We are free to choose for ourselves according to today's scripture mastery (2 Nephi 2:27)

 27 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.

This scripture goes hand in hand with yesterday's scripture mastery.  We are free to have joy--if we choose to follow Christ.  Now that doesn't mean that life will be a life of luxury or ease.  We will continue to have difficult times and difficult choices to make throughout our life even if we do choose to follow the Savior.  

However, if we don't choose to follow Christ, and keep his commandments, we can often bring unnecessary pain and suffering on ourselves or those that we love.

There are many who think that keeping the commandments of God is something that is restrictive and limiting in our lives.  They see those who are not keeping the commandments of God, and are seemingly having a good time, and wonder why they can't join in the fun.  The key is, I think, that the "fun things" that Satan tries to get us to participate in are usually things that bring only temporary pleasure.  They are most often addicting in one way or another.  They are things that Satan uses to captivate and trap those that do them.

For example, if everybody followed the 10 commandments, think how much less suffering there would be in the world.  And think of the "word of wisdom" which is unique to our faith--that states that we should not drink alcohol.  Alcohol is addicting.  Not everybody who drinks it becomes an alcoholic--but the danger is there to become addicted.   If we avoid it, we don't have to worry about Satan capturing us in that way and making us miserable because of that.  We can see the pain and suffering caused by the misuse of alcohol--the consequences of it can go even to the loss of life of innocent people (drunk driving accidents for example.)  The same council goes for avoiding pornography.  It is addictive.  It is demoralizing and demeaning to those who are involved.  It causes unnecessary pain and suffering.  That suffering is not only for the person who views the pornography, but also to many innocent people. 

Now, Satan would have us believe that if we have become trapped in one of his traps, that we are done--that we cannot ever be happy again.  He would have us believe that we can never regain the trust of those around us.   He would have us believe that we can never be forgiven.  That is a lie!  If we stop doing those things that bring us down, we can be forgiven!  Christ has the power to cleanse us of the sins that we have.  He has the power to help us to forsake the sins that we have, and to repent.  The heavy burden that we carry because of sin can be taken from us (Matthew 11:28-30):

 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

It is up to us if we choose to take advantage of that great gift that Christ offers to us all.  Let us not carry the heavy burden of sin and guilt any longer than we must!  Let us repent, and come unto Christ.  Let us partake of the happiness and joy that Christ offers to all that repent and follow Him.