Controlling Your Passions: A Guide for LDS Members

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are taught to live our lives in accordance with the principles and teachings of the gospel. One of the fundamental aspects of living a faithful and fulfilling life is learning to control our passions. In this article, we will explore the importance of controlling our passions, the challenges that may arise, and practical strategies for doing so.

Understanding the Concept of Passions

Before delving into the topic of controlling our passions, it is essential to understand what the term “passions” encompasses. In a religious context, passions refer to our inner desires, emotions, and inclinations. They are the driving forces behind our thoughts, actions, and behaviors. While some passions can be positive and virtuous, others may lead us astray and hinder our spiritual growth.

The scriptures often warn us about the dangers of unchecked passions. In the Book of Mormon, Alma cautions his son Corianton about the consequences of yielding to his unbridled passions, stating, “For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again, and be restored. Therefore, the word restoration more fully condemneth the sinner, and justifieth him not at all” (Alma 41:15). This verse emphasizes the principle of accountability and highlights the importance of exercising control over our passions.

Challenges in Controlling Passions

Controlling our passions is not an easy feat, especially in today’s fast-paced and interconnected world. We are constantly bombarded with stimuli that cater to our base desires and impulses, making it challenging to resist temptation and maintain self-discipline. Moreover, the natural man, as described in the Book of Mormon, is prone to yielding to sensual and carnal desires (Mosiah 3:19). These inherent tendencies can pose significant obstacles in our efforts to control our passions and live according to God’s commandments.

Furthermore, external influences, such as societal norms, peer pressure, and media portrayals, can perpetuate and exacerbate our passions. The prevalence of instant gratification and the normalization of indulgence in worldly pleasures can lead us astray and foster a mindset that prioritizes temporary satisfaction over enduring peace and joy.

Strategies for Controlling Passions

Despite the challenges we may face, there are practical strategies and principles that can help us in our journey to control our passions. As members of the LDS faith, we are blessed with the guidance of modern-day prophets and apostles, whose inspired counsel can provide profound insights and solutions to our struggles.

1. Cultivate Spiritual Strength: Strengthening our relationship with God through prayer, scripture study, and regular church attendance can fortify our spirits and empower us to resist temptation. President Thomas S. Monson counseled, “The most effective medicine for the disease of self-centeredness is to reach out and give to others.”

2. Exercise Self-Control: Developing self-discipline and exercising self-control are essential in controlling our passions. Elder M. Russell Ballard taught, “Self-control is like a muscle—it gets stronger as we use it and atrophies if we don’t use it.”

3. Seek Accountability and Support: Building a support system within the Church community can provide accountability and encouragement in our efforts to control our passions. By fostering open and honest discussions with trusted individuals, we can seek guidance and strength in times of need.

4. Avoid Triggers and Temptations: Identifying and avoiding triggers that may ignite our passions is crucial in maintaining self-control. Whether it be through limiting exposure to certain media content or distancing ourselves from environments that may lead to temptation, being mindful of our surroundings can help us stay on the path of righteousness.

5. Replace Negative Habits with Positive Ones: Instead of succumbing to destructive habits, we can actively replace them with positive and productive activities. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf emphasized, “Disciples of Jesus Christ understand that compared to eternal life, our most passionate desires are like a child’s longing for a momentary pleasure of a favorite toy.”

Benefits of Controlling Passions

As we strive to control our passions and align our lives with God’s commandments, we can experience a myriad of blessings and rewards. Through exercising self-mastery, we can cultivate greater peace, harmony, and spiritual growth. Additionally, as we demonstrate our willingness to submit our passions to God’s will, we can receive divine aid and guidance in overcoming our weaknesses.

Furthermore, by mastering our passions, we can become instruments in the Lord’s hands, serving and blessing the lives of others. President Russell M. Nelson stated, “We have such diverse missions to perform: helping our children turn their hearts, foster learning in our homes, make our family history come alive, bless our brothers and sisters, comfort the weary, bear testimony of the Savior, and on and on.”

Ultimately, controlling our passions is not merely a matter of personal willpower; it is a sacred obligation and a divine opportunity to draw closer to our Heavenly Father and become more like His Son, Jesus Christ. By centering our lives on the gospel and relying on the enabling power of the Atonement, we can conquer our passions and find lasting joy in living a life of faith and obedience.

In conclusion, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, controlling our passions is an integral part of our discipleship. It requires diligence, self-discipline, and reliance on the teachings of the gospel. Despite the challenges we may encounter, the principles and strategies outlined in this article can serve as a guide in our efforts to exercise self-mastery and align our lives with God’s will. By controlling our passions, we can experience greater peace, draw closer to our Heavenly Father, and become instruments in His hands.