WEAKNESSES

From March 9, 1996 – Clinton Brown Missionary Journal Entry – Ambato, Ecuador

 

Types of Weaknesses:

  • Physical Weaknesses
    • Weakness in a certain talent
    • Weakness (mentally) in certain areas
  • Spiritual Weaknesses
    • Weaknesses in Christ-like attributes
    • Weaknesses in a certain temptation (which causes sin)

Who Gives us Our Weaknesses?  – God

  • Ether 12:27
  • Exodus 4:11
  • 1 Cor 1: 27

Many people suffer from the sin of Pride.  God gives us our weaknesses so that we can keep humble, remember Him, and also look for His help to overcome these weaknesses.

 

How do we make weak things strong?

  • Humble self before God (Ether 12:27)
    • Yield your heart unto God (Hel 3:35)
    • Trust in the Spirit (D&C 11:12)
    • Become as a little Child (Mosiah 3:19; Moroni 8:10)
    • Listen to and believe the words of the prophets (Alma 48:20; 3 Nephi 12: 2)
    • Fast & Pray Often (and will always wax stronger in humility) (Hel 3:35)
    • Repent (D&C 54:3)
    • Humble Yourself without being compelled to be humble (Alma 32:14-15)
  • Have Faith in God (Hel 3:35; Ether 12:27)
  • Hearken to the Lord in:
    • Word – Scriptures & Talks (at church, general conference, firesides) & church published books & magazines, etc
    • Power – Holy Ghost.  Recognize the Power of God and always be receptive to it and worthy of the Priesthood
    • Deed – Works.  Serve others, be as Christ, obey the Laws of God, and watch your speech & thoughts.  Don’t lose patience nor temper

How are the weak things going to be strong?

  • Receive Exaltation (Luke 18:14; Luke 9:48)
  • God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Cor 12:9)

A lot of us have weaknesses on certain temptations.  Using the formulas before mentioned, we can overcome our “weaknesses” of temptations & certain sins.  Also, here are some promises of temptation.

 

TEMPTATION:

  • God will not tempt us above that which we are able (1 Cor 10:13)
    • He doesn’t afflict (Job 37:23)
  • There is always an escape route along with the temptation (1 Cor 10:13)(D&C 95:1)
  • Patriarchal Blessing of Clinton R. Brown – 
    • “…..As you remain true and faithful to your Priesthood and to your membership in the church, you will have the strength to resist every temptation that will come in your pathway.”
    • “Knowing how important EXAMPLE may be, you are encouraged all the days of your life to set an example of faithful membership in the true church and of faithfulness to your priesthood among those with whom you associate that will cause them to want to know more about their Heavenly Father and Savior of the World.”
  • How to gain this strength, and be faithful to my membership & priesthood?? – Always be the example, no matter if people are present or not.  ALWAYS BE THE EXAMPLE!!!

 

TO ESCAPE SIN:

  • Sing a hymn
  • Pray on knees, seated, or in your head
  • Fast
  • Read the Scriptures
  • Listen to, or hum church music
  • Read Patriarchal Blessing
  • Remember that he who sins is unworth to:
    • Enter Temple
    • Partake of Sacrament
    • To be guided by the Spirit
    • To receive callings that you’ve been pre-ordained to receive
    • Find wife who has been living the Gospel
    • Complete potential here on earth (live up to Patriarchal Blessing)
  • Think of the pain you will cause family members that have passed away
  • Think of your future children watching you
  • Leave the place that causes the circumstances of Sin
  • Remember that the Angels will not be around to protect you nor help you if you sin
  • Think of Jesus Christ
  • Think of Eternal Consequences
  • Remember covenants made at Baptism
  • Remember Covenants made at Temple
  • Think of the long, painful, hard road of repentance that it will cause
  • Think of the pain that you will cause God & Jesus Christ

 

We can overcome our weaknesses, especially the sins that are hardest to beat.  God has given us the promise, it’s our turn to do our part so that our weaknesses become strengths