Building a Life Resistant to the Adversary
Building a Life Resistant to the Adversary
Jorge F. Zeballos
Takeaways:
As a civil engineering student, Elder Zeballos looked forward to taking a class that taught how to make buildings "anti-seismic" (i.e. earthquake-proof). But when he took the class, the professor explained that it was impossible to make anti-seismic buildings, but earthquakes were inevitable. Instead, the professor explained that the best he could do is teach his students how to build seismic-resistant buildings.
Like civil engineering plans that tell builders how to build seismic-resistant buildings, we have the plan of salvation, the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, and inspired direction of living prophets to teach us how to construct happy lives that are resistant to sin, temptation, and attacks from the adversary.
The Savior was tempted by Satan, but he was able to withstand the temptations. How?
1- He fasted and prayed. So although he was physically weak, he was spiritually strong.
2- Christ answered Satan with scripture--he was able to quote and apply scriptures at the right moments in his life.
Like an earthquake that may cause cracks and small damage to seismic-resistant buildings, the attacks from the adversary can cause cracks or partial damage in our lives as well. But if we are following Christ, we will still be standing through those attacks.
The gospel brings happiness, but it does not promise no difficulties or sadness at all. Rather, it brings happiness through our difficult days by giving us perspective, comfort, and peace.
Quote: "How blessed we are to count on a knowledge of the plan of salvation created by our Heavenly Father, to have the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, and to rely on the inspired direction of living prophets!." - Jorge F. Zeballos
Questions to Ponder:
Have I constructed a life resistant to sin and temptation?
Have I strengthened my foundation to withstand the trials, sadness, and difficulties of life?