Post 23: Your Acres of Diamonds—Treasures Within

Uncover your acres of diamonds by mastering the flesh and finding your divine purpose. Claim the treasures within reach through Christ’s grace and self-mastery.

The greatest treasures of purpose and fulfillment are not found in distant pursuits, but within—uncovered as we master the natural man through Christ.

Uncovering the Diamonds in Your Backyard

Have you ever felt like there’s more to life than what you’re currently experiencing? Perhaps you sense greatness within you, yet the pull of worldly desires or the grind of daily life keeps you from finding it. The truth is, your divine purpose is closer than you think—like the diamonds hidden in your backyard. Your treasures are not in distant lands but deep within, waiting to be uncovered as you align your life with God’s will.

The Struggle of Diamonds Lost

Many search far and wide for purpose and fulfillment, believing it must be found in distant lands or lofty achievements. Russell Conwell’s classic Acres of Diamonds illustrates this truth vividly. A man sells all he has to seek riches elsewhere, only for others to later discover that the treasure he sought lay buried in his own backyard.

This story reflects a deeper struggle with self-mastery. When we seek satisfaction in worldly appetites—especially lustful thoughts or behaviors—we wander away from the divine potential already within us. These misplaced pursuits blind us to the sanctifying power of self-mastery—the key to rising above the natural man and aligning with the holiness of God.

Turning Weakness into Strength

The gospel of Jesus Christ is a process of transformation. Through His grace, weak things become strong.

My own journey reflects this truth. Growing up on a horse ranch, I resisted lessons of hard work, vowing never to thank my stepmother for trying to teach me. Yet decades later, I find myself filled with gratitude for her efforts.

Recently, I worked a temporary job in a copper wire plant—my first manual labor since those ranch days. That experience grounded me in humility and brought me back to my roots. It also revealed my true acres of diamonds: serving those struggling with addiction, particularly sexual addiction.

As children of God living in a telestial world, our task is to conquer the appetites of the natural man. True self-mastery begins here. It prepares us for higher laws and for discovering, developing, and sharing our divine gifts.

Steps to Self-Mastery

Turn to Christ for Strength
Recognize that self-mastery is not achieved alone. Call upon His grace to transform weakness into strength.

Seek Guidance from the Holy Ghost
The Holy Ghost refines heart and mind, helping discern the steps needed to align life with God’s will.

Take Consistent, Faithful Action
Begin with small, deliberate choices aligned with divine principles, building habits of holiness day by day.

The Transformative Power of Self-Mastery

When self-mastery is embraced through Christ, chains of addiction and weakness fall away. Clarity replaces confusion. Strength rises where doubt once reigned. Through His grace, talents are uncovered and purpose clarified.

This transformation lifts the soul from telestial patterns toward higher laws, preparing us to eventually receive all that the Father has. The path to celestial living begins with mastering the flesh and yielding the heart to the tutorship of the Holy Ghost.

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Originally published December 15, 2024.