Sometimes though we find ourselves "going through the motions". President Uchtdorf addressed this in Priesthood meeting when he said, "you may want to ask yourself if you are merely going through the motions as a priesthood bearer--doing what is expected but not experiencing the joy that should be yours. Holding the priesthood gives us abundant opportunities to feel the joy that Ammon expressed: "Have we not great reason to rejoice?...We have been instruments in [the Lord's] hands of doing this great marvelous work. Therefore, let us glory...in the Lord; yea, we will rejoice." (Ensign May 2011 p60-61)
Life is for feeling joy and happiness. Okay, not every minute and often not every day. But going through the motions doesn't get that feeling and we need it to keep us motivated. Going through the motions is a downward spiral that must be interrupted by pure joy and happiness. Naturally doing the Lord's work with real intent should break through the blahs and bring in the joy.
Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.
I understand this to mean, realize who you are doing this for and go for it, don't do it like "government work" (as in the phrase, "its good enough for government work"). Do your best, MAGNIFY it and see what blessings come from God.
Pres. Uchtdorf says:: "Too often we fail to experience the bliss that comes from daily, practical priesthood service. At times assignments can feel like burdens. Brethren, let us not pass through life immersed in the three Ws: wearied, worrying, and whining. We live beneath our privileges when we allow worldly anchors to keep us away from the abundant joy that comes from faithful and dedicated priesthood service, especially within the walls of our own homes. We live beneath our privileges when we fail to partake of the feast of happiness, peace, and joy that God grants so bountifully to faithful priesthood servants."
I once heard of a youth that said something like, "I don't like coming to church, no one does, except for Brother L". Brother L, smiled and was happy at church and greeted and treated others with respect like he was glad they were joining him at church.
Watch this video and listen to the song, the message is right on target.
Matthew West: The Motions
"As bearers of the priesthood, let us never become hardened to the wonder and awe of what the Lord has entrusted to us." -- Pres. Uchtdorf
what a touching song and a deep thought. in my mind, avoiding going through the motions means letting your heart and the Spirit guide your life and not being afraid of feeling. when i see people going through the motions, it's as if they've walled off their hearts. their actions can still be good, but there's nothing inside of it. no compassion or love or any real feeling. it's like the difference between a hollow chocolate easter bunny and a solid one (or perhaps one filled with peanut butter? ;) they just are not the same. perhaps they seem alike at first glance, but it doesn't take long at all for the difference to be made known. the irony is that i think the person who goes through the motions thinks they continue to fake-live to benefit everyone else and that they won't be affected, but his actions really just deny him of the true joy that you mentioned that comes from living fully and, in reference to your post, righteously exercising the Priesthood. some people are afraid of feeling bad feelings, some are afraid of feeling the good ones, but we are meant to feel. it'd be nice if everyone would just use their hearts!
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