Manly Man Training #17 :Be in motion not going through the motions.

As manly men we don't want to be stuck, in a rut or bogged down to a slow pace.  We want to be in motion, moving forward, learning, growing, improving, reaching toward and eventually achieving our potential.  The speed is not the critical part here, but rather the direction and that fact that we are moving.  Maybe sometimes we can take a few strides at a good pace and others we will move along slowly.  Undoubtedly we will sometimes see we detoured and need to double back to get on the path--in those cases the quicker the better.  Ideally however we will move forward at a moderate pace in the right direction without looking back.

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