NEW YEAR'S REVOLUTION.

res·o·lu·tionˌrezəˈlo͞oSHən, noun: 

A firm decision to do or not to do something. Not as cool as...

rev·o·lu·tionˌrevəˈlo͞oSHən, noun: 

A forcible overthrow of a government or social order for a new system. For our purposes we'll go with the definition: A forcible overthrow of [our old bad habits] for a new system [that we can feel totally better with].

 

You read it right, I'm proposing a revolution. I've heard of New Year's "resolutions" but I have two problems with that: 1. that doesn't sound near as cool and/or as hard core as a "revolution" and 2. I think that New Year's "resolutions" has been used up and doesn't quite have the same power as a "revolution" does. But a revolution is a great thing when those things that are tossed forcibly out of our lives are bad things. Bad habits make it hard for us to enjoy life, have a sense of well being, and be conected with those we love. Things like being with family, expanding our worthy talents, and serving others are always great things to do and show our love for one another.  



Stick it to the devil.

God, through his prophets, has always encouraged us to revolt against those things that tear us away from Him and bring us sorrow. Because "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other." (Matthew 6:24) Just like in political and military struggles all throughout time; there are sides, and we have the ability to choose which one we are on. Luckily there aren't a whole lot of choices, theres just two in fact; the good guys: God and Jesus Christ and His followers and the bad guys: the devil and his followers. I know that we need to make a constant effort to keep the devil away from us, our friends, and our families. The steps are simple and the rewards are priceless.  

Through learning more about Jesus Christ and His great example we can receive great protection and help from God. In our revolting against the devil we also need to remember to become closer to God. A prophet in the Book of Mormon counseled that we need to "[become] as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon [us]" (Mosiah 3:19). Our lives may not always be comfortable or easy but I know that when we persevere with patience, love, and humility we get a sense of peace; that feeling that everything is going to be okay. I know because I've been in places that weren't comfortable or easy for me to be in, and I've been able to have that peace with me. I know that pretty much everyone has had a time in their lives that wasn't comfortable or easy and that its hard when you don't feel any hope. But I know that Christ is that ultimate source of hope and direction. 

So feel free to join with me and start, or continue, the revolution against the things that take us away from what's important! The devil is lame and has got nothin' on the great feelings and experiences that come to us as we stay close to the Lord.