I've gradually come to believe that God cares a lot less about the tangential things we mortals make such a big deal about and much more only about US--our hearts specifically.
Some take a very legalistic approach to living the gospel. I don't view God as this ultimate Lawgiver ready to take offense anytime we slip up. Rather, I look at God as one who simply wants our hearts--who loves us enough that He sent His Son to FREE us from the requirements of the law, and institute a new deal--a new covenant.
The legalism was only meant as training wheels to bring us to Christ. And then when that happens individually, the law is fulfilled.
"And behold, I have given you the law and the commandments of my Father, that ye shall believe in me, and that ye shall repent of your sins, and come unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Behold, ye have the commandments before you, and the law is fulfilled."
--3 Nephi 12:19
Thus, I don't see God as one who takes offense very easily, because he is long-suffering with our endless mistakes. I'm also grateful my wife is long-suffering. She doesn't give up on me or take offense even though I surely give her plenty of opportunities. She still loves me and she's patient with me because she knows where my loyalties are--that I'm FAITHFUL--and my heart is with her and no one else. That's how I believe God is too--it's all about our heart.
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Along these lines, you might enjoy this general conference talk, especially where it says, "I feel that [the Savior] will give that punishment which is the very least that our transgression will justify.... I believe that when it comes to making the rewards for our good conduct, he will give us the maximum that it is possible to give."
"I've gradually come to believe that God cares a lot less about the tangential things we mortals make such a big deal about and much more only about US--our hearts specifically."
Amen, Brother Cut.
I agree. The Lord wants to give us all that is possible. If I turn my heart over to him. If I submit as a little child does to a father, He will forgive me. He will replace my stony heart for one of flesh. He changes my heart to one that desires no more sins. To do only good continually.
The Holy Spirit truly is a purifier. I must submit completely and fully and serve with all my heart, mind, mind and strength. The Lord has given his all. He requires nothing less of us. Yet He is there immediately as we turn to him. His Grace helps me in the first step and in the thousandth.
R. Gary thank you for that talk. I was too young to remember it being given. A couple of years ago a Marlin K. Jensen came to visit for Stake Conference. He gave a talk on the Saturday evening adult session of similar experiences.
I hope that much of the 'implied' religiosity found in Mormonism (or any denomination) fades away; the implication being an over-emphasis of 'works' instead of 'grace' - as shown in this person's example...
NM, I know you just can't accept this, but Mormonism teaches grace centrally. We just call it "the Atonement" - and believe we have to take seriously Jesus' own words:
"If you love me, keep my commandments."
At the most basic level, our works don't save or exalt us. They simply show the extent to which we actually are willing to commit to be real disciples and accept what HE said. Iow, we believe it really is about the heart.
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