The temporal (tellestial treadmill) mindset says religion, commandments, church, or leaders are restrictive. All of the advice, council, recommendations and especially warnings and exhortations keep us from having fun and enjoying the pleasures of the earth. Didn’t God give us feelings in the first place to enjoy them?
That mindset was warned against in the introduction to the D&C and so previlent today its almost a sin to think otherwise. The Lord explained, “every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own god…” So, does a spiritual life mean a sheltered life?
The spiritually minded have an understanding of truth that is liberating. It highlights the inner power and purpose of moral agency given to man from the beginning and is best explained by the attitude and truth:
That which is not prohibited is permitted.
There is a constitutional principle in English law that highlights the reseponsible agency of citizens, “everything which is not forbidden is allowed.” Nothing is forced, but you must choose (positive law).
On the converse, the authorities (politicians) are restrited from violating that responsibility agency of citizens with their limited powers, “everything which is not allowed is forbidden” (negative law).
Legal traditions differ, but the theology of God is unchanged and its important to have the proper spiritually-minded truth within us. God will never force us to choose or return to him. Satan and his earthly minions distort truth and force their totalitarian principle, “everything which is not forbidden is compulsory (T.H. White).”
The gospel isn’t a game, so don’t think we can’t play by the mantra, “it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission.” Instead remember we are “agents unto ourselves,” free to choose anything we want including free to choose not to sin.
“Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.” 2 Nephi 2:27
Resources:
- God’s plan includes freedom of choice
- Agents unto Themselves, Cree-L Kofford
- What the Bible says about free will
- How are we free? from Philosophy Now
The Prayer
Knowing that sinning is a choice that I can make regarding whether to do it or not, I choose the later. Father, my love for You is so much greater than giving in to my flesh. Though each day holds its own challenges and temptations, Your grace and love provides me with so much more than I can describe. Father, I know that I am not perfect and will probably mess up. It is during these times that I am so grateful for Your grace, because Your grace picks me up, dusts me off, and offers me another chance. Thank You for always providing me a way out of sinning, and for showing me the risks of what happens if I do sin. I love You Father and I thank You for this blessed day!
“I don’t do the things I do with the hope that God may one day love me. God loves me, and that is why I do what I do.” Neil T. Anderson
