Yesterday I taught my married student Institute classes from the amazing Book of Hebrews. We discussed faith and the analogy of trying to help "Monto Gaunto" (an aboriginal man who has never seen any modern devices) to drink water from the drinking fountain rather than the toilet (which to him would now be odd or disgusting in any way). It occurred to us that "the temptation of the toilet" is always there; i.e. Satan is always trying to lure us back into old patterns because they are "safe." Just the opposite is actually true, taking the steps "into the dark" where The Lord is telling me to go is the safest choice and the one that will lead to the most happiness, but doing that requires 1. A Hope for something that I can't now see, 2. Evidence that the promise-giver is worthy of my trust, and 3. the Action of actually taking the step. It also came out in class that after a while of pressing the button on the drinking fountain and the water always coming out, that very often I will come to it again and find that it doesn't work! Perhaps it has been unplugged, maybe the fuze has blown in the electrical panel, or maybe there is a mechanical error, etc. Regardless, this is now an opportunity for The Lord to teach me and lead me to yet another plateau of knowledge and understanding OR for satan to lure me back with the ever-ready and waiting "temptation of the toilet." It was a great class and I think that we were all edified. I love The Gospel!
Following the 'natual man', weakness, sin and tradition ensnare us in self-made prisons... fortunately, I know One who has keys, who breaks chains, who opens doors, and who heals wounds!