From YA Weekly
When Things Seem Unfixable, Take Yourself to a “Spiritual Mechanic”
Repentance is like fixing a car—sometimes you need someone with expertise to help you out.
When I was 16, I decided to fix up my grandmother’s old ’67 Mustang. I’d worked on cars before, but never on this type of engine, and it had a lot of problems. The only way to fix it was to remove the engine, take it apart, and put it back together.
I bought a book on engine repair and read it cover to cover three times, getting to know the structure. I repaired and replaced all the old parts, but when I started the engine, it backfired. Literally—it shot out fireballs.
So I went back to studying. I found out that I’d put a piece of the engine back crooked, so I adjusted it and fired up the car again.
This time, the engine ran … technically. But it sounded horrible. Like, even worse than it did before I took apart the engine to begin with. I was so discouraged and frustrated. I’d worked so hard, but I didn’t even know what I’d done wrong, much less how to fix it.
I felt like I’d failed.
If you’ve ever messed up—and because you’re human, you have—you might’ve felt the same way. When you make a mistake or sin, it can be hard to know how to repair your “spiritual engine.” Thankfully, we have loving leaders or “spiritual mechanics” who can mentor us as we turn to the Savior for mending.
Nothing Is Unfixable
When we sin, repentance includes recognizing what we have done wrong, taking the necessary actions to correct that, and then staying on top of it—making corrections that stick.
Still, it’s not always that simple. Sometimes you want to change, but despite your best efforts, you keep falling back into the same habits. You might even feel that overcoming your sins is impossible.
But that’s not true.
You are never beyond saving. Even my grandmother’s car, as bad as it looked, was fixable.
I just needed some extra help.
I took the car to a mechanic who knew the engine type well, and he was able to find the problem. He fixed it and showed me how to correct it in the future so I could keep the engine running how it should. I was so relieved that the project wasn’t a failure, thanks to someone with more knowledge than me—someone who could teach me.
When it feels like your “spiritual engine” has come grinding to a complete stop, repentance can “ignite positive spiritual momentum” and get you moving forward again. And help from a wiser source can show you exactly how to do it.
You’re Not Alone
It might feel embarrassing or scary to confess to a sin to your bishop or branch president, but feelings of shame are not from God. Sister Tamara W. Runia, First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, recently taught, “While God cares about our mistakes, He cares more about what happens after we make a mistake.”
Getting help with repentance is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign that you have the humility to trust Heavenly Father’s process and guidance.
That’s why Elder Scott D. Whiting of the Seventy urged: “Don’t hide from those who will love and support you; rather, run to them. Good bishops, branch presidents, and leaders can help you access the healing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”
Think of it this way: When I went to a mechanic for help with the car engine, he didn’t make me feel dumb, turn me away, or tell me to figure it out on my own. It’s his job to fix car problems!
In a similar way, the bishop’s job is to help the members of his ward follow Jesus Christ, which includes repentance. In fact, his “foremost responsibility is to the rising generation in the ward.” That includes you!
You’re not burdening your bishop or branch president when you go to him for help. His job isn’t to criticize you or tell you that you should know better. His job is to support you and guide you to sources of spiritual and emotional strength—especially to your Redeemer.
Someone Understands
Even if your bishop hasn’t gone through exactly what you have, Jesus Christ understands, and He can help you in that conversation. With the Savior, nothing is unfixable.
I know the Savior walks with me as I strive to fix my mistakes. He makes it possible for me to put in the work that I need to do. I’m so grateful for the guidance, direction, and help He gives me. He enables me to keep my “spiritual engine” intact and moving forward on the covenant path, even when there are some backfires along the way.