A Consistent Theme

As I have read the Book of Mormon this semester, I have come to realize that there is a common theme in almost all of the stories: the wicked will be destroyed. A slightly less noticeable theme, which goes hand in hand with the first is that the wicked generally don't believe themselves to be wicked. At least not at first. By the wicked realize they are wicked, it is generally too late. The Jaredites killed each other off so quickly, there was barely time to think. By the time Coriantumr was ready to repent, his people were already destroyed, and it was too late to save anyone. Perhaps this is another reason that men should not procrastinate the day of their repentance. The Nephites would not admit they were wicked until nearly the end. When they admitted they were wicked, they were so hardened that they were proud of their wickedness. The wicked rarely see the warning signs as warning signs. They see them as coincidence.

What about now? I don't believe that every natural disaster and every recession and every war and every bad thing that happens is a sign to us from God that we are wicked and that we need to repent. But, I also don't believe that none of them are. Mormon tells us that the wicked bring their curse upon themselves. I can't help but think that, at least in part, our world's current economic situation is a sign for us, especially considering the way it was brought on. I don't pretend to understand all of the factors that contributed, but I do understand enough to know that much of the crisis was brought on by greed and a desire to live beyond our means. I believe that the problems are much deeper than our banks' balance sheets. We may come out of this recession soon, but we will fall right back if we don't change; our economy simply cannot depend on artificial wealth created by inflated credit. The nations cannot prosper if the citizens of nations do not change. Our times may not be a sign from God that we are growing wicked as a people, but just in case it is, I'm going to take a look at how I live.

The Final Kick

The Gospel of Jesus Christ, as defined by Christ, consists of Faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. Enduring to the end is the hard part.

When I was in high school I decided to join the cross country team. No one was cut from the team, because the coach did not feel that was necessary. Anyone who didn't really want to be there would quit within a week or two. I did not join because I loved to run, nor because I was good at running. I joined because I had friends in cross country, and because I wanted to see if I could handle it.

I have been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from birth, but I feel that this experience taught me a little bit about what it would be like to join the Church as a convert. The cross country team had their own lingo, and they already knew each other. I was an outsider, and I wasn't good at running. And it was hard. If I had been there solely for the company of my friends, my cross country career would not have lasted more than one day (I nearly fainted after the first practice from dehydration. It was September in Las Vegas, probably 105 F or more). I didn't quit because I had to prove to myself that I could do it. My friends helped me, and gave me advice, but I would not have stayed just for them. I would not still be a member of the Church if I were in it just for friends. I love the Church, as I grew to love running. I'm grateful for the friendships I have had within each, but neither is worthwhile only for the social aspects.

I have since stopped running, but I've taken up cycling. I guess I like pain. I have called my blog and this post the final kick because that is what I love most about running and cycling and life. During the last 200-300 meters, when there is nothing left but pure will and a desire for the pain to end, when at the end of a 50 mile ride, you pedal so fast you can't feel your legs - you can't hardly see - and you finish strong. To give everything you have for the entire race, and give even more during the final kick - that is what life is all about, to me.