Monday, April 25, 2016

Serve The Lord


The world has different idols and gods than it did in Joshua's day. But his counsel to be deliberate about who or what we choose to serve remains relevant. The transient trappings of mortality have their place. We should do what we can to keep them there, and choose to serve God by learning of Him and His Gospel and by loving and serving those around us.

Monday, April 18, 2016

Looketh on the Heart


Judging another based on outward appearance can mean judging based on looks, but could also mean judging based on personality, habits, and even their actions. Think about the last time you met someone new. What assumptions did you make about that person based only on what you could see right in front of you? How did your impression of that person change after you got to know them and learned more about their story? It's natural to judge before knowing all the facts. But we should remember that the only perfect judge is God, and examine our thoughts more closely the next time we find ourselves passing judgement one of our brothers or sisters.

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Treasure the Word


When we study any knowledge that is of worth, it is like making a deposit to the bank. We store in our minds something we can draw upon later when needed. This is especially true of the scriptures, because the Spirit can call to remembrance the words we need for each situation. But only if we have put the words there in the first place.

Monday, April 4, 2016

Guard Our Brethren


I can't remember if I thought of the following comparison on my own or if I heard it from somebody else first. In the Book of Mormon, the Lamanites were enemies of the Nephites. The two groups come into conflict many times throughout the book. A group of Lamanites however, were converted to believe in Christ and repented of the many murders they had committed, vowing to never use their weapons to shed blood again. Other Lamanites became angry with them and marched to kill them, and these converted Lamanites (now called Ammonites) sought refuge among the Nephites. The Nephites could have reacted with suspicion, scorn, hatred, and fear. But instead, they gave a portion of their lands to the Ammonites and protected them.
I think the comparison to modern days is obvious. We ought to be charitable to those in need, including those seeking refuge from violence they had no part in creating. Let us look past our fears and political ideologies, and remember to see the real people--men, women, and children--that are affected, and let us extend a hand of fellowship.

https://www.lds.org/refugees