A LEASH OR A LIFELINE

A Leash or a Lifeline

It’s interesting how one person can look at something as a hindrance, restrictive and controlling while at the same time another can regard the same thing completely opposite, as liberating, protecting and caring. True is the adage that says, “You’ll find exactly what you’re looking for” when it comes to most things in life. These assessments from opposite ends of the spectrum, occur frequently regarding subjects related to morality, standards, lifestyles and ethical behaviors. Consider some (extreme) examples:

Person A views God’s laws and commandments as constricting, as limiting their ability to freely exercise agency and “live life to the fullest.” Person B sees God’s laws and commandments as a comforting blessing, providing loving guidance and shelter from danger.

Person A looks scoffingly at sacred covenants, treating them as mysterious and mystical, old fashioned and of no intrinsic value. Person B regards sacred covenants as holy, a mechanism to commune with the Creator, important to spiritual progress and of great, eternal worth.

Person A regards prayer as useless, a crutch for weak people, and as a pointless, one-way conversation with yourself. Person B hold prayer in reverence, as access to the infinite wisdom of God, as a two-way, interactive, intimate communion between a loving Father with one of His cherished children, and looks forward to these daily, familiar reunions. Person B values prayer as a source for guidance, instruction, comfort and inspiration.

Person A thinks of sacred ordinances as meaningless rituals, ceremonies without purpose and customs of the unenlightened from the dark ages of centuries gone by. Person B reflects on sacred ordinances as sacred, consecrated for the benefit of men to bless and sanctify, as tools to align us with God and His people, as integral to covenant-making and keeping, and as spiritual reminders of life’s most important priorities.

Person A treats a God-given health code as childish, restrictive, restraining, over-protective and lifestyle cramping. Person B views a God-given health code as protective guidance from a loving Father, as evidence that God knows the future and is looking out for His children’s best interest, as faith-building, and as evidence that God is interested in the details of our lives.

Person A regards moral standards as imposing restrictions on personal choice, overbearing and unnecessarily intrusive, and a constriction on personal happiness. Person B reveres moral standards as personal cleanliness, as worthy and respectful, as Godlike and virtuous, as an increase in individual freedom, and as worthy, ethical and honorable behavior.

Certainly there are many linear point between the spectrum’s extremes. And we may find ourselves in a variety of locations on the spectrum depending on the subject, our perspectives, our experience, and our knowledge. We may also learn from our experiences, both good and bad, and adjust our position on the spectrum many times. Although we have strong opinions about our beliefs, trying to convince others to “our way of thinking” will be most effective when done with patience and benevolence – much like our Heavenly Father so lovingly does for us.

The next time an important decision shows up in your life, think about the potential outcomes in terms of whether it will be a leash or a lifeline. Most often, leashes bring temporary pleasures and are self-centered, whereas lifelines tend to focus on consequences and bring the longer-term benefits of joy, peace and personal growth through self-discipline.

 

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Wm. Calvin Hughes | January 30, 2020 | Lake Elsinore, CA