Falling to Heaven

1. Happiness paradoxically comes from falling down, not lifting up

"Happiness, like heaven, may seem above us, but it turns out that we don't obtain either of them by climbing."

The divine paradox. In the gospel, up is actually down and down is up. Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, while those who humble themselves will be exalted. This counterintuitive truth is illustrated in Lehi's dream, where those who fell down to partake of the fruit of the tree of life remained, while those who reached up fell away.

Letting go of pride. True happiness comes not from trying to feel better about ourselves, but from allowing the Lord to help us see truths that may initially make us feel worse. It's in our lowest moments - when we give up resisting what we haven't wanted to see - that we can finally experience the joy we've always sought.

Embracing humility. The path to happiness begins with recognizing our complete dependence on Christ and our own nothingness before God. This humility allows us to receive Christ's grace and be lifted up, rather than vainly attempting to climb up on our own strength.

2. We are all equally in need of Christ's redemption

"For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all."

Universal guilt. James teaches that even one transgression makes us guilty of breaking the whole law. This sobering truth reveals that we are all equally separated from God and in desperate need of Christ's redemption, regardless of how many commandments we keep or break.

Removing reasons for pride. Understanding our universal guilt eliminates any basis for feeling superior to others or despairing that we are worse than others. We all stand in equal need of the Savior's grace.

Mercy through unity. Recognizing our shared condition can increase our patience and love for one another. It invites us to be more welcoming, less judgmental, and more forgiving - focusing on our own equal and complete need for a Savior rather than comparing ourselves to others.

3. Guilt is a divine gift that leads to repentance and joy

"Guilt, being the only thing that turns us sufficiently to the Lord, truly is a gift—one of the greatest of all the gifts of God."

Productive discomfort. While the world often encourages us to avoid guilt and shame, the gospel teaches that guilt can be a divine gift. It awakens us to our need for repentance and change, turning us to Christ for healing and redemption.

Pathway to joy. Paradoxically, the willingness to feel guilt and acknowledge our sins opens the door to experiencing true joy. It allows us to fully appreciate and receive Christ's atoning grace.

Motivation for change. Guilt, when properly understood, is not meant to condemn us but to motivate us towards positive change. It helps us recognize areas where we need to improve and grow closer to God.

4. Commandments expose our weaknesses and need for Christ

"The commandments act as a kind of pride buster. They offer all of us who believe that 'all is well in Zion' the chance to discover and repent of our sins."

Divine mirrors. God's commandments serve as mirrors, reflecting our true spiritual condition and exposing our weaknesses. This awareness is crucial for spiritual growth and drawing closer to Christ.

Invitation to repent. When we struggle to keep commandments, it's an invitation to turn to Christ for help and strength. Our failures highlight our dependence on His grace and mercy.

Deeper obedience. The gospel calls us to live the commandments not just outwardly, but at the level of our hearts. This inward obedience is where true holiness is forged and where we most acutely feel our need for divine help.

5. Pride manifests in feeling superior or inferior to others

"Anything that makes me feel better (or worse) than another is darkness; anything that makes me feel one with others is divine."

Subtle deception. Pride can manifest not only in feeling superior to others but also in feeling inferior. Both states keep us focused on ourselves rather than on Christ and others.

Equality before God. The gospel teaches that we are all equally fallen and in need of redemption. No race, gender, class, or group is inherently superior or inferior to another.

Unity in Christ. True spiritual growth involves moving beyond comparisons and seeing ourselves and others as equally beloved children of God, united in our need for the Savior.

6. Forgiveness is repenting of failing to love others

"Any withholding of love is itself a sin."

Reframing forgiveness. Rather than seeing forgiveness as a favor we bestow on others, we should view it as our own repentance for failing to love as Christ loves.

Unconditional love. Christ's example teaches us to love others without conditions, just as He loves us. Withholding love or forgiveness is contrary to His gospel.

Key to receiving mercy. The Lord teaches that our own forgiveness is contingent on our willingness to forgive others. As we extend mercy, we open ourselves to receiving God's mercy.

7. Living confessionally invites honesty and spiritual growth

"Confess your faults one to another."

Embrace vulnerability. Living "confessionally" means being open about our struggles, weaknesses, and ongoing repentance. This honesty invites others to do the same and creates an atmosphere of genuine spiritual growth.

Power of shared experience. When we share our own repentant journeys, it has far greater power to inspire change in others than simply preaching at them.

Community of imperfect strivers. A confessional approach to living the gospel presents the Church as a community of imperfect people striving together, rather than an unattainable collection of perfect individuals.

8. True happiness comes from losing ourselves in service to others

"Life's irony: Lose yourself and you find; live to find, and you never really live."

Paradox of self-focus. Constantly trying to find or improve ourselves often leads to unhappiness. True fulfillment comes when we lose ourselves in loving and serving others.

Christ-like love. Jesus exemplified this principle by making Himself "of no reputation" and giving His life for others. As we emulate His selfless love, we find the joy and purpose we seek.

Practical application:

• Look for opportunities to serve others without recognition
• Focus on others' needs and virtues rather than our own accomplishments
• Cultivate gratitude for what we have rather than constantly seeking more for ourselves

Last updated: November 22, 2024