Getting on or Returning to the Covenant Path
The covenant path refers to the sequence of covenants that are required for salvation in the kingdom of heaven. These covenants are offered by a male member of the local church who has priesthood keys that authorize and/or administer these covenants. The first covenant is baptism and is authorized by a mission president or a bishop. The second covenant is only for men and confers either the Aaronic or Melchizedek priesthood. The third covenant is the endowment and requires both bishop and stake president approval. The last covenant is called a sealing and this one is only for a heterosexual couple entering into a marital relationship. The last two covenants include permission to enter the House of the Lord known as LDS temple.
When I wake up in the middle of the night and turn the light on, my eyes are unaccustomed to the light and I squint. This occurs because my eyes are not able to adjust instantly to the light. Similarly, when getting on the covenant path, there may be a period of adjustment. The covenant path includes a cleansing process as well as a gift of strength to be able to stand in the light of holiness of that level of grace. These things should not be taken lightly.
In preparation for the increased light and to prevent evil from overpowering with discouragement the efforts to come into the light, here are some suggestions. These suggestions come from the advice that we give to youth as they learn and grow in self discipline and make choices both for good and evil. Changes in environment may help make the transition to changes in behavior easier.
Choose friendships and associate with people who have high moral standards. People influence each other all the time and often try to pull others down to their level rather than encourage them in their aspirations.
Choose wisely when using media because whatever you read, listen to, or look at has an effect on you.
Gratitude will turn your heart to the Lord and help you recognize His influence and blessings in your life. Even in your most difficult times, you can find much to be grateful for. Doing so will strengthen and bless you.
Be honest with yourself, others, and God at all times.
Speak kindly and positively about others. Choose not to insult others or put them down, even in joking. Avoid gossip of any kind, and avoid speaking in anger.
Choose carefully the music you listen to. Pay attention to how you feel when you are listening. Some music can carry evil and destructive messages.
You gain the blessings of a healthy body, an alert mind, and the guidance of the Holy Ghost. You will be prepared to serve the Lord. Never let Satan or others deceive you into thinking that abusing caffeine, alcohol, nicotine or opioids will make you happier, more popular, or more attractive.
Use your time wisely by choosing to work, increase your education or improve family relationships. Reducing the time that is spent in frivolous things makes it easier to avoid negativity.
“The Savior Jesus Christ promises those who follow Him: 'Your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you' (D&C 88:67; see also 3 Nephi 13:22–23). Fill your life with truth, righteousness, peace, and faith. As you fill your life with goodness, there will be no room for…spiritual darkness. Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve observed: 'Light and darkness cannot occupy the same space at the same time. Light dispels darkness. When light is present, darkness is vanquished and must depart. More important, darkness cannot conquer light unless the light is diminished or departs' (in Conference Report, Apr. 2002, 80–81; or Ensign, May 2002, 70). You fill your life with light as you pray and study the scriptures with real intent, seeking to know, understand, and follow the Lord. You will find that the word of God has a 'more powerful effect' upon you 'than … anything else' (Alma 31:5). An understanding of true doctrine will help you change your attitudes and behaviors." Let Virtue Garnish Thy Thoughts, p2
Jesus Christ understood the power of evil and its effect on people. He said, “When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
“He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.
“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.
“Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.” (Luke 11:21-26)
From this I understand that just sweeping the house once after a change has been decided upon is not enough to maintain the state of cleanliness. Evil influences come back because they know that long-term change requires constant effort and they are betting on a short push rather than a sustained effort. Once the environment is prepared or cleaned up, and people are gathered to support each other in the changes that are proposed, then there is still the individual and what he/she chooses to do.
I am on the covenant path but I am swimming with the current so to speak. My friends and family are all doing the same things. We adults are encouraging our kids to do the same things. The music and movies we ingest are uplifting. I am not discouraged to choose good things and positive thoughts. I am certain that this kind of environment can be found in any country and that it is one reason that I am successful in living in a pious way despite the cultural trends.