Alma 55:12
And Laman said unto them: You may do according to your desires.
I know it's a short one but I think there are some pretty powerful concepts hidden in here. Agency. To choose which road we will take. Our Father in Heaven has given us agency to choose for ourselves according to our desires. What are our desires?
"Desires dictate our priorities, priorities shape our choices, and choices determine our actions" -Dallin H. Oaks
we will act according to our desires. What do we want the most? Are our conscious desires the same as our unconscious desires? Are they in line with each other? Or do we think we want something but our actions are saying another? Sometimes the only way to figure out what your desires are is to work backward. What are you doing? how are you spending your time? WHO are you spending time with? Are these things helping you to achieve what you really want? If not, perhaps it's time to make some changes. We are free to do according to our desires- but we are not free to choose the outcome of those actions.
Showing posts with label Wisdom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wisdom. Show all posts
Friday, January 20, 2012
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Look and Live
Alma 37:
12 And it may suffice if I only say they are preserved for a wise purpose, which purpose is known unto God; for he doth counsel in wisdom over all his works, and his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round.
I love the faith shown by this statement. He does not know the purposes of God but he trusts God to direct his paths. He is saying so much about the character of God. He knows all. He has a plan for all things. We are his children and he will counsel us in wisdom. He sees the larger- eternal picture. He will not lead us down crooked paths- the way is clear if we follow him.
25 I will bring forth out of darkness unto light all their secret works and their abominations
and except they repent I will destroy them from off the face of the earth; and I will bring to light all their secrets and abominations, unto every nation that shall hereafter possess the land.
Spencer W. Kimball: “My young folks, since the Lord said, ‘Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect’ (Matthew 5:48), it would be well if all of us would take frequent inventory to see if hidden away under the rugs and in the corners of our lives there might be some vestige of hypocrisy and ugliness or error. Or could there be hidden under the blankets of personal excuse and rationalization some small eccentricities and dishonesties? Are there any cobwebs in ceilings and corners which we think will not be noticed? Are we trying to cover up the small pettinesses and the small gratifications we secretly allow ourselves-rationalizing the while that they are insignificant and inconsequential? Are there areas in our thoughts and actions and attitudes which we would like to hide from those we respect
most? Are we certain that all of our innermost secrets are kept confidential? The Lord revealed in 1831, ‘The rebellious shall be pierced with much sorrow; for their iniquities shall be spoken upon the housetops, and their secret acts shall be revealed.’ (D&C 1:3.) Would a frequent house cleaning be in order for all of us?” (BYU Speeches, February 25, 1964, p. 21)
harsh? maybe. But true. Everything is known unto the Lord and eventually we will have to face the truth of who we are. Now is the time to take advantage of the atonement of the Savior. To continually take and inventory of where we are...do do an occasional "house cleaning"
34 Teach them to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly in heart; for such shall find rest to their souls.
Henry B. Eyring: “Alma gave his son advice that is good for us. He said: (quotes Alma 37:33-34.) The good works that really matter require the help of heaven. And the help of heaven requires working past the point of fatigue so far that only the meek and lowly will keep going long enough. The Lord doesn't put us through this test just to give us a grade; he does it because the process will change us.” (To Draw Closer to God, p. 95
Neal A. Maxwell: “Paradoxical as it sounds, more diligence actually brings more relief. Any selfishness, on the other hand, magnifies our weariness. Selfishness not only shrinks the quantity of service we render but also provides none of the needed renewal, no ‘rest to [our] souls.’” (If Thou Endure It Well, p. 113)
45 And now I say, is there not a type in this thing? For just as surely as this director did bring our fathers, by following its course, to the promised land, shall the words of Christ, if we follow their course, carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise.
46 O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way; for so was it with our fathers; for so was it prepared for them, that if they would look they might live; even so it is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever.
47 And now, my son, see that ye take care of these sacred things, yea, see that ye look to God and live. Go unto this people and declare the word, and be sober. My son, farewell.
It is an easy solution. Read the scriptures. A solution we take for granted. I have had my own copy of the scriptures since before I can remember- It took me quite a long time to appreciate them. I had to make the choice to search them myself. The answers were sitting on my nightstand my whole life, but to find those answers I had to pick up the book. Look to the words of Christ and life. Through the scriptures we can find direction for our paths. We will find wisdom and guidance to teach us to be righteous. We are reminded of the commandments. We learn the character of Jesus Christ and God the Father. We are chastened and comforted. Through the scriptures we find the path to eternal life.
12 And it may suffice if I only say they are preserved for a wise purpose, which purpose is known unto God; for he doth counsel in wisdom over all his works, and his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round.
I love the faith shown by this statement. He does not know the purposes of God but he trusts God to direct his paths. He is saying so much about the character of God. He knows all. He has a plan for all things. We are his children and he will counsel us in wisdom. He sees the larger- eternal picture. He will not lead us down crooked paths- the way is clear if we follow him.
25 I will bring forth out of darkness unto light all their secret works and their abominations
and except they repent I will destroy them from off the face of the earth; and I will bring to light all their secrets and abominations, unto every nation that shall hereafter possess the land.
Spencer W. Kimball: “My young folks, since the Lord said, ‘Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect’ (Matthew 5:48), it would be well if all of us would take frequent inventory to see if hidden away under the rugs and in the corners of our lives there might be some vestige of hypocrisy and ugliness or error. Or could there be hidden under the blankets of personal excuse and rationalization some small eccentricities and dishonesties? Are there any cobwebs in ceilings and corners which we think will not be noticed? Are we trying to cover up the small pettinesses and the small gratifications we secretly allow ourselves-rationalizing the while that they are insignificant and inconsequential? Are there areas in our thoughts and actions and attitudes which we would like to hide from those we respect
most? Are we certain that all of our innermost secrets are kept confidential? The Lord revealed in 1831, ‘The rebellious shall be pierced with much sorrow; for their iniquities shall be spoken upon the housetops, and their secret acts shall be revealed.’ (D&C 1:3.) Would a frequent house cleaning be in order for all of us?” (BYU Speeches, February 25, 1964, p. 21)
harsh? maybe. But true. Everything is known unto the Lord and eventually we will have to face the truth of who we are. Now is the time to take advantage of the atonement of the Savior. To continually take and inventory of where we are...do do an occasional "house cleaning"
34 Teach them to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly in heart; for such shall find rest to their souls.
Henry B. Eyring: “Alma gave his son advice that is good for us. He said: (quotes Alma 37:33-34.) The good works that really matter require the help of heaven. And the help of heaven requires working past the point of fatigue so far that only the meek and lowly will keep going long enough. The Lord doesn't put us through this test just to give us a grade; he does it because the process will change us.” (To Draw Closer to God, p. 95
Neal A. Maxwell: “Paradoxical as it sounds, more diligence actually brings more relief. Any selfishness, on the other hand, magnifies our weariness. Selfishness not only shrinks the quantity of service we render but also provides none of the needed renewal, no ‘rest to [our] souls.’” (If Thou Endure It Well, p. 113)
45 And now I say, is there not a type in this thing? For just as surely as this director did bring our fathers, by following its course, to the promised land, shall the words of Christ, if we follow their course, carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise.
46 O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way; for so was it with our fathers; for so was it prepared for them, that if they would look they might live; even so it is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever.
47 And now, my son, see that ye take care of these sacred things, yea, see that ye look to God and live. Go unto this people and declare the word, and be sober. My son, farewell.
It is an easy solution. Read the scriptures. A solution we take for granted. I have had my own copy of the scriptures since before I can remember- It took me quite a long time to appreciate them. I had to make the choice to search them myself. The answers were sitting on my nightstand my whole life, but to find those answers I had to pick up the book. Look to the words of Christ and life. Through the scriptures we can find direction for our paths. We will find wisdom and guidance to teach us to be righteous. We are reminded of the commandments. We learn the character of Jesus Christ and God the Father. We are chastened and comforted. Through the scriptures we find the path to eternal life.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Bury the Weapons for Peace
Alma 24:
19-And thus we see that, when these Lamanites were brought to believe and to know the truth, they were firm, and would suffer even unto death rather than commit sin; and thus we see that they buried their weapons of peace, or they buried the weapons of war, for peace.
They were truly converted. The would not break their covenants even on pain of death.
In the play, A Man for All Seasons, Sir Thomas Moore, who would soon have his head removed because of a refusal to compromise his principles, said, When a man takes an oath, he's holding his own self in his own hands, like water, and if he opens his fingers then--he needn't hope to find himself again (p. 81) Your character is founded on your ability to keep your word.
The second part of this verse is really what stands out to me. Here are people who are about to be attacked, unjustly. They know they can fight back and protect themselves but they bury their weapons for peace. What are our "weapons of war"?
pride, sarcasm, humor at the expense of another, defensiveness, anger, taking offense, holding grudges, etc ??
Are these not things that can cause contention between ourselves and another. Could we not "bury" these things for peace?? Sometimes we would be totally justified, as these Lamanites were, in picking up those weapons and defending ourselves. But is it always the right thing? Even if we are justified. I think most would agree that Christ would have been justified in defending himself- but he chose his battles. We need to choose our battles as well.
In this chapter, over 1000 people are murdered. But also in this chapter, because of those deaths over 2000 are converted and choose to change their lives. I'm not saying it's always the right choice to be passive, but sometimes we have to surrender a battle to win our war. We have to bury our "weapons" for peace.
19-And thus we see that, when these Lamanites were brought to believe and to know the truth, they were firm, and would suffer even unto death rather than commit sin; and thus we see that they buried their weapons of peace, or they buried the weapons of war, for peace.
They were truly converted. The would not break their covenants even on pain of death.
In the play, A Man for All Seasons, Sir Thomas Moore, who would soon have his head removed because of a refusal to compromise his principles, said, When a man takes an oath, he's holding his own self in his own hands, like water, and if he opens his fingers then--he needn't hope to find himself again (p. 81) Your character is founded on your ability to keep your word.
The second part of this verse is really what stands out to me. Here are people who are about to be attacked, unjustly. They know they can fight back and protect themselves but they bury their weapons for peace. What are our "weapons of war"?
pride, sarcasm, humor at the expense of another, defensiveness, anger, taking offense, holding grudges, etc ??
Are these not things that can cause contention between ourselves and another. Could we not "bury" these things for peace?? Sometimes we would be totally justified, as these Lamanites were, in picking up those weapons and defending ourselves. But is it always the right thing? Even if we are justified. I think most would agree that Christ would have been justified in defending himself- but he chose his battles. We need to choose our battles as well.
In this chapter, over 1000 people are murdered. But also in this chapter, because of those deaths over 2000 are converted and choose to change their lives. I'm not saying it's always the right choice to be passive, but sometimes we have to surrender a battle to win our war. We have to bury our "weapons" for peace.
Friday, November 11, 2011
See that ye do them
Mosiah 4:9-10
Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.
And again, believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them.
I love these verses. Such a plain and simple statement of belief. But the part that stands out to me is the last line in verse ten...see that ye do them. It is one thing to believe silently and on your own but it takes a whole new level of courage and faith to actually act on the things we believe. Actions become public. Actions in and of themselves are a testimony to the world.
It is easy to believe that through Christs atonement sin can be forgiven. It is much harder for us to believe that OUR sin will be forgiven. And even if we believe that Jesus Christ and our Father in Heaven will forgive us...we don't always forgive ourselves. But if we believe...then we need to act. We need to humble ourselves and follow the direction we receive from our wise father...
Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.
And again, believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them.
I love these verses. Such a plain and simple statement of belief. But the part that stands out to me is the last line in verse ten...see that ye do them. It is one thing to believe silently and on your own but it takes a whole new level of courage and faith to actually act on the things we believe. Actions become public. Actions in and of themselves are a testimony to the world.
It is easy to believe that through Christs atonement sin can be forgiven. It is much harder for us to believe that OUR sin will be forgiven. And even if we believe that Jesus Christ and our Father in Heaven will forgive us...we don't always forgive ourselves. But if we believe...then we need to act. We need to humble ourselves and follow the direction we receive from our wise father...
Friday, November 4, 2011
O Be Wise...
Jacob 6:12:
"O be wise; what can I say more?"
Short and to the point. I love this scripture. But what exactly is wisdom? Wisdom is based on knowledge. How much do you know and can you apply that knowledge correctly?
"Since knowledge is an acquaintance with, or clear perception of, facts; and wisdom is the capacity of judging soundly and dealing broadly with facts; especially in their practical application to life and conduct, it follows that wisdom is a product of, and is dependent upon knowledge." -Marion G Romney
so what if we don't have the knowledge? Can we still be wise? Yes.
"the inspiration of the Lord can and often does compensate for unknown facts—that is, for lack of knowledge" -Marion G Romney
The Lord knows all. So by following divine inspiration-it is as if we know all the facts. (see talk)
So to be wise we must have knowledge but we must also be humble. (D&C 136:32-33)
32 Let him that is ignorant learn wisdom by humbling himself and calling upon the Lord his God, that his eyes may be opened that he may see, and his ears opened that he may hear;
33 For my Spirit is sent forth into the world to enlighten the humble and contrite, and to the condemnation of the ungodly.
O be wise- learn all you can so you are able to make smart choices, but be humble enough to rely upon the Lord for inspiration in all things. That is how we act with wisdom. What can I say more?
"O be wise; what can I say more?"
Short and to the point. I love this scripture. But what exactly is wisdom? Wisdom is based on knowledge. How much do you know and can you apply that knowledge correctly?
"Since knowledge is an acquaintance with, or clear perception of, facts; and wisdom is the capacity of judging soundly and dealing broadly with facts; especially in their practical application to life and conduct, it follows that wisdom is a product of, and is dependent upon knowledge." -Marion G Romney
so what if we don't have the knowledge? Can we still be wise? Yes.
"the inspiration of the Lord can and often does compensate for unknown facts—that is, for lack of knowledge" -Marion G Romney
The Lord knows all. So by following divine inspiration-it is as if we know all the facts. (see talk)
So to be wise we must have knowledge but we must also be humble. (D&C 136:32-33)
32 Let him that is ignorant learn wisdom by humbling himself and calling upon the Lord his God, that his eyes may be opened that he may see, and his ears opened that he may hear;
33 For my Spirit is sent forth into the world to enlighten the humble and contrite, and to the condemnation of the ungodly.
O be wise- learn all you can so you are able to make smart choices, but be humble enough to rely upon the Lord for inspiration in all things. That is how we act with wisdom. What can I say more?
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