One example of parenting that I love from Lehi in 2 Nephi 4 is how much he cares about and thinks of ways that he can help his children spiritually. You can tell that it is such a huge focus for him. He is frequently sharing with him his visions, his spiritual feelings and experiences. This is something I don't feel that I got much from my parents, probably because they were struggling in the same way that I have struggled, but I want to be able to share that with my own kids. To think of the stories of my mission and share them with them, even if I can't do that in speech and only in writing. I think that will bless and help them a lot.
Another interesting thing that happens as Lehi blesses Laman and Lemuel's children is that he blesses them that the curse of their sin might be removed from them and put on their parents heads. This tells me something about the mercy of God, that he in fact does take into account the sins of the parents in judgement of the children. God understands that we are affected by our circumstances, by our parents, the religion we grow up in, the place we live. God will take all of these things into his judgement with mercy and love.
Monday, November 20, 2017
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
They Think They Are Wise
While reading a talk by President Nelson I came across a book of Mormon scripture that made me ponder about the way my perceived wisdom can get in the way of my learning and even my happiness. It is 2 Nephi 9:28-29 and says,
“O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.
...But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God.”
As I read this scripture I had a sudden realization that I'm guilty of this. There are definitely times where I have been presented with the opportunity to learn great things, but because I felt like I knew it already I missed out. I didn't pay attention or I didn't place enough value on this message because I thought I didn't need it.
On the other hand there have been other cases recently in my life where I only just now have listened to lessons I thought I knew before, but because I listened I learned amazing things that have truly helped me to be healthier and happier.
Oftentimes in the Church we start to feel like we've heard it all before, we know the doctrine, we've heard the lessons 10 times or we've even taught it everyday for a couple years ourselves. Because of that, it's easy to feel like we don't need the lessons we hear. As Jacob says, we "set it aside supposing [we] know of [ourselves]" But just like those Jacob counsels, this profiteth us not and can even lead to us missing out on great blessings.
As we instead follow the Savior's counsel to be meek as little children we will be able to open our ears and hearts to hear the messages God has for us in every lesson or talk we hear. We will be uplifted and blessed and find great truth that we never would have found otherwise.
“O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.
...But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God.”
As I read this scripture I had a sudden realization that I'm guilty of this. There are definitely times where I have been presented with the opportunity to learn great things, but because I felt like I knew it already I missed out. I didn't pay attention or I didn't place enough value on this message because I thought I didn't need it.
On the other hand there have been other cases recently in my life where I only just now have listened to lessons I thought I knew before, but because I listened I learned amazing things that have truly helped me to be healthier and happier.
Oftentimes in the Church we start to feel like we've heard it all before, we know the doctrine, we've heard the lessons 10 times or we've even taught it everyday for a couple years ourselves. Because of that, it's easy to feel like we don't need the lessons we hear. As Jacob says, we "set it aside supposing [we] know of [ourselves]" But just like those Jacob counsels, this profiteth us not and can even lead to us missing out on great blessings.
As we instead follow the Savior's counsel to be meek as little children we will be able to open our ears and hearts to hear the messages God has for us in every lesson or talk we hear. We will be uplifted and blessed and find great truth that we never would have found otherwise.
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
The Godhead Being One
I work at the MTC chatting online with people who have questions about the gospel on Mormon.org. It's an amazing job. But often we get difficult questions from people that I'm not always sure how to answer.
In everyone's lives they are likely to come across these kind of questions at some point whether it's in our interactions with non members or even members too.
One question that can be hard to answer is why it might seem that even the book of Mormon says that God, Christ and the Holy Ghost are one being as in 2 Nephi 31:21,
"And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen."
However today I came across a scripture in the Book of Mormon that clarifies Christ and Heavenly Father's relationship. It's in 3 Nephi 19:23. Here Christ will teaching the Nephites teaches them what the unity of the Godhead means and how we can be part of that unity. It says,
"And now Father, I pray unto thee for them, and also for all those who shall believe on their words, that they may believe in me, that I may be in them as thou, Father, art in me, that we may be one."
"And now Father, I pray unto thee for them, and also for all those who shall believe on their words, that they may believe in me, that I may be in them as thou, Father, art in me, that we may be one."
Here we learn that Christ wants us to be in us as the Father is in him. That we may be one with both Christ and Heavenly Father. As we believe in Christ it allows him to be a part of us. As we move towards him and trust him his doctrine imprints itself on our lives, we want to do what he does, we feel the joy that he does. We become want to live as He lives, just as He lives as the Father lives.
This is a beautiful truth that not only answers a confusion about the godhead but deepens my faith in Christ and my desire to come unto him.
Friday, April 7, 2017
Your Treasure
This week I've been reading in 3 Nephi and I love the simple, yet profound truths that Jesus teaches there. One passage that particularly stood out to me this week was 3 Nephi 13:19-21
"19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and thieves break through and steal;
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
As I read this passage it really reverberated in my heart and I found myself asking, "Where is my treasure? What do I treasure and value in my life?" And while there are things I thing I do rightly value, there are also ways that my values are a little bit off the mark.
Periodically taking some time be introspective and really ask ourselves this question can be so powerful. It's easy for our motivations, our desires and our ambitions to get a little off course now and then, especially with the different messages and values taught by society.
This is one of the blessings of deeply pondering the scriptures, it allows us to continually remember the greatest treasure in life, the sweet joys of God and those we love most in our lives.
"19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and thieves break through and steal;
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
As I read this passage it really reverberated in my heart and I found myself asking, "Where is my treasure? What do I treasure and value in my life?" And while there are things I thing I do rightly value, there are also ways that my values are a little bit off the mark.
Periodically taking some time be introspective and really ask ourselves this question can be so powerful. It's easy for our motivations, our desires and our ambitions to get a little off course now and then, especially with the different messages and values taught by society.
This is one of the blessings of deeply pondering the scriptures, it allows us to continually remember the greatest treasure in life, the sweet joys of God and those we love most in our lives.
Friday, March 31, 2017
One by One
One of my favorite passages in the Book of Mormon is 3 Nephi 17. It is one of the passages that resonates most with me of who Christ truly is and what great love he has for each of his children. I especially love verses 5-7,
"5 And it came to pass that when Jesus had thus spoken, he cast his eyes round about again on the multitude, and beheld they were in tears, and did look steadfastly upon him as if they would ask him to tarry a little longer with them.
6 And he said unto them: Behold, my bowels are filled with compassion towards you.
7 Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy."
Here Christ doesn't just leave when his message is finished as it seems was his plan. Seeing the deep love the people had for him he decides to stay and to heal their sick and afflicted. He takes the time to heal each one individually as they were brought to him.
This is just one of the many examples of Christ's deep love for each individual person and his willingness to take the time to care for them one by one. Often we (and most religions) think of God almost as a great administrator, that He loves his children and takes care of them, but not that he really knows and takes care of us individually.
Or if we do know it in our head we don't fully understand it's deep meaning in our heart. When and as we come to understand how much God loves us individually then it changes how we look at the gospel and others. The gospel becomes less about law and duty and more about love. When we feel and understand God's love for us then our hearts are changed, we want more and more to follow the gospel. It changes us in amazing ways.
Sometimes it's easy as long time members to become rote in our membership, to just go through the motions, but if we simply seek to draw closer to Christ, to understand His love, then our hearts will naturally change. We will go from "going through the motions" to having real intent and a desire to serve God and the gospel will become so much more meaningful to us.
"5 And it came to pass that when Jesus had thus spoken, he cast his eyes round about again on the multitude, and beheld they were in tears, and did look steadfastly upon him as if they would ask him to tarry a little longer with them.
6 And he said unto them: Behold, my bowels are filled with compassion towards you.
7 Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy."
Here Christ doesn't just leave when his message is finished as it seems was his plan. Seeing the deep love the people had for him he decides to stay and to heal their sick and afflicted. He takes the time to heal each one individually as they were brought to him.
This is just one of the many examples of Christ's deep love for each individual person and his willingness to take the time to care for them one by one. Often we (and most religions) think of God almost as a great administrator, that He loves his children and takes care of them, but not that he really knows and takes care of us individually.
Or if we do know it in our head we don't fully understand it's deep meaning in our heart. When and as we come to understand how much God loves us individually then it changes how we look at the gospel and others. The gospel becomes less about law and duty and more about love. When we feel and understand God's love for us then our hearts are changed, we want more and more to follow the gospel. It changes us in amazing ways.
Sometimes it's easy as long time members to become rote in our membership, to just go through the motions, but if we simply seek to draw closer to Christ, to understand His love, then our hearts will naturally change. We will go from "going through the motions" to having real intent and a desire to serve God and the gospel will become so much more meaningful to us.
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
When Revelation Seems Wrong
Sometimes in our lives we receive revelation that later seems to be wrong. It can be confusing if we only take it at surface value. However, this week I read a passage in the Book of Mormon that gave me valuable insights into these situations.
In Alma 60:33 Moroni, in his anger of feeling neglected by the Government, says to Pahoran,
"Behold, the Lord saith unto me: If those whom ye have appointed your governors do not repent of their sins and iniquities, ye shall go up to battle against them."
Here Moroni specifically says that he received revelation from God saying that if the appointed Governors (ie. Pahoran and his councilors) didn't repent he should go to battle against them. This implies that God is confirming that Pahoran and the government are sinners. But in reality that's not the case. Unbeknownst to Moroni Pahoran has actually been faithful this whole time.
So what happened? Was Moroni confused about the revelation he received? That's possible, but more I believe that God was using Moroni to answer someone else's question. It was revelation for Moroni in a sense, but even more so it was actually meant to be revelation for Pahoran.
In Alma 61:19-20 Pahoran writes back to Moroni,
" And now, Moroni, I do joy in receiving your epistle, for I was somewhat worried concerning what we should do, whether it should be just in us to go against our brethren.
But ye have said, except they repent the Lord hath commanded you that ye should go against them."
Moroni's revelation wasn't wrong! Perhaps Moroni misunderstood it's full meaning, but it had a powerful purpose in telling both of them how they should solve the problem they were currently facing. This spiritual confirmation was exactly what both of them needed to confront the difficult civil war they had to fight to save their people.
Often in our lives, we may similarly receive revelations that end up seeming to be wrong, but actually have a purpose beyond their face value. As we continue to be patient and wait upon the Lord he does answer our prayers often in miraculous ways we don't expect.
Revelation does come. God does answer prayers, but it doesn't always happen the way we think it will. However if we have faith and trust in God we can have a firm confidence that He will hear our prayers. This is something I want to have more faith in. As I do I know that like Moroni I will eventually see the purpose of the revelation I receive even if it isn't clear until the end.
In Alma 60:33 Moroni, in his anger of feeling neglected by the Government, says to Pahoran,
"Behold, the Lord saith unto me: If those whom ye have appointed your governors do not repent of their sins and iniquities, ye shall go up to battle against them."
Here Moroni specifically says that he received revelation from God saying that if the appointed Governors (ie. Pahoran and his councilors) didn't repent he should go to battle against them. This implies that God is confirming that Pahoran and the government are sinners. But in reality that's not the case. Unbeknownst to Moroni Pahoran has actually been faithful this whole time.
So what happened? Was Moroni confused about the revelation he received? That's possible, but more I believe that God was using Moroni to answer someone else's question. It was revelation for Moroni in a sense, but even more so it was actually meant to be revelation for Pahoran.
In Alma 61:19-20 Pahoran writes back to Moroni,
" And now, Moroni, I do joy in receiving your epistle, for I was somewhat worried concerning what we should do, whether it should be just in us to go against our brethren.
But ye have said, except they repent the Lord hath commanded you that ye should go against them."
Moroni's revelation wasn't wrong! Perhaps Moroni misunderstood it's full meaning, but it had a powerful purpose in telling both of them how they should solve the problem they were currently facing. This spiritual confirmation was exactly what both of them needed to confront the difficult civil war they had to fight to save their people.
Often in our lives, we may similarly receive revelations that end up seeming to be wrong, but actually have a purpose beyond their face value. As we continue to be patient and wait upon the Lord he does answer our prayers often in miraculous ways we don't expect.
Revelation does come. God does answer prayers, but it doesn't always happen the way we think it will. However if we have faith and trust in God we can have a firm confidence that He will hear our prayers. This is something I want to have more faith in. As I do I know that like Moroni I will eventually see the purpose of the revelation I receive even if it isn't clear until the end.
Monday, March 20, 2017
Bringing Hope
This morning I was reading in Alma 56 and I came upon a scripture that reminded me of a powerful lesson I learned on my mission. The scripture is Alma 56:16-17. It describes the effect Helamen's reinforcement of 2000 stripling warriors had on the warriors of Antipus. It says,
"16 Yea, and they were depressed in body as well as in spirit, for they had fought valiantly by day and toiled by night to maintain their cities; and thus they had suffered great afflictions of every kind.
17 And now they were determined to conquer in this place or die; therefore you may well suppose that this little force which I brought with me, yea, those sons of mine, gave them great hopes and much joy."
On my mission sometimes I unrighteously judged other missionaries especially older ones that I saw as having lost their missionary fire. I thought myself better than them and judged them without trying to truly understand why they were the way they were. However, one day when I read this story on my mission I realized that many of these missionaries were just like Antipus's soldiers.
Just like these soldiers these missionaries had fought valiantly, but many of them suffered great afflictions in the course of their mission, whether it was beloved investigators disappearing the week before baptism, or maybe terrible news from home or difficult circumstances, all of these missionaries I had judged were simply struggling because of afflictions they had faced.
I'm sure when Helamen's stripling warriors saw the warriors of Antipus and the state they were in they had no judgement, only respect for the valiance with which they had fought. The soliders' afflictions were very clear and present before their eyes. However in these days many of the afflictions and struggles the people around us go through are unseen to us. We see their struggling, but not their afflictions.
If we act with love towards our struggling family and friends and treat them not as unworthy, but rather as struggling because of their valiance in fighting a great battle we can see them and their struggles with love. And that is when we will be able to truly help lift their spirits as the stripling warriors did.
"16 Yea, and they were depressed in body as well as in spirit, for they had fought valiantly by day and toiled by night to maintain their cities; and thus they had suffered great afflictions of every kind.
17 And now they were determined to conquer in this place or die; therefore you may well suppose that this little force which I brought with me, yea, those sons of mine, gave them great hopes and much joy."
On my mission sometimes I unrighteously judged other missionaries especially older ones that I saw as having lost their missionary fire. I thought myself better than them and judged them without trying to truly understand why they were the way they were. However, one day when I read this story on my mission I realized that many of these missionaries were just like Antipus's soldiers.
Just like these soldiers these missionaries had fought valiantly, but many of them suffered great afflictions in the course of their mission, whether it was beloved investigators disappearing the week before baptism, or maybe terrible news from home or difficult circumstances, all of these missionaries I had judged were simply struggling because of afflictions they had faced.
I'm sure when Helamen's stripling warriors saw the warriors of Antipus and the state they were in they had no judgement, only respect for the valiance with which they had fought. The soliders' afflictions were very clear and present before their eyes. However in these days many of the afflictions and struggles the people around us go through are unseen to us. We see their struggling, but not their afflictions.
If we act with love towards our struggling family and friends and treat them not as unworthy, but rather as struggling because of their valiance in fighting a great battle we can see them and their struggles with love. And that is when we will be able to truly help lift their spirits as the stripling warriors did.
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Prayer
This week I was studying the references to prayer in the Book of Mormon. One verse in 1 Nephi 18 particularly stood out to me while I was studying.
"And I, Nephi, did go into the mount oft, and I did pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things." - 1 Nephi 18:3
Nephi does two important things here. First he prays often and second he goes up to the mountain to pray. To me this is significant because it shows Nephi definitely isn't just praying to pray. To him it's a special event. He takes time to do it. You don't go up to the mountain to pray for a few minutes and then leave. If you're going up to the mountain you're going to stay there and really pour your heart out to God.
This scripture also shows the result of Nephi's diligent prayers. Because of Nephi's diligence and sincere prayers the Lord shows him great things. I think these are things about the kingdom of God and his own life and what God wants him to do.
Like just about every college student I have a lot of questions about my future. What do I want to do after BYU? What kind of jobs should I pursue? What kind of person should I become? I believe Nephi might very well have been asking similar questions to the Lord about his future and this verse teaches me that as I sincerely and diligently seek the Lord in prayer He will show me great things and give me answers to my prayers.
"And I, Nephi, did go into the mount oft, and I did pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things." - 1 Nephi 18:3
Nephi does two important things here. First he prays often and second he goes up to the mountain to pray. To me this is significant because it shows Nephi definitely isn't just praying to pray. To him it's a special event. He takes time to do it. You don't go up to the mountain to pray for a few minutes and then leave. If you're going up to the mountain you're going to stay there and really pour your heart out to God.
This scripture also shows the result of Nephi's diligent prayers. Because of Nephi's diligence and sincere prayers the Lord shows him great things. I think these are things about the kingdom of God and his own life and what God wants him to do.
Like just about every college student I have a lot of questions about my future. What do I want to do after BYU? What kind of jobs should I pursue? What kind of person should I become? I believe Nephi might very well have been asking similar questions to the Lord about his future and this verse teaches me that as I sincerely and diligently seek the Lord in prayer He will show me great things and give me answers to my prayers.
Monday, March 6, 2017
Power of Scriptures
This week as I was reading in Mosiah 1 I was struck by King Benjamin's teachings about the power of the scriptures. In Mosiah 1 verse 5 he says,
"I say unto you, my sons, were it not for these things, which have been kept and preserved by the hand of God, that we might read and understand of his mysteries, and have his commandments always before our eyes, that even our fathers would have dwindled in unbelief, and we should have been like unto our brethren, the Lamanites, who know nothing concerning these things, or even do not believe them when they are taught them, because of the traditions of their fathers, which are not correct."
It's fascinating to consider that without the scriptures even many of the righteous prophets of the Nephites would likely have dwindled in unbelief. It illustrates how much we need these records today. We have the easiest access to the scriptures of any generation. Yet if we don't read them, then it's as if we never had them at all. This really testifies to me of how important cherishing these records and scriptures we have and how important they are in our day in keeping our faith strong.
"I say unto you, my sons, were it not for these things, which have been kept and preserved by the hand of God, that we might read and understand of his mysteries, and have his commandments always before our eyes, that even our fathers would have dwindled in unbelief, and we should have been like unto our brethren, the Lamanites, who know nothing concerning these things, or even do not believe them when they are taught them, because of the traditions of their fathers, which are not correct."
It's fascinating to consider that without the scriptures even many of the righteous prophets of the Nephites would likely have dwindled in unbelief. It illustrates how much we need these records today. We have the easiest access to the scriptures of any generation. Yet if we don't read them, then it's as if we never had them at all. This really testifies to me of how important cherishing these records and scriptures we have and how important they are in our day in keeping our faith strong.
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Character
I've been thinking this week about character, which to me means basing your life on and staying true to a core set of values. So many of the problems of society today come from people not staying true to or having a core set of values.
David O Mckay once said, "Man’s chief concern in life should not be the acquiring of gold or of fame or of material possessions. It should not be the development of physical prowess nor of intellectual strength, but his aim – the highest in life – should be the development of Christlike character. "
Although we might find success in the world or success in our careers from seeking fame or intellectual strength or wealth, to have success in life, to be able to look back on life with satisfaction and peace rather than pain and regret requires seeking after a righteous character.
This is one of the greatest goals in my life. And as I read Helaman 5:12 this week it testified powerfully to me of where we should look to develop this character. It says,
"And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."
I know that if I build my foundation on Christ, if I build my character and my values on Him that whatever challenges or dilemmas come my way that I will be able to weather the storm.
David O Mckay once said, "Man’s chief concern in life should not be the acquiring of gold or of fame or of material possessions. It should not be the development of physical prowess nor of intellectual strength, but his aim – the highest in life – should be the development of Christlike character. "
Although we might find success in the world or success in our careers from seeking fame or intellectual strength or wealth, to have success in life, to be able to look back on life with satisfaction and peace rather than pain and regret requires seeking after a righteous character.
This is one of the greatest goals in my life. And as I read Helaman 5:12 this week it testified powerfully to me of where we should look to develop this character. It says,
"And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."
I know that if I build my foundation on Christ, if I build my character and my values on Him that whatever challenges or dilemmas come my way that I will be able to weather the storm.
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Why Works?
At my job I chat with people from all over the world on mormon.org who have questions about the gospel. One of the most frequent questions I get from people (especially Evangelical Christians) is what we believe about grace and works. In times past I've kind of struggled to understand what I do believe about it and how the dichotomy of grace and works is resolved. I've heard it explained many ways, but it still wasn't entirely clear to me. Then one day I was reading in 2 Nephi 31 and it finally made sense.
In 2 Nephi 31 Nephi speaks of the path we must follow to gain eternal life, that of faith, repentance, baptism and the Holy Ghost and in verse 19 he says,
" 19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save."
And I realized how the seeming opposition of grace and works really go hand in had. Yes we do need to follow that strait and narrow path and follow Christ to be saved. However as Nephi says in 2 Nephi 31:19, "Ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ, with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save."
We can't follow that path, we can't live the gospel on our own and with our own merits, the only way we can possibly do the works he has asked us to do is by relying wholly upon his grace. This is a reminder to me that as I seek to follow Christ, as I seek to read my scriptures and pray and go to church and repent, as I do all these things I can only truly follow this path by relying wholly on the merits of God.
Monday, February 13, 2017
Who are the Righteous
Sometimes as members of the church we (if not consciously then subconsciously) think that we are more righteous than people of other faiths because of our beliefs, because we are part of God's church.
In reality however there's nothing to say that God's people or church are more righteous just for having his full truth. The people of Israel often strayed and were greatly punished by God. In the book of Mormon Jacob 3:5 is a great example of this.
"Behold, the Lamanites your brethren, whom ye hate because of their filthiness and the cursing which hath come upon their skins, are more righteous than you; for they have not forgotten the commandment of the Lord, which was given unto our father—that they should have save it were one wife, and concubines they should have none, and there should not be whoredoms committed among them."
Here the Lord is saying that this people who don't believe in God are more righteous than the Nephite because of what they do with their lives. They follow God's Commandments without knowing they are following God but likely they do it because they believe it is the right thing to do. And because of the Nephites sins they are more righteous.
Is it possible that a Muslim, or an evangelical Christian or a Buddhist or even an atheist might be more righteous than us personally? If they are following God by loving and serving others then I think it is entirely possible!
Now we don't have God's knowledge to reliably make any fair judgment so there is no point in trying to determine who is more righteous, but the point is that we need to be less prideful of our own "righteousness" and recognize the righteousness God sees in all his children regardless of their belief and we need to celebrate and appreciate their goodness.
In reality however there's nothing to say that God's people or church are more righteous just for having his full truth. The people of Israel often strayed and were greatly punished by God. In the book of Mormon Jacob 3:5 is a great example of this.
"Behold, the Lamanites your brethren, whom ye hate because of their filthiness and the cursing which hath come upon their skins, are more righteous than you; for they have not forgotten the commandment of the Lord, which was given unto our father—that they should have save it were one wife, and concubines they should have none, and there should not be whoredoms committed among them."
Here the Lord is saying that this people who don't believe in God are more righteous than the Nephite because of what they do with their lives. They follow God's Commandments without knowing they are following God but likely they do it because they believe it is the right thing to do. And because of the Nephites sins they are more righteous.
Is it possible that a Muslim, or an evangelical Christian or a Buddhist or even an atheist might be more righteous than us personally? If they are following God by loving and serving others then I think it is entirely possible!
Now we don't have God's knowledge to reliably make any fair judgment so there is no point in trying to determine who is more righteous, but the point is that we need to be less prideful of our own "righteousness" and recognize the righteousness God sees in all his children regardless of their belief and we need to celebrate and appreciate their goodness.
Monday, February 6, 2017
Justice to the Righteous?
I was reading in 2 Nephi 9 and I came across a phrase that made me think about justice in a way that I haven't done before. In 2 Nephi 9:46 I read,
"Prepare your souls for that glorious day when justice shall be administered unto the righteous, even the day of judgment..."
This stood out to me, particularly the phrase "when justice shall be administered unto the righteous." Usually when we think of justice we think of punishment for sin. Rarely do we think of positive aspects of justice. Yet here Jacob is saying that justice shall be administered to the righteous. Now why would the righteous be receiving justice?
As I pondered this I thought about the broader meaning of justice. Justice doesn't only mean punishment for wrongdoing, it also includes a sense of fairness, of making right that which was unjust. People often wonder why God would allow evil to be in this world? And why it sometimes seems so unfair?
But it is precisely because God is just that all that is unfair will be made right. However we are wronged we will be recompensed. Whatever is unfair in our lives will be made right.
Mercy, likewise can be a double edged sword. On one hand it means we as sinners will be forgiven, but on the other hand it also means that those who have wronged us, those who have hurt us will be forgiven as well. This would feel painful if it weren't not also for God's justice, for through his justice we know that however we have been wronged we will be given back one hundred fold.
This gives me great appreciation of the beauty of God's plan and also of his loving character and perfect attributes. He truly is perfect.
"Prepare your souls for that glorious day when justice shall be administered unto the righteous, even the day of judgment..."
This stood out to me, particularly the phrase "when justice shall be administered unto the righteous." Usually when we think of justice we think of punishment for sin. Rarely do we think of positive aspects of justice. Yet here Jacob is saying that justice shall be administered to the righteous. Now why would the righteous be receiving justice?
As I pondered this I thought about the broader meaning of justice. Justice doesn't only mean punishment for wrongdoing, it also includes a sense of fairness, of making right that which was unjust. People often wonder why God would allow evil to be in this world? And why it sometimes seems so unfair?
But it is precisely because God is just that all that is unfair will be made right. However we are wronged we will be recompensed. Whatever is unfair in our lives will be made right.
Mercy, likewise can be a double edged sword. On one hand it means we as sinners will be forgiven, but on the other hand it also means that those who have wronged us, those who have hurt us will be forgiven as well. This would feel painful if it weren't not also for God's justice, for through his justice we know that however we have been wronged we will be given back one hundred fold.
This gives me great appreciation of the beauty of God's plan and also of his loving character and perfect attributes. He truly is perfect.
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Optimism and loving others
This week a friend shared a thought with me from president Hinckley that made me think.
"Cultivate an attitude of happiness. Cultivate a spirit of optimism. Walk with faith, rejoicing in the beauties of nature, in the goodness of those you love, in the testimony which you carry in your heart concerning things divine." - Gordon B Hinckley
As I pondered this quote I thought about my own life and how sometimes Satan tries to make is think that we have no choice in being happy, no ability to choose our own circumstances. Now granted there are people with clinical depression that makes this difficult. But we have more power than Satan wants us to believe.
And one of the most powerful ways I've found of finding happiness is ironically to forget ourselves. The Dalai Llama once said, "If you want others to be happy, choose compassion, if you want to be happy choose compassion."
These past few weeks I've tried to forget myself and serve others. As I have I've noticed greater light and happiness come into my life. Often when I'm unhappy is when I'm most focused on myself, but when I reach out to love others I find greater happiness. As the Savior said,
"He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."
I know this to be true.
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Why We Need the Book of Mormon
Yesterday I was listening to the radio and there was an interview with a retired Episcopal Bishop who was trying to argue that none of the miracles in the bible actually happened, that Jesus was just a really good man and even went so far as to say that when we take the miracles in the bible literally it's heresy.
Naturally I don't agree with him. But I was surprised and sad that there would be Christians who don't believe in Christ's ability to work miracles. If we don't believe He worked miracles then, how could we ever believe that He can work miracles now in our own lives?
As I listened I eventually came to understand how he'd come to this point. He had grown up in a church, but without the truths of the gospel, without prophets and the restored truths that fix apostasy errors how could he fully understand?
Through this I realized how powerful the Book of Mormon's witness of Jesus Christ really is. With the bible there are some who can claim he was just a good man. But with the Book of Mormon that middle ground falls away. The Book of Mormon testifies that Jesus Christ is the Savior, that He truly healed the blind, cured the sick, and caused the lame to walk. Moroni even prophesies and warns against those who believe as this Episcopal Bishop did in Moroni 7 saying,
"Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved?
Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain."
I'm so grateful for the powerful testimony of Jesus Christ that the Book of Mormon is. It truly brings us closer to God and is the most powerful witness of the Savior and it has changed my life.
Nick Walton
Naturally I don't agree with him. But I was surprised and sad that there would be Christians who don't believe in Christ's ability to work miracles. If we don't believe He worked miracles then, how could we ever believe that He can work miracles now in our own lives?
As I listened I eventually came to understand how he'd come to this point. He had grown up in a church, but without the truths of the gospel, without prophets and the restored truths that fix apostasy errors how could he fully understand?
Through this I realized how powerful the Book of Mormon's witness of Jesus Christ really is. With the bible there are some who can claim he was just a good man. But with the Book of Mormon that middle ground falls away. The Book of Mormon testifies that Jesus Christ is the Savior, that He truly healed the blind, cured the sick, and caused the lame to walk. Moroni even prophesies and warns against those who believe as this Episcopal Bishop did in Moroni 7 saying,
"Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved?
Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain."
I'm so grateful for the powerful testimony of Jesus Christ that the Book of Mormon is. It truly brings us closer to God and is the most powerful witness of the Savior and it has changed my life.
Nick Walton
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