Principles

#1 Principle:

Matthew 22:5 The people felt like they would rather do their own thing, than attend the amazing supper that the king had prepared for them.  This parable to me taught that we all have a choice to make, and we need to make sure that there are not things that we are putting over Christ and the offer for eternal life that he has set up for us.  The king set it up so plainly, all they had to do was attend.  God is not asking that we suffer the pain that his only begotten son suffered.  All we have to do is use that sacrifice and try our best and keep getting better and we can have that eternal life that is so great.  When we are in the situation it may seem hard, but backing up and looking at the bigger picture it is just as easy as someone who refuses to go a party for the king. 

#2 Principle:

Matthew 22:35-40 Is where the two great commandments are given.  While I was reading that stuck out to me, and then in the manual I saw that it discusses why that is the first commandment: to love God with all your heart soul, mind and strength.  In the manual it also said the reason that is the first commandment is because if we are truly following that commandment, then we will follow all of the other ones.  There is no way to break the other commandments, while still following that first and greatest one.  The greatest thing about that commandment to me right now is that as we love the Lord more, I think we are more able to find ourselves, and our potentials and we are happier in our own personal lives.  It only takes sacrifice that feels like a chore starting out maybe, but then it turns into such a blessing that it doesn’t feel like a chore at all anymore. 

#3 Principle:

Matthew 24:24 “If Possible, They Shall Deceive the Very Elect”

We will have many hidden opportunities to go astray, even if we are very righteous.  I think one of the greatest downfalls each of us can have is thinking we are “way too righteous” or “that is not a temptation for me” when we are faced with things.  Satan uses methods that are much more sneaky that we realize.  I think that the principle from this scripture is that we each need to keep our eyes always open, and keep in tune with the spirit through constant prayer and study and attendance and service, so that we do not becoming distracted by the things that could so easily distract every single man on this earth.