While this knowledge is truth to me and ingrained within me there are those who say that there is no God. This got me thinking. If there is not God which means there is no devil than the only thing we are beholden to is man. This would lead you to believe that you can do as you wish as long as you live with in the laws of man. Sounds like an alright way to live. However, what if you were wrong? What if there is a devil and God does exist and you are his child? Would you live differently?
I recall one day speaking to a friend about the struggle and temptations I was feeling from Satan. A Co-worker overheard me and scoffed at the idea. It was an uncomfortable moment in my life and perhaps I could have inquired into her thoughts more had I been a little more prepared, but I do think of that moment from time to time.
In 2 Nephi chapter 28 verses 21-23 of the Book of Mormon it states, "the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell. And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: I am no devil, for there is none--and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance. Yea, they are grasped with death, and hell; and death, and hell, and the devil, and all that have been seized therewith must stand before the throne of God, and be judged according to their works, from whence they must go into the place prepared for them, even a lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless torment."
I ask again what if God and the devil exist? What if the devil wants you to believe that he doesn't exist so he can carefully lead you down to a lake of fire and brimstone? Contrast that idea with this, "When you … see our Father,” Brigham Young described, “you will see a being with whom you have long been acquainted, and he will receive you into his arms, and you will be ready to fall into his embrace and kiss him.” Would you prefer fire and brimstone or a loving accepting Father who welcomes you into his arms.
Now if there is a God in Heaven you will need to live laws above and beyond that of men. That isn't always easy. I know that, but I testify that doing all you can to live God's laws is worth it. As I look back on my life I realize the blessings given to me because I have held tightly to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
