5. Purpose before Perseverance

 
This week's primary lesson asked the question: Does success rely upon Skill, Character or Luck? And the conclusion was perseverance. 
I think we need to back up a bit further. Perseverance alone is not a virtue if not coupled with quality character. If your aim is to do good, bring about righteousness, and honor God, perseverance is a quality that will bring about good. On the flip side, if someone is dishonest, deceitful, selfish and doesn't regard the welfare of others, or opposed faith in Christ and seeks to destroy the Church and take advantage of others, perseverance becomes a vice, and should be replaced with repentance and humility. Perseverance in the wrong direction is the same as persisting in wickedness. Perseverance in the right direction is faith and fortitude.

I believe that the content of one's character ought to be right first, before infusing the principle of persistence. One must align themselves aright before running the race, else they run the wrong direction and think that all they must do is press on no matter what. Similar to teachings of encouragement, confidence, assurance, and disregarding contrary opinions, these and other qualifiers of strength are tools. If someone's character is lacking, the premature application of perseverance only galvanizes the existing behavior, and turns it from faith to obstinance. 

This is something I have been working on with myself: sorting out and discerning between things that I ought to continue, and those things that I need to cut out of my life. It seems simple, though not as easy to carry out. I've been keeping my ear to the ground and staying up to date with current events as best I can without being swallowed up in the sea of information. As far as the state of things in the world, this country, and the church, I seek to stay up to date that I might know better what I am needed to do, and somewhere I can make a positive difference.

There are many troubling things going on in the world. The things which concern me the most are in relation to the Church: Members who are losing their faith, being deceived be false philosophes and turning away from the truth and fighting against the Gospel. 
I have gone to the temples and have been reminded about the covenants that the Lord has made, and which I have made. I am reminded of the right use and purpose of each part of my body and being. I am reminded of obedience, and who I obey. Of sacrifice and for whom I sacrifice. Of the Gospel, of chastity, and of consecration, and the end of all these, that the promises are glorious. I believe that the full and intentional application of these brings about ultimate success.

My Patriarchal Blessing plays a huge role in directing my life-choices. There are many promises made, and person prophesies given about my future, given I live up to the promises. This has been key in choosing which values to prioritize, which career paths I should or should not take. It offers the golden thread of firm hope for the blessings of my family that is the desire of my heart, and warns me about certain pitfalls to avoid. I read my blessing again recently, and received assurance that I am headed in the right direction. I also was able to see where I am lacking, and things I have been neglecting.

This is why I believe that purpose comes before perseverance. In order to be successful, you don't have to have all the skills or knowledge at the onset, and you may not find luck. But if you start with cultivating a character that is good, and keep the commandments, you will prosper. Once you are faced in the right direction, then you persevere. When you are faced in the right direction and persevere, then you will develop needed skills, your character will improve and you will even find additional blessings and miracles - which some might call luck. Before you persevere, consider the end of the road you're on. Consider your purpose. If, by the witness of the Spirit, you are assured that you are on the right road, then you press forward, and you press on, come what may.