Know Where You Are

 Used to be if you wanted to get somewhere you hadn't ever been, you'd need a paper map. The disconcerting thing about paper maps though, is that if you didn't know where you were, a map is both useless and confusing.  If you don't know where you are, no map will help.

We often compare the scriptures and the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a map. This map helps us to know the way to go--the way to live--which enables us to work towards returning to live with our Heavenly Father. Yet, the know-where-you-are problem still exists with this map too.

Finding where you are at, right now, is that process of self-examination that all of us must undertake during our journey home. Fortunately for us, we have several self-exam "worksheets" (if you will) given in scripture.  

First, Alma chapter 5. If you recall, Alma had given up his political position to focus solely on his role as High Priest. In this sermon, he asks many questions to direct the people's minds to examine their lives in an effort to reclaim them.  Here are some of the questions Alma asks the Nephites, and by extension, us.

1. Have you sufficiently retained in remembrance the captivity of your fathers?
2. Have you sufficiently retained in remembrance his mercy and long-suffering towards them?
3. Have ye spiritually been born of God?
4. Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?
5. Do you exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you?
6. If ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?

Second, if you have been to the temple and taken out sacred covenants there, do you run through the recommend question at times?

Third, in Doctrine & Covenants section 121, we have an amazing list of virtues and practices that are required for the priesthood holder.  Each item can serve as a point of self-examination.  They are:

"No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by..."

• persuasion
• long-suffering
• gentleness
• meekness
• love unfeigned
• kindness
• pure knowledge
• charity
• virtuous thoughts

These are just three examples of personal, in-depth, questions and topics we can use to examine where we stand and know where we are.  Without knowing this, it matters not what map you use.  So please, take this opportunity to figure out where you are, and then begin your journey home.

(Bonus: If you really want to find out where you are at spiritually, like seriously want to know, ask your wife.)