The Refiner's Fire

1 Nephi 19:7

"For the things which some men esteem to be of great worth, both to the body and soul, others set at naught and trample under their feet.  Yea, even the very God of Israel do men trample under their feet; I say, trample under their feet but I would speak in other words - they set him at naught, and hearken not to the voice of his counsels."

Why are some commandments harder to keep than others.  I really don't understand.  Yes people are conditioned in certain ways during their upbringing, but what makes one sin more difficult than another one?  For example, one person may be completely chaste, pure, honest, trustworthy... but they just can't for some reason stop smoking or drinking.  Or another person may live the word of wisdom, go to church each week, pay tithing, be honest, etc.. but can't seem to live the law of chastity.  

What is it about one sin that makes it different from another?  Easier to deal with, harder to deal with, more or less pernicious, more or less mind-clouding, etc.  All sin is unacceptable in the Eyes of the Lord, so really, we are supposed to be making sure that we are void of ALL sin in our life.  We are commanded to "be ye therefore perfect."  But knowing that, why is it that we can't view one sin as easy to overcome as another?  

Yes I know that we are supposed to endure trials, and not all things are easy in life, and it's good that they're not.  But maybe that's the answer.  Maybe the reason that one or two sins may be more difficult to rid from our life as other sins, is that one we DO overcome the temptations of that sin (ideally) we are THAT much stronger because of it and that much more trustworthy in the eyes of the Lord, and that much more deserving of our gifts in heaven.  The character that is built within us that can only be developed by overcoming incredibly tough sins (at least for us) is something that can be obtained in no other way.

So, to be the best that we can be (which really is the only way we can show the Lord our thanks for what He did for us, being the Atonement and the Crucifixion/Resurrection) we must identify the commandments that we have the most difficulty with, and re-double our efforts to rise above and become a better person.  And the blessings we receive, the strength we receive, by doing so will be unparalleled in regards to any other blessings we may receive, if we truly to overcome our "sin of choice" if you will.

Remember who you are and what you stand for, always.