What Influences You

This weekend, I spent time with my family, decorating the house for Halloween and picking out pumpkins at the local pumpkin patch. It was truly a wonderful time. Although, I have always found it interesting how, whenever we decide to do something as a family, that would undoubtedly bring us closer together, April and I tend to get into some silly argument just before. For the most part, it’s always about something inconsequential. I don’t think this is a coincidence. It’s clear to me that we are not alone here on earth. Through my experiences and research, I am sure of this. I believe there are powers for good and evil, constantly influencing us from the moment we awake, to the second our head hits the pillow at the end of the day. We are not free from these influences at any point. This concept is mockingly represented, in so many of the movies we watch, as a little devil on one shoulder and a small angel on the other, always whispering in our ears.
We are here to gain knowledge, to carryout God’s will, and rear families to share in our knowledge and happiness. By doing these things; we stand to gain happiness that would be otherwise unattainable by any other means. With that in mind, and considering that the great majority of ideas and principles can be loosely sorted into categories of good and bad, and agreeing upon the idea that there are intelligences on either side of the spectrum, it makes sense that one stands to be influenced by one or the other at any given time.
The part that I find interesting is the fact that each one of us has it within ourselves to choose to act upon those influences, whichever they may be. Even though we are small in the grand scheme of things, we are mighty in OUR grand scheme of things. This self realization will, in fact, give its possessor even more control over their thoughts, words and actions. Furthermore, as each of us realizes this, and strives towards self-mastery, we begin to recognize and identify the very intelligences that so swiftly influence our lives. Focusing upon the positive promptings and working towards getting our lives in consistent harmony with the will of our Father in Heaven, gives us the positive momentum that compels us to seek out the positive influences. Consequently, we give less power and influence to the negative intelligences that so quickly draw our spirits down, encouraging insubordinate thoughts and discourage the obedience that we so genuinely need in order to be truly happy.
This concept can easily be understood within the life of an alcoholic (Brian). Set aside the issues and experiences that caused the person to arrive at their current position of “addict” and focus upon today. As Brian wakes for the day, he prays for help and strength to refrain from partaking in the drug that so thoroughly ruins him. While watching television, he sees a beer commercial that associates alcohol with fun and enjoyment. Although Brian has learned through his own experience that drinking has brought him nothing but unhappiness, he still wrestles with the idea. The beer companies want to sell a product at any cost. They are pushing their agenda. While at his arrival to a daily AA meeting, he listens to the voice of reason over and over again as his co-addicts relay their struggles, and the steps they’ve taken towards sobriety. Brian recognizes the fact that, life becomes increasingly easier, each day that he listens to the positive influences in his life. As he distances himself from the negative and adheres to his strict set of standards, he finds happiness and stability in his routine.
I have a firm testimony of the importance of focus and positive influences in life. They will compel you to strive towards serving others, living a life long example of how the savior would have us live, and refrain from thoughts, words and actions that will do nothing but cause unhappiness to yourself and those around you. Work towards self-mastery. Listen to and focus upon the good intelligences that sit upon your shoulder, waiting to be heard and acted upon. Learn to recognize them and distinguish between them and the negative intelligences that hunger for your attention. Be slow to anger. Be quick to forgive. Through doing these things, you will come to know of thy Saviors love for you.