Indulgence

1. Definition
1. 1828: Free permission to the appetites, humor, desires, passions or will to act or operate ; forbearance of restraint or control.
1. Permission  (approbation)
2. Passions (infatuation)
3. Restraint (limitation)
2. Indulgence: Absence or lack of control. Selfishness.
2. Quotes from prophets
1. “We who hold the priesthood of God cannot afford to drift. We have work to do. We must arise from the dust of self-indulgence and be men!” (Elder Christofferson. General Conference October 2006)
1. Indulgence is caused by a lack of focus on God and Eternity. It is not manly but is, indeed, childish.
2. “Indulgence in works of the flesh will destroy man’s divine nature and potential godliness.” ( Elder Brockbank. General Conference October 1972)
1. Indulgence is a destructive force that will, if permitted, stop you from realizing your eternal destiny (i.e. George Wythe gave in to selfish Indulgences in his youth)
3. Scriptures
1. Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness. (Alma 38:12)
1. Passion is something akin to indulging. It stops you from feeling love. It can come from overbearance and  idleness.
4. Personal Definition

Indulgence is a horrible thing, it is extremely destructive and has the potential to take you “down to the eternal gulf of misery and woe” (2 Nephi 1: 16) Indulgence is the absence of Godliness. It is selfishness. It is also extremely childish to indulge is one’s passions. It has the potential to destroy your eternal soul and make you unsuited for the presence of God. I have decided that indulgence is a horrible thing that I should not associate with.