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Ensign College President Bruce C. Kush (right) and his wife Alinda (center) greet students after the spring semester opening devotional in Salt Lake City on April 23, 2024. Photo courtesy of Ensign College, courtesy of Church News.All rights reserved.
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Written by Caitlin Bancroft, Church News
The Adversary wants people to view sin in a completely different way than Heavenly Father wants people to view sin.
Satan will make people believe that because they will never be perfect in this life, it is impossible to completely avoid sin, and that if they have a problem, they can meet with the bishop later and it will be resolved.
But Heavenly Father wants His children to understand that although they may make mistakes in this life, they are disciples of Jesus Christ and can fight temptation by any means necessary. I think you would like to. They can follow the Savior’s example of obedience and take advantage of the Savior’s Atonement and God’s grace in their daily efforts to become who God wants them to be.
Ensign College President Bruce C. Kush taught these principles during a spring semester opening devotional on Tuesday, April 23. His wife Alinda also spoke during the devotion.
President Kush testified that the Savior knows how difficult it is to experience temptation. The Bible does not say that Jesus had extraordinary powers to resist temptation. Rather, it is said, “He was tempted” (D&C 20:22).
“Not paying attention, not looking, not hearing, not reading, not speaking, not obeying things on social media that tempt us to sin, even if we lack it now, is something we cultivate. “We have the strength to do so,” President Kush said. “We have a choice in how we respond. Every right choice we make now will have great benefits not only in this life but in eternity.”
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Ensign College President Bruce C. Kush speaks at the Spring Semester Commencement Devotional on April 23, 2024 in Salt Lake City. Photo courtesy of Ensign College, courtesy of Church News.All rights reserved.
A spiritual “battle plan”
President Kush outlined a “battle plan” to resist temptation. The first element is having “an unwavering understanding of who one really is,” which increases the desire and power for individuals to act rightly.
The second element is cultivating a personal testimony. President Kush said that each person must take “responsibility” to develop, nurture, strengthen and protect his or her own testimony. He said that personal witness, and the personal conversion that comes with it, protects individuals from those who would try to deviate them from the path of the Gospel.
“When difficulties come, and they will come again, when we have questions about the practices, principles, and doctrines of the Church, we can rely on our past spiritual experiences and convictions of truth to remain steadfast in our faith,” Kush said. the President of the Church said. “The questions and challenges that will arise do not change the truths that God has previously revealed to you by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
In this context, he said that the third element of the “battle plan” is to increase each person’s ability to receive personal revelation.
The final element is to prioritize worshiping in the temple whenever personal circumstances allow. He mentioned the April 2024 general conference, in which President Russell M. Nelson promised that nothing strengthens testimonies, softens the spirit, and protects from darkness more than regular temple worship. .
President Kush said that if individuals strive to follow this “battle plan,” their lives “will be filled with light and there will be no room for darkness.” We will be so busy doing good that we won’t even have time to think about Satan’s evil works. ”
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Sister Alinda Kush speaks at the spring semester opening devotional on April 23, 2024 in Salt Lake City. Photo courtesy of Ensign College, courtesy of Church News.All rights reserved.
know jesus christ
In her speech, Sister Alinda Kush emphasized the importance of knowing Jesus Christ as a friend. This means spending time with God, talking to Him, listening to Him, and otherwise striving to cultivate a true relationship with Him.
It also means to believe in God (to have faith and confidence in God) and to believe in God. “Believe that God’s promises are for you,” Sister Kush said, adding: . God has promised to do this for you. Trust that God will do it. ”
Sister Kush said another part of truly knowing the Savior is following Him. Jesus Christ is kind and loving, keeps his promises, forgives and forgets, is obedient and honest, and keeps the covenants he makes. Sister Kush asked the audience to consider whether the same characteristics describe them.
“Learn about Jesus and do things that show you are trying to be like Him,” she said. “The Holy Ghost will tell you what you need to improve on and help you see that what you are doing is right and is helping you become more like the Savior.” You will.”
A disciple of Christ, she continued, is someone who truly knows Christ and strives to be like Him. “Then when someone meets you and gets to know you, they will be able to say…’I see the Savior in you. It reminds me.”
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Ensign College students attend a spring semester opening devotional on April 23, 2024 in Salt Lake City. Photo courtesy of Ensign College, courtesy of Church News.All rights reserved.
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