A few days ago a song caught my attention that I had not heard in years but that day a couple of its phrases really struck me. “I’m going to make a change . . . I’m going to make a difference . . . I’m going to start with the man in the mirror” (Michael Jackson Song)

As we look in the mirror what do we see? Do we see a compassionate person filled with love, kindness, and the desire to do God’s will or do we see something else?

Most of us have strong desires to follow the Lord and keep His commandments, just as He obeyed His Father. Christ did everything he was commanded, even drinking the “bitter cup” of Gethsemane and dying on the cross to atone for our sins.

Christ said, “If you love me keep my commandments.” What do we see when we look in the mirror? The face of someone striving to keep the commandments or someone with a willing spirit, but no determination and weak flesh?

Thinking about that, my thoughts turn to Paul and King Agrippa. You remember the story in Acts 26:22-31. After being taught by Paul, King Agrippa responds in verse 28 and says: “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.”   The King knew what was right, but he lacked the intestinal fortitude to do what was right.

Do we not often times rationalize to ourselves some of the following:

“ALMOST thou persuadest me to keep the Sabbath day holy, but I had tickets to a big game.”

“ALMOST thou persuadest me to love my neighbor, but he doesn’t agree with me and is always cranky.”

“ALMOST thou persuadest me not to shoplift, but payday was so far away and I needed the shirt today.”

How many times do we fall short because we have the attitude of King Agrippa? How tragic it would be to stand before Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ hear the proclamation: “Almost thou made it to Heaven.”

Christ came to earth that we might have a better eternity. We need to do away with the ALMOSTS and try with all of our heart, might, mind and strength to do the will of our Father. It is my prayer that the person in your mirror and my mirror become doers of the word…

and bury each ALMOST.

*** Scott Bartlett *** is assistant director of public affairs for the Sioux Falls Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints