Perfect Love

Larry Doyle Crenshaw

There is a perfect antidote to any fear that may hold us prisoner. It is a form of medicine that comes from the Great Physician, Himself.  It is called “Perfect Love.”  1 John 4:18 says that perfect love casteth out fear….”  The Bible does not elaborate other than to say that “fear hath torment.” 

Thus, our meditational verse says that “Fear can be a damning emotion” in that it can hold us prisoner by its persistent, vexing persuasions.  Our experience tells us that there are many kinds of fear.  There is the fear that comes from being hurt or even the threat of being harmed or dying.  There is the fear that is experienced when facing the unknown. 

There is another kind of fear that is referenced in the Bible.  This Biblical fear is akin to reverence, awe, and respect.  Such Biblical fear is what we usually hear in the scriptures when it says we are to “fear God.”  Although there are also instances where, because of our unworthy, errant behavior we should fear the consequences that God has decreed for such behavior. 

To fear the future is to be held captive by the past.  To fear relationships is to be sentenced to isolation. To fear new things is to be held prisoner by only the familiar. To fear God without being motivated to align our behavior with His commandments is to distance ourselves from Him and seek solace in worldly things. 

Hence, the commandment recorded in Matthew 22:37-40, “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Such love is the beginning and the basis for a perfect love.  When our love and devotion for God crowds out and pushes out all other competing emotions, we begin to experience perfect love.

 Perfect Love

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

New Testament  1 John 4:18

16  Wo be unto them that shall pervert the ways of the Lord after this manner, for they shall perish except they repent. Behold, I speak with boldness, having authority from God; and I fear not what man can do; for perfect love casteth out all fear.

Book of Mormon   Moroni 8:16

Fear can be a damning emotion

Preventing us from moving ahead

Inhibiting our Godly devotion

Fearing not God, but man instead

Thus we are perverted, then diverted

And we perish except we repent

Forsake our sins and be converted

Fully, completely, with real intent

May our fears be not of man

 Let us go forth with boldness

And with authority take a stand

While embracing love’s fullness

For perfect love castes out all fear

Then we are cleansed and purified

And our mortal path is made clear

Toward Christ, clean and sanctified.

Larry Doyle Crenshaw

Covenants of Courage

By Larry Doyle Crenshaw

MeditationsInLight.Blogspot.com

The former President of the United States, John F. Kennedy wrote a book entitled, Profiles in Courage, wherein he told heroic stories of people who exhibited profound courage under great stress and sometimes impossible odds. Through his stories we learn of the elements required for courage.  General George Patton defined courage this way, “Courage is fear holding on a minute longer.” If true, courage is not absent of fear, but persevering through fear for just a while longer.   Perhaps long enough to allow faith to surface and give us additional courage and strength.

Such was the courage of the ancient prophet Daniel, who entered the “lion’s den” but exited triumphantly from what then could be called “Daniel’s den.” Such was the courage of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, also of Daniel’s day, as they entered the “fiery furnace of affliction” and exited unscathed the “fiery furnace of faith and courage.”  Such was the courage of the Apostle Paul who, after so many imprisonments and beatings could say, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;  (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

Our meditative verse harkens back to a story from ancient America when 2,000 young men stood up against tyranny while their parents stood up for their Godly covenants.  Having covenanted never to take up arms again, they were being attacked by a ferocious enemy.  So, their sons, who were not part of the original covenant, themselves entered into a covenant to fight for the liberty of their families. So strong and valiant were they – so focused on their sense of right and responsibility that, while suffering wounds, not one lost their life in battle while prevailing over the enemy.  Thus, we refer to two thousand “Covenants of Courage.”

Covenants of Courage

And because of their oath they had been kept from taking up arms against their brethren….But behold, it came to pass they had many sons, who had not entered into a covenant that they would not take their weapons of war to defend themselves against their enemies; therefore they did assemble themselves together…. And they entered into a covenant to fight for the liberty of the Nephites, ….and they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all—they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted.  Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him.

Alma 53:11, 16-17, 20-21

They marched into the battle’s fray

Covenanted soldiers, but not just them

Parents too, alongside in spirit each day

Men of God, walking uprightly before Him

The parents had covenanted not to fight

But not so their sons, who battled for liberty

Offering their lives for freedom and right

“Never in bondage,” their motto and decree

Never before and perhaps never since

Was there an army so brave and strong

With swords and spears, and faith intense

Christ they did serve and to Him belong

They were true at all times and places

And in all they were entrusted to do

God’s light shown bright in their faces

All things could they defeat and subdue

Where is such an army today

It is the army of our righteous youth

Millennial soldiers of Christ who obey

And fight for God’s light and truth

Larry Doyle Crenshaw

Bridled

Larry Doyle Crenshaw

Elsewhere we have written, “Behavior is not just what we do --- our physical actions.  Behavior is also what we think --- our thoughts.  It is also what we feel --- our emotions.”  Behavior then is movement of the body and movement within the body.  This meditation explores the relationship between our body and our spirit and suggests that it is often the paradoxical case that we need certain restraints in order for both body and spirit to grow.

Let us remember that it is our spirits who come to earth to obtain a body ---- it is not our body that comes to earth to obtain a spirit.  It is the spirit, given of God the Father that should govern our behaviors in communion with the body. One without the other leaves the other either dead or encumbered, at the least.  The spirit governs successfully only when it brings the body under its subjection. Conversely, the body, and its parts and passions, is enriched when our spirit has the opportunity to enlighten and enrich it.  One is able to love with a purer and more powerful passion when the spirit is unencumbered by bodily passions dulled by unrestrained indulgence.

In the Bible the Apostle Paul speaks to this subject.   “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.  (Romans 7:18-23) This passage, while a little awkward in its English language construction, clearly suggests that our thoughts and our feelings can lead us into wrongdoing.

Now let us be clear.  Just having a momentary improper thought or feeling is quite a different thing than creating a welcoming, encouraging, nurturing place for base and unworthy thoughts and feelings to dwell within us.  Most of the time we can remove bad thoughts by our own mental and spiritual efforts.  However, for some, who have made improper thoughts and feelings welcomed guests, prayer and the help of family and trusted Church leaders and counselors may be needed. 

Now allow me to insert a disclaimer here.  There are those who suffer from specific mental and emotional disorders for whom intrusive thoughts and feelings are not sin, but from faulty biological processes in the brain or from past episodes of abuse.  For such people, counseling and not repentance, is generally the prescription.

When our brain becomes filled with impure and improper thoughts, there is no room for the warm, loving, peaceful feelings to come forth from the spirit.  This is what is meant by the scripture that says, “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.” (James 3:2-4)

Our meditative verse encourages us to bridle ourselves in temporal things that we may experience spiritual things.  In doing so we achieve a greater fullness in both body and spirit.

Bridled

12 Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love;
Book of Mormon   Alma 38:12

To bridle all my passions

That love may fill my soul

Challenges a popular perception

That passion is our principal goal

Passion unrestrained from the beginning

Has been the downfall of mankind

One way or another, this form of sinning

Weakens agency and puts me in Satan’s bind

When I am overwhelmed with improper passion

There’s no room for refined or purer emotions

Passions that fire the soul become an imposition 
If only lustful desire is the focus of my devotions

There’s space for only one within my soul

Room for pure love or unfettered passion

As only one can conquer and take control

For neither can coexist or endure cohabitation

I would be self-mastered in all things

Self-possessed but not to overbearance

Loving virtue and feeling the power it brings

Leading my bridled soul to a holy inheritance

Larry Doyle Crenshaw

Charity

Larry D. Crenshaw

    One of the cardinal virtues to be cultivated by those who claim kinship with Christ is charity.  The classic Biblical statement on charity is found in 1 Corinthians 13 where a list of charitable standards is set for us.  Above all the attributes of godliness and perfection, charity is the one most devoutly to be desired. Charity is more than love, it is everlasting love, perfect love. It is love so centered in righteousness that the possessor has no aim or desire except for the eternal welfare of his own soul and for the souls of those around him or her.

Peter, in his first Epistle, said "charity shall cover the multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8). A more accurate translation is, "charity preventeth a multitude of sins," because our sins are never “covered up” from God. A number of conditions must be met to claim the attribute of charity.  One who possesses this trait of character must attain to the following standards: “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;  7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) Charity thus applied, will prevent a multitude of sins. 

When applied to the love of Christ, charity is characterized as selfless and self-sacrificing (1 Cor. 13:5), emanating from a pure heart, a good conscience, and faith unfeigned (1 Tim. 1:5). Thus, more than an act, charity is an attitude, a state of heart and mind (1 Cor. 13:4 7). It follows, but surpasses in importance, faith and hope (1 Cor. 13:13).  Indeed, the greatest of these is charity.  This may have been what Jesus was trying to teach Peter in John 21:15, 17, wherein he asks Peter three times if he "loves" him, and, to Peter's affirmative answers, responds, "Feed my sheep" and "Feed my lambs," teaching that the true love of Christ always goes out to others. Charity is intended to be an integral part of one's nature.  Indeed, the greatest of Christlike character traits is charity.

Charity

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Charity is the pure love of Christ, Our Savior

Enduring, hoping and believing all things

An eternal attribute of divine behavior

Rejoicing in truth that the gospel brings

Charity suffers long and seeks not her own

But seeks those meek and good-hearted

In whom faith is sown and grown

Where it flowers and love is imparted

Without charity we are less than naught

Void of Godly wisdom, truth and hope

Denying the blood by which we are bought

Bound by cords of telestial rope

Wherefore, cleave unto charity day by day

Possessing its power and being possessed

As it lights the straight and narrow way

To a life everlasting and heaven blest

Larry Doyle Crenshaw

Every Good Thing

By Larry Doyle Crenshaw

MeditationsInLight.Blogspot.com

While on our daily walk on the Christian path we are admonished to “…lay hold on every good thing.” (Book of Mormon, Moroni 7:19)  In like manner, Paul said to Timothy, “…lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called….” (New Testament, 1 Timothy 6:12)  From these and other sacred sources, we learn that the process of “laying hold” appears to be a work we are called to do. Elsewhere we are told that the day of this life is the day to lay hold on good things as we perform our labors. (see Book of Mormon, Alma 34:32). 

We might ask, “How do we lay hold on eternal life?”  Paul tells Timothy, “… follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith….” All of these, and more, we are to grasp, to seize, and to lay hold.  As we do so, we will learn of the covenant process that leads us to God and life eternal through the celebration of our relationship with Him by way of ordinances.  Such divine rituals bind us to God and an eternity of “good things.”  Notwithstanding, the scripture suggests that the process may not come easy or without a fight.  Fighting the “good fight of faith” reaffirms the universal truth that there is opposition in all things, and that there are prices to pay for laying hold on and in holding on to precious things of eternal worth.

Our meditation also warns us to beware of that to which we lay hold.  For that which we grasp and hold on to, becomes part of who we are.  Unfortunately, we sometimes find ourselves holding on to useless unworthy things, even impure things.  When we try to let go we are sometimes shocked to find that the process has reversed itself, and that those unworthy things have now laid hold on us in an ever tightening grip, requiring a painful, but necessary, procedure to separate them from our grasp. This process, called repentance, brought about by Christ’s atonement, removes all impurities, and changes that which we desire and which attracts us.  When sincere and complete, repentance changes our behavior in a way that drives us toward Godly pursuits, and allows the resumption of our search and seizure of, or laying hold of, “every good thing.”

Every Good Thing

 I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ. 

Book of Mormon   Moroni 7:19; also New Testament 1 Timothy 6:12

In Christ we lay hold on every good thing

As we walk humbly yet boldly in His light

We grasp His rod of truth and to it cling

And deny all wrong while choosing the right

To be enticed by everything good

Is to lay hold on all that is right and true

With good works and doing as we should

As we model Christ in all we say and do

For by Him we lay hold on all good things

Things eternal which bring heaven’s reward

Feasting on God’s word and the peace it brings

Moving heavenward and ever closer to the Lord

Let us beware of that to which we lay hold

Good or bad, it becomes part of who we are

For that to which we cling will take its toll

As evidence before God at judgment’s bar

 Larry Doyle Crenshaw

Weakness and Weaknesses

By Larry Doyle Crenshaw

MeditationsInLight.Blogspot.com

Our inherent weakness is a natural condition

But our weaknesses we create and are owned

But Godly submission will put them in remission

Thr0ugh Christ who, for all our weaknesses, Atoned

We are born so very fragile and weak in many ways.  We do have an innate drive to thrive in most cases, but still we need care and frequent attention throughout our younger years.  However, part of this fragility and weakness continues with us throughout our life. 

We seem subservient to all sorts of unseen but real natural laws and conditions.  We get sick, we bruise when we stumble and fall, and we often succumb to earthly appetites in both mind and body.  These and other related conditions led one ancient prophet to explain, “For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father."  Mosiah 3:19 

In addition to our fallen “natural” status and our weakness derived therefrom, we develop various weaknesses – bad habits, patterns of errant decisions, and other self-defeating behaviors that intensify our already weakened state.  This double-dose of inherent weakness and learned weaknesses are the backdrop of what our Heavenly Father has called the plan of salvation. 

This plan calls for us to attend this earthly school for 80 + years learning to apply various Godly strategies for overcoming both our natural weakness and our learned weaknesses.  These strategies, called commandments, when applied through covenants and ordinances, move us in our daily life ever closer to our divine destination where we will have overcome all.  For our meditation proclaims…

By His Atonement we may overcome all impairments

Both our weakness and weaknesses can be defeated

As we conquer Satan’s schemes and ensnarements

Having overcome all when our schooling is completed

Weakness and Weaknesses

And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.  Behold, I will show unto the Gentiles their weakness, and I will show unto them that faith, hope and charity bringeth unto me—the fountain of all righteousness.

Book of Mormon Ether 12:27-28 and New Testament Matthew 26:41

Because of Adam’s fall we inherit a basic weakness

A condition intrinsic to the nature of mortal man

Enabling us to experience humility and meekness

If we are faithful and obedient to salvation’s plan

Because of weakness, weaknesses may develop

Created by bad habits and errant decisions

Which threaten to overwhelm and envelop

In a web of painful encounters and collisions

Our inherent weakness is a natural condition

But our weaknesses we create and are owned

But Godly submission will put them in remission

Thr0ugh Christ who, for all our weaknesses, Atoned

By His Atonement we may overcome all impairments

Both our weakness and weaknesses can be defeated

As we surmount Satan’s schemes and ensnarements

Having overcome all when our schooling is completed

Therefore, let us drink from His Fountain of Righteousness

That which makes weak things become mighty and strong

For His Atonement will overcome weaknesses and weakness

With grace sufficient to bear us heavenward where we belong

Larry Doyle Crenshaw

A More Excellent Way

By Larry Doyle Crenshaw

MeditationsInLight.Blogspot.com 

There is something inviting, even enticing when we come, for the first time, to a well-worn path in a forest, or mountain glade.  It whispers to us of the adventures of others who have travelled there before leaving traces of their passing along the way. As we traverse the trail, we too become one of the path-makers and adventurers.

Sometimes, like Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken,” we come to a fork in the path and must decide which one to take.  It is at this point that the purpose of our trek and our destination becomes even more important.  Without a purpose, and without a destination, either path will likely be an adventure.  However, if we are looking for a path to lead us homeward, then taking the correct path becomes vital – for not all pathways lead home.  And, as Mr. Frost tells us, that will make all the difference.

We have come to this place we call Earth and before us are many and divergent paths.  Some roads lead to personal growth, progress and happiness, and eventually to our heavenly home.  Other roads lead to misery and despair.  Fortunately, we are not left without roadmaps, directions, and travel guides about alternative paths.

Indeed, Our Father in Heaven who arranged our adventure here has given us rather explicit instructions regarding our earthly travels – sort of a Divine Compass that shows the true path back into His presence.  In addition, He sent His son to show us how and where to journey – Jesus, thus became “the way, the truth, and the light.”  Notwithstanding, Our Father gave us the power to choose our paths.  Knowing that we might choose errant pathways and get lost, He, through His son, provided a way back, or a bridge to a better trail called the Atonement.  This divinely inspired roadmap has been called, “A More Excellent Way,” and so…. it is.

A More Excellent Way

But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
New Testament   1 Corinthians 12:31

Wherefore, by faith was the law of Moses given. But in the gift of his Son hath God prepared a more excellent way; and it is by faith that it hath been fulfilled.

 Book of Mormon   Ether 12:11

There are many paths through life

But Christ prepared a more excellent way

A journey of faith that overcomes the strife

An enlightened way to keep darkness at bay

Christ is the way, the truth, and the light

As we find our way in this darkened realm

Where we see by faith and not by sight

Sure in the knowledge God is at the helm

The path of faith holds us safe and secure

With our works that glorify God and Christ

In whose light we travel, thrive and endure

Against Lucifer’s lures that tempt and entice

Faith is a thing hoped for but obscure

Wherefore we dispute not, when we see not

But stay steady on the path - solid and sure

As faith endures and miracles are wrought

For in the gospel of God’s Son

Is found a more excellent way

By which in Him we may be one

 When His counsels we obey

May the way of excellence be found

With eventual perfection our goal

For heavenward we are bound

Where God’s glory we will behold

                                                                                                                   

Larry Doyle Crenshaw

Sorrowing of the Damned

By Larry Doyle Crenshaw

MeditationsInLight.Blogspot.com

One state of soulful regret is called “Godly sorrow”

And “sorrowing of the damned” is a different term

Each lamenting like souls raked with a harrow

Who, dreading God’s judgement, writhe and squirm

As we advance from infancy into toddlerhood and begin to use real words and phrases, our parents quickly introduce us to the social obligation of saying to others we have offended, “I’m sorry.”  It takes a while for the phrase to sink in, because in those early ages and stages, saying that we are sorry and actually feeling sorry are often two very different things.  Hence, the rather constant encouragement by others who feel offended to pry an “I’m sorry” out of us. 

Eventually, we develop the ability to truly observe how our behavior affects us and others.  If all goes well and we survive childhood’s typical traumas, we develop an increasing capacity for a wide range of emotional response to life and to others, including the experience and the expression of sorrow in a variety of situations. 

If God and religion are part of our upbringing, then the concepts of personal sin, guilt, and Godly sorrow become ingrained –more or less.  We feel badly inside ourselves when we have offended or caused others pain.  At some point we are deeply affected by the realization that an Atonement was arranged so that our repentance would be effectual. Thus we become motivated to take corrective action, or in other words we repent. 

Regrettably, some grow up and never quite tune into remorse, guilt, or the need to repent for errant behavior.  For them life is not a window into the world of others, but a fragile mirror that reflects only their wants, desires, and emotions – not others.  Nonetheless, they remember well the childhood education in sorrow.  The downside is that they apply sorrow not to their own errant actions, but the unfortunate consequences they must endure.  Thus, the thief does not regret that he stole money, but is sorry that he got caught and punished.  The lifelong sinner regrets not his behavior, but sorrows for the actual or anticipated consequences.

Thus, the scriptures refer to the “sorrowing of the damned” – a sorrow not borne of guilt for sin, but of pain for anticipated penalties.  This concept becomes our focus in this meditative verse where we voice the warning:

God will not always suffer sinners to take pleasure in sin

For their day of grace will expire in the third estate

When time is no longer - with no time to repent therein

Then, for the damned, sorrow will be their eternal fate

Sorrowing of the Damned

Thus there began to be a mourning and a lamentation in all the land because of these things, and more especially among the people of Nephi.  And it came to pass that when I, Mormon, saw their lamentation and their mourning and their sorrow before the Lord, my heart did begin to rejoice within me, knowing the mercies and the long-suffering of the Lord, therefore supposing that he would be merciful unto them that they would again become a righteous people.  But behold this my joy was vain, for their sorrowing was not unto repentance, because of the goodness of God; but it was rather the sorrowing of the damned, because the Lord would not always suffer them to take happiness in sin.  And they did not come unto Jesus with broken hearts and contrite spirits, but they did curse God, and wish to die.

Book of Mormon   Mormon 2:11-15

One state of soulful regret is named “Godly sorrow”

And “sorrowing of the damned” is a different term

Each lamenting like souls raked with a harrow

Who, dreading God’s judgement, writhe and squirm

Both sorrows induce pain regardless of cause

But differ in their fidelity to Christ the Lamb

Godly sorrow leads to reconciliation to God’s laws

Impenitence, to the sorrowing of the damned

One sees a soul turning; the other a soul burning

Godly sorrowers embrace the path of the penitent

Others churn and burn with unrequited yearning

For things vile, immoral, base and decadent

The unrepented seek not Jesus with broken hearts

But curse God and wish that they might hide

From His gaze, and the judgement He imparts

Indulging malignant sin, avarice and pride

God will not always suffer sinners to take pleasure in sin

For their day of grace will expire in the third estate

When time is no longer - with no time to repent therein

Then, for the damned, sorrow will be their eternal fate

Larry Doyle Crenshaw