In explaining his conversion to his son Helaman, Alma says "the very thought of coming into the presence of my God did rack my soul with inexpressible horror" (Alma 36:14). Clearly Alma had committed some pretty grievous sins as he went about openly trying to destroy the church of God. But I would suggest that the same torment should rack each one of us for so-called "minor" sins. Alma's father once asked the question, "can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands?" (Alma 5:19). Here Alma is speaking of the judgment day, but it is so important to remember "that day" is not after we die, it is TODAY! If we are not clean and pure today, then we are missing out on the blessings of the gospel. The Lord revealed to Joseph Smith, "every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am" (D&C 93:1). Why would any of us want to deny ourselves the blessing of being in the presence of the Lord. Again, this is not a blessing that will only come to us in the hereafter. If we are living pure and clean, then we can be given that privilege. In the Priesthood Session of the October 2008 General Conference, Elder Richard G. Scott said the following:
As we share these moments together, I ask you to ponder your personal worthiness to use the sacred authority you hold. I will also ask you to consider how consistently you use your priesthood to bless others. My intent is not to criticize but to help increase the benefits that flow from your use of the priesthood.
Are your private, personal thoughts conducive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, or would they benefit from a thorough housecleaning? Do you nourish your mind with elevating material, or have you succumbed to the enticement of pornographic literature or Web sites? Do you scrupulously avoid the use of stimulants and substances that conflict with the intent of the Word of Wisdom, or have you made some personally rationalized exceptions? Are you most careful to control what enters your mind through your eyes and ears to ensure that it is wholesome and elevating?
If you are divorced, do you provide for the real financial need of the children you have fathered, not just the minimum legal requirement?
If you are married, are you faithful to your wife mentally as well as physically? Are you loyal to your marriage covenants by never engaging in conversation with another woman that you wouldn’t want your wife to overhear? Are you kind and supportive of your own wife and children? Do you assist your wife by doing some of the household chores? Do you lead out in family activities such as scripture study, family prayer, and family home evening, or does your wife fill in the gap your lack of attention leaves in the home? Do you tell her you love her?
If any of you feel uncomfortable with any of the answers you have mentally given to the questions I have asked, take corrective action now."
However, the pain and torment that he described is only part of the story. Although necessary for the repentance process, we do not have to go on living our lives with the heavy burdens. We can repent and go on with our lives, ready to receive the blessings that the Lord has prepared for us; to enjoy his presence.
In the words of Alma, "there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains...on the other hand there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy" (Alma 36:21). This joy came only after Alma turned his heart to the Savior. The pain is necessary to humble us and pay the price for the wrong that we do, but it is just as important to remember that the pain of sin can be taken away when we learn to truly repent though the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
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