self-mastery

“You will never have a greater or lesser dominion than that over yourself.  The height of a man’s success is gauged by his self-mastery; the depth of his failure by his self-abandonment and this law is the expression of eternal justice. He who cannot establish dominion over himself will have no dominion over others.”  This was such a powerful statement by And da Vinci. 

How can I be trusted by others if I am not able trust myself? If I am not trusted how can I ever have success. This reminded me of the many scriptures that deal with the power of the tongue. James 1:26 reads: If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion [is] vain.

Two important elements in self-mastery listed by Elder Tanner are fundamental. During the week I found myself measuring myself against them these two elements as I went about doing what I do. The first element is my personal moral standards and the other is willpower. It simple, without hugely complicated list with a hundred pointers. Two simple steps. These two simple steps however are not all we get though. I have experienced being taught by the Holy Ghost around personal improvement and refinement this week more than usual. The Holy Ghost has and continues to help be become a better version of myself. I have found myself at times excusing myself by saying; ‘that is just who I am’. That is not good enough. I need not only the knowledge of right and wrong but the willpower to make the changes needed.