Sweet Refreshment Find

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Priesthood session of the April 2000 conference.

When the world gets to be too much, too divisive, too angry, too . . . worldly, listening to a General Conference session is truly sweet refreshment to a weary soul.

From Elder Richard G. Scott's address on The Sanctity of Women, to President Gordon B. Hinckley's address on The Stake President, each talk was wonderful. And important. And timely.

President James E. Faust addressed a subject I'm struggling with and working on. Still. At age 65! The Power of Self-Mastery. I want to overcome the world through the power of the Atonement and this talk gave me some more instruction and insight as to how to do that.

Self-mastery is essential to invoke the power of the priesthood of God. This is because this great, divine agency can only be exercised in righteousness. Self-mastery requires self-determination and strength of character. It enhances our own gifts and talents in a remarkable way. It is the power of noble manhood.

I don't want to be a man, but I believe this can be applied to all of us in a universal way. I don't hold the priesthood, but I have access to its power.

What fun to remember that President Faust was a redhead. Like me! I don't think my hair color was ever the source of my temper. That was always just the "natural man" making an appearance. 

Self-mastery is a challenge for every individual. Only we can control our appetites and passions. Self-mastery cannot be bought by money or fame. It is the ultimate test of our character. I requires climbing out of the deep valleys of our lives and scaling our own Mount Everests.

What I've found is that my self-control issues change over the years. I have mastery over some things, but there is always something more to overcome. 

Speaking of returned missionaries, President Faust says, "When they come home, some are criticized as being self-righteous for maintaining a decent appearance and keeping their hair trimmed neatly. I cannot understand why a returned missionary is considered self-righteous if he tries to live the standards and principles he has taught as a representative of the Lord to the people where he has served." 

I remember being teased while in Young Women's (called Mutual when I was that age) and called Sister Righteous or Goody Goody, because I wanted to be spiritual, modest, and refined. It was so confusing to me to be criticized for doing and being what leaders, from the ward level to General Authorities to the Scriptures, taught me I should do and be. This confusion led me to make some bad decisions over the years. It took me a long time to repent, and then not care what others thought, said or did. I made a conscious decision I would be obedient not matter what.

President Faust quotes President David O. McKay, "Spirituality is the consciousness of victory over self, and of communion with the Infinite. Spirituality impels one to conquer difficulties and acquire more and more strength. To feel one's faculties unfolding and truth expanding the soul is one of life's sublimest experiences."

He ends with his testimony that ". . . through the power of self-mastery we will inherit the blessings our Heavenly Father has for his faithful sons." (And daughters!) What could be more refreshing than that.

As I work on my own self-mastery I have to remember to be patient with and give grace to others who are still working on theirs. My husband, children, fellow saints, etc. Because we are all at different places on the path it is important to give encouragement rather than criticism. This is so hard for me. I tend to ask, "Why isn't everyone else where I am?" Until I look ahead and see those who are so much further ahead than I am. Then I swallow my pride and remember that I'm still just a worm inching my way forward.

Happy Valentines Day!
I wish it were Spring already.