Happiness is following the Good Shepherd. Recently in my life, I have been feeling a great need for more of the Spirit and have been thinking about the difference of when I feel it in great abundance and when it is that I feel quite alone, without direction, cross and irritated with my life. Of course, there are many reasons why the spirit must leave us and there are very purposeful things that we can do to bring the spirit to us. Reading the scriptures is one of the best ways I know to feel the spirit. There is great power in The Word and the Holy Ghost must be present when they are read because they are truth. In an effort to capture some of that spirit today, I was reading in Alma 5 and felt so strongly that the Good Shepherd is calling after me and wants me to separate myself out from the world and become part of His fold.
Alma 5:57 "...all you that are desirous to follow the voice of the good shepherd, come ye out from the wicked, and be ye separate, and touch not their unclean things."
Alma 5:60 "...the good shepherd doth call after you and if you will hearken unto his voice he will bring you into his fold, and ye are his sheep; and he commmandeth you that ye suffer no ravenous wolf to enter among you, that ye may not be destroyed.
So how do I separate myself from the "ravenous wolf"? What does that represent in my life? I noticed a little note written in the margin of my scripture referring me to Elder Holland's talk given in April 2010 General Conference. These are some of his quotes that related to Alma 5.
1. "Above all, start by separating yourself from people, materials, and circumstances that will harm you."
2. "Exercise more control over even the marginal moments that confront you. If a TV show is indecent, turn it off. If a movie is crude, walk out. If an improper relationship is developing sever it. Many of these influences, at least initially, may not technically be evil, but they can blunt our judgement, dull our spirituality, and lead to something that could be evil. An old proverb says that a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, so watch your step."
3. "Whatever your thoughts are make sure they are welcome in your heart by invitation only."
4. "Cultivate and be where the Spirit of the Lord is. Make sure that includes your own home, dictating the kind of art, music, and literature you keep there. If you are endowed go to the temple often that his holy angels may have charge over you."
I need to work a little harder on the marginal moments like not watching TV that undermines the family or the work of my Savior. I need to follow voice of the Good Shepherd. Where does He lead me? Safely home.
