I wanted to share two things today - both deal with attitude.
The first one is a quote. I don't quite remember where I found the quote, but once I read it, I knew I had to jot it down and read it often. I kept the quote in my scriptures and read it quite frequently while on my mission.
“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.” - Charles Swindoll
The second one is from a blog post I read today by Scott Adams. The post is about Adams' take on attitude and his delivery of it makes you think a bit more and has some "science" to it. I've copied the post below ... link to the post here.
Do you ever feel a responsibility to act happier than you are?
Our attitudes affect the people around us. When we're sad it makes the people who care about us sad too. And when we smile it makes others smile. All moods are shared moods. Even total strangers can pick up your vibes.
So, do you have an obligation to fake happiness if there is nothing to be gained by complaining? Suppose you have a bad day at work - nothing horrible, just a lot of little things going wrong. Sharing your woes might make you feel better, but it will be at the expense of a friend, loved one or coworker who has to listen to it. And dwelling on problems that can't be fixed just gives the problems more power than they deserve.
It usually feels good to complain, which is why we do it. And of course the situation is reciprocal in the sense that you have to listen to the woes of others just as they listen to yours. So it's a fair arrangement in that sense. But wouldn't we all be better off if everyone just faked it and said they were having a terrific day even if they weren't?
Scientists know that pretending to be happy - specifically by smiling - can make you happier in actuality. And when you have a bad day, what you really want is to feel good again. So for your own good, and for the sake of your loved ones, shouldn't you be a huge phony and say your day went great? From a practical standpoint, that would seem to be your best strategy.
I practice a version of this type of self-hypnosis - and that's what it is - every time someone asks "How are you?" I always answer "Great" or "Terrific" no matter how my day is really going. I do that partly because it helps manipulate me into a good mood and partly because I know it gives the person who asked a little boost. That's how we terrific people roll.
In the course of a normal day, folks might ask how you are feeling several times. Imagine saying you are terrific a thousand times a year. That much reinforcement of a message has to have an impact on your brain over time. If instead you say you are merely "good" a thousand times a year, will that lock you into mediocrity? I think it might.
We humans leave a lot of happiness on the table by believing our moods are caused entirely by our luck on any given day plus our genetic makeup. But I think moods are 80% controllable by lifestyle. If you exercise, get enough sleep, eat well, and project a positive attitude you can generally have a good day even if the facts of the day argue otherwise.
Obviously no one can act happy in the face of genuine tragedy or bad news of the larger variety. And clinical depression probably isn't much helped by fake smiling. But for the everyday ups and downs of mood, I think you control those if you want to. You just have to decide if you're in charge of your own mood or you want to delegate that decision to chance. In my experience, at least half of the population delegates their moods to chance. That's a lot of lost opportunity for happiness.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
honesty
in our primary lesson this week, we talked about how road signs and commandments are alike - they both keep us safe; they both guide us to our destination and they both can be reassuring - knowing that we can follow them.
later in the lesson, we discussed how obeying the commandments makes us happy, while disobeying the commandments will make us sad.
in trying to drive this last point, i told a famous family story - one that makes my kids laugh every time they hear the words, "when i was in 4th grade."
i realized i haven't shared this story on the blog yet, so i figured i'd share it today.
when i was in 4th grade, the school parking lot was made of gravel. it wasn't as big as it is today. in fact, the parking lot was only as big as the blue shaded box.
well, one day at recess, i was playing on the outside basketball court and i saw this rock from the parking lot. i picked it up and decided to throw it back into the parking lot.
when i threw it, i bounced off the concrete basketball court and straight into mrs. betts' car head-light (about where the white box is). my heart sank.
i quickly left the crime scene hoping no one saw it. but at least one kid saw it and told the teacher on duty.
all this happened on a friday - the day my dad (who was also a teacher in the same school district) picked up his pay check.
when he got home from work that day, he came into my room and began asking me what i did at recess. i told him everything ... except the part where i threw a rock into mrs. betts' head-light. well, after all that hiding the truth, i figured he already knew what happened and so i ended up telling the whole truth ... i was in sobs of tears at this point.
my dad then told me i had to earn the money to pay for the repairs ... i spent a lot of the weekend and the following week out in the weed-field next to our house - picking up trash.
on monday, when i went back to school, i had to screw up the courage to tell mrs. betts. now, mrs. betts was the meanest teacher in the school. we called her mrs. butts because she smoked and would constantly cough. when i told her what i did and that i was sorry, she accepted my apology.
it's difficult to tell the whole truth sometimes. but by hiding the truth and then later telling the whole truth, well, that's even more difficult. so in the long run, it's best to tell the whole truth.
later in the lesson, we discussed how obeying the commandments makes us happy, while disobeying the commandments will make us sad.
in trying to drive this last point, i told a famous family story - one that makes my kids laugh every time they hear the words, "when i was in 4th grade."
i realized i haven't shared this story on the blog yet, so i figured i'd share it today.
well, one day at recess, i was playing on the outside basketball court and i saw this rock from the parking lot. i picked it up and decided to throw it back into the parking lot.
when i threw it, i bounced off the concrete basketball court and straight into mrs. betts' car head-light (about where the white box is). my heart sank.
i quickly left the crime scene hoping no one saw it. but at least one kid saw it and told the teacher on duty.
all this happened on a friday - the day my dad (who was also a teacher in the same school district) picked up his pay check.
when he got home from work that day, he came into my room and began asking me what i did at recess. i told him everything ... except the part where i threw a rock into mrs. betts' head-light. well, after all that hiding the truth, i figured he already knew what happened and so i ended up telling the whole truth ... i was in sobs of tears at this point.
my dad then told me i had to earn the money to pay for the repairs ... i spent a lot of the weekend and the following week out in the weed-field next to our house - picking up trash.
on monday, when i went back to school, i had to screw up the courage to tell mrs. betts. now, mrs. betts was the meanest teacher in the school. we called her mrs. butts because she smoked and would constantly cough. when i told her what i did and that i was sorry, she accepted my apology.
it's difficult to tell the whole truth sometimes. but by hiding the truth and then later telling the whole truth, well, that's even more difficult. so in the long run, it's best to tell the whole truth.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Don't think divorce; don't speak divorce; don't divorce
I can't help but speak up about the topic of divorce. It is a nasty topic and I feel the need to rinse my mouth to even speak the word. But it is important to recognize the devastating effects of it in our culture today - so as to teach our children and those around us - so that we can save some soul from its heart-wrenching consequences.
Background
First, I want to make a few things known. I'm a Generation X-er ... we were the kids who suffered from our parents divorcing at astounding rates in the 1970s and 80s (think Kramer vs. Kramer). And speaking of that movie ... I remember, as a kid, seeing parts of this movie and was absolutly horrified of it.
My parents did not divorce - they are married today and I praise them for being committed to each other.
One of my good friend's parents divorced when I was in 4th grade. That experience even devastated me.
One of my relative's parents got a divorce when he was about 21 or so.
One of my good college friends was married for just a short period before he and his ex-wife divorced.
After my wife and I graduated from BYU and started our own family and career, we saw two families in our ward divorce - with small kids. I still remember the first Sunday after the one couple separated. The dad was sitting with the kids in the audience and the mom was leading the music. Their little boy just cried for his mom every time she stood up. It was heart-crushing to listen to that little plea from that boy.
And then, just last week, I hear another story from my wife about this woman she knows. In the course of their conversation, this woman just flippantly said that she was considering divorce - apparently for no real good reason other than to just leave him! My wife telling me this story is what has prompted me to write something about this topic.
But I ultimately decided not to ... until I came across another disturbing bit of information.
Sesame Street and Divorce
First off, take the time to read this article about how Sesame Street has handled the topic of divorce: "D Is for Divorce: Sesame Street Tackles Another Touchy Topic" They first tried it back in 1992 - but that attempt failed miserably.
But now they've found a way to put a positive spin on the new topic. Now kids can see the positive side of divorce as they watch the segment, but then get to try to figure out why it's not so positive when they actually have to live through it.
For what it's worth, Sesame Street did not air the divorce segment on TV; rather it is a segment that was produced only for their website.
What You Can Do
What can you do about divorce? Stand up and tell people not to get a divorce if they are considering it - especially if they have kids. This is what my wife did with her friend - she tried very enthusiastically to advise against divorce. And this is the right thing to do when there is no serious and perpetual abuse.
Talk to your kids about it - tell them that divorce is not ok. Tell them that marriage is serious and should be taken serioiusly. It is not something to do and when the going gets rough it's time to bail. No; it should take work and commitment. It is precious and worth keeping. It takes both the husband and wife to commit and step up.
The statistics are out there for those who want to know and to look. You give your kids the best shot in life by being commited to your marriage. But when you divorce, you wreck lives.
Don't think divorce. Don't speak divorce. Don't divorce.
Additional Reading
The Family Proclamation
Divorce by Dallin H. Oaks
Background
First, I want to make a few things known. I'm a Generation X-er ... we were the kids who suffered from our parents divorcing at astounding rates in the 1970s and 80s (think Kramer vs. Kramer). And speaking of that movie ... I remember, as a kid, seeing parts of this movie and was absolutly horrified of it.
My parents did not divorce - they are married today and I praise them for being committed to each other.
One of my good friend's parents divorced when I was in 4th grade. That experience even devastated me.
One of my relative's parents got a divorce when he was about 21 or so.
One of my good college friends was married for just a short period before he and his ex-wife divorced.
After my wife and I graduated from BYU and started our own family and career, we saw two families in our ward divorce - with small kids. I still remember the first Sunday after the one couple separated. The dad was sitting with the kids in the audience and the mom was leading the music. Their little boy just cried for his mom every time she stood up. It was heart-crushing to listen to that little plea from that boy.
And then, just last week, I hear another story from my wife about this woman she knows. In the course of their conversation, this woman just flippantly said that she was considering divorce - apparently for no real good reason other than to just leave him! My wife telling me this story is what has prompted me to write something about this topic.
But I ultimately decided not to ... until I came across another disturbing bit of information.
Sesame Street and Divorce
 |
| the positive spin: two houses |
But now they've found a way to put a positive spin on the new topic. Now kids can see the positive side of divorce as they watch the segment, but then get to try to figure out why it's not so positive when they actually have to live through it.
For what it's worth, Sesame Street did not air the divorce segment on TV; rather it is a segment that was produced only for their website.
What You Can Do
What can you do about divorce? Stand up and tell people not to get a divorce if they are considering it - especially if they have kids. This is what my wife did with her friend - she tried very enthusiastically to advise against divorce. And this is the right thing to do when there is no serious and perpetual abuse.
Talk to your kids about it - tell them that divorce is not ok. Tell them that marriage is serious and should be taken serioiusly. It is not something to do and when the going gets rough it's time to bail. No; it should take work and commitment. It is precious and worth keeping. It takes both the husband and wife to commit and step up.
The statistics are out there for those who want to know and to look. You give your kids the best shot in life by being commited to your marriage. But when you divorce, you wreck lives.
Don't think divorce. Don't speak divorce. Don't divorce.
Additional Reading
The Family Proclamation
Divorce by Dallin H. Oaks
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
Simplify Your 2013 Resolutions
So we all are working on accomplishing our goals and new year's resolutions. Some may still be contemplating what it is they want to resolve to do this year. As you think about your resolutions this year, I have one simple suggestion: repentance.
The Church's definition of repentance is, "A change of mind and heart that brings a fresh attitude toward God, oneself, and life in general. Repentance implies that a person turns away from evil and turns his heart and will to God, submitting to God’s commandments and desires and forsaking sin. True repentance comes from a love for God and a sincere desire to obey his commandments. All accountable persons have sinned and must repent in order to progress toward salvation. Only through the atonement of Jesus Christ can our repentance become effective and accepted by God."
Do you fully grasp what repentance means? At its core, it is a change of heart and mind. If our hearts and minds are truly changed and they are centered on Christ, then all other resolutions will fall into place.
Our lust of carnal things will fade.
Our poor eating habits will begin to change.
Our desire for fame, money, status and all material possessions diminishes greatly.
Our lazy habits will be replaced with service to others.
Our tempers seize to flare.
Our constant comparing to others takes a back seat to comparing ourselves to Christ.
Our pride turns to humility.
I doubt you, I or anyone can accomplish full repentance in 2013. In my opinion, fully turning to Christ is a life-long work. It takes focus, commitment, patience and endurance. But you can commit to begin the process this year ... or even to begin anew the process this year.
To start, pray every morning and ask God who you can help today, then find someone to serve that day.
Read the scriptures; especially study the life of Jesus Christ.
Get in the habit of those two things and you will make great progress in your quest for true repentance.
The Church's definition of repentance is, "A change of mind and heart that brings a fresh attitude toward God, oneself, and life in general. Repentance implies that a person turns away from evil and turns his heart and will to God, submitting to God’s commandments and desires and forsaking sin. True repentance comes from a love for God and a sincere desire to obey his commandments. All accountable persons have sinned and must repent in order to progress toward salvation. Only through the atonement of Jesus Christ can our repentance become effective and accepted by God."
Do you fully grasp what repentance means? At its core, it is a change of heart and mind. If our hearts and minds are truly changed and they are centered on Christ, then all other resolutions will fall into place.
Our lust of carnal things will fade.
Our poor eating habits will begin to change.
Our desire for fame, money, status and all material possessions diminishes greatly.
Our lazy habits will be replaced with service to others.
Our tempers seize to flare.
Our constant comparing to others takes a back seat to comparing ourselves to Christ.
Our pride turns to humility.
I doubt you, I or anyone can accomplish full repentance in 2013. In my opinion, fully turning to Christ is a life-long work. It takes focus, commitment, patience and endurance. But you can commit to begin the process this year ... or even to begin anew the process this year.
To start, pray every morning and ask God who you can help today, then find someone to serve that day.
Read the scriptures; especially study the life of Jesus Christ.
Get in the habit of those two things and you will make great progress in your quest for true repentance.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Prince Dirghayu, Joseph in Egypt and Ammon
So, you may have noticed my posts have been infrequent. This is due, in part, to life being so busy; but it is also due to the fact that I'm reading one of James Allen's books and taking notes on it. I've got all my notes in a post and when I finish it, I'll publish the post. But as I've been reading this book (Byways of Blessedness), I've come across stories he tells in the book ... such as the Convict and the Mouse, which is the previous post. Today I came across another story: Prince Dirghayu.
Let me copy the story first and then let me note the similarities between Prince Dirghayu, Joseph in Egypt and Ammon.
There is a beautiful story of Prince Dirghayu which was told by an ancient Indian teacher to his disciples in order to impress them with the truth of the sublime precept that “hatred ceases not by hatred at any time; hatred ceases by not-hatred.” The story is as follows:- Brahmadatta, a powerful king of Benares, made war upon Dirgheti, the king of Kosala, in order to annex his kingdom, which was much smaller than his own. Dirgheti, seeing that it was impossible for him to resist the greater power of Bramhadatta, fled, and left his kingdom in his enemy’s hands. For some time he wandered from place to place in disguise, and at last settled down with his queen in an artisan’s cottage; and the queen gave birth to a son, whom they called Dirghayu.
Now, King Brahmadatta was anxious to discover the hiding-place of Dirgheti, in order to put to death the conquered king, for he thought, “Seeing that I have deprived him of his kingdom he may someday treacherously kill me If I do not kill him.”
But many years passed away, and Dirgheti devoted himself to the education of his son,. who by dilligent application, became learned and skillful and wise.
And after a time Dirgheti’s secret became known, and he, fearing that brahmadatta would discover him and slay all three, and thinking more of the life of his son than his own, sent away the prince. Soon after the exile king fell into the hands of Brahmadatta, and was, along with his queen, executed.
Now Brahmadatta thought: I have got rid of Dirgheti and his queen, but their son , Prince Dirghayu, lives, and he will be sure to contrive some means of effecting my assassination; yet he is unknown to any, and I have no means of discovering him.” So the king lived in great fear and continual distress of mind.
Soon after the execution of his parents, Dirghayu, under an assumed name, sought employment in the king’s stables, and was engaged by the master of elephants.
Dirghayu quickly endeared himself to all, and his superior abilities came at last under the notice of the king, who had the young man brought before him, and was so charmed with him that he employed him in his own castle, and he proved to be so able and diligent that the king shortly placed him in a position of great trust under himself.
One day the king went on a long hunting expedtion, and became seperated from his retinue, Dirghayu alone remaining with him. And the king, being fatigued with his exertions, lay down, and slept with his head in Dirghayu’s lap. Then Dirghayu thought: This king has greatly wronged me. He robbed my father of his kingdom, and slew my parents, and he is now entirely in my power.” And he drew his sword, thinking to slay Brahmadatta. But, remembering how his father had taught him never to seek revenge but to forgive to the uttermost, he sheathed his sword.
At last the king awoke out of a disturbed sleep, and the youth inquired of him why he looked so frightened. “My sleep”, said the king “is always restless, for I frequently dream that I am in the power of young Dirghayu and that he is alone to slay me. While lying here I again dreamed that with greater vividness than ever before and it has filled me with dread and terror.
Then the youth, drawing his sword, said: “I am Prince Dirghayu, and you are in my power: the time of vengeance has arrived.”
Then the king fell upon his knees and begged Dirghayu to spare his life. And Dirghayu said: “It is you, O King! who must spare my life. For many years you have wished to find me in order that you might kill me; and , now that you have found me, let me beg of you to grant me my life.”
And there and then did Brahmadatta and Dirghayu grant each other life, took hands, and solemnly vowed never to harm each other. And so overcome was the king by the noble and forgiving spirit of Dirghayu that he gave him his daughter in marriage, and restored to him his father’s kingdom.
Just as Dirghayu was wronged, so was Joseph. Dirghayu had the king in his hands, ready to kill him, but he did not. Joseph had his brothers in his hands and could do anything he wanted with them. But neither did ill - both forgave.
The King Brahmadatta did evil by killing Dirghayu's parents, but he was later forgiven and changed for the better. Ammon did horrible things, but was later forgiven and changed for the better. The father of King Lamoni tried to kill Ammon and King Lamoni, but he too was forgiven and changed for the better.
Both Dirghayu and Ammon served a king who at one point tried to kill them.
King Brahmadatta begged for his life and lived. The father of King Lamoni begged for his life and lived. Both changed for the better.
Dirghayu leveraged the king's life to gain his own. Ammon leveraged the king's life to gain his own as well as King Lamoni's.
Let me copy the story first and then let me note the similarities between Prince Dirghayu, Joseph in Egypt and Ammon.
There is a beautiful story of Prince Dirghayu which was told by an ancient Indian teacher to his disciples in order to impress them with the truth of the sublime precept that “hatred ceases not by hatred at any time; hatred ceases by not-hatred.” The story is as follows:- Brahmadatta, a powerful king of Benares, made war upon Dirgheti, the king of Kosala, in order to annex his kingdom, which was much smaller than his own. Dirgheti, seeing that it was impossible for him to resist the greater power of Bramhadatta, fled, and left his kingdom in his enemy’s hands. For some time he wandered from place to place in disguise, and at last settled down with his queen in an artisan’s cottage; and the queen gave birth to a son, whom they called Dirghayu.
Now, King Brahmadatta was anxious to discover the hiding-place of Dirgheti, in order to put to death the conquered king, for he thought, “Seeing that I have deprived him of his kingdom he may someday treacherously kill me If I do not kill him.”
But many years passed away, and Dirgheti devoted himself to the education of his son,. who by dilligent application, became learned and skillful and wise.
And after a time Dirgheti’s secret became known, and he, fearing that brahmadatta would discover him and slay all three, and thinking more of the life of his son than his own, sent away the prince. Soon after the exile king fell into the hands of Brahmadatta, and was, along with his queen, executed.
Now Brahmadatta thought: I have got rid of Dirgheti and his queen, but their son , Prince Dirghayu, lives, and he will be sure to contrive some means of effecting my assassination; yet he is unknown to any, and I have no means of discovering him.” So the king lived in great fear and continual distress of mind.
Soon after the execution of his parents, Dirghayu, under an assumed name, sought employment in the king’s stables, and was engaged by the master of elephants.
Dirghayu quickly endeared himself to all, and his superior abilities came at last under the notice of the king, who had the young man brought before him, and was so charmed with him that he employed him in his own castle, and he proved to be so able and diligent that the king shortly placed him in a position of great trust under himself.
One day the king went on a long hunting expedtion, and became seperated from his retinue, Dirghayu alone remaining with him. And the king, being fatigued with his exertions, lay down, and slept with his head in Dirghayu’s lap. Then Dirghayu thought: This king has greatly wronged me. He robbed my father of his kingdom, and slew my parents, and he is now entirely in my power.” And he drew his sword, thinking to slay Brahmadatta. But, remembering how his father had taught him never to seek revenge but to forgive to the uttermost, he sheathed his sword.
At last the king awoke out of a disturbed sleep, and the youth inquired of him why he looked so frightened. “My sleep”, said the king “is always restless, for I frequently dream that I am in the power of young Dirghayu and that he is alone to slay me. While lying here I again dreamed that with greater vividness than ever before and it has filled me with dread and terror.
Then the youth, drawing his sword, said: “I am Prince Dirghayu, and you are in my power: the time of vengeance has arrived.”
Then the king fell upon his knees and begged Dirghayu to spare his life. And Dirghayu said: “It is you, O King! who must spare my life. For many years you have wished to find me in order that you might kill me; and , now that you have found me, let me beg of you to grant me my life.”
And there and then did Brahmadatta and Dirghayu grant each other life, took hands, and solemnly vowed never to harm each other. And so overcome was the king by the noble and forgiving spirit of Dirghayu that he gave him his daughter in marriage, and restored to him his father’s kingdom.
Just as Dirghayu was wronged, so was Joseph. Dirghayu had the king in his hands, ready to kill him, but he did not. Joseph had his brothers in his hands and could do anything he wanted with them. But neither did ill - both forgave.
The King Brahmadatta did evil by killing Dirghayu's parents, but he was later forgiven and changed for the better. Ammon did horrible things, but was later forgiven and changed for the better. The father of King Lamoni tried to kill Ammon and King Lamoni, but he too was forgiven and changed for the better.
Both Dirghayu and Ammon served a king who at one point tried to kill them.
King Brahmadatta begged for his life and lived. The father of King Lamoni begged for his life and lived. Both changed for the better.
Dirghayu leveraged the king's life to gain his own. Ammon leveraged the king's life to gain his own as well as King Lamoni's.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
The Convict and the Mouse: a story of sympathy
By bestowing sympathy on others we increase our own. Sympathy given can never be wasted. Even the meanest creature will respond to its heavenly touch, for it is the universal language which all creatures understand. I have recently heard a true story of a Dartmoor convict whose terms of incarceration in various convict stations extended to over forty years. As a criminal he was considered one of the most callous and hopelessly abandoned, and the warders found him almost intractable. But one day he caught a mouse - a weak, terrified, hunted thing like himself - and its helpless frailty, and the similarity of its condition with his own, appealed to him, and started into flame the divine spark of sympathy which smoldered in his crime-hardened heart, and which no human touch had ever wakened into life.
He kept the mouse in an old boot in his cell, fed, tended, and loved it, and in his love for the weak and helpless he forgot and lost his hatred for the strong. His heart and his hand were no longer against his fellows. He became tractable and obedient to the uttermost. The warders could not understand his change; it seemed to them little short of miraculous that this most hardened of all criminals should suddenly be transformed into the likeness of a gentle, obedient child. Even the expression of his features altered remarkably: a pleasing smile began to play around the mouth which had formerly been moved to nothing better than a cruel grin, and the implacable hardness of his eyes disappeared and gave place to a soft, deep, mellow light. The criminal was a criminal no longer; he was saved, converted; clothed, and in his right mind; restored to humaneness and to humanity, and set firmly on the pathway to divinity by pitying and caring for a defenceless creature. All this was made known to the warders shortly afterwards, when, on his discharge, he took the mouse away with him.
From Byways of Blessedness by James Allen
He kept the mouse in an old boot in his cell, fed, tended, and loved it, and in his love for the weak and helpless he forgot and lost his hatred for the strong. His heart and his hand were no longer against his fellows. He became tractable and obedient to the uttermost. The warders could not understand his change; it seemed to them little short of miraculous that this most hardened of all criminals should suddenly be transformed into the likeness of a gentle, obedient child. Even the expression of his features altered remarkably: a pleasing smile began to play around the mouth which had formerly been moved to nothing better than a cruel grin, and the implacable hardness of his eyes disappeared and gave place to a soft, deep, mellow light. The criminal was a criminal no longer; he was saved, converted; clothed, and in his right mind; restored to humaneness and to humanity, and set firmly on the pathway to divinity by pitying and caring for a defenceless creature. All this was made known to the warders shortly afterwards, when, on his discharge, he took the mouse away with him.
From Byways of Blessedness by James Allen
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Real Growth in the LDS Church
Today's Elder's Quorums lesson (which I'm teaching) is from Teaching For Our Times with the focus on two talks, both from the April 2012 General Conference:
The Rescue for Real Growth by Bishop Edgley
Was It Worth It? by Elder Evans
These two talks, along with the many other talks from the April and October 2012 General Conferences are in response to the alarming trend of members leaving the Church.
Consider this quote from Elder Marlin K. Jensen, "Maybe since Kirtland, we've never had a period of - I'll call it apostasy, like we're having now." He told this to a group of Utah State students back in January of 2012. This Reuters article summarizes the discussion held between Elder Marlin and the college students: Special Report: Mormonism besieged by the modern age.
For my lesson, which I'm calling REAL GROWTH, I plan on dividing it up into three parts:
1) on the chalk board, write a list of all less-active people in our ward - it is more of an awareness activity for members of the class (i.e. do we know who we should be rescuing?)
2) ideas, comments and discussion from Rescue for Real Growth
3) ideas, comments and discussion from Was It Worth It? which is really a talk about one's personal testimony.
Each of these parts will have a column on the chalk board. Then I'll have a 4th column entitled "Real Growth" and I'll be writing in that column what "real growth" means. Besides comments from the class, I will draw and share ideas from a couple of LDS links: What is Real Growth? and Worldwide Leadership Training Highlights Path to Real Growth.
Rescue For Real Growth
- one of the most meaningful and important ways to establish real growth in the Church is to reach out and rescue those who have been baptized yet are wandering in a less-active state.
- story of visiting a ward as stake president; bishop wanted to split ward; he interviewed and called a less-active member to be a stake missionary w/o knowing she was less-active
- from this he learned:
* many less-actives have loved one praying for them
* it's not easy for less-actives to just walk back into church
* some less-actives are trying and willing to come back
* many less-actives will hold callings if asked
* less-actives deserve to be treated as an equal (to an active) and to be viewed as a child of god
- we should see less-actives not only as a single child of god, but as generations of blessed lives (story of older member who fell away, came back, but now laments the inactivity of all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.)
Was It Worth It?
- our most important work is always within our own home and family. it is within families that the church is established and real growth occurs
- attending church, fhe, prayer, scripture study, fulfill callings, visit the sick and lonely, teach, share testimony, write letters to missionaries and military service personnel, show love and forgiveness
- share the gospel with others; naturally and normally
- story of Dave; his friend was in college, returning to activity, invited Dave to the next interview with his bishop; was later baptized, married and sealed in temple.
- story of Eileen who felt inspired to send her less-active friend a book. Eileen later learned from her friend that she too felt inspired to send a letter to the same less-active friend
- seek the spirit in inviting others; "never delay a prompting"
REAL GROWTH
- growth in the number of active members
- increased faithfulness of members (daily prayer, scripture study, fhe, love at home, personal experiences with the atonement
- receive the temple blessings and covenants
- achieving the end goal of eternal life and exaltation for all of god's children requires real growth in our homes and wards
- whole families = real growth
- the making and keeping of temple covenants
- 'real growth is a constant effort, and it is a blessing that comes when we are able to save and help one another, particularly one by one.'
- we aren't just trying to get people back to church, but rather, to the temple
- real growth comes as we apply gospel principles in our daily lives
direct link to talks from 2012 Worldwide Leadership Training
The Rescue for Real Growth by Bishop Edgley
Was It Worth It? by Elder Evans
These two talks, along with the many other talks from the April and October 2012 General Conferences are in response to the alarming trend of members leaving the Church.
Consider this quote from Elder Marlin K. Jensen, "Maybe since Kirtland, we've never had a period of - I'll call it apostasy, like we're having now." He told this to a group of Utah State students back in January of 2012. This Reuters article summarizes the discussion held between Elder Marlin and the college students: Special Report: Mormonism besieged by the modern age.
For my lesson, which I'm calling REAL GROWTH, I plan on dividing it up into three parts:
1) on the chalk board, write a list of all less-active people in our ward - it is more of an awareness activity for members of the class (i.e. do we know who we should be rescuing?)
2) ideas, comments and discussion from Rescue for Real Growth
3) ideas, comments and discussion from Was It Worth It? which is really a talk about one's personal testimony.
Each of these parts will have a column on the chalk board. Then I'll have a 4th column entitled "Real Growth" and I'll be writing in that column what "real growth" means. Besides comments from the class, I will draw and share ideas from a couple of LDS links: What is Real Growth? and Worldwide Leadership Training Highlights Path to Real Growth.
Rescue For Real Growth
- one of the most meaningful and important ways to establish real growth in the Church is to reach out and rescue those who have been baptized yet are wandering in a less-active state.
- story of visiting a ward as stake president; bishop wanted to split ward; he interviewed and called a less-active member to be a stake missionary w/o knowing she was less-active
- from this he learned:
* many less-actives have loved one praying for them
* it's not easy for less-actives to just walk back into church
* some less-actives are trying and willing to come back
* many less-actives will hold callings if asked
* less-actives deserve to be treated as an equal (to an active) and to be viewed as a child of god
- we should see less-actives not only as a single child of god, but as generations of blessed lives (story of older member who fell away, came back, but now laments the inactivity of all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.)
Was It Worth It?
- our most important work is always within our own home and family. it is within families that the church is established and real growth occurs
- attending church, fhe, prayer, scripture study, fulfill callings, visit the sick and lonely, teach, share testimony, write letters to missionaries and military service personnel, show love and forgiveness
- share the gospel with others; naturally and normally
- story of Dave; his friend was in college, returning to activity, invited Dave to the next interview with his bishop; was later baptized, married and sealed in temple.
- story of Eileen who felt inspired to send her less-active friend a book. Eileen later learned from her friend that she too felt inspired to send a letter to the same less-active friend
- seek the spirit in inviting others; "never delay a prompting"
REAL GROWTH
- growth in the number of active members
- increased faithfulness of members (daily prayer, scripture study, fhe, love at home, personal experiences with the atonement
- receive the temple blessings and covenants
- achieving the end goal of eternal life and exaltation for all of god's children requires real growth in our homes and wards
- whole families = real growth
- the making and keeping of temple covenants
- 'real growth is a constant effort, and it is a blessing that comes when we are able to save and help one another, particularly one by one.'
- we aren't just trying to get people back to church, but rather, to the temple
- real growth comes as we apply gospel principles in our daily lives
direct link to talks from 2012 Worldwide Leadership Training
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Divided States of America
Let's rewind back to October 2008. George W. Bush is president; McCain and Obama are running for president. There is nary a thought about the Union falling apart.
November comes; Obama is elected and people are either elated about the first Black president ... or people just shake their head and know that America will be different after 4 years of Obama.
Then in December 2008 an amazing and bold prediction comes out - from a Russian academic - that America will collapse in 2010. I noted this article on my Book of Mormon Inspection blog because of the similarities between the prediction and what happened in the Book of Mormon (see United States Divided). If you click on the WSJ link, be sure to read the comment section as it shows a progression of "this is a bat-crazy idea!" to "wow, this Russian might be right!"
Now in November 2012, a week after the re-election of Obama, numerous states have signed a petition to peacefully secede from the Union. Texas has accumulated the required number of petitions to have the White House formally review it and respond to it.
To put an LDS slant on all of this talk of division and secession, let me reference the I Have a Question section from the June 1976 Ensign. In this response, Richard Bushman, Dallin H. Oaks, and Charles Didier, among others, addressed these exact same concerns.
other articles:
White House 'secede' petitions reach 675,000 signatures, 50-state participation
Notes on the Decline of a Great Nation
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Kingwood Stake "Regulations"
President Paulson spoke of a regulation throughout the church. Here are the five regulations he wants implemented in Kingwood Stake:
1. Member Missionary Work - pray for those who are prepared, so we would be led to them. Then pary to open our mouth. Pray to be prompted about what we should talk to them about. Invite. Hour of Power every Thursday at 5:55pm.
2. Temple Worthiness Attendance - Tithing - the Lord will work your finances; protection for the family. The plague of porn continues. If you've dabbled in lots or a little, go see your bishop. Lay aside the things of the world.
3. Be a Zion like People - be united, we are a family.
4. Strengthen Families - 65% of young men are attending church in our stake. There are too many distractions. We have to put those activities that strengthen faith, first.
5. Focus on People - Christ didn't bustle between meetings working to-do lists and multi-tasking. Pray to find those who need us.
Final Though: make an inventory of things to repent of and then do the top 3.
1. Member Missionary Work - pray for those who are prepared, so we would be led to them. Then pary to open our mouth. Pray to be prompted about what we should talk to them about. Invite. Hour of Power every Thursday at 5:55pm.
2. Temple Worthiness Attendance - Tithing - the Lord will work your finances; protection for the family. The plague of porn continues. If you've dabbled in lots or a little, go see your bishop. Lay aside the things of the world.
3. Be a Zion like People - be united, we are a family.
4. Strengthen Families - 65% of young men are attending church in our stake. There are too many distractions. We have to put those activities that strengthen faith, first.
5. Focus on People - Christ didn't bustle between meetings working to-do lists and multi-tasking. Pray to find those who need us.
Final Though: make an inventory of things to repent of and then do the top 3.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Quotes on Discipleship from October 2012 General Conference
I thought I'd do something a bit different this year with regard to General Conference notes. Every time I come across a part of a talk that I think directly references true discipleship to Christ, I'll copy it here.
After some quotes, I'll add my own commentary about why I think that quote pertains to discipleship.
Elder Quentin L. Cook - Can Ye Feel So Now?
Local leaders across the world report that when viewed as a whole, Church members, especially our youth, have never been stronger. But they almost always raise two concerns: first, the challenge of increased unrighteousness in the world and, second, the apathy and lack of commitment of some members. They seek counsel about how to help members to follow the Savior and achieve a deep and lasting conversion.
While anything that lessens commitment is of consequence, two relevant challenges are both prevalent and significant. The first is unkindness, violence, and domestic abuse. The second is sexual immorality and impure thoughts. These often precede and are at the root of the choice to be less committed.
COMMENTARY: becoming a true disciple of Jesus Christ requires the sacrifice of all selfish desires. We all, for a time, can control our impulses and fleeting desires - we may stave them off for a time, but they will be back. The only way to truly become converted to Jesus Christ is to break our hearts of all selfish desires and to have contrite spirits. This begins with correct and pure thoughts. As we repeatedly, and consciously think correct and pure thoughts, our base desires (apathy and sexual immorality as referenced in this talk), become dead and we can then begin on the path to sanctification.
Sister Ann M. Dibb - I Know It. I Live It. I Love It.
One of the most effective but sometimes difficult gospel principles to apply is humility and submission to the will of God. In Christ’s prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, He expressed to the Father, “Not my will, but thine, be done.” This should be our prayer as well. Oftentimes, it is in these quiet, prayerful moments that we feel encircled in Heavenly Father’s love and those joyful, loving feelings are restored.
COMMENTARY: to be truly selfless, one must submit to the will of God - to have his or her will to be the will of God.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf - Of Regrets and Resolutions
Perhaps the most universal regret dying patients expressed was that they wished they had spent more time with the people they love.
Men in particular sang this universal lament: they “deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the [daily] treadmill of … work.” Many had lost out on choice memories that come from spending time with family and friends. They missed developing a deep connection with those who meant the most to them.
Isn’t it true that we often get so busy? And, sad to say, we even wear our busyness as a badge of honor, as though being busy, by itself, was an accomplishment or sign of a superior life.
Is it?
I think of our Lord and Exemplar, Jesus Christ, and His short life among the people of Galilee and Jerusalem. I have tried to imagine Him bustling between meetings or multitasking to get a list of urgent things accomplished.
I can’t see it.
Instead I see the compassionate and caring Son of God purposefully living each day. When He interacted with those around Him, they felt important and loved. He knew the infinite value of the people He met. He blessed them, ministered to them. He lifted them up, healed them. He gave them the precious gift of His time.
When it comes to living the gospel, we should not be like the boy who dipped his toe in the water and then claimed he went swimming. As sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, we are capable of so much more. For that, good intentions are not enough. We must do. Even more important, we must become what Heavenly Father wants us to be.
Discipleship is the pursuit of holiness and happiness. It is the path to our best and happiest self.
Elder L. Tom Perry - Becoming Goodly Parents
These suggestions for creating stronger family cultures work in tandem with the culture of the Church. Our strengthened family cultures will be a protection for our children from “the fiery darts of the adversary” (1 Nephi 15:24) embedded in their peer culture, the entertainment and celebrity cultures, the credit and entitlement cultures, and the Internet and media cultures to which they are constantly exposed. Strong family cultures will help our children live in the world and not become “of the world” (John 15:19).
COMMENTARY: the key thing to note here with Elder Perry's quote is the list of worldly cultures: entertainment, celebrity status, credit and entitlement, Internet and media. All of these cultures are based on the selfish desires within us. They all seek to gratify the self. None, speaking generally, endorse a selfless life of discipleship to Christ. Of course, there are media outlets and Internet sites that promote and teach discipleship, but by and large, the above cultures do not teach discipleship. In fact, they are all the antithesis to becoming a selfless disciple of Christ.
The key question for all parents is: are you promoting a culture of discipleship or a culture of the selfish? I would imagine there is a mixture of both in most homes; and if so, are you ensuring that the culture of discipleship is outweighing the culture of selfishness in your home?
Elder M. Russell Ballard - Be Anxiously Engaged
All of this symbolism [of the bees and beehives] attests to one fact: great things are brought about and burdens are lightened through the efforts of many hands “anxiously engaged in a good cause” (D&C 58:27). Imagine what the millions of Latter-day Saints could accomplish in the world if we functioned like a beehive in our focused, concentrated commitment to the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Savior’s words are simple, yet their meaning is profound and deeply significant. We are to love God and to love and care for our neighbors as ourselves. Imagine what good we can do in the world if we all join together, united as followers of Christ, anxiously and busily responding to the needs of others and serving those around us—our families, our friends, our neighbors, our fellow citizens.
When our hearts are no longer set upon the things of this world, we will no longer aspire to the honors of men or seek only to gratify our pride (see D&C 121:35–37). Rather, we take on the Christlike qualities that Jesus taught:
•We are gentle and meek and long-suffering (see DC 121:41).
• We are kind, without hypocrisy or guile (see DC 121:42).
• We feel charity toward all men (see DC 121:45).
• Our thoughts are always virtuous (see DC 121:45).
• We no longer desire to do evil (see Mosiah 5:2).
•The Holy Ghost is our constant companion, and the doctrines of the priesthood distill upon our souls as the dews from heaven (see DC 121:45–46).
COMMENTARY: Elder Ballard's talk was all about becoming a disciple of Christ. He went to to suggest if all we do every morning in our prayer is ask in faith, who or how we can help that day, that that would change our lives and hearts significantly.
Elder Robert C. Gay - What Shall a Man Give in Exchange for his Soul? This is the exchange the Savior is asking of us: we are to give up all our sins, big or small, for the Father’s reward of eternal life. We are to forget self-justifying stories, excuses, rationalizations, defense mechanisms, procrastinations, appearances, personal pride, judgmental thoughts, and doing things our way. We are to separate ourselves from all worldliness and take upon us the image of God in our countenances.
COMMENTARY: another good talk about what it requires to become a true disciple of Christ. We really need to lose all the selfish desires within us to find the true and lasting happiness that discipleship in Christ offers.
Elder Scott D. Whiting - Temple Standard Like the contractor, when we become aware of elements in our own lives that are inconsistent with the teachings of the Lord, when our efforts have been less than our very best, we should move quickly to correct anything that is amiss, recognizing that we cannot hide our sins from the Lord. We need to remember that “when we undertake to cover our sins, … behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; [and] the Spirit of the Lord is grieved.”
I also learned that the high standards of temple building employed by this Church are a type and even a symbol of how we should be living our own lives.
We are each made of the finest materials, and we are the miraculous result of divine craftsmanship. However, as we move past the age of accountability and step onto the battlefield of sin and temptation, our own temple can become in need of renovation and repair work. Perhaps there are walls within us that are gritty and need buffing or windows of our souls that need replacement in order that we can stand in holy places. Gratefully, the temple standard that we are asked to meet is not that of perfection, although we are striving for it, but rather that we are keeping the commandments and doing our best to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. It is my prayer that we will all endeavor to live a life worthy of the blessings of the temple by doing our best, by making the necessary improvements and eliminating flaws and imperfections so that the Spirit of God may always dwell in us.
COMMENTARY: we are commanded by the Savior Himself to "be perfect." Only by comparing our heart's desires to that of the Lord's can we assess if we are perfect or not. If there remains in us any selfish desires or opinions, then we have more work to do. We can, at first, attack the symptoms of our imperfections by adhering to the commandments and not succumbing to temptations. But if we attack the core - our hearts - and rid it of all desire for bad and replace it with a love for all that is Good and we have a will that is God's will, then we are on the path to becoming perfect, even as Christ and our Father in Heaven is perfect.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson - Brethren, We Have Work to Do
As men of the priesthood, we have an essential role to play in society, at home, and in the Church. But we must be men that women can trust, that children can trust, and that God can trust. In the Church and kingdom of God in these latter days, we cannot afford to have boys and men who are drifting. We cannot afford young men who lack self-discipline and live only to be entertained. We cannot afford young adult men who are going nowhere in life, who are not serious about forming families and making a real contribution in this world. We cannot afford husbands and fathers who fail to provide spiritual leadership in the home. We cannot afford to have those who exercise the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God, waste their strength in pornography or spend their lives in cyberspace (ironically being of the world, while not being in the world).
COMMENTARY: I found this talk to be quite fascinating. While I emphatically agree with many of the recommendations he offers - especially about having self-discipline - I somewhat disagree with what is driving men to not "man up". He seemingly buys into the premise that men are evil and horrible by nature and must be fixed. I attribute the results of men acting the way they do today to the religion of feminisim - that the problems we see today are the result of decades of buying the feminist premise. The premise of feminism is false and is proving the destruction of the family and much more today. However, regardless of what is causing men to act this way, the solution to counteract this is the same: discipleship in Christ. Men must set the narrative of true discipleship in Christ. We must truly be selfless, in direct opposition to the extreme selfishness of feminisim. Discipleship and selflessness truly is the answer.
Bishop Gary E. Stevenson - Be Valiant in Courage, Strength and Activity
Missionaries are taught from Preach My Gospel, “What you choose to think and do when you are alone and you believe no one is watching is a strong measure of your virtue.” Be courageous! Be strong! “Stand ye in holy places, and be not moved.”
COMMENTARY: as a man thinks, so he is. As we think selflessly; we will become selfless and we become disciples of Christ. The more our thoughts are attuned to Christ, the less power our natural desires have over us; the more we submit to the will of God.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf - The Joy of the Priesthood
Christ is the source of all true priesthood authority and power on earth. It is His work, in which we are privileged to assist. “And no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care.”
We do not act for personal gain, but rather we seek to serve and to lift up others. We lead not by force but through “persuasion, … long-suffering, … gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned.” COMMENTARY: the above quote is simply a definition of selflessness.
President Henry B. Eyring - Help Them Aim High My son has given priesthood service across three continents but most importantly in his home and within his family. He has built his life around them. He works close to home, and he often returns to join his wife and younger children at the lunch hour. His family lives very near Sister Eyring and me. They care for our yard as though it were their own. This son is living not only to qualify for eternal life but also to live surrounded eternally by grateful family members whom he is gathering around him.
Life eternal is to live in unity, in families, with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Eternal life is only possible through the keys of the priesthood of God, which were restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. Holding that eternal goal before the youth you lead is as great a gift as you could give them. You will do it primarily by example in your own family. Those you lead may not have a family in the Church, but I challenge you to help them feel and want the love of family on both sides of the veil.
COMMENTARY: this quote provided quite a bit of comfort to me. The nature of our life (thousands of miles away from parents/grandparents/aunts/uncles/cousins) does not allow us to serve those members of our family. Therefore, most of our sevice is centered around our own, immediate family, our neighbors, our church friends and with those we work.
President Henry B. Eyring - Where is the Pavilion? As we do what He would have us do for His Father’s children, the Lord considers it kindness to Him, and we will feel closer to Him as we feel His love and His approval. In time we will become like Him and will think of the Judgment Day with happy anticipation.
The pavilion that seems to be hiding you from God may be fear of man rather than this desire to serve others. The Savior’s only motivation was to help people. Many of you, as I have, have felt fear in approaching someone you have offended or who has hurt you. And yet I have seen the Lord melt hearts time after time, including my own. And so I challenge you to go for the Lord to someone, despite any fear you may have, to extend love and forgiveness. I promise you that as you do, you will feel the love of the Savior for that person and His love for you, and it will not seem to come from a great distance. For you, that challenge may be in a family, it may be in a community, or it may be across a nation.
But if you go for the Lord to bless others, He will see and reward it. If you do this often enough and long enough, you will feel a change in your very nature through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Not only will you feel closer to Him, but you will also feel more and more that you are becoming like Him. Then, when you do see Him, as we all will, it will be for you as it was for Moroni when he said: “And now I bid unto all, farewell. I soon go to rest in the paradise of God, until my spirit and body shall again reunite, and I am brought forth triumphant through the air, to meet you before the pleasing bar of the great Jehovah, the Eternal Judge of both quick and dead.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland - The First Great Commandment
COMMENTARY: I won't even try to separate out a few quotes from this talk. Just go read the whole thing - it is all about discipleship.
Elder Robert D. Hales - Being a More Christian Christian As Christians today, we have the opportunity to act straightway, immediately, and decisively, just as Peter and Andrew did: “they forsook their nets, and followed him.” We too are called upon to leave our nets, to reject worldly habits, customs, and traditions. We are also called to forsake our sins. “When [Jesus] had called the people unto him … , he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Denying ourselves of ungodly behavior is the beginning of repentance, which brings a mighty change of heart until “we have no more disposition to do evil.”
COMMENARY: like Elder Holland's talk, Elder Hale's talked about commitment to the Savior. This talk is another one that should be read in its entirety.
Elder Daniel L. Johnson - Becoming a True Disciple Our discipleship will be developed and proven not by the type of trials that we are faced with but how we endure them. As we have been taught by President Henry B. Eyring: “So, the great test of life is to see whether we will hearken to and obey God’s commands in the midst of the storms of life. It is not to endure storms, but to choose the right while they rage. And the tragedy of life is to fail in that test and so fail to qualify to return in glory to our heavenly home” (“Spiritual Preparedness: Start Early and Be Steady,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2005, 38).
After some quotes, I'll add my own commentary about why I think that quote pertains to discipleship.
Elder Quentin L. Cook - Can Ye Feel So Now?
Local leaders across the world report that when viewed as a whole, Church members, especially our youth, have never been stronger. But they almost always raise two concerns: first, the challenge of increased unrighteousness in the world and, second, the apathy and lack of commitment of some members. They seek counsel about how to help members to follow the Savior and achieve a deep and lasting conversion.
While anything that lessens commitment is of consequence, two relevant challenges are both prevalent and significant. The first is unkindness, violence, and domestic abuse. The second is sexual immorality and impure thoughts. These often precede and are at the root of the choice to be less committed.
COMMENTARY: becoming a true disciple of Jesus Christ requires the sacrifice of all selfish desires. We all, for a time, can control our impulses and fleeting desires - we may stave them off for a time, but they will be back. The only way to truly become converted to Jesus Christ is to break our hearts of all selfish desires and to have contrite spirits. This begins with correct and pure thoughts. As we repeatedly, and consciously think correct and pure thoughts, our base desires (apathy and sexual immorality as referenced in this talk), become dead and we can then begin on the path to sanctification.
Sister Ann M. Dibb - I Know It. I Live It. I Love It.
One of the most effective but sometimes difficult gospel principles to apply is humility and submission to the will of God. In Christ’s prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, He expressed to the Father, “Not my will, but thine, be done.” This should be our prayer as well. Oftentimes, it is in these quiet, prayerful moments that we feel encircled in Heavenly Father’s love and those joyful, loving feelings are restored.
COMMENTARY: to be truly selfless, one must submit to the will of God - to have his or her will to be the will of God.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf - Of Regrets and Resolutions
Perhaps the most universal regret dying patients expressed was that they wished they had spent more time with the people they love.
Men in particular sang this universal lament: they “deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the [daily] treadmill of … work.” Many had lost out on choice memories that come from spending time with family and friends. They missed developing a deep connection with those who meant the most to them.
Isn’t it true that we often get so busy? And, sad to say, we even wear our busyness as a badge of honor, as though being busy, by itself, was an accomplishment or sign of a superior life.
Is it?
I think of our Lord and Exemplar, Jesus Christ, and His short life among the people of Galilee and Jerusalem. I have tried to imagine Him bustling between meetings or multitasking to get a list of urgent things accomplished.
I can’t see it.
Instead I see the compassionate and caring Son of God purposefully living each day. When He interacted with those around Him, they felt important and loved. He knew the infinite value of the people He met. He blessed them, ministered to them. He lifted them up, healed them. He gave them the precious gift of His time.
When it comes to living the gospel, we should not be like the boy who dipped his toe in the water and then claimed he went swimming. As sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, we are capable of so much more. For that, good intentions are not enough. We must do. Even more important, we must become what Heavenly Father wants us to be.
Discipleship is the pursuit of holiness and happiness. It is the path to our best and happiest self.
Elder L. Tom Perry - Becoming Goodly Parents
These suggestions for creating stronger family cultures work in tandem with the culture of the Church. Our strengthened family cultures will be a protection for our children from “the fiery darts of the adversary” (1 Nephi 15:24) embedded in their peer culture, the entertainment and celebrity cultures, the credit and entitlement cultures, and the Internet and media cultures to which they are constantly exposed. Strong family cultures will help our children live in the world and not become “of the world” (John 15:19).
COMMENTARY: the key thing to note here with Elder Perry's quote is the list of worldly cultures: entertainment, celebrity status, credit and entitlement, Internet and media. All of these cultures are based on the selfish desires within us. They all seek to gratify the self. None, speaking generally, endorse a selfless life of discipleship to Christ. Of course, there are media outlets and Internet sites that promote and teach discipleship, but by and large, the above cultures do not teach discipleship. In fact, they are all the antithesis to becoming a selfless disciple of Christ.
The key question for all parents is: are you promoting a culture of discipleship or a culture of the selfish? I would imagine there is a mixture of both in most homes; and if so, are you ensuring that the culture of discipleship is outweighing the culture of selfishness in your home?
Elder M. Russell Ballard - Be Anxiously Engaged
All of this symbolism [of the bees and beehives] attests to one fact: great things are brought about and burdens are lightened through the efforts of many hands “anxiously engaged in a good cause” (D&C 58:27). Imagine what the millions of Latter-day Saints could accomplish in the world if we functioned like a beehive in our focused, concentrated commitment to the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Savior’s words are simple, yet their meaning is profound and deeply significant. We are to love God and to love and care for our neighbors as ourselves. Imagine what good we can do in the world if we all join together, united as followers of Christ, anxiously and busily responding to the needs of others and serving those around us—our families, our friends, our neighbors, our fellow citizens.
When our hearts are no longer set upon the things of this world, we will no longer aspire to the honors of men or seek only to gratify our pride (see D&C 121:35–37). Rather, we take on the Christlike qualities that Jesus taught:
•We are gentle and meek and long-suffering (see DC 121:41).
• We are kind, without hypocrisy or guile (see DC 121:42).
• We feel charity toward all men (see DC 121:45).
• Our thoughts are always virtuous (see DC 121:45).
• We no longer desire to do evil (see Mosiah 5:2).
•The Holy Ghost is our constant companion, and the doctrines of the priesthood distill upon our souls as the dews from heaven (see DC 121:45–46).
COMMENTARY: Elder Ballard's talk was all about becoming a disciple of Christ. He went to to suggest if all we do every morning in our prayer is ask in faith, who or how we can help that day, that that would change our lives and hearts significantly.
Elder Robert C. Gay - What Shall a Man Give in Exchange for his Soul? This is the exchange the Savior is asking of us: we are to give up all our sins, big or small, for the Father’s reward of eternal life. We are to forget self-justifying stories, excuses, rationalizations, defense mechanisms, procrastinations, appearances, personal pride, judgmental thoughts, and doing things our way. We are to separate ourselves from all worldliness and take upon us the image of God in our countenances.
COMMENTARY: another good talk about what it requires to become a true disciple of Christ. We really need to lose all the selfish desires within us to find the true and lasting happiness that discipleship in Christ offers.
Elder Scott D. Whiting - Temple Standard Like the contractor, when we become aware of elements in our own lives that are inconsistent with the teachings of the Lord, when our efforts have been less than our very best, we should move quickly to correct anything that is amiss, recognizing that we cannot hide our sins from the Lord. We need to remember that “when we undertake to cover our sins, … behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; [and] the Spirit of the Lord is grieved.”
I also learned that the high standards of temple building employed by this Church are a type and even a symbol of how we should be living our own lives.
We are each made of the finest materials, and we are the miraculous result of divine craftsmanship. However, as we move past the age of accountability and step onto the battlefield of sin and temptation, our own temple can become in need of renovation and repair work. Perhaps there are walls within us that are gritty and need buffing or windows of our souls that need replacement in order that we can stand in holy places. Gratefully, the temple standard that we are asked to meet is not that of perfection, although we are striving for it, but rather that we are keeping the commandments and doing our best to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. It is my prayer that we will all endeavor to live a life worthy of the blessings of the temple by doing our best, by making the necessary improvements and eliminating flaws and imperfections so that the Spirit of God may always dwell in us.
COMMENTARY: we are commanded by the Savior Himself to "be perfect." Only by comparing our heart's desires to that of the Lord's can we assess if we are perfect or not. If there remains in us any selfish desires or opinions, then we have more work to do. We can, at first, attack the symptoms of our imperfections by adhering to the commandments and not succumbing to temptations. But if we attack the core - our hearts - and rid it of all desire for bad and replace it with a love for all that is Good and we have a will that is God's will, then we are on the path to becoming perfect, even as Christ and our Father in Heaven is perfect.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson - Brethren, We Have Work to Do
As men of the priesthood, we have an essential role to play in society, at home, and in the Church. But we must be men that women can trust, that children can trust, and that God can trust. In the Church and kingdom of God in these latter days, we cannot afford to have boys and men who are drifting. We cannot afford young men who lack self-discipline and live only to be entertained. We cannot afford young adult men who are going nowhere in life, who are not serious about forming families and making a real contribution in this world. We cannot afford husbands and fathers who fail to provide spiritual leadership in the home. We cannot afford to have those who exercise the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God, waste their strength in pornography or spend their lives in cyberspace (ironically being of the world, while not being in the world).
COMMENTARY: I found this talk to be quite fascinating. While I emphatically agree with many of the recommendations he offers - especially about having self-discipline - I somewhat disagree with what is driving men to not "man up". He seemingly buys into the premise that men are evil and horrible by nature and must be fixed. I attribute the results of men acting the way they do today to the religion of feminisim - that the problems we see today are the result of decades of buying the feminist premise. The premise of feminism is false and is proving the destruction of the family and much more today. However, regardless of what is causing men to act this way, the solution to counteract this is the same: discipleship in Christ. Men must set the narrative of true discipleship in Christ. We must truly be selfless, in direct opposition to the extreme selfishness of feminisim. Discipleship and selflessness truly is the answer.
Bishop Gary E. Stevenson - Be Valiant in Courage, Strength and Activity
Missionaries are taught from Preach My Gospel, “What you choose to think and do when you are alone and you believe no one is watching is a strong measure of your virtue.” Be courageous! Be strong! “Stand ye in holy places, and be not moved.”
COMMENTARY: as a man thinks, so he is. As we think selflessly; we will become selfless and we become disciples of Christ. The more our thoughts are attuned to Christ, the less power our natural desires have over us; the more we submit to the will of God.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf - The Joy of the Priesthood
Christ is the source of all true priesthood authority and power on earth. It is His work, in which we are privileged to assist. “And no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care.”
We do not act for personal gain, but rather we seek to serve and to lift up others. We lead not by force but through “persuasion, … long-suffering, … gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned.” COMMENTARY: the above quote is simply a definition of selflessness.
President Henry B. Eyring - Help Them Aim High My son has given priesthood service across three continents but most importantly in his home and within his family. He has built his life around them. He works close to home, and he often returns to join his wife and younger children at the lunch hour. His family lives very near Sister Eyring and me. They care for our yard as though it were their own. This son is living not only to qualify for eternal life but also to live surrounded eternally by grateful family members whom he is gathering around him.
Life eternal is to live in unity, in families, with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Eternal life is only possible through the keys of the priesthood of God, which were restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. Holding that eternal goal before the youth you lead is as great a gift as you could give them. You will do it primarily by example in your own family. Those you lead may not have a family in the Church, but I challenge you to help them feel and want the love of family on both sides of the veil.
COMMENTARY: this quote provided quite a bit of comfort to me. The nature of our life (thousands of miles away from parents/grandparents/aunts/uncles/cousins) does not allow us to serve those members of our family. Therefore, most of our sevice is centered around our own, immediate family, our neighbors, our church friends and with those we work.
President Henry B. Eyring - Where is the Pavilion? As we do what He would have us do for His Father’s children, the Lord considers it kindness to Him, and we will feel closer to Him as we feel His love and His approval. In time we will become like Him and will think of the Judgment Day with happy anticipation.
The pavilion that seems to be hiding you from God may be fear of man rather than this desire to serve others. The Savior’s only motivation was to help people. Many of you, as I have, have felt fear in approaching someone you have offended or who has hurt you. And yet I have seen the Lord melt hearts time after time, including my own. And so I challenge you to go for the Lord to someone, despite any fear you may have, to extend love and forgiveness. I promise you that as you do, you will feel the love of the Savior for that person and His love for you, and it will not seem to come from a great distance. For you, that challenge may be in a family, it may be in a community, or it may be across a nation.
But if you go for the Lord to bless others, He will see and reward it. If you do this often enough and long enough, you will feel a change in your very nature through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Not only will you feel closer to Him, but you will also feel more and more that you are becoming like Him. Then, when you do see Him, as we all will, it will be for you as it was for Moroni when he said: “And now I bid unto all, farewell. I soon go to rest in the paradise of God, until my spirit and body shall again reunite, and I am brought forth triumphant through the air, to meet you before the pleasing bar of the great Jehovah, the Eternal Judge of both quick and dead.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland - The First Great Commandment
COMMENTARY: I won't even try to separate out a few quotes from this talk. Just go read the whole thing - it is all about discipleship.
Elder Robert D. Hales - Being a More Christian Christian As Christians today, we have the opportunity to act straightway, immediately, and decisively, just as Peter and Andrew did: “they forsook their nets, and followed him.” We too are called upon to leave our nets, to reject worldly habits, customs, and traditions. We are also called to forsake our sins. “When [Jesus] had called the people unto him … , he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Denying ourselves of ungodly behavior is the beginning of repentance, which brings a mighty change of heart until “we have no more disposition to do evil.”
COMMENARY: like Elder Holland's talk, Elder Hale's talked about commitment to the Savior. This talk is another one that should be read in its entirety.
Elder Daniel L. Johnson - Becoming a True Disciple Our discipleship will be developed and proven not by the type of trials that we are faced with but how we endure them. As we have been taught by President Henry B. Eyring: “So, the great test of life is to see whether we will hearken to and obey God’s commands in the midst of the storms of life. It is not to endure storms, but to choose the right while they rage. And the tragedy of life is to fail in that test and so fail to qualify to return in glory to our heavenly home” (“Spiritual Preparedness: Start Early and Be Steady,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2005, 38).
Sunday, October 07, 2012
Quotes, Thoughts and Gems (QTG) Oct 1 to 7 2012
As I read and learn and do more to become a true disciple of Jesus Christ, I find snippets and quotes that spur me to action or help me in time of need. As I find these gems, I'll consolidate them into one post and then publish the post at the end of the week. I think this method will be better than calling out specific quotes from Maxwell or Allen or others. I can simply encapsulate all these quotes under one banner. Then in the label section, I can tab quotes from individuals.
We bind the adversary and his mortal minions only as we bind our appetites. - Maxwell; Ensign May 1975.
The act of becoming a man or woman of Christ is an act of will and sustained desire. - Maxwell; Ensign January 1992
Actually, everything depends—initially and finally—on our desires. These shape our thought patterns. Our desires thus precede our deeds and lie at the very cores of our souls, tilting us toward or away from God (see D&C 4:3). God can “educate our desires” (see Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed., Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1939, p. 297). Others seek to manipulate our desires. But it is we who form the desires, the “thoughts and intents of [our] hearts” (Mosiah 5:13). - Maxwell; Ensign November 1995
In reading much more James Allen material this week, I've concluded that he emphasizes over and over again this key concept: watch your thoughts as they will become your actions.
Consider this passage: The whole journey from the Kingdom of Strife to the Kingdom of Love resolves itself into a process which may be summed up in the following words: The regulation and purification of conduct. Such a process must, if assiduously pursued, necessarily lead to perfection. It will also be seen that as the man obtains the mastery over certain forces within himself, he arrives at a knowledge of all the laws which operate in the realm of those forces, and by watching the ceaseless working of cause and effect within himself, until he understands it, he then understands it in its universal adjustments in the body of humanity. (from All These Things Added)
This quote above reminded me of King Benjamin's address: But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not. (Mosiah 4:30)
While reading some articles on the Internet this week, I came across a picture (see picture to the left) - obviously it was staged - but it does a great job of showing the beginnings of a broken heart and a contrite spirit ... or at least it shows a person with the option of choosing to have a broken heart and contrite spirit.
When I saw this picture, I remembered another quote from All These Things Added.
This feeling of "helplessness" is the prelude to one of two conditions—the man will either give up in despair, and again sink himself in the selfishness of the world, or he will search and meditate until he finds another way out of the difficulty. And that way he will find. Looking deeper and ever deeper into the things of life; reflecting, brooding, examining, and analysing; grappling with every difficulty and problem with intensity of thought, and developing day by day a profounder love of Truth—by these means his heart will grow and his comprehension expand, and at last he will realize that the way to destroy selfishness is not to try to destroy one form of it in other people, but to destroy it utterly, root and branch, in himself.
We bind the adversary and his mortal minions only as we bind our appetites. - Maxwell; Ensign May 1975.
The act of becoming a man or woman of Christ is an act of will and sustained desire. - Maxwell; Ensign January 1992
Actually, everything depends—initially and finally—on our desires. These shape our thought patterns. Our desires thus precede our deeds and lie at the very cores of our souls, tilting us toward or away from God (see D&C 4:3). God can “educate our desires” (see Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed., Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1939, p. 297). Others seek to manipulate our desires. But it is we who form the desires, the “thoughts and intents of [our] hearts” (Mosiah 5:13). - Maxwell; Ensign November 1995
In reading much more James Allen material this week, I've concluded that he emphasizes over and over again this key concept: watch your thoughts as they will become your actions.
Consider this passage: The whole journey from the Kingdom of Strife to the Kingdom of Love resolves itself into a process which may be summed up in the following words: The regulation and purification of conduct. Such a process must, if assiduously pursued, necessarily lead to perfection. It will also be seen that as the man obtains the mastery over certain forces within himself, he arrives at a knowledge of all the laws which operate in the realm of those forces, and by watching the ceaseless working of cause and effect within himself, until he understands it, he then understands it in its universal adjustments in the body of humanity. (from All These Things Added)
This quote above reminded me of King Benjamin's address: But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not. (Mosiah 4:30)
When I saw this picture, I remembered another quote from All These Things Added.
This feeling of "helplessness" is the prelude to one of two conditions—the man will either give up in despair, and again sink himself in the selfishness of the world, or he will search and meditate until he finds another way out of the difficulty. And that way he will find. Looking deeper and ever deeper into the things of life; reflecting, brooding, examining, and analysing; grappling with every difficulty and problem with intensity of thought, and developing day by day a profounder love of Truth—by these means his heart will grow and his comprehension expand, and at last he will realize that the way to destroy selfishness is not to try to destroy one form of it in other people, but to destroy it utterly, root and branch, in himself.
Wednesday, October 03, 2012
Salt of the Earth; Light of the World
Matthew 5:13-16 reads, "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid."
"Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house."
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
3 Nephi 12:13-16 reads, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the salt of the earth; but if the salt shall lose its savor wherewith shall the earth be salted? The salt shall be thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and to be trodden under foot of men."
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the light of this people. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid."
"Behold, do men light a candle and put it under a bushel? Nay, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light to all that are in the house."
"Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
This is the clarion call to all true Christians: to believe in, think about, ponder and then live and become the teachings of Christ. By so doing, we become the salt of the earth - the saving, redeeming substance that saves and preserves. By so doing, we become an example of Goodness and right living; an example of contentedness and peace.
As the James Allen meditation thought from today, states, "THERE is nothing hidden that shall not be revealed," and every thought that is harboured in the mind must, by virtue of the impelling force which is inherent in the universe, at last blossom into act good or bad, according to its nature."
If you light a candle (have right thoughts and desires), you cannot hide the actions those right thoughts and desires produce ... it can only be put on a candle stick. If you build a city on a hill (think right thoughts, have right desires), then it cannot be hid - the city is there to be seen by all - everyone will see the corresponding actions to your thoughts and desires.
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid."
"Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house."
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
3 Nephi 12:13-16 reads, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the salt of the earth; but if the salt shall lose its savor wherewith shall the earth be salted? The salt shall be thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and to be trodden under foot of men."
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the light of this people. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid."
"Behold, do men light a candle and put it under a bushel? Nay, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light to all that are in the house."
"Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
This is the clarion call to all true Christians: to believe in, think about, ponder and then live and become the teachings of Christ. By so doing, we become the salt of the earth - the saving, redeeming substance that saves and preserves. By so doing, we become an example of Goodness and right living; an example of contentedness and peace.
As the James Allen meditation thought from today, states, "THERE is nothing hidden that shall not be revealed," and every thought that is harboured in the mind must, by virtue of the impelling force which is inherent in the universe, at last blossom into act good or bad, according to its nature."
If you light a candle (have right thoughts and desires), you cannot hide the actions those right thoughts and desires produce ... it can only be put on a candle stick. If you build a city on a hill (think right thoughts, have right desires), then it cannot be hid - the city is there to be seen by all - everyone will see the corresponding actions to your thoughts and desires.
Monday, October 01, 2012
A Good Man
I came across James Allen many years ago ... first in reading a few of his quotes and then later in reading his book As a Man Thinketh.
A few years ago, I found a website with all this writings. I read a few of his essays at that time, but then haven't returned to it. Lately, I've revisted the site and have been reading quite a lot of his essays. Once you start to read an essay, you can't stop.
The site even has a daily meditations page, where thoughts from his book of meditations are updated daily.
However, as I continue to read all his works, there are some passages that really hit home with me and I want to draw particular attention to them on this blog.
Today, I read Through the Gates of Goodness and found this passage to be very important:
A few years ago, I found a website with all this writings. I read a few of his essays at that time, but then haven't returned to it. Lately, I've revisted the site and have been reading quite a lot of his essays. Once you start to read an essay, you can't stop.
The site even has a daily meditations page, where thoughts from his book of meditations are updated daily.
However, as I continue to read all his works, there are some passages that really hit home with me and I want to draw particular attention to them on this blog.
Today, I read Through the Gates of Goodness and found this passage to be very important:
"A good man is the flower of humanity, and to daily grow purer, nobler, more Godlike, by overcoming some selfish tendency, is to be continually drawing nearer to the Divine Heart. "He that would be my disciple let him deny himself daily," is a statement which none can misunderstand or misapply, howsoever he may ignore it. Nowhere in the universe is there any substitute for Goodness, and until a man has this, he has nothing worthy or enduring. To the possession of Goodness there is only one way, and that is, to give up all and everything that is opposed to Goodness. Every selfish desire must be eradicated; every impure thought must be yielded up; every clinging to opinion must be sacrificed; and it is in the doing of this that constitutes the following of Christ. That which is above all creeds, beliefs and opinions is a loving and self-sacrificing heart. The life of Jesus is a demonstration of this truth, and all His teaching is designed to bring about this holy and supreme consummation."As I come across other passages that I find personally important, I will post them on this blog.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Drift From God in Churches
Yesterday, I read a talk given by Harold B. Lee in the October 1963 General Conference. The talk is entitled, This is Our Gospel. I found this talk on the LDS Scripture Citation Index site.
What caught my attention from this talk were his quotes of a couple of newspaper clippings he read.
Below are the quotes he cited in his talk.
A short while ago in Philadelphia I was handed a clipping from a Philadelphia newspaper reporting a statement made by the Associate Secretary General of the State of Churches of the Assembly of National Churches representing thirty denominations. The article was entitled "Drift from God in Churches." I shall read but a few sentences:
"American churches in many cases were described today as being too 'public relations conscious'—more eager to please the crowd than to please God."
* * * * *
"Many churches, yielding to secular practice have become public relations conscious. There is as much if not more concern for the attractiveness of the package and the effectiveness of the marketing techniques than for the quality of the product."
* * * * *
"Modern churches too often have put the accent on secular yardsticks of success—size, statistics and outward attractiveness—rather than spiritual dedication."
* * * * *
"Many congregations would rather have a minister who is a 'good administrator and promoter' than one who is 'a loyal and humble disciple of Jesus Christ, a thinker and a fearless prophet of the sovereign and redeeming Lord.'"
* * * * *
"Too many people speak vaguely of the need of `faith and religion' rather than of the real need—of God, of a `return to the Father.'"
* * * * *
Then I picked up a clipping also while I was in Philadelphia about a year ago from Dr. Henry P. Van Dusen, president of the Union Theological Seminary, in which he said this, as quoted in the paper:
"A sharp and strange contrast between the upsurge of religion and a decline in morality was noted by Dr. Henry P. Van Dusen . . .
"It is a disturbing, confounding contradiction that the revival of religion has no parallel resurgence in morality. If the complex and illusive data could be plotted on a graph, it would show curves of religious vitality and of moral health moving in opposite directions.
"Thus far, the return to religion in our day has produced no corresponding moral fruitage. It raises the question as to the quality and worth of the religion.
"Either there will be moral revival flowering from religious revival, or the latter will fritter into futility. And our final state will be a religious sterility to match the moral anarchy.
"Interest in religion appears to be at an all-time high, with church membership over 100 million, but delinquency, (I remind you) immorality, and social confusion also are at peaks."
As I made note of those articles I thought to myself, it is time for us to make a critical self-analysis of ourselves to see how much of this applies to us as a Church and to us as individuals.
What caught my attention from this talk were his quotes of a couple of newspaper clippings he read.
Below are the quotes he cited in his talk.
A short while ago in Philadelphia I was handed a clipping from a Philadelphia newspaper reporting a statement made by the Associate Secretary General of the State of Churches of the Assembly of National Churches representing thirty denominations. The article was entitled "Drift from God in Churches." I shall read but a few sentences:
"American churches in many cases were described today as being too 'public relations conscious'—more eager to please the crowd than to please God."
* * * * *
"Many churches, yielding to secular practice have become public relations conscious. There is as much if not more concern for the attractiveness of the package and the effectiveness of the marketing techniques than for the quality of the product."
* * * * *
"Modern churches too often have put the accent on secular yardsticks of success—size, statistics and outward attractiveness—rather than spiritual dedication."
* * * * *
"Many congregations would rather have a minister who is a 'good administrator and promoter' than one who is 'a loyal and humble disciple of Jesus Christ, a thinker and a fearless prophet of the sovereign and redeeming Lord.'"
* * * * *
"Too many people speak vaguely of the need of `faith and religion' rather than of the real need—of God, of a `return to the Father.'"
* * * * *
Then I picked up a clipping also while I was in Philadelphia about a year ago from Dr. Henry P. Van Dusen, president of the Union Theological Seminary, in which he said this, as quoted in the paper:
"A sharp and strange contrast between the upsurge of religion and a decline in morality was noted by Dr. Henry P. Van Dusen . . .
"It is a disturbing, confounding contradiction that the revival of religion has no parallel resurgence in morality. If the complex and illusive data could be plotted on a graph, it would show curves of religious vitality and of moral health moving in opposite directions.
"Thus far, the return to religion in our day has produced no corresponding moral fruitage. It raises the question as to the quality and worth of the religion.
"Either there will be moral revival flowering from religious revival, or the latter will fritter into futility. And our final state will be a religious sterility to match the moral anarchy.
"Interest in religion appears to be at an all-time high, with church membership over 100 million, but delinquency, (I remind you) immorality, and social confusion also are at peaks."
As I made note of those articles I thought to myself, it is time for us to make a critical self-analysis of ourselves to see how much of this applies to us as a Church and to us as individuals.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
The Persecuted
Matthew 5:10-12 reads, "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake."
"Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."
3 Nephi 12:10-12 reads, "And blessed are all they who are persecuted for my name's sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
"And blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake."
"For ye shall have great joy and be exceedingly glad, for great shall be your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets before you."
The words and order are a bit different in these verses (between Matthew and 3 Nephi), but the ideas and concepts are the same.
Definitions ...
persecute: afflict, torture, torment; worry, badger, vex, bother, pester
revile: to assail with contemptuous or approbrious language; address or speak abusively
Observations ...
I particularly liked the sentiment of this Christian blogger, who said, "Believers who allow the corruption of the world to filter into their lives eventually become a weak testimony of Jesus Christ. Their values and behaviors run too closely alongside those whose lives are given over to all manner of selfishness and moral perversity. Christians who do not hold to their faith typically are not persecuted, for there is no reason to be. They are not making a loud enough stand against the systems of the world to merit being silenced."
"Unfortunately, when Christians lead this kind of life, they may not be experiencing adversity for the sake of the Gospel, but neither are they experiencing the blessing of living a life of genuine righteousness. Satan has no need to harass those who have strayed from the Word of God; they have already been rendered ineffective as witnesses for Christ, and therefore are no longer a spiritual threat to him."
With that said, I think it is logical to use persecution as a yard-stick to measure your own life - to see if it is righteous or not.
Harold B. Lee once noted that the evidence of a the true church is found in persecution. He cited Matthew 5:10-12 as well as Luke 6:26, which reads, "Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets" (link to his talk).
And lastly, this quote comes from a John Piper sermon from 1986:
"So we can see why a life devoted to righteousness or godliness will be persecuted or reviled or spoken against.
If you cherish chastity, your life will be an attack on people's love for free sex.
If you embrace temperance, your life will be a statement against the love of alcohol.
If you pursue self-control, your life will indict excess eating.
If you live simply and happily, you will show the folly of luxury.
If you walk humbly with your God, you will expose the evil of pride.
If you are punctual and thorough in your dealings, you will lay open the inferiority of laziness and negligence.
If you speak with compassion, you will throw callousness into sharp relief.
If you are earnest, you will make the flippant look flippant instead of clever.
And if you are spiritually minded, you will expose the worldly-mindedness of those around you."
(link to full sermon).
The point of the above is to show that by living a righteous life, you attack (stand in direct opposition to) the worldly pursuits of indulgence, luxury and pride.
"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake."
"Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."
3 Nephi 12:10-12 reads, "And blessed are all they who are persecuted for my name's sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
"And blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake."
"For ye shall have great joy and be exceedingly glad, for great shall be your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets before you."
The words and order are a bit different in these verses (between Matthew and 3 Nephi), but the ideas and concepts are the same.
Definitions ...
persecute: afflict, torture, torment; worry, badger, vex, bother, pester
revile: to assail with contemptuous or approbrious language; address or speak abusively
Observations ...
I particularly liked the sentiment of this Christian blogger, who said, "Believers who allow the corruption of the world to filter into their lives eventually become a weak testimony of Jesus Christ. Their values and behaviors run too closely alongside those whose lives are given over to all manner of selfishness and moral perversity. Christians who do not hold to their faith typically are not persecuted, for there is no reason to be. They are not making a loud enough stand against the systems of the world to merit being silenced."
"Unfortunately, when Christians lead this kind of life, they may not be experiencing adversity for the sake of the Gospel, but neither are they experiencing the blessing of living a life of genuine righteousness. Satan has no need to harass those who have strayed from the Word of God; they have already been rendered ineffective as witnesses for Christ, and therefore are no longer a spiritual threat to him."
With that said, I think it is logical to use persecution as a yard-stick to measure your own life - to see if it is righteous or not.
Harold B. Lee once noted that the evidence of a the true church is found in persecution. He cited Matthew 5:10-12 as well as Luke 6:26, which reads, "Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets" (link to his talk).
And lastly, this quote comes from a John Piper sermon from 1986:
"So we can see why a life devoted to righteousness or godliness will be persecuted or reviled or spoken against.
If you cherish chastity, your life will be an attack on people's love for free sex.
If you embrace temperance, your life will be a statement against the love of alcohol.
If you pursue self-control, your life will indict excess eating.
If you live simply and happily, you will show the folly of luxury.
If you walk humbly with your God, you will expose the evil of pride.
If you are punctual and thorough in your dealings, you will lay open the inferiority of laziness and negligence.
If you speak with compassion, you will throw callousness into sharp relief.
If you are earnest, you will make the flippant look flippant instead of clever.
And if you are spiritually minded, you will expose the worldly-mindedness of those around you."
(link to full sermon).
The point of the above is to show that by living a righteous life, you attack (stand in direct opposition to) the worldly pursuits of indulgence, luxury and pride.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
The Peacemakers
Matthew 5:9 reads, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
3 Nephi 12:9 reads, "And blessed are all the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God."
Just as with the "pure in heart" verse, the Book of Mormon version adds the word "all".
In my mind, a peacemaker is someone one tries to prevent fighting and quarrelling. It is someone whose heart aches as other people contend.
The blessing for being a peacemaker is to be called a child of God (as opposed to seeing God).
In doing a little internet searching on this topic, I came across this picture:
This image represents a real peacemaker - someone who, individually, is trying to calm the unrest (picture source).
Do we do the same in our homes? Do we strive to bring a voice of calm to a heated discussion?
I'm always impressed with people who can have a spirited debate, but then turn on a dime and crack a joke and essentially diffuse a volatile situation.
3 Nephi 12:9 reads, "And blessed are all the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God."
Just as with the "pure in heart" verse, the Book of Mormon version adds the word "all".
In my mind, a peacemaker is someone one tries to prevent fighting and quarrelling. It is someone whose heart aches as other people contend.
The blessing for being a peacemaker is to be called a child of God (as opposed to seeing God).
In doing a little internet searching on this topic, I came across this picture:
 |
| peacemaker during Greek riots Sept 2011 |
This image represents a real peacemaker - someone who, individually, is trying to calm the unrest (picture source).
Do we do the same in our homes? Do we strive to bring a voice of calm to a heated discussion?
I'm always impressed with people who can have a spirited debate, but then turn on a dime and crack a joke and essentially diffuse a volatile situation.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Pure in Heart
Matthew 5:8 reads, "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."
3 Nephi 12:8 reads, "And blessed are all the pure in heart, for they shall see God."
As Mormons, we often associate the concept of "pure in heart" with the concept of Zion. We will often cite 4 Nephi 1-18 as the model for Zion and the pure in heart. As I noted yesterday, Spencer W. Kimball gave a talk about being pure in heart. His talk was essentially about how we, as a church, can bring about Zion on earth. Even the Book of Mormon version of this Beatitude adds and extra word - "all". Instead of "the pure in heart", the Book of Mormon version reads "all the pure in heart" connoting social order rather than an individual admonishment.
Today, I did a general search on this beatitude - knowing full well that most hits would not come from LDS related pages, but rather from Catholic or Protestant related pages. I like to do this with the Beatitudes to see other opinions and insights into Christ's teachings. This search revealed that the "pure in heart" Beatitude is more generally viewed at the individual level than at the congregation level. It is more equated to the concept of sanctification.
The first stop in my Internet search took me to an article by Eric Simpson entitled The Pure in Heart Shall See God. He talked about fragmented and whole hearts. Hearts can be fragmented by many things such as serving Mammon or other desires. While the pure in heart have hearts that are whole and that are committed and centered on Christ. To accomplish this one must pray and fast often. The author connected the teaching of prayer to the concept of Nepsis. I had never heard of this before, so I searched on Nepsis.
Wikipedia's entry states, "Nepsis (or nipsis; Greek: νῆψις) is an important idea in Orthodox Christian theology, considered the hallmark of sanctity. Nepsis is a state of watchfulness or sobriety acquired following a long period of catharsis." To me, this is essentially the concept of sanctification as taught in the LDS church. Later in the same wiki entry on nepsis, it talks about nepsis in Eastern Christianity. In that section it states, "As the Christian becomes purified, in time he reaches the stage of illumination. At this point, the contemplative life begins, and watchfulness takes on a whole other meaning. Ultimately, the goal of the Eastern Christian is called theosis, the "deification" of man. According to St. Athanasius and others, "God became man so man can become god.""
A search of this phrase was quite revealing. Of course, there are a number of wiki entries, but there are also other single-page essays on this topic. One article on The Catholic Exchange, entitled Is Man to Become God?, brings up the things I learned in my Humanities class at BYU - that the idea man could become like God was openly discussed a long, long time ago.
Practically speaking, what does all this mean? To me, it means I am not pure in heart as I've not seen God yet. Is it possible? I think it is not only possible, but it is our duty to become pure in heart. I've learned that to be pure in heart requires, first, a desire to have a pure heart. Second, a pure heart not only is clean, but it is single to (focused only on) Christ and the glory of God. Third, to achieve purity of heart, we must pray often, fast often, meditate, think of Christ and His teachings and strive to act in accordance with those teachings. We are to attune our desires and will to God's desires and will. Lastly, this process takes a lifetime of daily commitment.
3 Nephi 12:8 reads, "And blessed are all the pure in heart, for they shall see God."
As Mormons, we often associate the concept of "pure in heart" with the concept of Zion. We will often cite 4 Nephi 1-18 as the model for Zion and the pure in heart. As I noted yesterday, Spencer W. Kimball gave a talk about being pure in heart. His talk was essentially about how we, as a church, can bring about Zion on earth. Even the Book of Mormon version of this Beatitude adds and extra word - "all". Instead of "the pure in heart", the Book of Mormon version reads "all the pure in heart" connoting social order rather than an individual admonishment.
Today, I did a general search on this beatitude - knowing full well that most hits would not come from LDS related pages, but rather from Catholic or Protestant related pages. I like to do this with the Beatitudes to see other opinions and insights into Christ's teachings. This search revealed that the "pure in heart" Beatitude is more generally viewed at the individual level than at the congregation level. It is more equated to the concept of sanctification.
The first stop in my Internet search took me to an article by Eric Simpson entitled The Pure in Heart Shall See God. He talked about fragmented and whole hearts. Hearts can be fragmented by many things such as serving Mammon or other desires. While the pure in heart have hearts that are whole and that are committed and centered on Christ. To accomplish this one must pray and fast often. The author connected the teaching of prayer to the concept of Nepsis. I had never heard of this before, so I searched on Nepsis.
Wikipedia's entry states, "Nepsis (or nipsis; Greek: νῆψις) is an important idea in Orthodox Christian theology, considered the hallmark of sanctity. Nepsis is a state of watchfulness or sobriety acquired following a long period of catharsis." To me, this is essentially the concept of sanctification as taught in the LDS church. Later in the same wiki entry on nepsis, it talks about nepsis in Eastern Christianity. In that section it states, "As the Christian becomes purified, in time he reaches the stage of illumination. At this point, the contemplative life begins, and watchfulness takes on a whole other meaning. Ultimately, the goal of the Eastern Christian is called theosis, the "deification" of man. According to St. Athanasius and others, "God became man so man can become god.""
A search of this phrase was quite revealing. Of course, there are a number of wiki entries, but there are also other single-page essays on this topic. One article on The Catholic Exchange, entitled Is Man to Become God?, brings up the things I learned in my Humanities class at BYU - that the idea man could become like God was openly discussed a long, long time ago.
Practically speaking, what does all this mean? To me, it means I am not pure in heart as I've not seen God yet. Is it possible? I think it is not only possible, but it is our duty to become pure in heart. I've learned that to be pure in heart requires, first, a desire to have a pure heart. Second, a pure heart not only is clean, but it is single to (focused only on) Christ and the glory of God. Third, to achieve purity of heart, we must pray often, fast often, meditate, think of Christ and His teachings and strive to act in accordance with those teachings. We are to attune our desires and will to God's desires and will. Lastly, this process takes a lifetime of daily commitment.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Nauvoo and Bishop Hill
I love the Internet and all the fascinating things you can learn from the people who post on it.
In this morning's study of the Beatitudee "blessed are the pure in heart," I was lead to a talk given by Spencer W. Kimball entitled Becoming the Pure in Heart. In that talk, he quoted Joseph Smith who said, "the greatest temporal and spiritual blessings which always come from faithfulness and concentrated effort, never attended individual exertion or enterprise." I had never read that quote before and it fascinated me in light of what Obama said several weeks ago - "you didn't build that."
I searched on the Joseph Smith quote and came to this link: A Tale of Two Cities (of God): Bishop Hill and Nauvoo by Myron J. Fodge. In this article, Fodge provides greater context of the quote used by Kimball.
The quote came from a statement by the First Presidency on January 8, 1841.
"The greatest temporal and spiritual blessings which always come from faithfulness and concerted effort, never attended individual exertion or enterprise. The history of all past ages abundantly attests this fact. In addition to all temporal blessings, there is no other way for the Saints to be saved in these last days, [than by the gathering] as the concurrent testimony of all the holy prophets clearly proves, for it is written, 'They shall come from the east, and be gathered from the west; the north shall give up, and the south shall keep not back.' The sons of God shall be gathered from afar, and his daughters from the ends of the earth."
The statement in its entirety, can be found here. This link notes the statement was released January 15, 1841.
The rest of the article by Fodge, is quite fascinating. He describes the two approaches to perfection as demonstrated by the Mormons in Nauvoo and the Janssonists in Bishop Hill.
In this morning's study of the Beatitudee "blessed are the pure in heart," I was lead to a talk given by Spencer W. Kimball entitled Becoming the Pure in Heart. In that talk, he quoted Joseph Smith who said, "the greatest temporal and spiritual blessings which always come from faithfulness and concentrated effort, never attended individual exertion or enterprise." I had never read that quote before and it fascinated me in light of what Obama said several weeks ago - "you didn't build that."
I searched on the Joseph Smith quote and came to this link: A Tale of Two Cities (of God): Bishop Hill and Nauvoo by Myron J. Fodge. In this article, Fodge provides greater context of the quote used by Kimball.
The quote came from a statement by the First Presidency on January 8, 1841.
"The greatest temporal and spiritual blessings which always come from faithfulness and concerted effort, never attended individual exertion or enterprise. The history of all past ages abundantly attests this fact. In addition to all temporal blessings, there is no other way for the Saints to be saved in these last days, [than by the gathering] as the concurrent testimony of all the holy prophets clearly proves, for it is written, 'They shall come from the east, and be gathered from the west; the north shall give up, and the south shall keep not back.' The sons of God shall be gathered from afar, and his daughters from the ends of the earth."
The statement in its entirety, can be found here. This link notes the statement was released January 15, 1841.
The rest of the article by Fodge, is quite fascinating. He describes the two approaches to perfection as demonstrated by the Mormons in Nauvoo and the Janssonists in Bishop Hill.
Friday, September 14, 2012
The Merciful
Matthew 5:7 reads, "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy."
Nephi 12:7 reads, "And blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."
This teaching is as clear as any teaching can be; yet the practice of it can be difficult.
I won't expound on this one too much, other than to point out a recent and popular talk given in the April 2012 general conference.
The Merciful Obtain Mercy by Dieter F. Uchtdorf.
Nephi 12:7 reads, "And blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."
This teaching is as clear as any teaching can be; yet the practice of it can be difficult.
I won't expound on this one too much, other than to point out a recent and popular talk given in the April 2012 general conference.
The Merciful Obtain Mercy by Dieter F. Uchtdorf.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Hunger and Thirst After Righteousness
Matthew 5:6 reads, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled."
Nephi 12:6 reads, "And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost."
To me, hungering and thirsting for an object simply means having an intense desire for that object - really wanting it, whatever 'it' is. So, to hunger and thirst after righteousness, means to have an intense desire to be righteous.
And what does rightous mean? It means being upright or moral - being good, honest or fair.
The difference between the Matthew and Nephi versions is interesting. In Matthew, those who desire righteousness are simply filled. While in the Nephi version, they are filled with the Holy Ghost.
The phrase 'filled with the Holy Ghost' reminded me of D&C 121:45-46, which reads, "Let they bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven."
"The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever."
Now - to go down this trail a bit more - scepters are symbols of power or authority or dominion. Therefore, it seems that if you desire (really desire) righteousness, that you will be filled with the Holy Ghost - He will be your constant companion; always there to advise and guide you. And as He is always there to advise, guide and comfort you, your power and authority will be derived from righteousness and truth. And since your power and authority are founded on righteousness and truth, there will be no need to compel that which is in your kingdom - all things will gravitate to you naturally.
The ultimate lesson to be learned here is to train your desires on righteousness.
Reference Links
wikipedia entry for scepter
wikipedia entry for was (a type of scepter)
Other Worthwhile Reading Material
He Hath Filled the Hungry With Good Things by Jeffry R. Holland
Nourishing the Spirit by Dallin H. Oaks
Spiritual Nutrients by James E. Faust
Nephi 12:6 reads, "And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost."
To me, hungering and thirsting for an object simply means having an intense desire for that object - really wanting it, whatever 'it' is. So, to hunger and thirst after righteousness, means to have an intense desire to be righteous.
And what does rightous mean? It means being upright or moral - being good, honest or fair.
The difference between the Matthew and Nephi versions is interesting. In Matthew, those who desire righteousness are simply filled. While in the Nephi version, they are filled with the Holy Ghost.
The phrase 'filled with the Holy Ghost' reminded me of D&C 121:45-46, which reads, "Let they bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven."
"The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever."
Now - to go down this trail a bit more - scepters are symbols of power or authority or dominion. Therefore, it seems that if you desire (really desire) righteousness, that you will be filled with the Holy Ghost - He will be your constant companion; always there to advise and guide you. And as He is always there to advise, guide and comfort you, your power and authority will be derived from righteousness and truth. And since your power and authority are founded on righteousness and truth, there will be no need to compel that which is in your kingdom - all things will gravitate to you naturally.
The ultimate lesson to be learned here is to train your desires on righteousness.
Reference Links
wikipedia entry for scepter
wikipedia entry for was (a type of scepter)
Other Worthwhile Reading Material
He Hath Filled the Hungry With Good Things by Jeffry R. Holland
Nourishing the Spirit by Dallin H. Oaks
Spiritual Nutrients by James E. Faust
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)