity less like his opposite.  We will begin to feel His light and His love.  We will begin to do the things He did and feel Him close.  If however, we choose Satan – and actively choose (or fall for) his enticements – we will become more like Him and his followers and by necessity less like his opposite.

This is the why we are on earth9; to see (when presented with opposite choices) which champion we will follow.  To ‘see’ the enticings for what they are, to learn of their effects, and to choose the good – not only because Jesus told us to, but because we want to.

  1. 2 Ne. 2:11
  2. Jacob 4:13
  3. 2 Ne. 2:16
  4. 2 Ne. 2:13
  5. Luke 18:22; John 21:22; 2 Ne. 31:10; Matt. 4:9; Moses 1:12
  6. Alma 36:21
  7. Moses 4:3-4
  8. 2 Ne. 2:5
  9. Abraham 3:25