It has been a while since I've written, but what I have really been thinking a lot about lately is the difference between worthiness and perfection. To give a bit of background, I had a Temple Recommend interview (this is the meeting members must have with the leader of their ward or branch (and Stake) in order to enter the temple) and the last question asked is "Do you think yourself worthy of entering the House of the Lord?" (wording is probably not exact, but that's the basics of it). And, I feel, a lot of members look at worthiness as being equal to perfection. Obviously, if we were all to use that as our guideline none of us would be able to enter into the Temples. As human beings, we are naturally sinners, every single one of us. It's like the verse in Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." We are imperfect beings by nature. However, there is a silver lining! It is through the Atonement of Jesus Christ that we are able to overcome our imperfections. When we repent, sincerely repent, we are able to renew ourselves from the sins and transgressions we have made. But, this still doesn't make us perfect. In fact, far from it. This is just the beginning steps we must all take in order to reach perfection.
So, what is worthiness? I think most people wouldn't be able to answer right away. I know I couldn't. Looking in my scriptures some synonyms it gives for worthiness are: cleanliness, dependability, faithfulness just to name a few. So, using these words I would say that worthiness is following the Lord and keeping the commandments as best as you know how and with all your heart. I think if everyone could understand that perfection is not what Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is expecting of us in this lifetime, we will all be more forgiving and not so judgmental of others and/or ourselves. Our worthiness doesn't equal to being perfect or imperfect, but on how you are living our faith.
Another topic that has been on my mind is, of course, Christmas. This time of year it is hard not to think about the lights, presents and the hustle and bustle of this time of year but, so often, we forget the real meaning for the season. The Church has released a huge Christmas Campaign titled: He is the Gift
Here's the Ad:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzjFEMmM0Xs
It shows the hustle and bustle that most of us associate with Christmas and this time of year, but it brings about a sharp reminder that the meaning of Christmas is not about the presents, pretty lights, or the ugly sweater contests, but about family, being around loved ones and most importantly the greatest and most humble gift given: The birth of Jesus Christ the Savior! I hope that we, and I also include myself in this because I, too, can get caught up in the commercialized part of the season, take the time to remember and reflect on why this time of year is so special.
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