I was contemplating some things this morning and had a couple bursts of thoughts.
We sometimes accept our inability to ever be perfect in this life as an excuse to not obey all of the commandments. This is a falsehood. We are expected to be strictly obedient to all the commandments. Our imperfection is a result of being of the natural man—how we naturally act or think from worldliness. To hear the dogs barking and feel annoyed is a natural man’s reaction, not a divine one. To be agitated when driving in traffic or so preoccupied with work and responsibilities, such are examples of the natural man’s way of things. Learning to set aside time and become consciously aware of how to have divine thoughts and perspectives of this life can strengthen us against our natural man tendencies. We can become perfected in a great many things in this life. Starting with our talents and abilities and using them in divine ways can be an easy step developing perfection. Perfection is not simply sinlessness. Perfection is the development of the divine attributes created in us, in the image of God.
How is this done? Consider the example of faith as it is compared to the mustard seed. Such a tiny seed, when planted and nurtured, will become a tree. Not a flower, plant, bush or blade of grass. A tree! The more the tree grows in height, so do the roots grow wide and deep, creating a secure anchor. As more growth of branches takes place, the trunk increases in size and strength in proportion to the branches. By comparison to our spiritual growth, we often find ourselves as strong saplings with a few good strong branches, but without consciously trying to increase our understanding and exercising our faith (faith being an action word for doing), our branches can’t grow. Like drops of water are for a plant, little everyday things are what makes long term growth possible. If we do the daily things, and our trees grow, more branches will develop. The more branches, the stronger the roots and the trunk. We should have in our minds an image of different tree sizes and stages of development. To have a tree strong enough for children to safely play in, to be able to harvest wood for strong construction and fortification only happens with the nurturing every day. If there is any neglect, return to nurturing as soon as possible. Long term neglect has devastating consequences. Bare minimum nurturing sustains life but doesn’t provide significant growth.
The tree that stays small and barely matured is more susceptible to damage when the storms of life hit. With careful labor of a skilled gardener there can be regrowth, but it takes extra effort and requires wisdom and perspective to not give up while exerting that extra effort. How about the large mature trees, fully grown that suffer losses of branches, even major branches, when the storms hit? While there is damage, even severe and permanent damage, the tree’s life is not threatened. The Gardner also inflicts intended damage through pruning because it enhances and improves the intended growth and strength derived from that. Sometimes the strength comes from constant storms that don’t inflict damage but put a constant strain on the tree. When it continues the course of getting the little daily nurturing, such trees adapt and grow strong in unique and unexpected ways. Consider the many images of twisted, gnarled and contorted trees seen in pictures or witnessed personally. Imagine that tree representing faith. What stories would that tree share in its growth, its daily struggles, in its survival?
This is why faith is like a mustard seed. Each of us, like all seeds, are unique and individual. Throughout the course of mankind, there is reason and purpose with every good seed. Some become tall and majestic trees. Some bear fruit and some shade. Some seeds are bushes and flowers, each providing something unique and beautiful. Even grass doesn’t see itself as something to be trampled on, but rather gives comfort and beauty to those whose path it shares. This example seems to fit for all of God’s creations. But the thought that comes to me, when comparing mankind to things that grow, is that we are created in God’s image. Tall, majestic trees whose branches are so many and so great as to provide strength to the things it holds, shade to those needing it, fruit to share and nurture in the most delicious ways imaginable, taking in constant water and sunlight, delighting in its purpose and growth. Such trees, in the mustard seed analogy of Truman Madsen (whose concept is the originator for me that I’m benefiting from, have branches that reach so high and supportive to birds and nests, which are likened to the very angels from on high who administer and dwell with us.
So in moments of self reflection, what manner of tree ought we to be? What processes of faith are we using our agency for to become that tree? Nature has a way of supporting and sustaining life (continuing the analogy of trees) and, like us, will live and grow in various ways. But as with fruit trees, whose purpose we were created to be, need a master gardener to help us nurture and grow to accomplish His purposes in us—keeping in mind He (and the Gardener) want us to live and experience as they themselves have, obtaining the final reward and becoming creators and master gardeners like unto themselves. How else can we become such gardeners unless we ourselves learn and grow from every aspect of the process? We know very little of Heavenly Father’s journey in His path to Godhood, but we know very well how His only begotten Son did. We know, having a perfect blueprint, the little daily things it takes. We know our growth will continue well into the next life. Much of the growth in the next life is dependant on the growth in this life. This is the time for growth! Our eternal progression isn’t as narrow-minded as living well enough before the judgment day to be chosen to live with our Heavenly Family again.
Mind blowing perspective, no?!