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Putting God Back Into The Equation

by Todd Daniels

There are those who say knowledge plus effort equals change. In some respects this is true. But I firmly believe that for truly lasting change, the most important factor is missing in this equation. For true lasting change, we must put God into the process or equation. Unfortunately, all too often, we fail to do this.

Many times as we struggle through life's trials, we try to do it alone. Oh, sure, when we are in a particularly desperate situation we utter a prayer which sounds like, "God, get me out of this mess, and I promise to change." The situation passes, and our lives continue unchanged.

Even in this organization, we tend to leave God out of the equation. In all the research done and all the testimonials given about changing the patterns of destruction, one element is constant. We must accept the reality of, and depend completely upon, a Supreme Being. For my purpose, I choose this Being, God. I believe in God and in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Drawing from my personal experience I have noticed a pattern. When I pray and ask for help, try to live as I should, and put forth a sincere effort to change, the temptations seem greater. If I don't pray, then the temptations seem easier to bear. The operative word here is "seem." The temptations seem easier to bear because there is less guilt when I fall. This can start a negative cycle. In order to break that cycle we must first recognize the situation. This recognition must be true and complete. We cannot try to white-wash the facts or look at them through "rose colored glasses."

It is at this point that we must bring God back into our lives. We must go before Him and beg for help. He will help us, but only if we are truly willing to follow Him. We must also ask ourselves if we truly believe in Jesus Christ and believe that the atonement can be applied to each of us. If the answer is no, then dedicated research and prayer must follow. A conversion to this knowledge, just as real as anyone investigating the Church, must take place .

To begin this research, start with the scriptures. Also, read what has been written about the Savior, His life, and especially the atonement. Then begin applying the atonement in your life. The atonement is for everyone. Even if you feel like the most wretched creature to have ever lived, the atonement can work for you. In order for it to take place, however, we must do everything we can do. God does not ask that we do more than that, but He does require us to do all we can do. When we are at this point, the cleansing blood of Christ can be applied in our lives. This is not to be confused with the belief of some that all we must do is accept Christ and we will be saved. We must continually do all that we can do. In no way do I suggest that it will be easy. There is no quick fix. It is constant, continual work. When the temptations seem so great that you cannot possibly hold out, surrender it to God. Tell Him that you do not have the power to withstand your trial. Give Him the opportunity to use His power to help you. In other words, surrender yourself to Him.

Only in this way can the "great change" spoken of by King Benjamin take place in our lives. We will no longer desire to do that which is wrong, but to do good continually. For this to happen the equation cannot be KNOWLEDGE + EFFORT = CHANGE, but must be GOD + KNOWLEDGE + EFFORT = CHANGE. In order to succeed, we must put God back into the equation.

(Originally published in Journey, Volume 1, Number 6, 1991, pages 1-2.)

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