Avoiding the Appearance of Evil

So the other day while on exchanges with Elder Adams, we decided to have a feast. We found some old steaks in the freezer, and decided to grill them up. Elder Adams had also brought us the gift of some Martinelli's sparkling cider. You just gotta love some bubbly apple juice. So the whole situation ends up looking like this:

Looks real good, right? Just the wonderful example a missionary should be. From far away and without close inspection, it looks like I'm the Elder with the alcohol problem. Which, of course I'm not, but is that the image that I want to have? Paul taught in 1 Thessalonians 5:22:

"Abstain from all appearance of evil."

Pretty simple right? As we avoid even the slightest appearance of evil, then its especially hard to let evil come into our lives! It creates that buffer zone between us and the things that Satan is trying to put into our lives. President James E. Faust said:

“My strong advice is, if there is any question about your personal conduct, don’t do it. It is the responsibility of prophets to teach the word of God—not to spell out every jot and tittle of human behavior. Our moral agency requires us to know good from evil and choose the good. If we are trying to avoid not only evil, but the very appearance of evil, we will act for ourselves and not be acted upon.”

As we avoid the appearance of evil, we become an example to everybody. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 5:14-16:

"14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

I know that as we put down these things that may simply "appear" evil, we can become great examples to those around us. Jesus Christ was the ultimate example. I know as we follow His footsteps and do the things He has asked us, we can find greater joy in this life and freedom from the evils of the world.

Atonement

So we all know, the Atonement is one of the greatest, most important thing in our lives. Without it, in reality, we have nothing! But with it, we have everything! Jesus Christ has given us the greatest gift that ever was. One of my favorite scriptures is Alma 7:11-12:

"11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities."

He suffered every kind of pain, so we don't have to. Because of His sacrifce, He knows exactly what we need, that He can "succor" us, or help us according to our problems. I'm so thankful for this, that no matter what my problem is, I can always turn to Him and He will give me the strength and the help that I need.

Jesus Christ lived the perfect life so we don't have to. Because of Him, we can be forgiven of our mistakes. Lets face it, we all mess up every now and then. But because Jesus Christ has already suffered for our sins, we can be forgiven.

I'm so thankful for Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for us. He loves us so much that He gave us such a great gift. I know that as we choose to follow Him, we can be forgiven of our sins. Christ is the only way that we can return to live with our Heavenly Father.

"And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent." Mosiah 3:17