Beginning Tennis​​

What if sin = unforced errors (i.e., hitting mistakes)?

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Are you a bad person if you sin?

Are you a bad tennis player if you make unforced errors?

 

The correct answer is, of course not. Everyone makes mistakes. No one tries to make errors. But when we do, we can look forward with confidence that we can grow from it and do better.

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Will we make the same mistake again? Most likely. And that's okay because it's the only way to get better.

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In his October 2016 General Conference talk Elder Ashton taught:

 

“Repentance is not a backup plan in case our plan to live perfectly fails. It is not just for big sins but is a daily process for self-improvement.”

 

“Living perfectly is not the plan. Repentance is the plan. Jesus Christ is the plan.”

 

When we make mistakes, remind yourself, "this is why I'm here—to learn and get better." Thanks to the Atonement of Christ, we will not be judged for our past mistakes, if we repentant.

 

Satan would have us dwell on our "unforced errors," and stress about all the points/games we have to make up. He reminds us how challenging it is be to dig ourselves out of "double-break situations." This negative mentality can physically and emotionally incapacitate us.

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• People who dwell too much on the past are depressed.

• Those who obsess about the future are obsessives. 

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Instead of living in the past or future, Remember that mistakes are part of the game. Christ is here. Play in the now.

 

"It's okay!  This point!  Right here!  Right now!  We got this!"