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A Few Degrees

"I have learned that the difference between happiness and misery in individuals, in marriages, and families often comes down to an error of only a few degrees," said President Uchtdorf in General Conference April 2008. To illustrate this point, he explained that if your course flying around the world were just one degree off, by the time you got back around, you would be 500 miles (800 km) off course.

It almost seems unfair that a small mistake can have such a negatively dramatic effect on our lives. However, it is not one small error that does this, but many "small errors and minor drifts away from the doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is therefore of critical importance that we become self-disciplined enough to make early and decisive corrections to get back on the right track and not wait or hope that errors will somehow correct themselves.

"The longer we delay corrective action, the larger the needed changes become, and the longer it takes to get back on the correct course—even to the point where a disaster might be looming."

When we catch and correct mistakes early, we can progress more quickly, easily, and happily toward our celestial goal. When we fail to do so, we end up feeling hopeless. One of Satan's biggest and most successful lies is that it is too late and pointless to repent, because we have offended God so greatly that He will never forgive us. Refuse to believe this lie! It is in exact opposition to the purpose of the Atonement. President Uchtdorf emphasized this point: "No matter how terribly off course you are, no matter how far you have strayed, the way back is certain and clear. . . . It may not be an easy path, and it requires self-discipline and determination, but its end is glorious beyond description. You are not doomed to a tragic end."

We must constantly tell ourselves we can make it back to Heavenly Father even if we aren't perfect. "Remember: the heavens will not be filled with those who never made mistakes but with those who recognized that they were off course and who corrected their ways to get back in the light of gospel truth."

Challenge: Examine your life and find an area in which you feel you are drifting off course. Act now to return to the strait and narrow path.
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Comments

Anonymous said…
I like this talk so much because it helps me when I go off course
DAD
January 28, 2010 at 1:14 AM
Anonymous said…
Sometimes one error can have life long consequences that can not be undone. They can affect us, those we love, and others that we don't even know. Nonetheless, what a blessing the gospel is in giving us repentance, forgiveness, and hope in the future.
Mom
January 28, 2010 at 2:00 PM
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