Let’s consider just three of the great powers of which we are custodians. Perhaps then we will understand more clearly the process necessary to become what we are really meant to be.
First, we have great physical powers.
“When a man makes war on his own weaknesses he engages in the holiest war that mortals ever wage. The reward that comes from victory in this struggle is the most enduring, most satisfying, and the most exquisite that man ever experiences. … The power to do what we ought to do is the greatest freedom.” (… That Ye Might Have Joy, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, Inc., 1958, p. 83.)
I know now that the powers within our bodies are the powers not only to create life but to live life in such a way that mortality will be a happy and meaningful experience. It is only when these miraculous systems malfunction—and as we struggle to understand the body in order to treat the ailments it falls heir to in this life—that we fully appreciate its remarkable nature and the intricate interrelationships that exist. The human body is most remarkable. It can walk, run, jump, climb, swim, ski, play, jog, and on and on. But not the least of its remarkable capabilities are its compensatory powers. We gain an awareness of powers as we observe some of our friends and acquaintances, or ourselves, who have birth defects, accidents or illnesses that cause the functions we counted on to be lost so that other parts of the body have to substitute. When one avenue of activity is denied by a physical impairment, there is still a rich variety of alternate choices available to us.
Now let us consider our mental powers.
But we must remember that one of the significant tools for learning is our ability to control our attitude. Fortunately we have the power within us to control and establish our own attitudes. All the knowledge in the world will not help us if we resist learning. There is no end to our capacity to learn if we apply ourselves diligently and with eagerness to the task.
Perhaps the most important point that we can discuss regarding our intellectual powers is the fact that each of us has the power to grow from our day-to-day experiences. At one time or another, we all will have occasion to choose between a life of bitterness and a life of beauty. We have the power within us to make such a choice. The Lord has promised that we can count on him for sufficient help to have an abundant life if we choose to live by the principles which lead to our personal growth and development.
There is a third great power within us—the power for enormous spiritual growth, the infinite possibility for perfecting ourselves.
In Doctrine and Covenants 11:30 [D&C 11:30]
we read: “I say unto you, that as many as receive me, to them will I
give power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on my
name.” It is easy to think, “That can’t be true! How can there be that
great potential in you or me when all I see is a struggling, imperfect
human being?” I can only say, as did Lorenzo Snow, “Godliness cannot be
conferred but must be acquired.” (Biography and Family Record of Lorenzo Snow, Salt Lake City: Deseret News Co., 1884, p. 193.)
We
must want that blessing so much that we will resist worldly
enticements, have faith in God’s word, seek him in prayer, listen to the
promptings of the Holy Spirit, and proclaim his gospel within the reach
of our influence. In the process we will develop the spiritual powers
within us. For the power is in us: “Unto as many as received me gave I power to do many miracles, … power to obtain eternal life.” (D&C 45:8.)
Do our actions focus on developing loving relationships?
Are there kindly acts of concern each day?
Does our routine bring about the maintenance of our homes?
Do we employ the practices of provident living?
Do our pursuits bring about learning and refinement?
Are the relationships within our homes those that can be forever?
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