Spiritual Realists vs. Spiritual Idealists

 "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them."  -- 1 Nephi 3:7

When I hit about mid-afternoon on a fast Sunday, I without fail begin to feel a little light-headed or sick. When this happens I begin to think real hard about the difference between being a spiritual Idealist and a spiritual Realist.

In this situation, a Realist says, "You know what, of course you're sick!  You've done your best, and that's all that God expects.  He wouldn't want you to pass out or have a headache.  He understands that you need to break your fast early."  (Does that dialogue sound familiar?)

On the other hand, an Idealist says, "God has asked me to fast.  I know He can and will help me to make it all the way to the end of my fast, and I know that I will be blessed for my sacrifice and self-control."

Now, I don't feel that I can say that it's always right in every situation to be a spiritual Idealist.  I just don't know if that's true or not.  But I can say that, for me, I feel greater peace and closeness to the spirit when I strive for greater Idealism.  Why is that the case?  I'm not sure, but I think it has to do with exercising greater faith and trust in God.  It's natural and all too easy to be a Realist.  But do you think that we might limit God's power and influence in our lives when we don't give Him room to work?

This applies to far more situations than just fasting.  I can think of situations involving tithing, service, family planning, gospel habits, and so on that all have a similar theme.  We can write off a lot of things based on our limits, or we can rely on God to stretch us beyond those limits toward our full potential.

"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."  -- Ether 12:27