I have come to believe that sin not only keeps our Father from us but even more so it keeps us from Him. I say more so, because He is ever willing to help us along, even in the midst of temptation, if you pause to hear, you will hear His voice gently nudging you to stay clear of danger. Because of the attributes of foreknowledge and the ability to see the end from the beginning, He knows what we may become. While on the opposite hand sin clouds our minds and causes us to doubt His love, and our worth. This is the great danger! Have you ever broken a commandment, and then stopped praying, and reading and attending church? It wasn't because He left you, but you felt He could not love a sinner. That is the great lie, that is how Satan binds us until it is everlastingly too late. When you sin you need Him even more, these are the times when we should read more, and pray more, and fill our lives with things that invite the Holy Ghost.
In those moments when yet again we have failed to live up to the standard, I ask that we pause for a moment and ponder the fact that He already knew our failings, yet He still sent His Son. He knew we would be rebellious, thus He provided a way. If then He already knew, we must trust that in all our filth, He sees His daughter or son.
Sin keeps us from returning to Him because of what it does to our hope and faith. Without these two it is impossible to move towards Him. It destroys our faith in ourselves, then we hopelessly flounder trying to change ourselves, which cannot be done. It cannot be done to the degree that is needed to be ready for celestial glory.
The ancient prophet Alma asked the people of his day if their souls have had the privilege of singing the song of redeeming love. He then asked if they did have that great experience, if they still were able to do so. This is a soul searching question, that we should ask ourselves daily.
Before you retire every evening, you should ask yourself, "do I feel so now?" Let not a day go by where you do not seek to draw closer. Do not let the doubts of sin keep you from His love.
As always I speak these things by experience. I know how transgression and sin cloud judgment. I also know that the moment we decide to move forward, He is there to extend His arm of mercy. They both are extended, opened wide awaiting for an embrace. He needs no sleep, takes no vacation, and never turns from us.
I am convinced that because of the many mansions in my Father's house, there are not many of us who will not inherit a kingdom of glory. When you look around this day, week, this life, remember those are your brothers, and your sisters. We are literally children of a loving God who simply asks us to love one another, and to not judge, and to help one another in all of our trials.
In my sins and transgressions I remember that I have a redeemer, who paid the ultimate price for my eternal happiness, so I go on until either I am rejected or hear the words, "well done thy good and faithful servant..."
