Day 227

  • Principle: Self discipline is the key to commitment.  
  • Book of Mormon Reading: Alma 51:13 - 51:21
  • Read again Matthew 19:16-22.  As you read ponder the impact of the question “What lack I yet?"
    • What is the value gained by the man in asking the question “What lack I yet?"
    • Have you ever asked the Lord this same question?  Why/Why not?
      • The question “What Lack I Yet” will open the door to increased understanding.  Then by acting on the direction received your ability will improve until eventually you will be perfect in your following of Jesus Christ.  
  • President Harold B. Lee taught:
    • “Every one of us, if we would reach perfection, must [at] one time ask ourselves this question, ‘What lack I yet?’” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee(2000), 197.)
  • Asking this question will lead to personalized answers as Larry R. Lawrence taught
    • "Holy Ghost really does give customized counsel. He is a completely honest companion and will tell us things that no one else knows or has the courage to say."
    • "The Holy Ghost doesn’t tell us to improve everything at once. If He did, we would become discouraged and give up. The Spirit works with us at our own speed, one step at a time, or as the Lord has taught, “line upon line, precept upon precept, … and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, … for unto him that receiveth I will give more.”6 For example, if the Holy Ghost has been prompting you to say “thank you” more often, and you respond to that prompting, then He may feel it’s time for you to move on to something more challenging—like learning to say, “I’m sorry; that was my fault.”"
    • Followed with the invitation: "I would like to suggest that each of you participate in a spiritual exercise sometime soon, perhaps even tonight while saying your prayers. Humbly ask the Lord the following question: “What is keeping me from progressing?” In other words: “What lack I yet?” Then wait quietly for a response. If you are sincere, the answer will soon become clear. It will be revelation intended just for you."
  • After your prayers and asking “What Lack I Yet” record your thoughts, feelings, and impressions.  Then act on them today!
  • Additional Study:
    • Larry R. Lawrence, “What Lack I Yet?”, October 2015
    • Guide Me to Thee, Hymns No. 101
    • I'll Walk with You, Children's Songbook No. 140