In John 16:33 Christ tells his disciples that in spite of the fact that the world will cause them great tribulations that they should be of good cheer for he has overcome the world.
I know that most focus on Jesus is centered on his suffering in Gethsemane, when crucified and at the Resurrection, all of which constitute the most glorious event of humanity, the Atonement.
But I think that before and in order for any of it to even be possible, Christ had to overcome the world!
And what does it mean to overcome the world? First, he had to be part mortal and human so that he would be prone to sin and temptation. Had it been any other way, then it would have been no great sacrifice nor conquer.
Second, Jesus wasn’t born all-learned and all-knowing, but through obedience, temperance, patience, love, hope and faith, he learned of his divine mission holding himself to that level.
And ultimately, he rose above all; in every instance he chose the highest way to deal with the situation. He didn’t make up excuses (even though he was also made of flesh), he didn’t allow the adversary to dictate his actions or thoughts (even though he was directly tempted by him).
I really don’t think it was any easier for him than it is for you and me to keep the commandments. If anything, it would have been a lot tougher because he was tempted a lot more intensely.
And yet, he had never given in, not once. Not a single bad thought about someone, not a single little gossip about somebody, not a moment of anger and loss of temper. After all, had any of these little slips occurred, the offering of him, as a sacrifice in our behalf would have not been acceptable anymore.
Because of all these implications I see Christ’s sacrifice as something beyond the last week of his life. His sacrifice had started at his birth, probably even before that, in the pre-mortal existence.
And I think that his constant commitment to being perfect for our sake is probably a greater sacrifice than even all the suffering and turmoil he’s gone through at the end.
But what empowered Christ to always choose right? What was the mental and spiritual place that he was coming from?
I think it all sprang out from a correct and deep understanding of his identity. I think he could overcome the world because he knew of the higher plan, of his relationship with the Father, of his relationship with us, and of the role he was to play in the whole plan.
I also don’t think that his ultimate goal was to solely be offered as a sacrifice for our sins and to live a perfect life, but I think his desire and hope is that by following his model we will also overcome the world.
He’s shown us how is done so that we can each attempt and even dare to try to overcome that which surrounds us. And although it is impossible, really, for you and me to succeed, on our own that is, he will compensate for the rest.
He wants us to become more and to be happier and the way to start is, just as he started it, to learn and experience our true identity. When we really understand who we are and who we can become, that’s when we become truly powerful, that’s when we dare to take the steps in overcoming the world.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
YOU ARE ALREADY PERFECT!
I am sure that many of you are familiar with Jesus Christ’s admonition/commandment of being perfect even as he and God are. Yet I have sensed often times that people stray away from this topic. They either obsess over being perfect, and never feel enough, or they try to avoid it altogether knowing that the target is impossible to reach. You actually get to hear quite often the line that ‘it’s impossible for us to become perfect in this life’. Yet, the scriptures also teach us that God will never ask anything of us that we would not be able to deliver, creating an apparent discrepancy between the two.
What if I told you that you are already Perfect?! What would that do for you, how would you view yourself and life around you if you believed and knew that you are perfect?
Before continuing with this argument, I want to share with you a relative new definition of Perfection that I have discovered, which helped see everything in a new light. I think each one of us, as with many other abstract concepts, we have a very different definition of it based on own experiences.
Perfection= to finish, to bring to an end, completeness
Further definitions of perfection, which come from various philosophers, Aristotle being one of them, are:
1. That which is complete – contains all the requisite parts
2. That which is so good that nothing of the kind could be better
3. That which has attained its purpose
4. One that possesses that of which by its nature is capable
5. That which is better to have than not to have
6. That which has allowed the fullness of the qualities possible for it
7. That which is the best
So if being perfect means you’re working towards something more and you make the best of what you’ve been given, still having more to attain, doesn’t it qualify you and me of being Perfect?
I think our error in thinking that perfection is unattainable in this life is seeing it as a final destination that once reached then we can stop. But perfection never stops, and we can reach different levels of perfection, this life being one of them.
And what’s best about understanding perfection in this way, it only encourages me to try even harder rather than getting too overwhelmed by the task that I would give up before even starting it.
What if I told you that you are already Perfect?! What would that do for you, how would you view yourself and life around you if you believed and knew that you are perfect?
Before continuing with this argument, I want to share with you a relative new definition of Perfection that I have discovered, which helped see everything in a new light. I think each one of us, as with many other abstract concepts, we have a very different definition of it based on own experiences.
Perfection= to finish, to bring to an end, completeness
Further definitions of perfection, which come from various philosophers, Aristotle being one of them, are:
1. That which is complete – contains all the requisite parts
2. That which is so good that nothing of the kind could be better
3. That which has attained its purpose
4. One that possesses that of which by its nature is capable
5. That which is better to have than not to have
6. That which has allowed the fullness of the qualities possible for it
7. That which is the best
So if being perfect means you’re working towards something more and you make the best of what you’ve been given, still having more to attain, doesn’t it qualify you and me of being Perfect?
I think our error in thinking that perfection is unattainable in this life is seeing it as a final destination that once reached then we can stop. But perfection never stops, and we can reach different levels of perfection, this life being one of them.
And what’s best about understanding perfection in this way, it only encourages me to try even harder rather than getting too overwhelmed by the task that I would give up before even starting it.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Things are not as bad as we pretend they are
One of the advantages of having been brought up in a foreign place is that it has offered me a unique perspective on life here in the United States of America.
I don’t know about you all, but reading the news daily it can become overwhelming considering both the volume and the nature of the stories. The predominant feeling being one of pessimism about the world in which we live, and a general acceptance of a doomed state we brought ourselves into without any possible way of escaping or improving it.
All the information I take in, it almost paralyzes me and for a second there I actually bite into it, feeling that there are no good or honest people left in our society. However, when I step back and look at the entire picture I quickly realize that the United States of America, and California for that matter, is having it really good. I realize that this system is still the most functional, that these politicians are still the most transparent and carrying towards the people. This is not just comparing it to other countries but also with other eras and civilizations.
The quality of life has never been this high; humanity has never had this much access to so much information and resources as we do today. We have just as much potential, if not even greater, that at any other time and place in history to succeed. Then how come the general attitude of both the media and its audience is that of an-ever-growing pessimism?
We shouldn’t allow anyone to dictate how we feel and how we perceive the world. It is in our own power to choose to appreciate life and what it has to offer, and to make the best of our circumstances.
That’s not to say that we shouldn’t try to improve where we’re at, progress is eternal so we’re not quite there yet, but we can do so with a positive outlook and seeing how much we already have.
No one has ever and will never profit from a negative approach or perspective on things, so why make our lives even tougher? The power is in our hands and no one can do it for us.
I don’t know about you all, but reading the news daily it can become overwhelming considering both the volume and the nature of the stories. The predominant feeling being one of pessimism about the world in which we live, and a general acceptance of a doomed state we brought ourselves into without any possible way of escaping or improving it.
All the information I take in, it almost paralyzes me and for a second there I actually bite into it, feeling that there are no good or honest people left in our society. However, when I step back and look at the entire picture I quickly realize that the United States of America, and California for that matter, is having it really good. I realize that this system is still the most functional, that these politicians are still the most transparent and carrying towards the people. This is not just comparing it to other countries but also with other eras and civilizations.
The quality of life has never been this high; humanity has never had this much access to so much information and resources as we do today. We have just as much potential, if not even greater, that at any other time and place in history to succeed. Then how come the general attitude of both the media and its audience is that of an-ever-growing pessimism?
We shouldn’t allow anyone to dictate how we feel and how we perceive the world. It is in our own power to choose to appreciate life and what it has to offer, and to make the best of our circumstances.
That’s not to say that we shouldn’t try to improve where we’re at, progress is eternal so we’re not quite there yet, but we can do so with a positive outlook and seeing how much we already have.
No one has ever and will never profit from a negative approach or perspective on things, so why make our lives even tougher? The power is in our hands and no one can do it for us.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
MARRIAGE – THE MIRACLE OF LIFE
For the longest time, I considered bringing a newborn into the world the greatest miracle of life. I still consider this as a miracle and the power, which makes us more like our Heavenly Father. However, after pondering and after having some personal experiences, I have come to the conclusion that the greatest miracle in life is that of Marriage.
I can’t think of a better descriptive of marriage than that of a ‘miracle.’ Having two complete strangers, of different backgrounds, interests and many times from opposite sides of the world, come together and unite to each other, that to me constitutes the greatest miracle.
Considering how unnatural it actually is to commit and become one with someone who was once a complete stranger, it doesn’t surprise me the high divorce rates of today’s world. Many of them are even justified in choosing to go separate ways. For this reason what really surprises me is couples of years together, who are still committed to each other and who continue on and succeed in their marriage.
I am fascinated with the whole process of it. You go on a first date, many times with a complete stranger, if having been set up, then not even knowing what they look like. Then you try your hardest to read into each other, of course both putting their best self first. It’s almost like applying/interviewing for a job. And potentially, that same person can (and in the cases that end up in marriage) turn into the person by whom you will wake up for the rest of your life. That to me is magical!
Most people who are important and dear to us are usually blood-related, our spouses on the other hand, are not related to us; and I think this is by design, so that we would have to sacrifice and work hard into learning how to love them, up to the point that their happiness is more important to us than our own.
I believe that marriage is the process by which we become most like God. Although we each look for someone to marry who is the closest to our idea of perfection, I believe it is by design that none of us is perfect. Had we been perfect and lovable at all times it wouldn’t have been as high of a sacrifice to commit and stick with each other. Unfortunately this is the very reason for which many couples choose to separate, when in fact being imperfect beings gives us the opportunity of growing and becoming more Godly.
I find it fascinating how one can reach the level of identifying and defining who they are through their partner. It is as if the two have become one entity, this being independent of bringing forth offspring, that being a whole different process in and of itself.
The key to a successful marriage and the first step towards success is a proper knowledge and development of own character and self. I think it is imperative not only to know oneself but to also be content and at peace with own life. I believe that most misunderstandings and attacks in marriage come from insecurities and a lack of knowledge and understanding of own value and self worth.
The second step in ensuring a successful marriage is the selection process. You’d think that once one would know themselves well and their needs and wants that a proper selection will follow naturally and in most cases. That is not necessarily so. The secret to proper selection, I believe, is being patient. It is paying in the present the price for what you ultimately want.
I’ve seen too many who are rushing into marriage whether out of fear of never finding who they really want and would feel connected to, or wanting to satisfy certain needs in a timely manner. Having a short-sighted perspective is never a good idea when choosing anything in life, but specially when selecting your eternal companion.
I haven’t made too many mistakes in my life. That was until this last October, when I purchased a new car. Although my dream car is a Mercedes, not thinking (and really not being able to at the time) that I could afford it, I cut myself short and ended up purchasing a PT Cruiser. Doing so still got me excited, having a more spacious, new car. But this lasted for about two months, when I realized that my car didn’t really represent me. When I got my dream job I further realized that I could have afforded my dream car, had I waited a little longer.
I will probably end up losing a few couple thousand dollars in trying to get rid of the PT, imagine though the cost of rushing into marrying someone who is almost the person you want and would be happy with (the car still drove me around, after all…), yet not being and never being able to become the Mercedes.
When trying to find the optimum person with whom you’ll spend the rest of your life, in spite of what others may be saying, it is not a matter of being too picky or of thinking too highly of oneself. It is a matter of exercising faith and first bringing yourself to the level you imagine marriage needs to be, and then looking for the person who is at that same level, to whose life you can contribute and enhance. Anything less than this, I believe, would make one unhappy, and therefore not being able to contribute to the other person's life.
Remember, we cannot give someone something we don’t have ourselves.
I can’t think of a better descriptive of marriage than that of a ‘miracle.’ Having two complete strangers, of different backgrounds, interests and many times from opposite sides of the world, come together and unite to each other, that to me constitutes the greatest miracle.
Considering how unnatural it actually is to commit and become one with someone who was once a complete stranger, it doesn’t surprise me the high divorce rates of today’s world. Many of them are even justified in choosing to go separate ways. For this reason what really surprises me is couples of years together, who are still committed to each other and who continue on and succeed in their marriage.
I am fascinated with the whole process of it. You go on a first date, many times with a complete stranger, if having been set up, then not even knowing what they look like. Then you try your hardest to read into each other, of course both putting their best self first. It’s almost like applying/interviewing for a job. And potentially, that same person can (and in the cases that end up in marriage) turn into the person by whom you will wake up for the rest of your life. That to me is magical!
Most people who are important and dear to us are usually blood-related, our spouses on the other hand, are not related to us; and I think this is by design, so that we would have to sacrifice and work hard into learning how to love them, up to the point that their happiness is more important to us than our own.
I believe that marriage is the process by which we become most like God. Although we each look for someone to marry who is the closest to our idea of perfection, I believe it is by design that none of us is perfect. Had we been perfect and lovable at all times it wouldn’t have been as high of a sacrifice to commit and stick with each other. Unfortunately this is the very reason for which many couples choose to separate, when in fact being imperfect beings gives us the opportunity of growing and becoming more Godly.
I find it fascinating how one can reach the level of identifying and defining who they are through their partner. It is as if the two have become one entity, this being independent of bringing forth offspring, that being a whole different process in and of itself.
The key to a successful marriage and the first step towards success is a proper knowledge and development of own character and self. I think it is imperative not only to know oneself but to also be content and at peace with own life. I believe that most misunderstandings and attacks in marriage come from insecurities and a lack of knowledge and understanding of own value and self worth.
The second step in ensuring a successful marriage is the selection process. You’d think that once one would know themselves well and their needs and wants that a proper selection will follow naturally and in most cases. That is not necessarily so. The secret to proper selection, I believe, is being patient. It is paying in the present the price for what you ultimately want.
I’ve seen too many who are rushing into marriage whether out of fear of never finding who they really want and would feel connected to, or wanting to satisfy certain needs in a timely manner. Having a short-sighted perspective is never a good idea when choosing anything in life, but specially when selecting your eternal companion.
I haven’t made too many mistakes in my life. That was until this last October, when I purchased a new car. Although my dream car is a Mercedes, not thinking (and really not being able to at the time) that I could afford it, I cut myself short and ended up purchasing a PT Cruiser. Doing so still got me excited, having a more spacious, new car. But this lasted for about two months, when I realized that my car didn’t really represent me. When I got my dream job I further realized that I could have afforded my dream car, had I waited a little longer.
I will probably end up losing a few couple thousand dollars in trying to get rid of the PT, imagine though the cost of rushing into marrying someone who is almost the person you want and would be happy with (the car still drove me around, after all…), yet not being and never being able to become the Mercedes.
When trying to find the optimum person with whom you’ll spend the rest of your life, in spite of what others may be saying, it is not a matter of being too picky or of thinking too highly of oneself. It is a matter of exercising faith and first bringing yourself to the level you imagine marriage needs to be, and then looking for the person who is at that same level, to whose life you can contribute and enhance. Anything less than this, I believe, would make one unhappy, and therefore not being able to contribute to the other person's life.
Remember, we cannot give someone something we don’t have ourselves.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Someone we don't need to Compete for attention
I have recently come to the realization that at times it is very tiring to have to always prove ourselves. We have to do it when searching for jobs, when wanting to attract people into our lives, and even when dating.
Whether is your writing skills, or why someone should hang out with you, it seems like we're always advertising ourselves in a way. And maybe it's by design that it is like this, otherwise we would have let ourselves go and maybe would have not demanded as much from our own beings. However, sometimes it is simply exhausting.
Maybe I've been feeling it even more lately as I have been applying for jobs and interviewing. I'm tired of having to show off my skills and to convince people it is me who they want for that position.
But, along with these thoughts, another one came to me. I realized that the only being in the world (really, He is out of the world, but you get what I mean), to whom we don't have to prove anything to earn His love, is out Heavenly Father. It is so comforting to me to know that He actually knows me even better than I know myself, and that one, I cannot impress Him since He already knows all my thoughts and intentions, and that two, I wouldn't even have to prove anything to Him as His love is unconditional.
And it couldn't be any other way, as we would never really be worthy of His love. For that reason, and many others, I feel so grateful for His love and care for us. And maybe that's why He should be the center of our lives, and not work, friends and even family, as sooner or later things may change and then what would happen to our foundation? Crush probably, and with it ourselves too.
Monday, November 22, 2010
I should do this more often
In my field of study, Public Relations that is, you always hear about WRITING as one of the main strengths of the profession.
Starting in college I noticed the great emphasis the professor placed on one's skills of writing well. I am slowly beginning to understand the importance of communicating clearly not just in a face-to-face situation, but probably even more importantly in writing. After all, writing is the most common way we communicate now days. Even when we are desk to desk with someone, most often we'd still send out an email rather than yell out what we need.
So what is exactly good writing? Is it the style of it? The tone? The grammar and syntax? Or maybe all of it...I don't know, I of course, have an opinion about it, as I do about everything else, but whether or not it's an accurate one that's a different story.
I believe that one's capacity of explaining in the least amount of words and in a clear manner their intention and needs is effective writing.
What I've noticed too, is that the more I wrote the easier it got to be and the more I've started to enjoy doing it. At first I was dreading it, specially that most professional writing needs to follow certain patterns and rules...however, even when I finished those documents I would still re-read them all over again, with a certain satisfaction.
I do write in my journal about once a week. And that I enjoy more because there are no rules there, although I kind of follow the same pattern most of the time. But then I realized that I can just blog more and hopefully improve my writing. I always feel like I have something worthwhile saying anyway...so I may as well share it with the world. All that unnecessary thinking that I do at no profit, I may as well put it to use somehow.
Anyway, so this may be the beginning of it. As you can see I am not committing to it yet, as far as how often or regular. I'm going through this phase of life that I'm trying to avoid having too many self-imposed rules and regulations, and for that reason I'm not promising it. That being said though, I am excited to embark in this journey, and to maybe discover a side of me that I haven't even known it's there.
We shall see.....
Starting in college I noticed the great emphasis the professor placed on one's skills of writing well. I am slowly beginning to understand the importance of communicating clearly not just in a face-to-face situation, but probably even more importantly in writing. After all, writing is the most common way we communicate now days. Even when we are desk to desk with someone, most often we'd still send out an email rather than yell out what we need.
So what is exactly good writing? Is it the style of it? The tone? The grammar and syntax? Or maybe all of it...I don't know, I of course, have an opinion about it, as I do about everything else, but whether or not it's an accurate one that's a different story.
I believe that one's capacity of explaining in the least amount of words and in a clear manner their intention and needs is effective writing.
What I've noticed too, is that the more I wrote the easier it got to be and the more I've started to enjoy doing it. At first I was dreading it, specially that most professional writing needs to follow certain patterns and rules...however, even when I finished those documents I would still re-read them all over again, with a certain satisfaction.
I do write in my journal about once a week. And that I enjoy more because there are no rules there, although I kind of follow the same pattern most of the time. But then I realized that I can just blog more and hopefully improve my writing. I always feel like I have something worthwhile saying anyway...so I may as well share it with the world. All that unnecessary thinking that I do at no profit, I may as well put it to use somehow.
Anyway, so this may be the beginning of it. As you can see I am not committing to it yet, as far as how often or regular. I'm going through this phase of life that I'm trying to avoid having too many self-imposed rules and regulations, and for that reason I'm not promising it. That being said though, I am excited to embark in this journey, and to maybe discover a side of me that I haven't even known it's there.
We shall see.....
Friday, July 16, 2010
Why Nephi is so amazing...
This morning I was reading 1 Nephi 4, and a few things occurred to me.
First of all, just as Lehi informed his sons of what the Lord has asked that they returned and got the records, Laman and Lemuel of course started murmuring. Nephi, knew right away that it was the Lord's request and not his father's. Then when they went into the city to get the records from Laban, Laman was almost killed, and I wonder if it didn't have to do with his negative attitude towards the whole task of getting the records.
Maybe it didn't though, because even Nephi's plan of trading all of their richness that they had previously left behind for the records didn't go through, as Laban took their goods and wanted to kill them.
However, the difference is that as the older brothers were ready to return to their father's, Nephi was persistent in completing the task. He exhorted them to return to the city and to act in faith. Murmuring they did follow him, and as he went into the city, he even stated that didn't know beforehand the things which will happen. And soon enough Laban was delivered into his hands, all weak and drunk.
Likewise, I feel like sometimes in our lives all the Lord wants to see from us is trying in faith, and even though our plan may not pan out, as Nephi's didn't either, He will eventually make it happen according to his will.
That gives me comfort, knowing that although I still need to try very hard and to the best of my abilities, that in the end He can and will make it happen, many times in miraculous ways.
And this is one of the many instances that I think Nephi is so amazing...
First of all, just as Lehi informed his sons of what the Lord has asked that they returned and got the records, Laman and Lemuel of course started murmuring. Nephi, knew right away that it was the Lord's request and not his father's. Then when they went into the city to get the records from Laban, Laman was almost killed, and I wonder if it didn't have to do with his negative attitude towards the whole task of getting the records.
Maybe it didn't though, because even Nephi's plan of trading all of their richness that they had previously left behind for the records didn't go through, as Laban took their goods and wanted to kill them.
However, the difference is that as the older brothers were ready to return to their father's, Nephi was persistent in completing the task. He exhorted them to return to the city and to act in faith. Murmuring they did follow him, and as he went into the city, he even stated that didn't know beforehand the things which will happen. And soon enough Laban was delivered into his hands, all weak and drunk.
Likewise, I feel like sometimes in our lives all the Lord wants to see from us is trying in faith, and even though our plan may not pan out, as Nephi's didn't either, He will eventually make it happen according to his will.
That gives me comfort, knowing that although I still need to try very hard and to the best of my abilities, that in the end He can and will make it happen, many times in miraculous ways.
And this is one of the many instances that I think Nephi is so amazing...
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