by Bernadette Jasmin

Created on: January 10, 2007   Last Updated: May 11, 2007

As spiritual beings in an imperfect world we sometimes deviate from spiritual laws and try to excuse our own inadequicies. Therefore, we try and find coping mechanisms to help us deal with reality without facing our inner shame. When we sin the distance grows between us and our Heavenly Father. Our beings are interconnected to him because we are his spirit children. As the distance grows between us we are often plagued by a myriad of spiritual and emotional ills. Quite often individuals such as these begin to inquire what is the purpose of life? Is this it? In this context many people reject the idea of following the spiritual path because being holy connotes suffering while spiritual permissiveness seems to point to a measure of happiness. But I assert that many people confuse the two concepts and assume that one cannot be happy and holy at the same time. In reality it is the exact opposite; in fact true holiness implies the embodiment of complete and absolute joy.

Sometimes as individuals we have preconceived ideas about what certain terms imply or mean and therefore lose sight of their true meaning. One of these terms is holiness. We often confuse martyrdom and suffering with holiness. Of course those who work at being holy sometimes do suffer for the sins of others, but the two concepts are not synonymous. In reality a person becomes more holy as they seek to learn the true nature of god and pattern their lives after him.

Quite often many people ask how can there be a God with all the suffering in the world? This is a valid question because of the atrocities committed against humanity. Our Heavenly Father has sent us to this laboratory to be tested and sometimes we feel like guinea pigs in a cage. Each day we are bombarded by the knowledge that some individuals are allowed to commit negative acts that are unrestricted while others suffer. Because his patience and justice is beyond what we can comprehend we sometimes mistake the idea that he does not care. He loves us very much therefore he allows unrepentant souls almost endless opportunities to turn away from sin, in order for his punishment to be just. The other matter that comes into play is that one of the major rules of heaven is that we are free to choose our path in each circumstance that we face. He will not impose himself upon us. Nevertheless, there are times in which he does intervene miraculously for those who trust in him and seek to change their ways.

Reality can seem harsh and unbending in

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