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The scriptures say that we are to provide a sacrifice to heavenly Father and this can be done in many ways, such as what was said in Romans 12: 1 or Ephesians 5: 2.

The word of God speaks of self-sacrifice, one where we are to subjugate ourselves to the ways of God and to put aside the ways of the world. Some of these “self-sacrifices” refer to placing ourselves into a humbled state, a contrite spiritual state which subjects ourselves to his Spirit (Psalms 51:17), which is also seen  in one of the most well known scriptural verses, “..he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it ( Matt. 10:39).”

It is clear that God is telling us to forsake mortal tendencies of life and embark onto a spiritual path and way, but how many really do this as they claim faith in God and his Spirit?

Indulgence or sacrifice?

The battle between being spiritual, the offering of oneself to God, or submitting ourselves to indulgences of the flesh and of the world. How easy it is for anyone of us to loose ourselves in indulgences, big and small and not even think of what we are really doing. Simple things, coffee, chocolate, junk food, cakes, or even drink (speaking generally), this is to name a few.

Think about it. When you fast for two meals, do you not desire to drink and eat? To have that treat, that potato chip, cup of hot chocolate or that slice of pizza?  That is an example of the human nature, that of the natural man or woman, the carnal mind and heart, wanting things of the flesh and the world, but when you refuse those desires to continue the fast, then you are spiritual, submitting oneself as a sacrifice to heavenly Father.

Now let us seriously consider as to whether the everyday thing is an indulgence or sacrifice. What things are you doing in your life that would be counted as an indulgence? Having need to eat that chocolate every day, or have that tea every morning, or that need for something that is gained from the world or from the flesh, the pleasures.

It is so easy to get into ideas of “self-pampering”, or “I deserve this” or “treat myself”, etc. These philosophies are taught by many “self-help” gurus that claim this is increasing personal power. How easy the corruption of God’s principles and practices can occur so subtlety and quickly because they appeal to the very thing we all have, that is the “ego” which is where pride resides.

God knew that unless we act in “self-sacrifice” we would be caught up by the world and the flesh, locked into the carnal mind and end up with a heart  of stone, spiritually speaking. Self-sacrifice assists us to humble ourselves and develop a contrite spirit, not to submit ourselves to indulgences, but to submit ourselves to the Spirit, which are spiritual things.

The important thing is to learn when things are not an indulgence and when they are. Making excuses to indulgence, even justify it as “free will or choice” is a selfish act because it serves no one but yourself. Athletes know the importance of self-sacrifice when it comes to performance. True they do it to perform better, it is for themselves, but the manner which it is done is the same. They do not indulgence in things that will hamper their “discipline”.

When God said that our bodies must be like a temple, that means we are to develop and maintain our physical nature unto God. Keep healthy, exercise and every so often, subjugate the body to a fast and to spiritual ways and things. Overcoming the things of the flesh is what opens us up to the Spirit, because by subjugating the flesh and the natural man or woman within, putting aside indulgences and excuses to indulge, shifts the body mind and soul into a spiritual focus and all good spiritual focuses are of God, which invites the Spirit. As athletes do this to perform, we can do the same, spiritually speaking for our faith unto God.

So what would it be for your faith, indulgence of sacrifice?

Let us briefly look at the focus of people in religious circles and what makes they faithful or not.

A person who reads the scriptures and from what is read, makes the effort to follow the teachings found in God’s word. Whether this be from the Bible or both the Bible and Book of Mormon, this person shows to be a good person doing good things. Assisting others, helping the hungry and needy, volunteers to groups that helps others as the sick, handicap, the less fortunate. Never seeking contention or endless argument or debate, but seeks edifying discussions that serves to strengthen or sustain good faith. Whether a member of this Church or not, this person shows the “spirit” chosen for their life and daily focus. For a good part of their daily life, they are peaceful and cheerful.

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Not every member of this Church experiences spiritual things. In fact some who quit this Church claim that they have had no spiritual experiences and base their rejection of the Church on this absence. This says that some members have been in this Church for years and have not yet experienced anything spiritual and with that absence, doubt may linger in their hearts and minds about spiritual things spoken of in the scriptures (Bible and Book of Mormon). To some this has even caused doubt as to authenticity of the First Vision and it will not be the last time I hear people scoff at the idea of seeking a spiritual experience, either to determine if this Church is true or for any other reason. So what do I say to them or those who doubt?

Where is thy faith?

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All members of this Church know about fasting and that it is usually for every first Sunday of the month. Here, I wish to provide you an account of my experiences with fasting, to show the value of it for our faith rather than do an instructional article. Be aware that what I relate here is on the basis that no medication is required and health is reasonable to good.

Fasting is not just for the first of each month, it is for any time that a person wants to seek God’s help, gain enlightenment or just spiritually cleanse or purge the body, mind and soul. Fasting is always like getting your car a new oil change, it simply helps everything run better and cleaner. So it is with your body and spirit, because after all, your spirit does suffer from the sludge caused by mortality and the flesh as would your car engine suffer from it’s form of sludge caused by oil that has become dirty or well used.

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Living the life of a Saint is not an easy task, because we are asked by the Lord to live spiritually, not worldly. We are to abide in the principles set forth in the gospel. We are to move ourselves away from the wiles of the flesh and remain chaste and virtuous.

To add to this daunting task, we received the Word of Wisdom from God which addresses the more simple things the world enjoys on a regular and daily basis. You know these things; liquor, coffee, tea, cigarettes, etc.

With all that we are tasked to do in order to remain a Saint, pure and virtuous, we must contend with the natural desires that come with mortality. As we move along, at times with much effort, we have our wishes and desires for things of the world. We are not human if these desires are absent.

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With the array of differing doctrines in the general Christian community among the many Christian denominations, one wonders who is true and who is not. I say this from the perspective of a new convert or one who is investigating which church to join.

When I researched the many beliefs of the many Christian denominations, I began to find a consistent pattern among all of them. This pattern refers to “perspective”. The thing within each person that determines how he/she will view and comprehend God’s word. It is “perspective” that will either serve a person well or mislead them.

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…and a spiritual mind is one made by faith, not just belief.

Our weakness is found in the things of the carnal mind, the temporal desires that, at times, seem to overwhelm our spiritual focus and faith. It is through this one weakness, the state of mind and heart created by the carnal mind that Satan gets some of his best work done. This is where temptations and carnal desires are felt and experienced. Is it any wonder that the word of God clearly states that the carnal mind is an “enmity” to him?

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