Latter-day Saint Life

5 Myths About Keeping the Commandments—Busted

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As Latter-day Saints, we try to keep the Lord's commandments, but sometimes we tell ourselves things that simply aren't true and that keep us from even trying.

Still not perfect yet? It’s OK. Here’s why.

Ever feel like you don’t measure up? First, remember that no one is perfect. We all “come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). And second, give yourself a break! You’re probably doing better than you think. Here are some common myths about keeping commandments, along with some facts to keep in mind.

Everybody else is doing better than I am.

Fact: God doesn’t judge us by comparison. We shouldn’t either.

Don’t worry if you think others are doing much better than you.

“God is fully aware that you and I are not perfect. … God is also fully aware that the people you think are perfect are not.

You'll also like: When We Try to One-Up the Lord's Standards: Culture vs. Commandments

“And yet we spend so much time and energy comparing ourselves to others—usually comparing our weaknesses to their strengths. This drives us to create expectations for ourselves that are impossible to meet. …

“Be compassionate and patient with yourself" (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, “Forget Me Not,” Oct. 2011 general conference).

And remember, “We are not in a race against each other. … The race we are really in is the race against sin” (Jeffrey R. Holland, Apr. 2012 general conference). So just try to do your best to become better each day.

Lead image by John Kachik from lds.org.
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