Immediate Gratification

                We can bring the greatest of all liberties into our individual lives by living true and correct principles.  This liberty comes to us as we learn to live as though Jesus Christ were walking beside us.  We gain this freedom as we invite the Holy Ghost into our lives.

                  The liberty principle for today is number fifteen in a series of true principles suggested by Elder Richard G. Scott in his book

21 Principles – Divine Truths to Help You Live by the Spirit.  I will merely introduce the principle and suggest that you obtain Elder Scott’s book in order to truly understand this principle.  Elder Scott explained that principles “are concentrated truth, packaged for application to a wide variety of circumstances.  A true principle makes decisions clear even under the most confusing and challenging circumstances.”  You can see principle #1 “True Principles of Freedom” here.  

                  Principle #15 is the simple fact that seeking immediate gratification can distract us from accomplishing greater things.  Distraction is one of the many tools Satan uses in his attempt to stop God’s plan from being successful.  If he can distract us from the essential activities of this life, he does not need to tempt us to do bad things.

                “Although our memory of it is withheld, before we came to this earth we lived in the presence of God, our Eternal Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ.  We shouted for joy when given the privilege of coming to this earth to receive a body and to move forward in God’s plan for our happiness.  We knew that we would be tested here.  Part of that testing is to have so many seemingly interesting things to do that we can forget the main purposes for being here.  Satan works very hard so that the essential things won’t happen.

                “In quiet moments when you think about it, you recognize what is critically important in life and what isn’t.  Be wise and don’t let good things crowd out those that are essential.

                “What are the essential ones?  They are related to doctrine.  They are centered in ordinances and embrace critical covenants.  To receive all of the blessings of the Savior’s atoning sacrifice, we are only asked to be obedient to His commandments and to receive all  of the essential ordinances:  baptism, confirmation, priesthood ordinations for men, and temple ordinances.  The Atonement will not only help us overcome our transgressions and mistakes, but, in His time, it will resolve all inequities of life – those things that are unfair which are the consequences of circumstance or others’ acts and not our own decisions.”

                Elder Scott counseled:  “Don’t give up what you most want in life for something you think you want now.”  He suggested that we find a quiet place to “ponder and let the Lord establish the direction of your life.”  He suggested that we do this activity “periodically” to “confirm” we are on the right path.  He suggested that we ask ourselves some questions:  1) “What are my highest priorities to be accomplished while on earth?”  2) “How do I use my discretionary time?  Is some of it consistently applied to my highest priorities?”  3) “Is there anything I know I should not be doing?  If so, I will repent and stop it now.”

                “In a quiet moment, write down your responses.  Analyze them.  Make any necessary adjustments.  Put first things first” (pp. 73-75).

                As I was typing the above quote I remembered a test we can give our children to determine if they have self-control to withstand the need for immediate gratification.  Ask the children to sit at the table.  Place a marshmallow in front of them on the table.  Tell them you are testing them to see if they can leave the marshmallow on the table until you return to the room.  If their marshmallow is still in front of them when you return, you will give them two marshmallows.  Leave the room for a few minutes and return.  Reward the children who could withstand their need for immediate gratification.  This is a very difficult test for some children.  It might be good if the test is given on a somewhat irregular basis using different treats.  A marshmallow is no test at all for someone that does not like marshmallows!

                So what are some of the distractions that keep us from more important things?  Do we sleep a few extra minutes rather get up and study the scriptures before leaving for school or work?  Do we watch Monday Night Football instead of holding family home evening?  How about going fishing or golfing or to a movie rather than keeping the Sabbath Day holy?  I know numerous young people who were distracted from a temple wedding by things of this world as well as some young men who were distracted from serving in the mission field by friends.

                I have made all the covenants and received all ordinances of this life, and I try real hard to keep those covenants.  I am however often distracted from important things such as scripture study in the morning by the “need” to do something else or go somewhere important.  I have to keep pulling myself back from such distractions and do the activities that I consider most important in reaching my eternal goals.  I tell myself quite often to “put first things first.”  I try to mentally put desires in categories of “good,” “better,” and “best.”  Cleaning the house is usually a good way to use my time but spending time with my husband may be a better or even the best way.  I am constantly appraising my plans to see if I use my time in the best way.  I encourage you to start asking yourself, is this activity good, better, or best?  Questioning choices is one way to make good ones.