And now it came to pass that when the Lamanites found that there were robbers among them they were exceedingly sorrowful; and they did use every means in their power to destroy them off the face of the earth. But behold, Satan did stir up the hearts of the more part of the Nephites, insomuch that they did unite with those bands of robbers, and did enter into their covenants and their oaths, that they would protect and preserve one another in whatsoever difficult circumstances they should be placed, that they should not suffer for their murders, and their plunderings, and their stealings. (Helaman 6:20-21)
I think that one would be hard pressed to make the honest observation today that the world is not growing more wicked. Scandals involving politicians and other prominent members of society occur almost daily, yet the consequences for their actions seem almost non-existent. How much, then, is our society like this one?
In verse 21, we see the impossible odds that the Lamanites faced, yet verse 20 tells how the Lamanties used every means in their power to stop these illegal activities. Obviously we are not going to be able to change governments singlehandedly, but I hope that we will do what we can, whether it is researching out the candidates that most closely embrace the principles the Savior would have us live and actively supporting them or simply by praying for those who are already in power to make wise choices, to help rid our society of the kinds of activities that were the eventual downfall of the Nephites.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Strength Equal to our Challenges (10/27/2009)
On Sunday, I was reviewing notes from a lesson I had given a while back and I came across a quote which said, in effect, "Don't pray for tasks equal to your strength. Pray to have strength equal to your tasks." In other words, when we are faced with challenges, we should embrace the chance to learn and grow. Today, I would like to share with you part of a talk from Elder Bednar which emphasizes this point:
"As you and I come to understand and employ the enabling power of the Atonement in our personal lives, we will pray and seek for strength to change our circumstances rather than praying for our circumstances to be changed. We will become agents who 'act' rather than objects that are 'acted upon.' (2 Nephi 2:14)
"Consider the example in Mosiah 24 as Alma and his people are being persecuted by Amulon. As recorded in verse 14, the voice of the Lord came to these good people in their affliction and indicated: 'And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs.'
"Now if I had been one of Alma's people and received that particular assurance, my response likely would have been, 'I thank thee, and please hurry!' But notice in verse 15 the process the Lord used to lighten the burden: 'And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.'
"Brothers and sisters, what was changed in this episode? It was not the burden that changed; the challenges and difficulties of persecution were not immediately removed from the people. But Alma and his followers were strengthened, and their increased capacity and strength made the burdens they bore lighter. These good people were empowered through the Atonement to act as agents and impact their circumstances - 'in the strength of the Lord.'"
"As you and I come to understand and employ the enabling power of the Atonement in our personal lives, we will pray and seek for strength to change our circumstances rather than praying for our circumstances to be changed. We will become agents who 'act' rather than objects that are 'acted upon.' (2 Nephi 2:14)
"Consider the example in Mosiah 24 as Alma and his people are being persecuted by Amulon. As recorded in verse 14, the voice of the Lord came to these good people in their affliction and indicated: 'And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs.'
"Now if I had been one of Alma's people and received that particular assurance, my response likely would have been, 'I thank thee, and please hurry!' But notice in verse 15 the process the Lord used to lighten the burden: 'And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.'
"Brothers and sisters, what was changed in this episode? It was not the burden that changed; the challenges and difficulties of persecution were not immediately removed from the people. But Alma and his followers were strengthened, and their increased capacity and strength made the burdens they bore lighter. These good people were empowered through the Atonement to act as agents and impact their circumstances - 'in the strength of the Lord.'"
Friday, October 23, 2009
Learning Good (10/23/2009)
"If men would be great in goodness, they must be intelligent, for no man can do good unless he knows how; therefore seek after knowledge, all knowledge, and especially that which is from above, which is wisdom to direct in all things, and if you find any thing that God does not know, you need not learn that thing; but strive to know what God knows, and use that knowledge as God uses it, and then you will be like him; (you) will... have charity, love one another, and do each other good continually, and for ever...
"But if a man have all knowledge, and does not use it for good, it will prove a curse instead of a blessing as it did to Lucifer, the Son of the Morning." - Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and Willard Richards, Millennial Star 14:22, 15 January 1852)
When I think of learning and knowledge, I think of math, science, language, arts. This quote, however, reminded me that while such academic cores are important, if I am to become like my Father in Heaven, there are other things I need to learn as well. I need to learn charity, need to study being good until I can do it by rote. Of course, if I learn all of these things and fail to act on them, it will do me no more good than if I were to hang my college degree on the wall and sit and stare at it. Only by applying the things I have learned am I able to improve my corner of the world and financially support my family.
I hope that we will strive to learn how to become like the Savior, and as we are taught through prayer, scripture study, and meeting attendance, I hope that we will apply what we have learned to make the world around us a better place.
"But if a man have all knowledge, and does not use it for good, it will prove a curse instead of a blessing as it did to Lucifer, the Son of the Morning." - Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and Willard Richards, Millennial Star 14:22, 15 January 1852)
When I think of learning and knowledge, I think of math, science, language, arts. This quote, however, reminded me that while such academic cores are important, if I am to become like my Father in Heaven, there are other things I need to learn as well. I need to learn charity, need to study being good until I can do it by rote. Of course, if I learn all of these things and fail to act on them, it will do me no more good than if I were to hang my college degree on the wall and sit and stare at it. Only by applying the things I have learned am I able to improve my corner of the world and financially support my family.
I hope that we will strive to learn how to become like the Savior, and as we are taught through prayer, scripture study, and meeting attendance, I hope that we will apply what we have learned to make the world around us a better place.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Who Do We Listen To? (10/21/2009)
"And now when ye talk, ye say: If our days had been in the days of our fathers of old, we would not have slain the prophets; we would not have stoned them, and cast them out.
"Behold ye are worse than they; for as the Lord liveth, if a prophet come among you and declareth unto you the word of the Lord, which testifieth of your sins and iniquities, ye are angry with him, and cast him out and seek all manner of ways to destroy him; yea, you will say that he is a false prophet, and that he is a sinner, and of the devil, because he testifieth that your deeds are evil.
"But behold, if a man shall come among you and shall say: Do this, and there is no iniquity; do that and ye shall not suffer; yea, he will say: Walk after the pride of your own hearts; yea, walk after the pride of your eyes, and do whatsoever your heart desireth — and if a man shall come among you and say this, ye will receive him, and say that he is a prophet. Yea, ye will lift him up, and ye will give unto him of your substance; ye will give unto him of your gold, and of your silver, and ye will clothe him with costly apparel; and because he speaketh flattering words unto you, and he saith that all is well, then ye will not find fault with him. (Helaman 13:25-28)
A few years ago, I came across an old acquaintance of mine. Without going into any detail, he was involved in some acts that were obviously questionable, yet I said nothing to him about those. He was quick, however, to become defensive about his actions, and our whole conversation had a strange air about it, and overall left a very bad impression on me. I heard more news about him a few weeks ago, and it is evident that he has continued in his questionable ways to an even worse degree than he had at the point of our reunion.
We have a conscience that tells us what is right and what is wrong. The natural man in all of us would love to have someone there to tell us that we are OK to do whatever we like, but the truth of the matter is that unless we are willing to listen to the Lord and His servants, the prophets, we ultimately fight not only against them, but against our own conscience as well. If we discover that we do not like the things that we hear from President Monson and the other leaders of the Church, perhaps it is time that we listen to our conscience and make sure we are on the right path.
"Behold ye are worse than they; for as the Lord liveth, if a prophet come among you and declareth unto you the word of the Lord, which testifieth of your sins and iniquities, ye are angry with him, and cast him out and seek all manner of ways to destroy him; yea, you will say that he is a false prophet, and that he is a sinner, and of the devil, because he testifieth that your deeds are evil.
"But behold, if a man shall come among you and shall say: Do this, and there is no iniquity; do that and ye shall not suffer; yea, he will say: Walk after the pride of your own hearts; yea, walk after the pride of your eyes, and do whatsoever your heart desireth — and if a man shall come among you and say this, ye will receive him, and say that he is a prophet. Yea, ye will lift him up, and ye will give unto him of your substance; ye will give unto him of your gold, and of your silver, and ye will clothe him with costly apparel; and because he speaketh flattering words unto you, and he saith that all is well, then ye will not find fault with him. (Helaman 13:25-28)
A few years ago, I came across an old acquaintance of mine. Without going into any detail, he was involved in some acts that were obviously questionable, yet I said nothing to him about those. He was quick, however, to become defensive about his actions, and our whole conversation had a strange air about it, and overall left a very bad impression on me. I heard more news about him a few weeks ago, and it is evident that he has continued in his questionable ways to an even worse degree than he had at the point of our reunion.
We have a conscience that tells us what is right and what is wrong. The natural man in all of us would love to have someone there to tell us that we are OK to do whatever we like, but the truth of the matter is that unless we are willing to listen to the Lord and His servants, the prophets, we ultimately fight not only against them, but against our own conscience as well. If we discover that we do not like the things that we hear from President Monson and the other leaders of the Church, perhaps it is time that we listen to our conscience and make sure we are on the right path.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Serving Others (10/19/2009)
"You are all called of God to serve his children. You may be called as a clerk or a home teacher or a visiting teacher. You all are a son or daughter or a brother or sister. None of those are accidental calls. And each places you in service to invite someone to choose the right, to come unto Christ. None of the people for whom you are responsible can be truly served without your bearing testimony, in some way, of the mission of Jesus Christ.
"Now you know that the mission of the Holy Ghost is to bear testimony of the Savior. When in faith and under assignment you go forth to do that, the Holy Ghost is your ally. The Savior said: 'But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.' (John 15:26)
"You could, this moment, begin to think of those for whom you bear responsibility. If you do, and do it with the intent to serve them, a face or a name will come to you. If you do something tonight and make some attempt to help that person come unto Christ, I cannot promise you a miracle, but I can promise you this: you will feel the influence of the Holy Ghost helping you, and you will feel approval. And you will know that, for at least those minutes, the power of the Holy Ghost was with you." - President Henry B. Eyring
When I read this quote by President Eyring, I started to think of the callings I have in life and the impact they have on others. Our job here is to serve each other and to help people come unto Christ. Whether we are a stake president, a Sunday school teacher, a visiting teacher, or even just a neighbor, we need to be certain that our focus is to testify of Christ and help those with whom we associate feel the Spirit. By working to have the Spirit with us and helping others to feel it, we will be able to bring our brothers and sisters to the truth, and strengthen them as they catch the vision of the higher purpose of this life.
"Now you know that the mission of the Holy Ghost is to bear testimony of the Savior. When in faith and under assignment you go forth to do that, the Holy Ghost is your ally. The Savior said: 'But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.' (John 15:26)
"You could, this moment, begin to think of those for whom you bear responsibility. If you do, and do it with the intent to serve them, a face or a name will come to you. If you do something tonight and make some attempt to help that person come unto Christ, I cannot promise you a miracle, but I can promise you this: you will feel the influence of the Holy Ghost helping you, and you will feel approval. And you will know that, for at least those minutes, the power of the Holy Ghost was with you." - President Henry B. Eyring
When I read this quote by President Eyring, I started to think of the callings I have in life and the impact they have on others. Our job here is to serve each other and to help people come unto Christ. Whether we are a stake president, a Sunday school teacher, a visiting teacher, or even just a neighbor, we need to be certain that our focus is to testify of Christ and help those with whom we associate feel the Spirit. By working to have the Spirit with us and helping others to feel it, we will be able to bring our brothers and sisters to the truth, and strengthen them as they catch the vision of the higher purpose of this life.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Listening (10/16/2009)
Yesterday I was listening to a live recording of a Simon and Garfunkel concert that I have. In one of their songs, "The Sound of Silence," they talk of people who are "hearing without listening." I found a gem of wisdom in Simon's lyrics - how often do I hear something like a talk in General Conference or a scripture without really listening to what it is saying? Or if the Spirit is talking to me, how often do I listen to and follow its promptings?
We have been given prophets and other leaders to help guide us through these last days. The challenges we face today are unlike any others the world has ever seen. It is not just enough, however, to hear their counsel if we are to have hope to escape these days unscathed. We must also listen to their meaning and then work to apply their messages in our lives. As we re-read the conference talks online or in the Ensign and the Liahona, I hope that we can truly listen to these messages that come from our Father.
We have been given prophets and other leaders to help guide us through these last days. The challenges we face today are unlike any others the world has ever seen. It is not just enough, however, to hear their counsel if we are to have hope to escape these days unscathed. We must also listen to their meaning and then work to apply their messages in our lives. As we re-read the conference talks online or in the Ensign and the Liahona, I hope that we can truly listen to these messages that come from our Father.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Mr. Bones and Me (Helping Others) (10/13/2009)
Today I have Mr. Bones. Mr. Bones is a bear that I purchased some years back for Halloween, and during the month of October, he always goes to school or work with someone in the family, then when we sit down for dinner, the person with Mr. Bones tells what they did and then passes the bear on to the next person.
As I listened to President Monson's Sunday morning General Conference address, I knew that Mr. Bones would come with an additional responsibility this year. President Monson spoke of a Dr. Jack McConnell whose minister father would always ask his children at the dinner table "And what did you do for someone today?" I added the twist, however, that the person with the bear had to do something for someone within the family (with the hopes of fostering better will between siblings) and for someone outside the family.
It has been an interesting exercise to actively look for ways that I can help people, and wondering what really makes a difference. Does my commiserating with the challenges a co-worker faces help even though it is beyond my ability to fix the problems they face? Do I actually have to DO something for it to help? There are a hundred questions that have run through my mind as I have looked for someone who could use help simply because I know that at the dinner table tonight I will be asked, probably not unlike the questions I will hear when I meet the Father again, "And what did you do for someone today?"
As I listened to President Monson's Sunday morning General Conference address, I knew that Mr. Bones would come with an additional responsibility this year. President Monson spoke of a Dr. Jack McConnell whose minister father would always ask his children at the dinner table "And what did you do for someone today?" I added the twist, however, that the person with the bear had to do something for someone within the family (with the hopes of fostering better will between siblings) and for someone outside the family.
It has been an interesting exercise to actively look for ways that I can help people, and wondering what really makes a difference. Does my commiserating with the challenges a co-worker faces help even though it is beyond my ability to fix the problems they face? Do I actually have to DO something for it to help? There are a hundred questions that have run through my mind as I have looked for someone who could use help simply because I know that at the dinner table tonight I will be asked, probably not unlike the questions I will hear when I meet the Father again, "And what did you do for someone today?"
Monday, October 12, 2009
Our Journey (10/12/2009)
"I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended." -Nelson Mandela
Even though Nelson Mandela was referring here to his work against apartheid in his nation, I think that this quote is a good one for us all. There are spiritual hills that each of us climbs during our life, and when we crest the summit of one of these hills, it can be satisfying to see how far we have come, and how beautiful the panorama is from this new vantage point. If we spend longer than a moment considering our accomplishment, however, we risk losing not only the progress we have yet to make but also the progress we have made.
I will be the first to acknowledge how difficult it is to just keep putting one foot in front of another some days. As long as our journey here is not over, we need to forge ahead every day as we travel home to our Father.
Even though Nelson Mandela was referring here to his work against apartheid in his nation, I think that this quote is a good one for us all. There are spiritual hills that each of us climbs during our life, and when we crest the summit of one of these hills, it can be satisfying to see how far we have come, and how beautiful the panorama is from this new vantage point. If we spend longer than a moment considering our accomplishment, however, we risk losing not only the progress we have yet to make but also the progress we have made.
I will be the first to acknowledge how difficult it is to just keep putting one foot in front of another some days. As long as our journey here is not over, we need to forge ahead every day as we travel home to our Father.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Our Worth (10/9/2009)
Today I would like to share a thought from Elder Russell M. Nelson. One of Satan's missions is to try and convince us that our efforts here are in vain, but the message from our Father is far different:
"In our quest for faith, hope, and charity, we must beware of the dangers of doubt, despair, or disdain for the divine. Moroni so taught: 'If ye have no hope ye must needs be in despair; and despair cometh because of iniquity.' (Moroni 10:22)
"Each of you is special, valued, and needed in building the kingdom of God. The adversary is also aware of your worth and will surely taunt you. When Satan's temptations come your way, please remember this counsel from Alma:
"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear... Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye shall receive eternal life; having the love of God always in your hearts." (Alma 13:28-29)
"In our quest for faith, hope, and charity, we must beware of the dangers of doubt, despair, or disdain for the divine. Moroni so taught: 'If ye have no hope ye must needs be in despair; and despair cometh because of iniquity.' (Moroni 10:22)
"Each of you is special, valued, and needed in building the kingdom of God. The adversary is also aware of your worth and will surely taunt you. When Satan's temptations come your way, please remember this counsel from Alma:
"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear... Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye shall receive eternal life; having the love of God always in your hearts." (Alma 13:28-29)
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Knowledge (10/6/2009)
"The quest for knowledge is endless. It seems that the more we know, the more there is yet to learn. It is impossible that man may learn all the ways of God. But as we are faithful and are deeply rooted in scriptural accounts of God's magnificent creations, we will be well prepared for future discoveries. All truth is compatible because it all emanates from God." - Elder Russell M. Nelson
Elder Nelson's remark here is one that I have often made. It seems that every time I learn something new, I realize that there is so much more that I need to know. Yet as we seek to involve our Father in Heaven in our lives, our ability to learn will increase. He is the Creator, and as such He knows everything, and He will share with us what He knows, teaching us through the Spirit, "line upon line, and precept upon precept" when we are ready to listen and learn.
Elder Nelson's remark here is one that I have often made. It seems that every time I learn something new, I realize that there is so much more that I need to know. Yet as we seek to involve our Father in Heaven in our lives, our ability to learn will increase. He is the Creator, and as such He knows everything, and He will share with us what He knows, teaching us through the Spirit, "line upon line, and precept upon precept" when we are ready to listen and learn.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Listening to the Spirit (10/5/2009)
One of the most meaningful messages I took away from Conference this weekend was the need to listen to the Spirit. In a world that is increasingly confused, a world where the "gray area" seems to be constantly shrinking and the draw to Satan's side of the line seems to be more powerful each day, using this gift with which we have been blessed is increasingly vital.
Of course, it is incumbent upon us to live our lives in such a way that we can hear what the Spirit is telling us. To help illustrate this principle to my children, I had them each make as much noise as they could. Six children can make a lot of noise when asked, and when they finally figured out that I really was telling them that it was OK to be noisy, I started to quietly give them an instruction. Of course none of them could hear my instruction over the din, and pretty soon their curiosity got the better of them and they quieted down so that they could hear what I was saying.
Our lives can be polluted with different forms of noise as well. Whether it is the actual noise of loud music or whether it is the million things we need to get to that clutter our spiritual hearing, I heard the message this weekend that it is vital to take the advice to "Be still, and know that I am God..." (Psalms 46:10) When we can do that, we will be ready to be guided through these difficult last days.
Of course, it is incumbent upon us to live our lives in such a way that we can hear what the Spirit is telling us. To help illustrate this principle to my children, I had them each make as much noise as they could. Six children can make a lot of noise when asked, and when they finally figured out that I really was telling them that it was OK to be noisy, I started to quietly give them an instruction. Of course none of them could hear my instruction over the din, and pretty soon their curiosity got the better of them and they quieted down so that they could hear what I was saying.
Our lives can be polluted with different forms of noise as well. Whether it is the actual noise of loud music or whether it is the million things we need to get to that clutter our spiritual hearing, I heard the message this weekend that it is vital to take the advice to "Be still, and know that I am God..." (Psalms 46:10) When we can do that, we will be ready to be guided through these difficult last days.
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