Remember. . . I have always liked computers . . .

Mom's Moment
January 16, 2005

Last week I talked about the "hardware" we are made of:

1. I am the son/daughter of our Heavenly Father;
2. He loves me unconditionally and completely;
3. He doesn't compare me to anyone else.

We need to remember the amazing "hardware" we have!! Now, if you have a way cool computer system, but have no software to run with the hardware, there is a problem. Or, if you have a bad or corrupted operating system, your hardware isn't going to perform well, if at all.
Let's say you go out and smoke a cigarette. The program you're running at that moment might be called "Rebellion 1.1" or "Curiosity 2.1" Initially it seems like a cool program. It might make you feel popular, or "in" with a certain group of friends or associates. It might make you feel like you don't stick out like you would if you said, "No, thanks." However, this software has some faulty programming in it and eventually you get awful signals...text messages that say, "You're such a jerk! I can't believe you'd go against God like that! You're an idiot to smoke. What would your PARENTS think if they knew?!?!" But then the program entices you back to smoke again. "You smoked once, so what's the big deal. It's not going to hurt to do it again. What would everyone say...since they know you smoke?!"
Around and around this program goes. And there are millions of programs out there just like it. They might be named things like: Negativity 1.0; Drinking 2.3; Questionable Jokes 5.0; Bad Language 3.1; Don't Have Time For Prayers 4.1; I'm Too Tired For Scripture Study 2.1, and so on.
However, there is a software program, if followed, that is perfect and will help us attain all that our Heavenly Father has in store for us. It's The Gospel Plan version 1.0.
Occasionally, when other "programs" are advertised and the newest and best thing around, The Gospel Plan version 1.0 can appear to be outdated, old fashioned, and not keeping up with the times. However, just as President Hinckley has pointed out in the January 2005 Ensign: "The Lord has given us counsel and commandment on so many things that no member of this Church need ever equivocate. He has established our guidelines concerning personal virtue, neighborliness, obedience to law, loyalty to government, observance of the Sabbath day, sobriety and abstinence from liquor and tobacco, the payment of tithes and offerings, the care of the poor, the cultivation of home and family, the sharing of the gospel—to name just a few."

If we will use the right "software program" – pursue a steady course in living the gospel in our own lives, the gospel standards will help us through all of the troubles and trials of the world, and we will emerge victorious.