Satan Knows of our Strengths

Satan knows all of our strengths
And he knows where we are weak
That for chains of longest length
It’s through our blind spots, he will seek

Then when the chain tightens
Woe to what happens to talents
For they are then tools to contend
And further his grasp-like talons

Then through pride we feel empowered
Puffed up as he deceive us as it's God he imitates
Such that we feel strong- in this rising power
But, in truth, ultimately, our path he limitates

As though bought- he increases his demand
Unto serving his continual evil purposes
Till there's an eventual fall that's hard to land
For he does not support his purchases

Verse 1]

Satan knows all of our strengths

And he knows where we are weak

That for chains of longest length

It’s through our blind spots, he will seek

Then when the chain tightens

Woe to what happens to talents

For they are then tools to contend

And further his grasp-like talons

[Pre-Chorus]

Then through pride we feel empowered

Puffed up as he deceives us

As it's God he imitates

We start to trust that rising power

[Chorus]

Blind spots, blind spots

He knows where we are weak

Blind spots, blind spots

That’s where the chains will reach

Blind spots, blind spots

Don’t let pride take the lead

Blind spots, blind spots

Keep my heart on its knees

[Verse 2]

Such that we feel strong-

in this rising power

But, in truth, ultimately,

our path he limitates

As though bought- he increases

his demand unto serving

his continual evil purposes

Till there's an eventual fall that's hard to land

For he does not support his purchases

[Bridge]

Break the grin

Break the spell

Name the lie

Ring the bell

What looks like strength

Can turn to sand

If I keep my soul

Out of his hand

[Final Chorus]

Blind spots, blind spots

He knows where we are weak

Blind spots, blind spots

That’s where the chains will reach

Blind spots, blind spots

Don’t let pride take the lead

Blind spots, blind spots

Keep my heart on its knees

Elder Marion G. Romney of the Quorum of the Twelve taught: “Latter-day Saints know that there is a God. With like certainty, they know that Satan lives, that he is a powerful personage of spirit, the archenemy of God, of man, and of righteousness” (Ensign, June 1971, p. 35). President Joseph F. Smith described one of Satan’s methods: “Satan is a skillful imitator, and as genuine gospel truth is given the world in ever-increasing abundance, so he spreads the counterfeit coin of false doctrine” (ibid., p. 36).

Satan uses every possible device to degrade and enslave every soul. He attempts to distort and corrupt everything created for the good of man, sometimes by diluting that which is good, sometimes by camouflaging that which is evil. We generally think of Satan attacking us at our weakest spot. Elder Spencer W. Kimball of the Quorum of the Twelve described this technique when he said: “Lucifer and his followers know the habits, weaknesses, and vulnerable spots of everyone and take advantage of them to lead us to spiritual destruction” (The Miracle of Forgiveness, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1969, pp. 218–19).

Like the fabled Achilles, who was immune to every lethal blow except to his heel, many of us have a special weakness that can be exploited to our spiritual downfall. For some, that weakness may be a taste for liquor, an unusual vulnerability to sexual temptation, or a susceptibility to compulsive gambling or reckless speculation. For others, it may be a craving for money or power. If we are wise, we will know our weaknesses, our spiritual Achilles’ heels, and fortify ourselves against temptations in those areas.

But weakness is not our only vulnerability. Satan can also attack us where we think we are strong—in the very areas where we are proud of our strengths. He will approach us through the greatest talents and spiritual gifts we possess. If we are not wary, Satan can cause our spiritual downfall by corrupting us through our strengths as well as by exploiting our weaknesses. I will illustrate this truth with several examples

Dallin H. Oaks,
“Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall,”
Ensign, Oct 1994, 11

Save For a Spot on His Heel

Save for a spot on his heel
Achilles was immune to all
Thus he did not safeguard against evil
Till, (too late) one lethal blow caused his fall

We may be strong in many ways
And think ourselves the one in charge
But, Satan ever for us preys
As one ravenously at large

He seeks of us what he can get
Be it through weakness or strength
And knowing how often we tend to forget
Ever hungrily, he lies and waits

He can see through each attempted facade
Thus we must do what fortifies
With the whole armor of God
And partaking of what edifies

[Verse] Achilles stood untouchable Save for one spot on his heel Never thought to guard that place Till an arrow made him kneel We walk around believing We're the ones who hold the reins But the enemy is watching Every weakness he can claim [Chorus] Put on the armor The whole armor of God Stand in the battle Where the righteous have trod He sees through every wall we build Every mask we think we've worn Put on the armor Before the breaking of the dawn [Verse 2] Satan prowls like he's starving Waits for moments we forget He'll take our strength and twist it Turn our victories to regret He knows the lies we tell ourselves The cracks we try to hide So we fortify with truth alone And let the Word abide [Chorus] Put on the armor The whole armor of God Stand in the battle Where the righteous have trod He sees through every wall we build Every mask we think we've worn Put on the armor Before the breaking of the dawn [Bridge] Not by our power Not by our might Only His Spirit Wins this fight [Chorus] Put on the armor The whole armor of God Stand in the battle Where the righteous have trod He sees through every wall we build Every mask we think we've worn Put on the armor Put on the armor of God

Dallin H. Oaks
Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall
Ensign, Oct. 1994, 11

rhymezone
Definitions of edified:
adjective: instructed and encouraged in moral, intellectual, and spiritual improvement

A Man in the Community

A man in the community
Had a mighty gift of healing
But he lacked sufficient humility
And went beyond spiritual feeling

Puffed up in prominence
There to gratify his own ego
He traveled a path of variance
And knocked on doors, where e'er he'd go

For the adversary
Led him away through this gift
Unto doing contrary
But, truly, who gives these powers to uplift?

We must always remember
For what our gifts are given
To humbly bless God's members
Not to misapply as self driven

Unto each of us
Lies a special gift
It is there in trust
To be lost if we soon drift

Verse 1] A man in the community Had a mighty gift of healing But he lacked sufficient humility And went beyond spiritual feeling Puffed up in prominence There to gratify his own ego He traveled a path of variance And knocked on doors, where e'er he'd go [Pre-Chorus] For the adversary Led him away through this gift Unto doing contrary But, truly, who gives these powers to uplift? [Chorus] We must always remember We must always remember For what our gifts are given To humbly bless God's members Unto each of us Lies a special gift It is there in trust (It is there in trust) [Verse 2] Not to misapply As self driven Unto each of us Lies a special gift It is there in trust To be lost if we soon drift So keep our hearts tender And let Your purpose lift [Pre-Chorus] For the adversary Led him away through this gift Unto doing contrary But, truly, who gives these powers to uplift? [Chorus] We must always remember We must always remember For what our gifts are given To humbly bless God's members Unto each of us Lies a special gift It is there in trust (It is there in trust) [Bridge] So search me, Lord Keep me low When You move in me Let Your mercy show Not my name Not my pride Just a gift in trust By Your hand inside [Final Chorus] We must always remember We must always remember For what our gifts are given To humbly bless God's members Unto each of us Lies a special gift It is there in trust (It is there in trust

Dallin H. Oaks
Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall
Ensign, Oct 1994, 11

Knowing So Many Ways to Trip and Fall

Knowing so many ways to trip and fall
Shall we moderate all our efforts?
No, The Lord sustains whom He does call
And we’ve been blessed but with gifts He affords

Thus, He who is our ultimate strength
Would that we not be “lukewarm”
But, serve Him with what we have at length
And with humility to sense what does us harm…

The proud could only hear the clamor
Of the crowd goading for more
And the still small voice in the background
Was obscured by all who did surround

Thus their haughty and stiff necks
Did not turn around to see
Satan using them to stretch
His powers there to glee

In contrast one man so humble
Heard and quickly fell to His knees
Proving to be teachable
He asked that the hand of God would lead

And from His example
Some in shame saw their plight
And joined in with prayers ample
To petition for safety and light

Then without a glance backwards
They drew nigh to that voice
And were given armor and sword
So to thwart Satan's quest to exploit

Dallin H. Oaks
Our strengths Can Become Our Downfall-
Preventing Strengths from Becoming our Downfall
Ensign, October 1994, 11

What is the Handmaiden of Tolerance?

What is the handmaiden of tolerance?
But the ultimate virtue of love
Balanced together there's expectance
That each will be guided by truths from above

And as it is said the truth shall make you free
We are proved of whether or not we are the Lord's
For it is not just love and tolerance but unity
As towards repentance a rebuke or chastening affords

Dallin H. Oaks
Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall-
Misapplication of Love and Tolerance
Ensign, October 1994, 11

D&C 95:1
Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you whom I love, and whom I love I also chasten that their sins may be forgiven, for with the chastisement I prepare a way for their deliverance in all things out of temptation, and I have loved you—

With Deep Abiding Faith

With deep abiding faith
The Saints travailed about
But, some weak in the wake
Remained to dwell in doubt

They thinking the prophet fallen
For directing a changed course
Held firm to mock at him
Truly doubting his new source

While.... from New York to Ohio
Then Missouri to Illinois
The faithful left their homes
They chose apostasy and spoil

And still in our day
Some fall unto confusion
Mistaking what prophets say
To stray unto allusion

While others wrestle their agenda
And focus on something heard
Thus completing their addenda
With a misquote of a phrase or word

How can we be consistent
In our faithfulness
By staying close and current
To revelation in its fullness

Dallin H. Oaks
Our Strengths Can Become Our Weakness-
Not Really Following the Prophet
Ensign, October 1994, 11
wake- the consequences of an event (especially a catastrophic event)

To Be Self-Reliant

To be self-reliant
We care for our own
But oft we're defiant
In what we buy for the home

The world says what we need
In a path of excess
Born of pride and of greed
Till what we have is weakness

There to accumulate
Our treasures on earth
Where the moth does await
To devalue it's worth

But we'll find more lasting pleasure
When in gratitude we are casting
And lighting our eyes unto treasure
That is eternal and everlasting

Dallin H. Oaks
Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall
Materialistic Self-Reliance
Ensign, October 1994, 11

Matthew 6: 19-23; 3 Nephi 13:19-23
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
After moving our garage...
We had things we hadn't
used in years. We just don't
throw away useful stuff. The
problem is finding it when you
need it. So in our new garage
we will value our possessions
and organize them- use them or
donate. I miss San Jose where I
could just put a piece of furniture
on the sidewalk and someone who
needed it would take it. Nothing
so great that we would want the
D. I. trailer to have. But, in
Henderson, our neighborhood is
sheltered from main traffic.
Yet, this morning I saw a
scavenger drive through the
neighborhood. He had two kid
bikes and a lawn mower in the
back of his truck already.
Things someone else had put
out for the trash. And, I don't
think he was a metal recycler.
It reminds me of the utube video
of the tribute to dad- the
garbage man who took his family
to Disneyland from the money
careless people vacuumed up
at the carwash.

In China, ( My heart has turned
to them in prayer) it is a sign of
wealth if you can feed another
mouth. The first thing they
accumulate is a dog. This shows
their new status.
I think of one of the major reasons
for getting a dog was for the kids.
To teach them responsibility- and
how to care for a pet. That became
partly true- except for the land
mines in the yard. Picked up by
a parent before dark for morning trash day.
Having moved, I now pick it up every
day. Partly on walks which the dog
really loves! It took me ten years
to get to the point of being
committed to walking the dog.
At least my arm isn't getting yanked-
as much. Hooray for an older dog!
Sorry, my thoughts turned to the dog
because I wrote the poem on the little hill
I walk to look out at Las Vegas and the temple.

Love of Our Country

Love of country should not consume
For, then, it might override all else
So, with the spirit, stay in tune
With the twelfth article of faith, as your help

Excessive zeal wears away the soul
And focuses on all that is wrong
Prayerfully define what is your role
And work on what makes the country strong

Dallin H. Oaks
Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall-
All-Consuming Patriotism
Ensign, October 1994, 11

From The Articles of Faith
We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law

Seeking to Escape the Rigors of School

Seeking to escape the rigors of school
Through inordinate amounts of service
Into church programs his efforts did pool
With a mistaken notion of purpose

And on every clipboard that passed
Or for every activity offered
His name was written there fast
And how his school work suffered

Then, through a process of neglect
His assignments were incomplete
But with a mote too big to detect
He blamed the church for goals he could not meet

During the student years
Shall the burden of the call
Bring one to fatigue and tears?
No, never and not at all

Always through wisdom and order
One needs to communicate
That when a deadline does border
It is time to delegate


Singularly select a major
Then let it be your major focus
Lest of your talents you wager
There to truly know what broke is

Dallin H. Oaks
Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall
Inordinate Church Service
Ensign, October 1994, 11

With a False Sense of Being Supported

With a false sense of being supported
A student curtailed all of his work
For he thought with notions that were distorted
His faith could replace what he wanted to shirk

And since he did not continue
As at first he had commenced
He went on to other venues
For his academics soon were fenced

If only he had thought
To read of Oliver Cowdery
For during translations he was taught
Of how his lack of study caused him injury

There is a simple promise
That truths are given- when we ask
But there's a second side to this
We must be pondering upon that task

For how can we know if it be right
If it's not been studied out in the mind
Then by applying faith we've new insight
As through exercise it's there to find

In reality what should be first?
But to think- everything depends on ME
As in the mind we study and rehearse
To then depend on the Lord with a well thought out plea

Dallin H. Oaks
Our Strengths Can Become our Downfall
Distorted Faith
Ensign, October 1994, 11

D&C 9:5-8
And, behold, it is because that you did not continue as you commenced, when you began to translate, that I have taken away this privilege from you.
Do not murmur, my son, for it is wisdom in me that I have dealt with you after this manner.
Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.
But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.

A Desire to Know

A desire to know
Feeds a hunger to learn
And learning soon flows
Where into pride it can turn

For with higher education
There's accomplishments
As fruits of dedication
Open doors where knowledge is lent

But, in pride we're prone to boast
From this blessed strength in wisdom
When it's but a gift that does host
To further God's fruit filled kingdom

Dallin H. Oaks
Our Strengths Can Become our Downfall
Ensign, October 1994, 11

Shall We Run faster?

Shall we run faster
Or labor harder
Than we have strength
Or means for the length

While Joseph was in translation
This was a subject of address
As he was learning his obligations
He was taught to not labor in excess

All things should be done
In wisdom and in order
In the world there is much want
But, we need not impoverish our own border

Let us impart of our substance
To the needy and the poor
As we are enabled for the distance
From the blessings of heaven which pour

Let the Holy Spirit guide
And whisper to us anew
In truth, let God provide
And sustains us there to do

Dallin H. Oaks
Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall-
Giving in Excess
Ensign, October 1994, 11

Mosiah 4:26 see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength

D&C 10:4 Do not run faster or labor more than you have strength and means to enable you to translate.

It Is a Gift to Rejoice in our Labors

It is a gift to rejoice in our labors
As a bread winner in the home
About, one gaining superior favors
Soon to his family is unknown

For he put his career at the top
Of all his priorities
And when the dime called, he would hop
In a rut where he was found most at ease
-------------------------------------
In the other extreme of neglect
In dictatorship a father did lead
Unto brutality unchecked
As the words "gentle persuasion" he did not heed

Satan can distort our role
Knowing our desire to lead and act
Till we're selfishly conquering a soul
As unrighteous dominion becomes a fact
---------------------------------------
But, I've said too much of "he"
For as feminist teachings do grow
A woman sought to preempt a leadership to "she"
As she though priesthood through her should flow

In this extreme manifestation
The mothering in the home was the cost
For from the very gestation
With abandonment her family was tossed

Dallin H. Oaks
Our Strengths Can Become our Downfall-
Neglect or Distortion of Family Duties
Ensign, October 1994, 11

A Man With a Trained Mind

A man with a trained mind
And a skillful manner
Led each student he could find
Through a practice that schools and flatters

Then in his own counsel he aspired
Being caught up in the praise of the world
Unto seeking for riches and honor
Till his own spirituality was blurred

Beware of the potential for pride
As you teach inside the church
Let the Holy Spirit be your guide
Or Satan awaits as an opponent lurch (defeat, overcome)

Who will set up a golden calf
For the worship of the Saints?
He whose strengths turn to priestcraft
For the following there he gains

When I've received spiritual education
I'll not give my teacher words of praise
But thank him for his preparation
In a way that spiritually paves

Dallin H. Oaks
Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall
-Popular Teachers and the Potential of Priestcraft
Ensign, October 1994, 11

Alma 1:16 for the sake of riches and honor
D&C 124:84 "he aspireth to establish his counsel instead of the counsel which I have ordained, even that of ther Presidency of my Church; and he setteth up a golden calf for the worship of my people"
2 Nephi 26:29 Priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion

It Is Good to Have High Goals

It is good to have high goals
And ever reach to attain
Never should we cheat or boast
But righteously obtain

It is good to be guided in all of our roles
And constantly pursue that which does sustain
Thus we should consistenlty listen to the Holy Ghost
For without it what have we gained?


Dallin H. Oaks
Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall-
An Intense Focus on Goals
Ensign, October 1994, 11

Shall I Respond to Social Injustice?

I respond to social injustice
By studying values at hand
When there is suffering, I notice
A response in me does demand

But I need not overstep
Things of ultimate value
Nor coerce and make others leap
When I pursue unto this venue

I measure and allocate time
That is but mine to give
One way I can try is through rhyme
Through prayer there is strength I find
To improve the way others live



Dallin H. Oaks
Our Strengths Can Be Our Downfall
Ensign, October 1994, 11

How Blessed It Is To Sacrifice

How blessed it is to sacrifice
And be willing to give up all of our things
But, in truth, all we have would not suffice
To repay the price the atonement brings

Thus we should give what is asked of us
And not think of it as too little or too much
Being gracious with our possessions or service
For a humble soul is made of such

And if what is required of us seems too great
Know that our suffering is but a small
Measure of the fullness of weight
That the Lord bore for us one and all

Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall-A Desire to Sacrifice More Than is Needful
Elder Dallin H. Oaks
Ensign, Oct 1994, 11

How Blessed It Is To Receive Honors

How blessed it is to receive honors
And be recognized among our peers
But beware lest Satan fathers
A desire for detrimental cheers

Like unto Balaam whom the world offered
Wages to do an unrighteous thing
When he should have stayed true to principles proper
For the blessings of heaven good works bring

Dallin H. Oaks
Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall- Honors Can Sometimes Turn to Our Detriment
Ensign, Oct. 1994, 11

A Desire to Be Led in All Things

We should desire to be led
By the Spirit of the Lord
But, not to the extent of all things
For the deception then it brings

Revelation from God
Is a sacred reality
And as our choices are broad
It must be cherished and used properly

We should study things out
Using God given reasoning powers
That unto good works we're about
Aided by decisions which shower

Then for guidance we should pray
If our solution is on the right track
But, sometimes it doesn't matter the way
And it is for us to decide and to act

But,if we persist in thinking we're pious
And concoct in our minds notions false
Based not on truth but on fantasy's bias-
There to warp our progression till it halts


Elder Dallin H. Oaks
Our Strength Can Become Our Downfall
Ensign, Oct 1994, 11

Line Upon Line We Learn

Line upon line we learn
But sometimes there is naught
Thus, if we mark beyond... to discern
We'll be but consumed and distraught

For Satan awaits these seekers
Through sophistry and spurious revelation
Let's beware of searching as lofty peekers
For apostasy's within reach at this elevation

Those trying to know all and exceed orthodoxy
Are, too, on a path just as dangerous
As, also, those waiting to learn by proxy
Who idly fall short, lacking faith and trust


One of a series- click on label below
Our strengths Can Become Our Downfall
Elder Dallin H. Oaks
Ensign, Oct 1994, 11