Is there anybody in the world who deserves no respect at all? A person just so evil, so corrupt, that they no longer have that right?
It's a hard question. I'm reminded of the time immediately after the death of Osama Bin Laden was announced, when the relief and gratitude turned into an almost spiteful, revengeful rejoicing. Despite Bin Laden being a horrible terrorist, it was just too much.
Speaking of the tongue, James said, "Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God." (James 3:9)
All men are made in the similitude of God, therefore all men deserve respect, even if justice and safety dictates the loss of their life.
In fact, not speaking evil of one another is part of the prescription that will help us to avoid the epidemic of lust that plagues the world. It is men seeking after their lusts that often leads to unhappiness, war, adultery, etc. We have to learn to fight it. Here's how James says to do it:
Submit to God.
Resist the devil.
Draw night to God.
Cleanse your hands and purify your hearts.
Endure hardship.
Humble yourselves.
Speak not evil of one another.
Let's do it, friends. The world will be a much better place.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
So wise
It really is amazing how much council can be packed into just one chapter of scripture. In Hebrews 13, for example, we get the following guidance:
Be hospitable to strangers and sympathize with those who are in bonds.
Marriage is honorable.
Be content, not coveting, so that we can with confidence know and say that the Lord is on our side, we have no need to fear what man may do to us.
We are sanctified by the blood of Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
When we know that rulers, leaders, etc. are truly looking out for our welfare, we should obey and submit to them.
The leaders of our churches are benefited by our prayers.
No wonder the bible is known as the most influential book of all time!
Be hospitable to strangers and sympathize with those who are in bonds.
Marriage is honorable.
Be content, not coveting, so that we can with confidence know and say that the Lord is on our side, we have no need to fear what man may do to us.
We are sanctified by the blood of Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
When we know that rulers, leaders, etc. are truly looking out for our welfare, we should obey and submit to them.
The leaders of our churches are benefited by our prayers.
No wonder the bible is known as the most influential book of all time!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Scriptural Q & A
Nephi tells us to "feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things, what ye should do." (2 Nephi 32:3)
This week's reading assignment made it pretty easy to see just how true that is. First, we looked at instruction for when people have a tendency to argue over petty things, even in church...
Philippians 2:2
"...be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind." It's always been interesting to me that while it's good to be right, it's usually better to be unified. Other verses in the chapter talk about not doing things in strife or vainglory, and avoiding murmurings and disputings. I thought about how easy it is to do those things. It's a pretty lofty goal not to complain or easily argue, but I think it could make our lives much happier. We all like the one who's easygoing. :)
Next we looked at the problem of youth who depend on their parents' testimonies and rely on them for spiritual strength. Philippians 2:12-13 explains that we're each responsible to work out our own salvation, and that a good indicator is whether we obey in our leaders' and parents' absence as well as their presence. What will you do when you have freedom?
The last issue that Philippians helps clarify is the problem of an investigator who wants to join the church but is afraid that his family will no longer associate with him. Paul explains in chapter 13 that the best prize to be won is to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, and every other loss a victory in Him. While the sacrifice may be great, this is the most worthy aim.
The scriptures are an incredible guide to our lives, now we only need to feast on the word so we know what to do.
This week's reading assignment made it pretty easy to see just how true that is. First, we looked at instruction for when people have a tendency to argue over petty things, even in church...
Philippians 2:2
"...be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind." It's always been interesting to me that while it's good to be right, it's usually better to be unified. Other verses in the chapter talk about not doing things in strife or vainglory, and avoiding murmurings and disputings. I thought about how easy it is to do those things. It's a pretty lofty goal not to complain or easily argue, but I think it could make our lives much happier. We all like the one who's easygoing. :)
Next we looked at the problem of youth who depend on their parents' testimonies and rely on them for spiritual strength. Philippians 2:12-13 explains that we're each responsible to work out our own salvation, and that a good indicator is whether we obey in our leaders' and parents' absence as well as their presence. What will you do when you have freedom?
The last issue that Philippians helps clarify is the problem of an investigator who wants to join the church but is afraid that his family will no longer associate with him. Paul explains in chapter 13 that the best prize to be won is to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, and every other loss a victory in Him. While the sacrifice may be great, this is the most worthy aim.
The scriptures are an incredible guide to our lives, now we only need to feast on the word so we know what to do.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
You are a SAINT!
Most of the time when Paul refers to members of the church of Jesus Christ in his day, he calls them "saints". In our day, a timely gift, inspiring council, or much-needed service might be met with the phrase, "You are a saint!"
In reality, it means a lot to be worthy of that title.
So, from Romans 12-13, here are some things that help us to be more saint-like, working out our salvation:
Being a living sacrifice--giving all that we can to God
Not being conformed to the world
Being hospitable
Loving without dissimulation (real, sincere)
Being humble
Being unified
Being subject to higher powers
Doing good, cleaving to good, overcoming evil with good.
Aborring evil
Staying out of debt (surprised? see Romans 13:8. We should owe nothing but love :])
Keeping the commandments
Loving our neighbors
It's an interesting list. It can pretty much be summed up in being obedient, meek, humble, and loving. We spend so much of our time in fight mode, but that's just not the best way. Take care of yourself, take care of others, be grateful, be satisfied. It can be pretty easy to fall into a constant, dissatisfied state. Seriously? Let's get over that and serve each other.
He also warned about judging others, reminding the saints that the things they are judging are often not the most important. What's most important is that we all belong to the Lord. I love this phrase: "Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth." Our focus is on loving and serving.
In reality, it means a lot to be worthy of that title.
So, from Romans 12-13, here are some things that help us to be more saint-like, working out our salvation:
Being a living sacrifice--giving all that we can to God
Not being conformed to the world
Being hospitable
Loving without dissimulation (real, sincere)
Being humble
Being unified
Being subject to higher powers
Doing good, cleaving to good, overcoming evil with good.
Aborring evil
Staying out of debt (surprised? see Romans 13:8. We should owe nothing but love :])
Keeping the commandments
Loving our neighbors
It's an interesting list. It can pretty much be summed up in being obedient, meek, humble, and loving. We spend so much of our time in fight mode, but that's just not the best way. Take care of yourself, take care of others, be grateful, be satisfied. It can be pretty easy to fall into a constant, dissatisfied state. Seriously? Let's get over that and serve each other.
He also warned about judging others, reminding the saints that the things they are judging are often not the most important. What's most important is that we all belong to the Lord. I love this phrase: "Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth." Our focus is on loving and serving.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Tables of the Heart
I recently told my brother that people don't always know what's in your heart. Maybe they didn't get the full story, or then again maybe you were just a little too afraid to really show what's there. So how do others see what's written in our hearts?
My best thought was that it's the thing you stand up for. If something is written in your heart, it is a sincere part of you, it's found not only in your actions but your thoughts, your feelings, your convictions...
When God covenanted with the House of Israel he promised, "I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people."(Jeremiah 31:33)
As we do His will and pray for that conviction, God writes His law in our hearts. It's not just a duty anymore.
One of the questions I was supposed to answer was "What is a doctrine that is written in your heart? How did you get it there?" Well...
Sacrifice. In my heart I know that there are some things worth sacrificing for, namely people you love and the gospel of Jesus Christ. There was a period of time where I thought I was being asked much more than I could give. I kept at it. I kept pushing and pushing and in the end, every single thing I was asked to give was worth it. Everything. It was worth it all. It was worth the doubt, the depression, the sorrow, the time...I put it to the test. When it didn't seem worth it anymore was the time that became most precious and life-changing. And now I know that God will never ask me to sacrifice without great purpose.
What's written in your heart?
My best thought was that it's the thing you stand up for. If something is written in your heart, it is a sincere part of you, it's found not only in your actions but your thoughts, your feelings, your convictions...
When God covenanted with the House of Israel he promised, "I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people."(Jeremiah 31:33)
As we do His will and pray for that conviction, God writes His law in our hearts. It's not just a duty anymore.
One of the questions I was supposed to answer was "What is a doctrine that is written in your heart? How did you get it there?" Well...
Sacrifice. In my heart I know that there are some things worth sacrificing for, namely people you love and the gospel of Jesus Christ. There was a period of time where I thought I was being asked much more than I could give. I kept at it. I kept pushing and pushing and in the end, every single thing I was asked to give was worth it. Everything. It was worth it all. It was worth the doubt, the depression, the sorrow, the time...I put it to the test. When it didn't seem worth it anymore was the time that became most precious and life-changing. And now I know that God will never ask me to sacrifice without great purpose.
What's written in your heart?
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Leading to Truth
Paul was an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, and he explains to the people that his obligation to preach the gospel was huge. He said, "...necessity is laid upon me, woe unto me, if I preach not the gospel!" (1 Corinthians 9:16) Knowing what he did, he was almost compelled to teach.
He shared some of the wisdom of his teaching experience with the Corinthians: "And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews...to the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak..." (1 Cor 9:20-22)
One of the sisters in my mission (who was an incredible teacher, by the way) taught me about "leading people to truth". For them to accept the gospel, you have to go to where they are, and help them make the connections and do the actions that will lead to their progression in the gospel. That's not to say that you act in ways that aren't in harmony with the gospel of Jesus Christ, but you do adapt to their circumstance and belief. We learned quickly that what we had taught wasn't the same as what they had learned. We would use questions like, "What do you think about ____? Do you believe that? Why do you believe this?" And we would add our testimony to anything they said that was true.
It changed my teaching. I can testify with Paul that it is so important to find common ground. That way in our discussions with others, everyone will be open to learn and be edified. :)
He shared some of the wisdom of his teaching experience with the Corinthians: "And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews...to the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak..." (1 Cor 9:20-22)
One of the sisters in my mission (who was an incredible teacher, by the way) taught me about "leading people to truth". For them to accept the gospel, you have to go to where they are, and help them make the connections and do the actions that will lead to their progression in the gospel. That's not to say that you act in ways that aren't in harmony with the gospel of Jesus Christ, but you do adapt to their circumstance and belief. We learned quickly that what we had taught wasn't the same as what they had learned. We would use questions like, "What do you think about ____? Do you believe that? Why do you believe this?" And we would add our testimony to anything they said that was true.
It changed my teaching. I can testify with Paul that it is so important to find common ground. That way in our discussions with others, everyone will be open to learn and be edified. :)
Thursday, May 5, 2011
A Missionary Like Paul
Paul spent a whole lot of his time preaching. Let's see how he practiced what he preached.
Actions that complemented Paul's teachings (See 1 Thessalonians 1:1-6, 2:1-13, and 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12, 3:7-9)
My brother and I have been concerned with huge numbers of teenagers and young adults who are becoming inactive, just not buying what they hear in church anymore. We both decided that the law is only as important as it helps people to come unto Christ. It's people that are the most important. In my life, I want to be like Paul--I want to thank people for their strength and sacrifice. I want to pray for the grace of God to attend them. I want my teaching to be filled with comfort and assurances. I want to see people for who they really are and never ignore their concerns. Above all, I hope I will always willing to impart "not the gospel of God only, but also [my] own soul, because [they] are dear unto [me]." (1 Thes 1:9)
Actions that complemented Paul's teachings (See 1 Thessalonians 1:1-6, 2:1-13, and 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12, 3:7-9)
- He recognized the people's sacrifices and hard work in living the gospel
- He prayed for them always, asking for the grace of God to be with them.
- He remembered who these people were (Children of God, chosen of Him)
- He taught with power, the Holy Ghost, and great assurance
- He spoke the truth boldly despite persecution and the use of flattery by others to win followers
- He didn't seek glory or praise
- He labored night and day
- He acted holy, justly, and unblameably
- He exhorted, comforted, and charged
- He did all he could to sustain himself and not be a burden
- He was willing to impart not only the word, but his own soul, because the people were dear to him
My brother and I have been concerned with huge numbers of teenagers and young adults who are becoming inactive, just not buying what they hear in church anymore. We both decided that the law is only as important as it helps people to come unto Christ. It's people that are the most important. In my life, I want to be like Paul--I want to thank people for their strength and sacrifice. I want to pray for the grace of God to attend them. I want my teaching to be filled with comfort and assurances. I want to see people for who they really are and never ignore their concerns. Above all, I hope I will always willing to impart "not the gospel of God only, but also [my] own soul, because [they] are dear unto [me]." (1 Thes 1:9)
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Paul's Visit to Athens
I've been thinking lately about the power of consistent scripture study. Without that steady influence in our lives, we soon find our testimony lacking, our ideas changing to meet what we learn from other sources. Alma 31:5 states that the preaching of the word "had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else". Even the threat of death couldn't always convince the people to do justly--it was the scriptures that had the most power. In other places we learn that a study of the scriptures will help us know what to do (see 2 Nephi 32:3) and will persuade us to do good (2 Nephi 33:10).
Paul met some interesting people in Athens. Some didn't believe and were envious of his success. On the other hand, the people of Berea, who had been studying the scriptures, were ready to receive the word, and "therefore many of them believed" (Acts 17: 12).
That Paul was in Athens was significant, for Athens had just recently been an incredible city, full of beautiful architecture and great philosophical and intellectual minds. They were proud of their heritage, but in everything they worshipped they had forgotten to include God. Later Paul said, "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit" (Colossians 2:8). Acts 17 recounts Paul's visit to two of these Athenian Philosophies...
Epicurus was a philosopher who taught that the world came about by chance, not design, and that man's best aim was to live in a state that afforded the greatest pleasure and absence of sorrow. The Epicureans looked for long-term, full satisfaction.
The Stoics, another group, were a bit different in that they did believe in a supreme governing power. They believed it best to accept conditions as they were rather than trying to change them for their benefit. The phrase "for we are also [God's] offspring" (which Paul used when he was teaching them) was found in some of their philosophical works.
When Paul came and found their inscription "TO THE UNKNOWN GOD" (Acts 17:23), He attempted to teach them the true nature of God by beginning with what they already knew--that they were His offspring. He included in that teaching the reality of a premortal life, and its affect on the life we live on earth.
This life truly is an inheritance, a privilege based on past performance and choices. Choosing to follow God, we were given a way to become even more like Him--to come to earth to receive a body and gain experience. In Acts it says that God determined before the bounds and time of our habitation here on earth (See Acts 17:26). You are supposed to be where you are, at this specific time in history.
As Paul continues his teaching, the doctrine that throws them all off is that of the resurrection. They mocked him for proposing it. I was surprised on my mission that many people felt the same way...they felt that it was unnecessary and didn't even believe the Apostles witness that Christ was resurrected. I love the teaching in the Book of Mormon,
But there is a resurrection. And there is a known God, and there are scriptures full of truth. The Athenians had much to admire...let's just hope some of them remembered what Paul had to say.
Paul met some interesting people in Athens. Some didn't believe and were envious of his success. On the other hand, the people of Berea, who had been studying the scriptures, were ready to receive the word, and "therefore many of them believed" (Acts 17: 12).
That Paul was in Athens was significant, for Athens had just recently been an incredible city, full of beautiful architecture and great philosophical and intellectual minds. They were proud of their heritage, but in everything they worshipped they had forgotten to include God. Later Paul said, "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit" (Colossians 2:8). Acts 17 recounts Paul's visit to two of these Athenian Philosophies...
Epicurus was a philosopher who taught that the world came about by chance, not design, and that man's best aim was to live in a state that afforded the greatest pleasure and absence of sorrow. The Epicureans looked for long-term, full satisfaction.
The Stoics, another group, were a bit different in that they did believe in a supreme governing power. They believed it best to accept conditions as they were rather than trying to change them for their benefit. The phrase "for we are also [God's] offspring" (which Paul used when he was teaching them) was found in some of their philosophical works.
When Paul came and found their inscription "TO THE UNKNOWN GOD" (Acts 17:23), He attempted to teach them the true nature of God by beginning with what they already knew--that they were His offspring. He included in that teaching the reality of a premortal life, and its affect on the life we live on earth.
This life truly is an inheritance, a privilege based on past performance and choices. Choosing to follow God, we were given a way to become even more like Him--to come to earth to receive a body and gain experience. In Acts it says that God determined before the bounds and time of our habitation here on earth (See Acts 17:26). You are supposed to be where you are, at this specific time in history.
As Paul continues his teaching, the doctrine that throws them all off is that of the resurrection. They mocked him for proposing it. I was surprised on my mission that many people felt the same way...they felt that it was unnecessary and didn't even believe the Apostles witness that Christ was resurrected. I love the teaching in the Book of Mormon,
7And if Christ had not risen from the dead, or have broken the bands of death that the grave should have no victory, and that death should have no asting, there could have been no resurrection.
8But there is a aresurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of bdeath is swallowed up in Christ. (Mosiah 16:7-8)
But there is a resurrection. And there is a known God, and there are scriptures full of truth. The Athenians had much to admire...let's just hope some of them remembered what Paul had to say.
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