Mastery of Self

If you think about it, any problem you face should be solvable if you only learn to master yourself.  What does it mean to master yourself?  It means not letting other people, things, emotions or addictions make your decisions for you.  It means having complete control over achieving what you want to get out of your life.  Thinking of ways that we could accomplish such a task reminded me of an experience that we had in the mission.  Our mission president would counsel us to make the white rule handbook part of our daily scripture study.  At first, I didn't understand, I thought it was even a little silly.  We know what a missionary should and should not do, why must we go over it again and again?  The truth of the matter is that if it is constantly in mind, we constantly have our guard up against temptation that could have otherwise caught us unaware.  Likewise, we must constantly study the commandments found in the scriptures, and make a personal code of things that you would like to live by.  Make personal goals and keep track of them.  Second, you must fulfill your obligations that you make.  Keep your covenants as well as your word.  Go to church and your church meetings.  be honest to others as well as to yourself and the Lord.  Lastly, always include Him in your life through prayer and fasting.  Who could be a better watchman than He who has seen everything, created everything, and knows you and your circumstances better than you do.  Why would you shut Him out of your plans and goals?  Do these things and you will notice the difference in your life.