As we grow in the gospel and wisdom through our life experiences, our perspective starts to shift. We begin to understand the power of agency, the blessings of repentance, and the significance of righteous living. The transformation is gradual but profound. The journey takes us from knowingly engaging in wrongful actions to a stage where we decide to actively pursue righteous living. Yet, we can still struggle with ingrained habits, occasionally stumbling along the way.
This transition marks the start of the path of growing “grace for grace” (D&C 93). We start to develop a deep appreciation for the commandments, understanding their divine purpose. The desire to follow these commandments grows, and we start to strive for a more righteous way of life. However, we are always learning to align our will with the will of Heavenly Father. The process isn’t flawless, but our heart can be in the right place.
The Transformation Process
Growing grace for grace is about progressing from making outright evil choices to actively striving for righteousness, even when you don’t fully understand it. As you continue on this path, your heart changes, and your desires evolve. You start to love the commandments and align your will with the Father’s, albeit with occasional hiccups due to lingering pride.
The idea of “grace for grace” aligns with advancing in degrees of glory, much like the life of Jesus Christ. The Savior demonstrated that we, as imperfect beings, are capable of achieving higher glory through adherence to higher laws. His grace empowers us to learn and live these laws, freeing us from the burden of our mistakes along the way.
Growing in glory isn’t a one-time event, but rather a continuous journey. It’s not a sudden leap from darkness to celestial glory but a gradual progression. The telestial kingdom represents the start of this journey, where each law and point must be learned and lived. It’s about evolving into a person who naturally lives in accordance with the Holy Spirit, much like Christ himself.
The Checklist Mentality
One common pitfall is the “checklist mentality.” It’s easy to focus on ticking off boxes and believe that perfection in keeping commandments will guarantee entrance to Celestial Glory. However, this perspective misses the essence of true discipleship.
The key is to shift our focus from completing a checklist to loving and understanding the laws we currently comprehend. When you genuinely love these laws and live them out of love for God, you begin to receive greater truth and light. As your heart aligns with these principles, you naturally progress “grace for grace.”
To avoid the checklist mentality, take a step back, simplify your life, and focus on what truly matters. Instead of getting lost in your problems, seek opportunities to serve and bless the lives of others. It’s through this selfless service that you genuinely align with the Father and Jesus Christ. Their example emphasizes that living the law is not about the checklist but becoming someone better.
Conclusion
In our quest to understand and embrace the concept of growing “grace for grace,” we discover that it’s all about developing a deep love for God’s commandments and living them from the heart. This journey isn’t a checklist; it’s a transformation of the soul. As we simplify our lives, focus on the light of Christ, and embrace a service-oriented perspective, we naturally become better people. Our love and understanding of the law lead us to “grace for grace,” and we grow in glory.
So, let’s remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about becoming someone better each day. By doing so, we align ourselves with the Father and the path that Jesus Christ illuminated, ultimately experiencing a higher degree of glory.