To Stand

Sometimes it seems like being... good or righteous is so hard. It seems like there is a long list of "don't"s that we can't possibly avoid, and a longer list of "do"s that we couldn't even approach accomplishing.

I think some scriptures are there to inspire us with our potential, and some are there to help comfort us in our frailty.

One resonating scripture for me is Ephesians 6.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

To stand. God expects us to battle Satan, in all his forms, but we don't need to make some great showing, we don't need a body count, or proof of ground gained. When it's all done, we just need to be able to stand.

In the story of the prodigal son (sorry to beat this one to death), the Savior says "For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found" And that was worthy of joy and merry making. He doesn't say "this my son is successful," or "accomplished." Alive, found. Those are pretty meager qualifications for bringing our father joy.

"Ask," "knock," "open your ears," "come," "follow." He is willing to do all the work. Behold, I will go before you and be your rearward; I will fight your battles. the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand All He requires are things like faith, trust, hope and humility.