Blessings they may be, but are they wanted?

Now who would turn down blessings right? I can't think of a single person who would willingly turn down blessings. Or can I? Let's think for instance of how many people have disobeyed God. They have all turned down blessings. Especially as members of the church, we know the blessings that comes in obedience. Yet we sometimes choose to follow the beaten path that is easier. Remember though that "taking the path of least resistance, is what makes men and rivers cooked." If life gets easy, then we are probably going downhill. ( I just came up with that myself. pretty good eh?) I'm not here to rebuke y'all, just posing a question. If Zion is to be built on principles of righteousness, then shouldn't it begin with obedience?

Well the reason why i titled the email the way I did is because we have been having people to church. Sherri and her son Zach came on the 4th. But not the 11th. Taylor and her Mom came on the 11th. So with all these blessings must come more opposition. If the Church is true, the why wouldn't there be opposition? Why would Satan let them come and be baptized and he just not care? He does, that's why Sherri missed two appointments in a row and now has food poisoning maybe not making tonight. So I ask again, are the blessings wanted? Wouldn't it just be easier to struggle and wish to overcome it, hoping for some help, than it would be to see them come and progress and then slip backwards? Tough questions that one must ask themselves. Can they overcome the obstacles of faith and temptation and be baptized, receiving that Gift that will ultimately make the biggest difference in their lives? Or should they not come to know the Light because it will be rejected once received, putting them more into condemnation. What would you do?

Fortunately, we have a Savior who suffered for this very reason. Freedom to choose. He knew that millions would reject His Gospel. Still He suffered. He knew that thousands would backslide once received into the faith. Still He suffered. Let us all go forth and help those we know come closer to Him by receiving His Light. That is how this world will save itself. That is how Zion will be established. That is how we can gain a fullness of joy.

I love you all and hope for the best.

Love Elder Malone

p.s. i ate pickled pigs feet last night. it was awesome!