As usual I'm up way later than I should be but at least I got to read this. Sometimes (often) I wonder how one could know in what direction they are moving, whether my regression line is positive or negative. Or is it f*cking flat, or has it broken free from its two dimensions and is currently heading into space? Im certainly moving in a direction, but where? I think someone or someones once said something to the effect of "suffering makes you a better person", but does it? I suppose it depends on who suffers, so the real question is, "is it"? You also mentioned those who self-justify. I'm always wary of falling into this temptation, but sometimes I wonder if in my desire to not self-justify, I have unknowingly engaged in self-deception to tell myself I do not self-justify, when I learn some idea or principal that somewhat assuages self-loathing, am I gaining light and knowledge or am I self-justifying? Who can say.
Latter-Day Scripture devotes an insane amount of time to discussing this, in sections such as D&C 50, Alma 32, and many others. Its a very important problem!
I would say you can first measure by how pure your desires are, second by where Christ relates to those desires, third by your openness to correction, fourth by your conscience, and fifth by observed results.
As usual I'm up way later than I should be but at least I got to read this. Sometimes (often) I wonder how one could know in what direction they are moving, whether my regression line is positive or negative. Or is it f*cking flat, or has it broken free from its two dimensions and is currently heading into space? Im certainly moving in a direction, but where? I think someone or someones once said something to the effect of "suffering makes you a better person", but does it? I suppose it depends on who suffers, so the real question is, "is it"? You also mentioned those who self-justify. I'm always wary of falling into this temptation, but sometimes I wonder if in my desire to not self-justify, I have unknowingly engaged in self-deception to tell myself I do not self-justify, when I learn some idea or principal that somewhat assuages self-loathing, am I gaining light and knowledge or am I self-justifying? Who can say.
Wanting to improve and self-evaluation are key to growth. Keep it up and joy will follow.
Latter-Day Scripture devotes an insane amount of time to discussing this, in sections such as D&C 50, Alma 32, and many others. Its a very important problem!
I would say you can first measure by how pure your desires are, second by where Christ relates to those desires, third by your openness to correction, fourth by your conscience, and fifth by observed results.
https://duckstack.substack.com/p/meek-cheek