Why hadn't I seen it at the time?
Since I don't really have a particular thing I'm thinking of, I'm just going to comment on this question in general. It's so true! Many times I don't notice something until way later, and then wonder how I could've missed it. Most of the time, this is in physical life, but it can apply to spiritual as well. It also leads to the question, what am I doing now that I will later say "Why hadn't I seen it at the time?"
What was I doing in such a dangerous situation?
This goes along with the question before. Are there any dangerous situations I'm in right now? It could be considered dangerous that I don't study my scriptures for a set amount of time. I'm usually so tired that I read a passage and go to bed. I know that I need to be better, though. Same with the temple--I need to make a set schedule to go. Another thing that could put me in a dangerous situation is tithing--I always pay it in full, but not on time. Paying on time would help to guarantee that it will get paid.
In the next exercise, we are encouraged to read Alma 5 and pick our favorite questions to answer. I think I'll just do a bunch--basically every one that elicits a response concerning me personally.
Have you sufficiently retained in remembrance the captivity of your fathers?
Honestly, no. It's not something I often think of--the history of the Nephites and Lamanites. It is something I need to work on remembering--and applying to my life.
Have you sufficiently retained in remembrance his mercy and longsuffering towards them?
Again no. I really don't think about the mercy Christ has shown on a regular basis. I really need to, though. Christ should constantly be a part of my thoughts.
Have ye sufficiently retained in remembrance that he has delivered their souls from hell?
Same as above.
Have ye spiritually been born of God?
I guess I don't fully understand what that means. I've been baptized--spiritually born of God. I am trying to become truly converted. I want to know with every fiber of my being that He lives. Right now, I just believe it.
Have ye received his image in your countenances?
I think I have in part. I think that people who know me, know that I am a servant of Heavenly Father. I don't resemble Him in every way that I can yet.
Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?
No. I don't know what I would change from. I've never had the desire to be bad. I'm sure part of the change is from pride to humility. That's definitely a change I need to make.
Do you exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you?
I think so. I don't think about the Atonement very often, which is yet another thing I need to change. Since I've never made a huge mistake, I don't think about the need to be redeemed for it. I make little mistakes all the time, though, that I need that redemption for. It's that darn pride again.
Do you look forward with an eye of faith, and view this mortal body raised in immortality, and this corruption raised in incorruption, to stand before God to be judged according to the deeds which have been done in the mortal body?
That is a big questions! Yes to the first clause. It's hard to imagine standing before God, being resurrected, and being judged. I do know, however, that I will be held accountable for the things that I do. I think that's part of the reason I try to choose the right.
Can you imagine to yourselves that ye hear the voice of the Lord, saying unto you, in that day: Come unto me ye blessed, for behold your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth?
That blows my mind. I want that to happen so badly. I try to live so that can happen. I think sometimes that it can't because of all the mistakes I've made, but then I remember the redemption. It's hard to imagine someone forgetting all the wrongs I've committed simply because I repented of them. And yet it is completely wonderful.
Or do ye imagine to yourselves that ye can lie unto the Lord in that day, and say--Lord, our works have been righteous works upon the face of the earth--and that he will save you?
I know I can't lie. I wouldn't want to. He can't save us in our sins, but from them.
Can ye imagine yourselves brought before the tribunal of God with your soul filled with guilt and remorse, having a remembrance of all your guilt, yea, a perfect remembrance of all your wickedness, yea, a remembrance that ye have set at defiance the commandments of God?
I plan to never have to be in that situation. That would be one of the worst things I can imagine.
Can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands?
I certainly hope so, and plan to live so that it is more than a hope.
Can you look up, having the image of God engraven upon your countenances?
See previous answer.
Can ye think of being saved when you have yielded yourselves to become subjects to the devil?
No! That's why I must never succumb to the devil.
How will any of you feel, if ye shall stand before the bar of God, having your garments stained with blood and all manner of filthiness? What will these things testify against you?
I would feel beyond awful. Christ shed his blood so that we could be cleaned, but the remainder of filthiness is a direct indication of our lack of repentance. I will not let Christ's suffering have no effect on me. (The text notes that it shows them to be murderers--I like to think of Christ's blood)
Do ye suppose that such an one can have a place to sit down in the kingdom of God, with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob, and also all the holy prophets, whose garments are cleansed and are spotless, pure and white?
I wouldn't want to if I was there as described in the previous section.
If ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?
I don't know. I'm not very good at recognizing the Spirit. All good things come of God, though, and I have the desire, and am acting on it, to study the words of the Lord and other inspirational works.
Have ye walked, keeping yourselves blameless before God?
Not completely blameless, but trying to repent when I notice faults.
Could ye say, if ye were called to die at this time, within yourselves, that ye have been sufficiently humble?
No--humility is something I definitely need to garner. I can be quite prideful and think highly of myself for choosing good--which in turn turns me away from good.
That your garments have been cleansed and made white through the blood of Christ, who will come to redeem his people from their sins?
As I mentioned earlier, I've never really felt the power of repentance. I do ask for forgiveness when I do wrong and know that Christ has the power to redeem me.
Are ye stripped of pride?
No. (The text continues and says if ye are not, ye are not prepared to meet God. That is quite sobering.)
Is there one among you who is not stripped of envy?
Though not as constant as the pride, I do feel envy sometimes. These feelings are the kind of things I need to use the Atonement for.
Is there one among you that doth make a mock of his brother, or that heapeth upon him persecutions?
I do tease my brothers too much. I'm getting much better about it, though.
If ye are not the sheep of the good shepherd, of what fold are ye?
I definitely hope I'm worthy to be in the Lord's flock.
Can ye withstand these sayings...can ye lay aside these things and trample the Holy One under your feet...can ye be puffed up in the pride of your hearts...will he still persist in the wearing of costly apparel and setting your hearts upon the vain things of the world, upon your riches?
It does sound dumb when put into context--when you know all of these things, why do you still do wrong? I think it's because I don't constantly think about Christ. I don't go shopping and think about Him when I decide what to buy, etc.
...will ye persist in supposing that ye are better one than another...will ye persist in the persecution of your brethren, who humble themselves, and do walk after the holy order of god[?]
Again, pride is really something I need to work on. I think I'm better than others just because I do what I'm supposed to--but that just makes me prideful!
...will ye persist in turning your backs upon the poor and the needy; and in witholding your substance from them?
I do like to give, but could give SO much more if I wouldn't waste my money on eating out and other dumb things. For instance, I just bought a $70 diploma frame when there are ones for $2.50 at Wal-Mart. I could've saved so much money, but I like how the expensive one looks.
