Behaviors & Attitudes: Can they be changed?

[PapilioMemnon]

"True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study
of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study
of behavior will improve behavior."
(Boyd K. Packer, "Do Not Fear," Ensign, May 2004, 79)

There is power in the word of God; there is power in reading the scriptures. Any behavior, attitude, or inclination, can be changed if the person reading will be humble enough to try!

[Traveler]

Originally Posted by PapilioMemnon

"True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study
of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study
of behavior will improve behavior."
(Boyd K. Packer, "Do Not Fear," Ensign, May 2004, 79)

There is power in the word of God; there is power in reading the scriptures. Any behavior, attitude, or inclination, can be changed if the person reading will be humble enough to try!

I would add that this is not as deep or hard as it may seem - the very definition of intelligence is the ability to learn by experience which implies that a intelligent being can change both attitude and behavior by learning.

If a person cannot change their attitude or behavior it is because they lack the intelligence to do so. The argument that G-d made me this way is resistant to the very intelligence that G-d gave man. It is a denial that G-d gave the person in denial the power of intelligent reason.

The Traveler

[Misshalfway]

Maybe this is what the notion of being filled with light is all about. The more light we obtain thru obedience, the more darkness is chased from inside of us.

And just a note too -
So grateful for line upon line and the grace of God to allow us mistakes and fumbles! Sometimes we just don't have all the refinement we perhaps need for a situation. Thank goodness we are not expected to accomplish it all in our childhoods.

[PapilioMemnon]

I love how section 93 of D&C talks about truth and intelligence (24-39). By keeping the commandments, we qualify to receive light, line upon line,... and it's through disobedience (misuse of our agency), light & truth is taken from us...

[abqfriend]

A person can change an attitude or behavior-but sometimes that person needs the help of others. Addictions are powerful things. Addiction to alcohol, pornography and drugs to name three. Sometimes a person will require the help of others including those in the medical community or mental health profession to help that person overcome an addiction.
The loving help of a faith community such as a church can be a positive force in helping that person overcome an attitude or behavior.
Members and the leadership of a given faith community can help another member overcome a behavior or addiction. Ultimately-we may believe that such help is from God-but God is working within that faith community and with the medical or mental health professionals in bringing about a change of behavior or attitude of the person.

Originally Posted by Traveler

I would add that this is not as deep or hard as it may seem - the very definition of intelligence is the ability to learn by experience which implies that a intelligent being can change both attitude and behavior by learning.

If a person cannot change their attitude or behavior it is because they lack the intelligence to do so. The argument that G-d made me this way is resistant to the very intelligence that G-d gave man. It is a denial that G-d gave the person in denial the power of intelligent reason.

The Traveler

[PapilioMemnon]

abqfriend, I agree with much of what you said, and would like to add some food for thought:

Alma 7: 12
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.


1. Broken Things to Mend - Elder Holland - General Conf. Apr. 2006 - Broken Things to Mend

2. Hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ - Elder Neal A. Maxwell - G.C. Oct. 1998 - Hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ

Through the enabling and strengthening power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ people can overcome or bear(To hold up; support, to withstand stress, difficulty, or attrition) ALL infirmities (A bodily ailment or weakness; a failing or defect in a person's character) they face.
Anyone who's battling anything that seems too much to bear or deal with, any confusion, emotional/mental issues, self-esteem, lack of faith,... well,.... anything... I strongly recommend a careful reading of these address. They are life changing!

Good nite my friends!

[Traveler]

Originally Posted by abqfriend

A person can change an attitude or behavior-but sometimes that person needs the help of others. Addictions are powerful things. Addiction to alcohol, pornography and drugs to name three. Sometimes a person will require the help of others including those in the medical community or mental health profession to help that person overcome an addiction.
The loving help of a faith community such as a church can be a positive force in helping that person overcome an attitude or behavior.
Members and the leadership of a given faith community can help another member overcome a behavior or addiction. Ultimately-we may believe that such help is from God-but God is working within that faith community and with the medical or mental health professionals in bringing about a change of behavior or attitude of the person.

Thank you for reading and respoinding to my post. I agree with you in part but I think I would disagree with you concerning one simple principle - nothing changes until you do. I agree that in difficulty for various addictions help is useful but in the end it is only help. I believe the the most successful help is that which convinces that your life will only change when you do. I personaly believe that even Christ taught this principle.

The Traveler

[abqfriend]

I agree, that ultimately one has to make a change, but help from other caring persons-especially Christian persons maybe helpful. Going it alone-can be very difficult. I do not know much about the LDS Church-but I know you are a very caring community-you help each other.
The LDS Church is know for being of a positive support to its members-that is one of it's stengths.
Addictions can be overcome-but sometimes help is needed from others-especially the faith community to which that member belongs.
Here are two links as provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints that may be helpful.
Addiction Recovery Program
Addiction Recovery Support Groups

Originally Posted by Traveler

Thank you for reading and respoinding to my post. I agree with you in part but I think I would disagree with you concerning one simple principle - nothing changes until you do. I agree that in difficulty for various addictions help is useful but in the end it is only help. I believe the the most successful help is that which convinces that your life will only change when you do. I personaly believe that even Christ taught this principle.

The Traveler

[MrNirom]

Before I started my way back to the Church.. it was not because of reading the scriptures. I had already done that. What actually brought me back to the Church was prayer. I had a smoking habit. I needed it gone before I could come back. And to get rid of the smoking habit.. I had to get rid of the drinking habit. I could not drink.. and expect not to smoke. I told myself everyday for 20 years.. "Boy.. I need to quit smoking!"

So on the 31st of December 2007.. I prayed that the Lord would take this desire from me. For the next 6 weeks.. I was so sick. I had no energy to even get out of bed. I had no desire for anything. I slept all day.. and nights too. I had no desire for a cigarette. By the time I felt better.. my smoking habit was gone. I never had a nicotine fit.. nothing. It is now been 6 months. Cigarette and alcohol free. All based on prayer.. that was really all because of Scripture reading when I first joined the Church.

[utcowboy]

A friend of mine gave me a book called "Why we curse", I guess he thought it would help me quit swearing all the time. But for me, it was just to much philosophical crap. I was telling my wife the other day that I was going to wrap a BoM and give it to him with a note that says something to the effect of: "This book helped me more then the book you gave to me, and I would like for you to have a copy so that you can find what I found."
I haven't done it yet because I am afraid of offending him, but I feel that I should give him a copy. So I guess I'm going to have to bite the bullet and pray that he will accept it as it is given, with love and respect.