Chapter 34: Diligence of Mind

"But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage."

Mosiah 7:33

A full week of quarantine down! We finally have moves tomorrow morning which will be so nice to leave this godforsaken flat. It hasn't been all too awful, we've been able to get outside for an hour each day which has been really nice. Edinburgh is beautiful, but I am ready to move to my first area in this mission: Aberdeen, Scotland. I've been assigned to be a Zone Leader there and I'm very humbled and eager to do all I can to fulfil that assignment. It won't be easy, but I know God has got a plan for me.

I simply need to trust Him.

In my studies I came across this scripture and I thought it was beautifully pertinent to my situation, and most situations we face in life. It testifies of the powerful results that come through the combination of faith and humility, and I love it.

In all things, we need to be increasing our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, evermore turning to him with full purpose of heart to sincerely strive to follow him in all things. King Limhi in the verse above uses the phrase "with full diligence of mind" to describe the manner of devotion and service to Christ we must exhibit to receive the promised blessing of divine deliverance from the bondages of the world.

So what does full diligence of mind look like when it comes to having and increasing our faith in Jesus Christ?

The word diligence means to give the degree of care required for the tasks and situations one is presented with. When we apply that to the mind, we find that serving Christ, increasing our faith in him is an active, hypersensitive, steady, consistent, and engaged process. It is not enough to go through motions. If we are to serve with full purpose of heart, we must also devote out minds to the efforts of discipleship. The mind and the heart must be united.

So how will this faith, especially in the hard times of life, bring us comfort and power?

Lucky for us, the prophet, President Nelson, gave us an answer in the most recent General Conference:

"Faith in Jesus Christ is the greatest power available to us in this life. All things are possible to them that believe. Your growing faith in Him will move mountains—not the mountains of rock that beautify the earth but the mountains of misery in your lives. Your flourishing faith will help you turn challenges into unparalleled growth and opportunity." What a beautiful promise. Engage your mind. Give your heart to Christ.

Life is good.

God is wise.

Don't give up.

Elder Childers

District Council!

Arthur's Seat and the view

Street that inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter

Scott's Monument

The Meadows pathway and skyline

Us in front of some church