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Known as the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), our sweet Lord has given us a perfect blueprint on how to pray. It shows us how to acknowledge Him first. Then it reveals how we can go to Him with even the smallest of concerns we might have in life.
The part we’re looking at today is a reminder that every single thing we have in life is a blessing He’s showered down on us. It’s also a reminder of how the Israelites had to rely on His provision each day with manna (Ex. 16:1-36). They weren’t allowed to take more than a day’s worth; else it would spoil. The only exception to that was taking two portions so they wouldn’t have to work on the Sabbath.
Coming out of Mormonism, relying on the Lord for everything was difficult for me. That is until…
After a car wreck in August 1999, I was diagnosed with MS. It totally transformed everything in my life, and those around me. Family, and friends had to adopt a new normal, as they say. For a few years I was legally blind, could barely walk, and had to have help with everyday life responsibilities. Even dressing required help at times.
For the first time in life I was forced to accept I had to be dependent on someone outside myself. Thirty years of Mormonism had instilled the sinful pride of self-sufficiency.
Today I see my MS as one of the greatest gifts Jesus ever showered me with in life. Admittedly, it doesn’t feel that way all the time, but by and large, I can see how it would’ve been the only thing to break me of deep-seated pride.
We’re praying for the Mormon people to ask Jesus for forgiveness, and His help to remove the prideful lust of self-sufficiency from their hearts. Today’s LDS reference is but one of the many examples on what they teach about this dreadful practice.
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“Lesson 7: Self-Reliance”, Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood: Basic Manual for Priesthood Holders, Part B, 60 “The Lord’s plan for Church members to be self-reliant is simple. It is that we do our best to provide for our personal and family needs by developing good work habits; being thrifty; gathering a home supply of items necessary to sustain us for at least one year; planning for our future needs; and maintaining physical, spiritual, emotional, and social health. Self-reliance begins at home, with the individual and the family.”