When we discover our natural man[1] we have two roads we can travel. The first road is the one of least resistance. We avoid rooting the natural man out of us, preferring instead to go it alone, hoping that by ignoring or avoiding his influence, he will quietly go away. The path of least resistance is one of avoidance, which allows our weakness[2] to thrive and grow.
We exert energy blaming others for our shortcomings. We attempt to get others to see it our way (tell) and we live in a state of anger, trying to control others by exercising dominion over them. When we discover our weakness (addiction) we can sink into despair (shame) and discount the saving power of God.
The other road is the one least travelled. In this choice, we face the natural man head on. We acknowledge that we cannot rid ourselves of the natural man without a higher power. We give over our will to Heavenly Father with the understanding He will provide a way for our happiness and joy.
[1] Mosiah 3:19 “For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam…”
[2] Ether 12:27 “And if men will come unto me I will show unto them their weakness…” Notice that weakness is singular. It is plausible the Lord is indicating that we each will fight our Garden of Gethsemane battle. Our weakness or our addiction will be the test that will determine our eternal reward. See also Abraham 3:25.
