The Gospel and the World

Hello all!

I think this post will be about a week after my last one, so I'm doing better! Huzzah! It's kinda weird how one can loose track of time so quickly, especially when one's life is dominated by routine (work, eat, sleep, repeat).

This week had some interesting events, but I think I'll probably just share one of those events. I won't say any names so as to keep confidentiality. It all started with a Facebook post that I made concerning some of my political views. Sharing my political views on Facebook was a huge thing for me because I generally try to stay out of politics and when I do have opinions, I don't usually share them publicly. They were opinions on some rather controversial topics in Colorado right now, and I was expecting someone to post his/her opinions on the topics as well, but I didn't prepare myself to be attacked, nor for my character to be attacked, and especially not from people that I thought were friends. As I was trying to defend my points of view, some of those with whom I was conversing started to attack my character and making false assumptions about me. It was rather shocking for me. I was okay with having an enthusiastic conversation regarding our viewpoints on these topics, but I didn't once call into question the character of those with whom I was talking nor attempt to offend anyone. It was a rather saddening event for me, but it really got me to thinking why someone would attack someone else just because his views are different. It was also saddening to see someone so blinded by the world that they couldn't see the dangers of some of the current issues. They would have accepted some immediate freedoms at the expense of future freedoms. I believe it has to do with a lack of the Gospel in the lives of those people.

With the Gospel in my life, I have a very different viewpoint on life. I believe that I am able to see future repercussions better because of the Gospel. I have an understanding of what God wants for His children and what will happen if we don't obey Him, and with that knowledge I can see better what will happen in the future because of what we do now. I can understand that by doing what God has told us, which He has always told us and will always tell us, we will be blessed to a greater extent than if we do not do what He says. Some people think that my opinions, which generally reflect God's will, are out of date, archaic, old-fashioned, and that they don't have a place in today's society. But the thing is that God's will has always been, is, and will always be the correct path, no matter in what age we live, because we, as humans and, more importantly, children of God, do not change. Sure, technology advances, literature and art styles change, new difficulties are presented, but we are no different now in nature than Adam and those of his time. The majority of people don't see it that way though. They think that because the world is changing, the way we conduct our lives, our morals, everything about us, also needs to change. The world is too focused on fixing the now than ensuring a future that is happier and better for all. And there are hundreds of millions of people that are so caught up in the world that they change right along with it, never mind if the world's change would compromise one's character. It's something that truly saddens me. But those who have the Gospel and understand it can stand firm throughout all of their lives. They can lead a life that is truly fulfilling and joyful. They will never feel regret for not having followed the world because they will be truly happy. Now that I think of it, it may be the level of happiness of those with the Gospel that threatens those of the world and causes them to lash out. Those of the world aren't completely happy, and instead of being happy for those who are happy, they are threatened and reminded of their own sadness, and in their bitterness seek to make others as miserable as they are. I wish everyone would be more receptive to the Gospel, because many will go their whole lives looking for that little something and never find it because they were not receptive to the Gospel. And if we all had the Gospel, we'd all be a lot happier.

I'm not sure that that was very well put together, but I hope that someone can make sense out of it. I truly believe and testify that the Gospel is the only thing that will provide us with protection and happiness now and in the future. I testify that Jesus is the Christ, and He taught us His gospel because He knows that only those who follow Him will be truly happy. I invite all to follow His gospel not in word only but in deed as well. I love you all very much. Hopefully next time my post will make more sense and be easier to follow. Have a wonderful week!

Love,
Andrew

Hey fellas and gals and everyone!

I'm really sorry that it's taken me so long to get a new post up. I don't really have an excuse except that I've been lazy about it. Also, this post probably won't be anything special or anything like that (just got back from running and I have to have lunch, shower, and get to work). I'll try harder in the future.

Since you last heard from me, several things have happened...I think. See, that's what happens when one doesn't write anything down for awhile. Anyway, I got a job shortly after my last post! I'm really grateful for that job, especially because it gives me something to do for eight hours per day. Also, I'm learning the über important skill of budgeting, 'cause I have all kinds of things that I need to do with my money and not a whole lot of money, so budgeting is a must. I really hope that I do well at it.

I'm also going to single's ward! That's really cool so far. I don't know a lot of people yet (I've only gone two Sundays), but I can feel that it's a ward with a lot of love. The bishopric especially loves the people in the ward, which makes me feel very welcome. I know that I'm going to have an amazing time with that group of people. I'm going to have to start "contacting" people though so that I can get to know them a bit more. You can't get to know a person if you don't say "hi" first. So that's what I'll do! I also have a calling in the ward as an activities counsel member. Basically I'll be planning ward and inter-ward activities like hikes, dances, etc. It should be fun, and I'm excited to get started.

I'm really anxious to get back to BYU. Not in a bad worried about going back way, but in the sense that I can't wait to get back. It's going to be a lot of fun studying again (I know, most of you don't relate the words "study" and "fun", but I do right now), and it'll be even more fun to start dating again. I'm kind of really impatient for that part, but I'll just have to learn patience because classes don't start for me until the first week of September, which is kind of far away. So I'll just spend my time preparing myself to be worthy of whomever Heavenly Father puts in my path. I was listening to the talk "Mountains to Climb" by President Eyring today, and something he said really impacted me. He said (very much paraphrased) that it's the constant doing of right things that determines our integrity. Integrity is also a key to being virtuous and, eventually, worthy of an eternal companion. So the constant doing of right things will prepare me to be someone's eternal companion. I'm glad that I have time to prepare myself even more before I jump back into the ring.

Sorry that this post has been so short and not necessarily full of insight or spirituality. I'll be working on being better, and hopefully you'll be able to see the progress. Thanks as always for your support and prayers. I hope everyone's week is fantastic and that you all can progress as well. Love you all!

Love,
Andrew