golden

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.

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!

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.

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.