Mormon 5:17-18

17 They were once a delightsome people, and they had Christ for their shepherd; yea, they were led even by God the Father.

18 But now, behold, they are led about by Satan, even as chaff is driven before the wind, or as a vessel is tossed about upon the waves, without sail or anchor, or without anything wherewith to steer her; and even as she is, so are they.


Mormon creates beautiful images here that capture an underrated blessing of being a disciple of Jesus Christ: purpose. Chaff being blown around or a boat being pushed in every direction describe for me a life without direction, pushed from one thing to the next. Discipleship on the other hand imbues every moment with purpose - every decision can meaningfully impact oneself and others around them. Every decision can draw us closer to or farther from our Heavenly Father.



I can imagine how that kind of meaning could feel like a heavy weight - what if you do make choices that take you away from God? Well, we all do. What I've found though is that God is indeed merciful and wants more than anything for us to draw closer to Him. When I fall short, God helps me to see that shortcoming in a way that gives hope that I can become something more.

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