Battling Vices in Our Day

I previously sent an email to the family outlining the deceptions we are sure to face in this life. We have been warned about these evils in the last days in which we live. Matthew recounts Jesus' explaining that the fallacies are many and deceptions so great that "if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." Matthew 24:24

So what are we to do?

At times like this, I take a step back and try to look at the problem from a different perspective. The Lord has warned and forewarned us. He has given us parents, teachers, leaders, and the priesthood power to strengthen us. Apostles and prophets generally and local leaders nearby guide and direct us.

These scriptures warn us of the strenuous times to come, but the Lord will not forsake us. He has provided many resources to give us strength and hope. Some coping skills I use follow:

• Sing a song
• Count to ten
• Call a friend
• Read a scripture
• Say a prayer
• Attend the temple

Coping skills are good and they help, but they alone are not enough. Advanced preparation for these times is also necessary. Similarly, with my recent job change, I couldn't have focused on looking and interviewing if we had impeding debt andevery meal was secured by money earned that very day. Because we followed the counsel of the Lord received through His prophets to save for a rainy day, we were blessed when we needed it. Moroni demonstrated well the importance of preparation. One of my all time favorite parts of the Book of Mormon is Alma 50, where Moroni prepares the cities and reinforces for the attacks of the Lamanites that were sure to come. We can learn so much from his example, which is applicable to our own lives today.

• Prepare now before the time of need. Doctrine and Covenants 19:23
• Make a plan, backup plan, and even a fall back plan (multiple strategies). This is important in all aspects of your life. Stuff happens. That has been the success of the BYU football pass attack in recent years. Every play has alternative receivers and strategies when needed.
• Reinforce weak places; make them our strengths Alma 48:9
  That's what our Heavenly Father intended for us Ether 12:27
• Love and serve your neighbor 3 Nephi 12:44

Please read these scriptures. I have selected them specifically for you. You'll be glad you did.
As a child, I was always amazed with the story of the Israelite people that were bitten by fiery serpents during the time Moses was leading them from Egypt. All they had to do was look at the brass serpent on the pole, and they would be healed; yet many would not look and perished. The Lord has provided reources for us to overcome challenges, but we must be willing to accept them.
Elder Russell M. Ballard taught "Great things are wrought through small and simple things." He said "Like the small flecks of gold that accumulate over time into a large treasure, our small and simple acts of kindness and service will accumulate into a life filled with love for Heavenly Father, devotion to the work of the Lord Jesus Christ and a sense of peace and joy each time we reach out to one another."

And so this shall be our motto "Look to God and live."