After the tragic attacks on the twin towers on September 11, 2001, there was a sudden increase in attendance in all religious congregations. After a few months, attendance began to drop again. It is as if when we are in physical danger, we turn to God. It makes me proud to know that the citizens of this great nation know where to turn in crisis.
So, why do we turn away when immediate crises are over? As I began thinking about this, I realized that we are never out of physical danger. Satan is always ready with his devilish followers to ensare us and lead us away. His threat is in front of us at all times.
Some may be saying, "But Michael, you said physical danger." Yes, I did. Consider this: if we give into the devil's temptations, then we become subject to the consequences of our choice. What consequences? Could be as extremely as addiction or even death. Our consequences could be as simple as a slap on the wrist. They are all physical results. On the other hand, our choices could lead to guilt, a physical emotion. Perhaps it could lead to confession. Don't we physically approach a spiritual leader to symbolize us approaching our Savior? Perhaps our choice leads us to something as extreme as divorce, which is a physical separation from the blessings of a spouse.
Whatever the consequence may be, there is a physical result to some degree. It doesn't matter why the sinner may admit, he/she is subject to physical trial. At the very least, sorrow will hit those who give into temptation at some point. And sorrow will always lead to a change in physical behavior. After all, aren't all emotions driven by electric impulses in the brain?
Why do I emphasize this physical result so hard? Well, if we really are in constant physical danger, then from the reasoning we as a nation showed after the 9/11 attacks, shouldn't awe always turn to the Savior?
Today is Easter. I want you to know that Jesus Christ lives. I know that, because if He hadn't been ressurrected on that first Easter Sunday, then I wouldn't have felt His influence on my life. He cares for each of us, and wants us to be free of all pain, physical and emotional, and the physical results from that pain.
He has provided a way so that we can eventually become as He is, ressurrected and free of physical pain from sin. He has also provided a way so that we can free ourselves from the shackles of sin.
What's more, we have been offered blessings of all types, emotional, physical, spiritual, etc., if we choose to follow Him. It is my prayer that we make the right choice, and prepare for all challenges, and open ourselves to the Lord's blessings.
(Read also the introduction to "Standing for Something" by Gordon B. Hinckley. In fact, read the whole book!)
