I think of the amazing things that the Mormons have accomplished since the beginning. Our building of temples under so much adversity. From the persecution to the 50 years it took to finish the gorgeous Salt Lake Temple. We are a committed people. We help all over the world, both spiritually as well as temporally. We are quick and mobilized, willing and able. The Lord commands and we do.
I have so much faith in our ability to accomplish. I think its because we believe in work as a virtue. The Book of Mormon always talks about how industrious the righteous are. Work is a fundamental prerequisite to following the Lord. The prophets and apostles face hell and damnation but they don't give up because the Lord has overcome the world, its in His power.
While we do the work of the Lord, He works on us. He desires us to be free from sin, which requires work. We have to sacrifice things that are comforting to our lives for that which will bring us the comfort of the Spirit. He desires that we be wise and studious of all truth. We often are commanded to study the scriptures but the prophets often emphasize the importance of studying out of the best books, learning skills, gaining development in various degrees. The Lord wants to give us knowledge but we have to unlock it with our diligence.
My great hurdle is not understanding this but following through with going after the greater part. Often its easy to give up when given a comfortable part. I'm easily appeased at times and feel satisfied too easily which disrupts me from continuing down the path. I think there are many things going on that could attribute to the loss of doing greater things.
First, there is fear. Fear of greatness, sometimes unconsciously. This means we feel burdened by the responsibility of having done something great.
Second, laziness. A great deal of work and sacrifice is required to build a great thing. Nothing easy is ever good.
Third, I think pride has a lot to do with it. We don't want to do something great because it will be subject to criticism or could even fail terribly. In which case we might feel very embarrassed or humbled. Everybody has to go through it. Some better than others but slowly its good to realize that it doesn't really matter, its just part of the ride.
