The counsel given to Joseph Smith that is recorded in D&C 3:7-9 has great significance in my life. I am not only greatly thankful for this counsel, but I testify that these promises are true and have come to pass in my life in great measure.
D&C 3: 7-9 states, " For behold, you should not have feared man more than God. Although men set at naught the counsels of God, and despise his words - Yet you should have been faithful; and he would have extended his arm and supported you against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of trouble.
In the past, I have made the terrible mistake of trusting in the world's ways in order to feel happy and fulfilled in my life. Eventually, I have come to understand through negative experiences, that true happiness can only come from God, and following His counsels through His Son Jesus Christ.
In the past, although I knew the source of true happiness, deep down, I still feared man more than I feared God. This was manifested in many ways that I would like to share.
I am married to a member of the Catholic Church. Because of the difference in standards, I am faced with many choices that show me whom I fear, or trust in my life - on a daily basis.
Some of the manifestations are made known to me as I recognize my inward thoughts, and in the ways that I spend my time. Other manifestations are clearly seen by everyone.
On Sundays there have been times that my husband would tell me that I should be spending more time with him at entertaining events - rather than being at my church.
In the past, I believed my husband and was persuaded that he was correct for me only go to the first hour of church, and allow him to take me to activities after I partook of the Sacrament. I feared that my marriage would suffer and that there would be no way to keep peace in my home if I did not follow my husband's desires for me.
In the past, I was not so careful about checking the rating of a movie that my husband wanted to show me. I knew he was excited about a film and I feared to ruin his plans for us. Many times it would be too late for me to change my mind, and I would be exposed to something that caused the Spirit to leave my side.
In the past, I dressed in a way that my husband would prefer, rather than in the way the Spirit would lead me. I was worried that my husband would want me to wear the most trendy and popular styles as that is what he suggested. Of course I wanted my husband's approval, but I was fearing man, more than God as I did this.
In the past, I was not careful about the places I went, and social gatherings that I attended. This allowed me to feel worldly influence at a higher level. where I went was showing what was important to me, and what I was showing was my desire to be accepted by man, not God.
Lastly, in the past, because my husband did not want me to go to the temple as my clothing would change, and he felt uncomfortable about that - I did not attend the temple.
My witness as the Lord states: "he would have extended his arm , supported , against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and he would have been with ME in every time of trouble. "
Is - that this is true.
The Lord did so mercifully forgive me, and help me learn to trust in Him. Eventually I was given the strength to tell my husband with faith that I knew, "As I attended the temple, that our marriage would be blessed, and as I kept higher standards He too would be happier in our home."
I do not miss any hours of church because I am afraid that my marriage will suffer anymore.
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