Opening My Eyes

I love having dear friends that know you so well and can help you see things about yourself without them even being conscious of it. This week I had a dear friend help me see how I was wrong in reacting over something that probably isn't too uncommon. It's always disgusted me how some women will let themselves be disgraced and treated as just a man's sex tool by how they dress and act. Recently I had a sensitive experience involving someone I care deeply about that hit a nerve so strong I was fuming inside for about a week. I couldn't understand how some people can let go of the respect they could have by NOT acting a certain way and just trash it for a short moment of false glory, fame, attention... whatever you want to call it... that won't last. I was venting to my best friend about what I had witnessed the other day, expressing how flabbergasted I was and how much less I thought about the individual. After talking with me for a while she helped me see through a different set of eyes, ones not of judgement or hate, but of understanding and love. In a world where morals are disintegrating and basic foundations of respect are being challenged with actions and lifestyles that bring only immediate satisfaction, is it hard to believe that some, or many, will get confused on what paths to follow and how to act? I had immediately thought ill of this individual out of my own shock and hurt at what I witnessed that I prevented myself from opening my eyes and seeing more of what Christ would've seen. God commanded us in John 13:34-35

"A new commandment I give unto you,
That ye love one another; as I have loved you,
that ye also love one another.

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples,
if ye have love one to another."

The Lord doesn't say, 'love those that you like', or 'love those that you don't hate', He commanded us to love all men and women no matter who they are or what lifestyles they chose. I have no right to judge anyone because I am not perfect. I can be hurt, I can be sad about what I see, but I have no right to think ill of someone for what they choose to do or how they want to live. I'm grateful for my dear friend for helping me remember Heavenly Father's commandment.

In 2 Corinthians 4:18 it reads,

"While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."

I absolutely love this scripture! Our love and faith are the most powerful, eternal things in this life and in all eternity; they will last forever. Those temporal things such as cars, toys, clothes, money, they will be left behind when we leave this world, yet the love of family, the sealing of a marriage, our faith and testimony of the Lord and His way will stay in our hearts throughout all time. What a marvelous comfort and reminder of what is most important.
Our priority in this life is to strengthen and flourish in those areas that will last through forever. In a world so consumed with worldly accessories and attitudes, it is so vitally important that we stay strong in the gospel and in morals that are so incredible to us. Our Lord wants us to grow into the eternal Kings and Queens that He knows we can become. If we put our love and trust in Him, He will show us how to be exalted in His eyes.
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