Last week, I attended the Devotional given by Kent F. Richards. Richards spoke about how relating Christ's life to our own, we can learn important lessons to guide us in our own personal path.
He started off by saying that we must each walk our own personal path, and that we shouldn't compare our path to those of others. He also pointed out that no one knows our hopes, dreams, and our life's path better than God.
Richards listed four examples Christ set during his life that can help us as we walk our own life's path. First, Christ learned from his experiences. Specifically, he learned obedience to Heavenly Father. Richards talked about the importance of those first thirty formative years for Christ, emphasizing that the formative years for people my age are likewise important. He talked about the significance of small or daily choices and the impact these can have on one's life. He explained that the future will unfold one step at a time, even if in the present you don't have a clear picture of it.
Second, Christ grew, and "increased in wisdom... and stature." Richards explained that an individual's growth is personal, and not defined by external appearance. He described what he termed "customized curriculum," or that which we each personally need to learn. He said we need to determine what is important and do it, no matter what the costs or difficulties are. Hardship, he said, is essential for growth. He also listed patience, gentleness, and long suffering as attributes which should be applied and cultivated.
Third, Christ waited on the Lord for the time when his ministry should begin. His subjection to his Father's will required patience. As part of being patient, Richards said we should remain diligent daily. We shouldn't be so focused on the future that we forget to do what we are supposed to in the present. We should also not wait to know the end for certain before we begin. He also warned not to make things all about yourself.
Fourth, Christ made covenants and received ordinances. Richards spoke of the importance of covenants, and how God can only bless us after we make and keep covenants. He stressed the importance of the temple, especially for the young, stating even that the temple may be more important to the young than to the old.
In closing, Richards assured that though we may feel lost and afraid, by looking to the Lord he will guide us in the right path. Jesus Christ is the answer in every circumstance.
This devotional was very helpful to me, as it enabled me to put things in better perspective. It reminded me that if I have faith and counsel with the Lord, my life, education and career will work out the way it is supposed to. It also helped me realize that I don't need to know everything right now. I'm never going to know the future, so I should be patient and understand that one big choice is probably not going to cause irreversible consequences with regards to my career. More than likely, it will be an accumulation of little choices that make the biggest difference, so I should focus more energy on making the best decisions in the present.
The advice I would give to someone else based on this devotional is that while you may think you're alone in determining your career, you're not. Take comfort in knowing that you need not fear the future if you do your best to seek the Lord's counsel and guidance.
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