Transformative Principles Open My Eyes—A Journey to Strengthen Marriages

Discover how transformative principles can repair relationships, strengthen individuals, and unlock the power of Christ in your life.

Guiding Individuals to Christ’s Power

I’ve been blessed to gain insights into transformative principles that help individuals and couples overcome challenges that weaken faith, self-mastery, and relationships. These principles center on guiding those who are struggling—whether with addiction, betrayal, or disconnection—toward Christ’s power to repair not only their marriages but their very souls.

I am deeply grateful for the generosity of Maurice Harker, author of Like Dragons Did They Fight, in sharing these principles and tools, which have opened my eyes to their transformative potential.

The Causation of Error

Many people today are caught in what Napoleon Hill describes in his book Outwitting the Devil as "hypnotic rhythm," a state of mindlessness created by filling our lives with distractions such as movies, music, and endless entertainment. By the age of 35, most individuals are living almost entirely by habit, as Joe Dispenza explains in Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself, succumbing to automatic behaviors and thought patterns that reinforce their current state.

These patterns rob us of intentionality and leave us disconnected from our divine potential. How can we expect to become like our Heavenly Father if we allow our thoughts and actions to be dictated by worldly rhythms rather than by divine truths?

The adversary thrives on distraction, subtly binding individuals in chains of complacency and self-indulgence. But Christ invites all to “awake and arise” (2 Nephi 1:13) and take responsibility for their thoughts, actions, and lives. Breaking free from these habits requires intentional effort, guided by the principles of the gospel and the enabling power of Christ.

The Insight of Transformation

I carry this insight with me, inspired by my 19th year when I received a powerful vision: just as a kitten becomes a cat or a colt becomes a horse, a son or daughter of God has the divine potential to become like Him.

This transformation is not instantaneous, nor is it superficial. It requires yielding to the Holy Ghost, taking Christ’s yoke upon oneself, and learning through grace and effort to live His teachings.

This work reminds me of the sanctifying power of marriage. A marriage covenant, when honored, becomes a tool for spiritual growth and refinement. But when neglected or broken, it becomes a crucible of pain. Healing, then, is not simply about fixing a marriage; it is about strengthening individuals to turn to Christ, rediscover His yoke, and invite His power into their lives.

Strength Under His Yoke

Through these principles, I have seen firsthand how Christ’s teachings apply to even the most difficult situations. They include tools to help individuals recognize and dismantle the strategies of the adversary, such as:

• Detecting the Tactics of the Enemy: Identifying thoughts and behaviors that pull individuals away from God’s truth.
• Awareness and Accountability: Learning to observe and take responsibility for one’s actions and emotions rather than shifting blame.
• Spiritual Preparation: Preparing daily for the inevitable battles against temptation, relying on the power of Christ to overcome.

These tools serve as reminders that the adversary is cunning but can be defeated when individuals live intentionally and stay connected to God.

Taking Ownership of Your Thoughts

Remember, the goal is to think God’s thoughts and live God’s ways. This requires you to take ownership of your mind and actions. To develop the character of Christ, you must first watch your thoughts, for, as James Allen profoundly expounds in As a Man Thinketh, your character is the sum of your thoughts.

This process involves more than willpower; it requires submission to the Savior. As we yield to His Spirit, our thoughts become aligned with His truth, and our actions follow. Over time, the natural man is subdued, and the divine potential within us emerges.

Tools to Tap Into His Power

These transformative principles guide individuals in discovering tools that help them tap into Christ’s power. These tools focus on intentionality and spiritual preparation, including:

• Thought Accountability: Recognizing the impact of thoughts and replacing destructive patterns with truth.
• Christlike Action: Aligning behavior with His teachings to bring light into relationships.
• Daily Spiritual Practice: Prayer, scripture study, and other habits that invite the Spirit and enable change.

These tools empower individuals to move beyond survival mode, take ownership of their discipleship, and act as agents in their own salvation. The ultimate goal is to live as Christ lived, one step at a time.

The Journey Ahead

This journey has deepened my understanding of what it means to emulate Christ and to strengthen others under His yoke. Whether through group discussions, content creation, or one-on-one mentoring, the mission is to help couples and individuals take ownership of their lives, rediscover the power of His yoke, and walk the path toward unity and exaltation.

This is the work of Zion: not merely enduring trials but seeing them as opportunities to grow, transform, and become. It is my hope that through these principles, individuals and couples alike will see their divine potential, rise above their struggles, and find peace and power in the Savior’s embrace.

Reflect on how taking ownership of your thoughts and actions can align your life with Christ’s power and transform your relationships. Through intentional discipleship and Christ’s enabling grace, you can unlock your divine potential.

In the next post, we’ll explore how the Church serves as a place of healing and growth—a service center rather than a showroom—empowering disciples to lift others with Christ’s love. Subscribe below for Christ-centered insights and tools to guide your journey.