I have already mentioned how the analogy in this BYU devotional by Brad Wilcox has increased my understanding of how the atonement works in our lives. It has helped me to understand that the the biggest obstacle to utilizing the atonement in our lives is giving up.
I have heard that some leave the church because they feel it is just too hard to keep all the commandments and they just can't keep it up. They give up. They feel they are just not "celestial" material. Sometimes I feel that way, too.
When we feel that way, we have to dig in our heels and just keep "practicing". Satan would love to have us feel that we will never make it. He loves it when we give up.
Here is a scripture that backs up the "keep trying" theory:
Moroni 6:8
But as oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were forgiven.
This is another reason why we meet together as saints so often. It is important that we take the sacrament and renew our baptismal covenants. It keeps us from being bogged down with our sins. We are renewed and cleansed every time we take the sacrament. Heavenly Father doesn't want us to waste our energy beating ourselves up about our sins, but using that energy to keep trying.
I know this is true. One of the first steps to my understanding this came about 6 years ago when I was discouraged about my lack of progress and realizing that there were many things I needed to do better but I just didn't feel like I was getting anywhere. The General Relief Society broadcast was coming up and I knew I needed to listen to the messages but I felt like I was going to hear so many things that I needed to do that it would just be overwhelming. I went anyway and was startled at the main message of the meeting: Come Unto Me.
Here are links to the talks at that broadcast:
Eternally Encircled in His Love- Bonnie D. Parkin
Remembering the Lord's Love- Kethleen H. Hughes
To Look, Reach, and Come Unto Christ- Anne C. Pingree
In the Arms of His Love- Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley
This post is a combination of some of the things I have felt about the Savior's love for us. He is mighty to save. When we give up and think we just aren't celestial material, we are telling the Savior that he is not powerful enough to save us. He is powerful enough to save others, but not all of us.
I love this scripture:
2 Nephi 31:19
And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.
Alma 34:18
Yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is mighty to save.
