With the solid commitments the restored Gospel is requiring from all of us Latter Day Saints, it is not that surprising to see some of us will be caught  looking beyond the mark  (Jacob 4:14)

Though there are several meaning we can derive from it, looking beyond the mark, can also imply finding or subscribing to other 'easier' ways outside the perimeters set by the restored gospel of Jesus Christ – in the hope that we will find the same quality of happiness the restored gospel is offering. Well..., brace yourself and take it like a man - there is none.

According to Jacob, we will not only be frustrated, but we will fall as well.

One day I was surprised to see a member who came to Church (all of sudden) after five years of inactivity. I couldn't bite my tongue, so I asked him the silly question of why he came back. He retorted, "Bishop, I thought if I will go out of the Church, my life will get better. But it was not so. I got tired of friends, teachers and preachers who know less than what I know. Life became a grind and I felt I was just circling around. I didn't get to be rich as I have planned to be - so I got back.

Falling is painful not only on the moment of the impact but it becomes more awful as time goes by, especially when the damage are irreversible.

Temptation to "look beyond the mark" is inspired by the false impression that God's commandments are restrictive and very limiting. Once you reset your thinking the other way around (start believing that commandments are protection and are legitimate roadmaps to genuine happiness); miracles will start to happen in your life. You will begin to see the wisdom of why the fence was put about, and you will also then feel the love and concern of that very man who place it there for you and me - Our Father in Heaven. Hence, obeying becomes voluntary and life gets better at the same time.

Tags: Genuine Happiness Jesus Christ Commandments

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