but we must WILL to change and DO according to this will (in this verse, the one doing
the Á-°workingÁ-? is god, and we are doing the Á-°willingÁ-? and Á-°doingÁ-?). The scripture is full
of admonitions and encouragements like this. The world may tell us that salvation is won
without labor, but the scriptures tell us emphatically that we must labor!
I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
many times when I am tempted to doubt this, such as when the church is almost empty at
the beginning of the liturgy, or when other services are sparsely attended. There are many
other things also. I also wonder when I see great inconsistency in lifestyles, and wonder
why is this so? Is it because of my sins, my weak faith, my poor prayers? This is a
dangerous feeling, which I believe all pastors are prone to, some more, some less. I admit
I have it, and there is only one solution: Á-°physician heal thyself!Á-? This is actually the only
solution for all our troubles, and by this I mean that we must attempt with great vigor to
change ourselves, with consistent prayer, fasting and obedience to the commandments.
We must attempt to change before we can expect God to intervene, I try to apply this idea
to my life, and teach it. The only reason for doubt is lack of faith, and we lack faith
because we lack purity.
25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now!
for ye shall mourn and weep. 26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of
you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets
teaching, in agreement with the whole church, that we will be rewarded with the reward
we see, whether a temporary reward, or an eternal one, but never both)