Alma 53:5 - Channel the "lamanites" in you (desires, passions, etc.) to do good works, and you can more easily guard them. I really like this notion that, when we are focusing on doing good things, it is much much easier for us to NOT do bad things, or to even be tempted by them. It seems like a no-brainer, but it's always good to be reminded, and to be able to tie it in to the scriptures.
Alma 53: 5 - LIST! Find Christ. I really liked that Brother Griffin told us that whenever we find a 'good list', we should look for Christ in it. Not only that, but we can take that list and try to develop the same attributes so we can become more like Christ. The Book of Mormon is the teaching manual for how to become like Him. It's amazing. However, it can also be a teaching manual for how to become like Satan, because those lists, the 'bad lists', are in there too. So lets take those as "DO NOT" lists, and the Christ lists as "DO" lists. What a great learning tool. :)
Alma 54:17 - "Evil is just that silly." I really liked how Brother Griffin explained this. When we dig deep - actually, not even all that deep - into the arguments and justifications of Satan and his 'followers', it's just plain silly. It's shallow and easy to see past. It's not worth pondering. What IS worth pondering, then, is the reasons and joys of Christ! Those aren't silly, and they help us to more easily see the things that are. :)
***Alma 57:2 - "We were sure our forces were sufficient to take the city of Antiparah by force..."
This was an excellent reminder to me that MY forces, combined with God's, are strong enough to turn down the 'deals' of the adversary. I don't need his compromises to be able to get back the 'city' that is mine! I am a child of God! I don't need to settle for less just because Satan makes it seem easier. TAKE THAT! I Love triumphant insights like this. :)***
Alma 62: 41 - Better vs. Bitter. We all know what the right answer is, but implementing it is harder than you might think. Or maybe you already know; when something really difficult happens to us, we have a tendency to feel like victims and get bitter, when what we really should do is find Christ and get better! It's hard to do sometimes, but we can do it! HURRAH! :)
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
In Responce, or, In Addition
Alright. So, as many of you saw, I "liked" an article I read on a blog recently. However, I read this blog-post a couple months ago. The reason I "liked" it today is because I just finished writing an OpEd (for my writing class) in response to it. I found it thought provoking and true enough to choose it for my topic. So, for those of you who are interested, I'm posting my OpEd here. I hope all of you who have or will read this, and the article my thoughts sprung from, will get the same message from it that I did. Enjoy!
DISCLAIMER: I address a mainly LDS audience here, but it applies to all Christian's, and even those who aren't but believe in treating everyone around them with respect. I don't mean to offend anyone with anything I say. Thanks.
Title: I’m always nice. Except to you, and you, and you…
I recently read an editorial entitled: “I'm Christian, unless you're gay." (Pearce). Simply the title of this article tells readers that someone has noticed un-kind behavior, even from those who are otherwise caring, when it comes to how people act towards homosexuals. The article stressed that everyone should treat everyone with respect and care. “They’re people too!” it seemed to shout, and they need to feel loved and accepted just as much as everyone else. The author made an accusation of hypocrisy and a plea for change. I’m here to say that, though his words were some-what harsh, all Christians (specifically us as Latter Day Saints) really should re-evaluate how we treat others, and if our actions reflect who we profess to be. There are always people whom many around us don’t agree with or accept. When we encounter these people, our initial response can be anywhere from ignoring to acting repulsed by them; when what we should do is follow the example of He whom the name “Christian” is taken from and care for them as we would anyone else – even if they’re gay.
A little while back, I learned the opinion of an area-authority on this issue, and I believe it to represent how we should all feel about it. In my area’s last stake conference, the presiding member of the bishopric held a question and answer period for the last part of the meeting. Someone brought up, rather humbly and timidly, how they had recently found out someone close to them was homosexual. His voice shook as he asked the speaker if he had any advice on how to help this friend. The speaker responded that the best thing to do, and in some cases all we can do when faced with this situation, is to pray. To pray for aid in helping them, to pray for them, and mostly importantly – to pray for the Lord to open our hearts and help us love them.
We have been given a perfect example of applying this concept; our example is Christ. He spent most of His time on earth with those termed “sinners”, “publicans”*, and other people who were not accepted by many others around Him. He helped them, forgave them, and loved them. Just one of the examples Christ gave us in this matter is found in Luke 7: 37-50. This passage tells about a time when a woman, known as a sinner by all in her area, approached Christ in penitence and sadness. A nearby Pharisee questioned His acceptance of her presence, knowing she was a sinner. Christ responded: “Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee… her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much… and he said to the woman, thy faith hath saved thee, go in peace.” (Luke 7:40, 47, 50). While those around Him disapproved of this woman, Christ, fully aware of her circumstances, cared for her and treated her well. This is a prime example of how we should act when we encounter people who are “different” and isolated by many in society, especially when we think our refusal to accept them is justified.
In addition to using Christ’s actions as a guide to how we should treat others, we can use those “golden rules” which we have heard again and again. I bet you can guess what these rules are: “love they neighbor as thyself” and “treat everyone as you want to be treated;” they imply that we show as much respect for everyone else as we would give ourselves in any given situation. Doing this promotes a feeling of empathy, a Christ-like trait, to others and their circumstances. When we allow this to happen, it makes treating others with love an easier task, because we’re thinking of how we would want to be treated given the same circumstances.
Ultimately, caring about and showing respect for those around us is the best way to deal with all kinds of social pressures. I say “pressures” because there does seem to be a drive, especially in our sometimes closed culture, to isolate those who are different from the group. It is almost as if you won’t be accepted if you choose to accept those who aren’t accepted by the general group. How’s that for a confusing assumption? But if you think about it, it’s true. Haven’t you ever had an experience where you felt it was wrong to isolate someone because of their differences, but felt as if you would be ‘kicked out of the club’ if you chose to befriend them? Not only is there a negative attitude toward those who are (quote on quote) “different” from the group, but the same negative attitude exists even for those in the group who choose to associate with them. It can be very hard at times, but if we choose to care about everyone, we will more easily overcome the pressures around us and make our actions parallel our beliefs.
Let us not fall into the trap of “I’m Christian, Unless You’re Gay”; but rather exemplify the attributes of true disciples of Christ regardless of our disagreements with others. Let us follow the golden rules of “Love thy neighbor as thyself”, and “treat others as you want to be treated”, as well as follow Christ, always - regardless of the circumstances.
References
Pearce, Dan. I'm Christian, unless you're gay. Single Dad Laughing (Blog): Pearce, Fall 2011. Web. (http://www.danoah.com/2011/11/im-christian-unless-youre-gay.html)
*Scriptures: Topical Guide- Sinner. lds.org. Web. 26 January 2012.
(http://www.lds.org/scriptures/tg/sinner?lang=eng&query=sinner)
Scriptures: Topical Guide- Publican. lds.org. Web. 26 January 2012.
(http://www.lds.org/scriptures/tg/publican?lang=eng&query=publican)
Bible: King Jame's Version-St. Luke. Scripture. (Luke 7:37-50)
DISCLAIMER: I address a mainly LDS audience here, but it applies to all Christian's, and even those who aren't but believe in treating everyone around them with respect. I don't mean to offend anyone with anything I say. Thanks.
Title: I’m always nice. Except to you, and you, and you…
I recently read an editorial entitled: “I'm Christian, unless you're gay." (Pearce). Simply the title of this article tells readers that someone has noticed un-kind behavior, even from those who are otherwise caring, when it comes to how people act towards homosexuals. The article stressed that everyone should treat everyone with respect and care. “They’re people too!” it seemed to shout, and they need to feel loved and accepted just as much as everyone else. The author made an accusation of hypocrisy and a plea for change. I’m here to say that, though his words were some-what harsh, all Christians (specifically us as Latter Day Saints) really should re-evaluate how we treat others, and if our actions reflect who we profess to be. There are always people whom many around us don’t agree with or accept. When we encounter these people, our initial response can be anywhere from ignoring to acting repulsed by them; when what we should do is follow the example of He whom the name “Christian” is taken from and care for them as we would anyone else – even if they’re gay.
A little while back, I learned the opinion of an area-authority on this issue, and I believe it to represent how we should all feel about it. In my area’s last stake conference, the presiding member of the bishopric held a question and answer period for the last part of the meeting. Someone brought up, rather humbly and timidly, how they had recently found out someone close to them was homosexual. His voice shook as he asked the speaker if he had any advice on how to help this friend. The speaker responded that the best thing to do, and in some cases all we can do when faced with this situation, is to pray. To pray for aid in helping them, to pray for them, and mostly importantly – to pray for the Lord to open our hearts and help us love them.
We have been given a perfect example of applying this concept; our example is Christ. He spent most of His time on earth with those termed “sinners”, “publicans”*, and other people who were not accepted by many others around Him. He helped them, forgave them, and loved them. Just one of the examples Christ gave us in this matter is found in Luke 7: 37-50. This passage tells about a time when a woman, known as a sinner by all in her area, approached Christ in penitence and sadness. A nearby Pharisee questioned His acceptance of her presence, knowing she was a sinner. Christ responded: “Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee… her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much… and he said to the woman, thy faith hath saved thee, go in peace.” (Luke 7:40, 47, 50). While those around Him disapproved of this woman, Christ, fully aware of her circumstances, cared for her and treated her well. This is a prime example of how we should act when we encounter people who are “different” and isolated by many in society, especially when we think our refusal to accept them is justified.
In addition to using Christ’s actions as a guide to how we should treat others, we can use those “golden rules” which we have heard again and again. I bet you can guess what these rules are: “love they neighbor as thyself” and “treat everyone as you want to be treated;” they imply that we show as much respect for everyone else as we would give ourselves in any given situation. Doing this promotes a feeling of empathy, a Christ-like trait, to others and their circumstances. When we allow this to happen, it makes treating others with love an easier task, because we’re thinking of how we would want to be treated given the same circumstances.
Ultimately, caring about and showing respect for those around us is the best way to deal with all kinds of social pressures. I say “pressures” because there does seem to be a drive, especially in our sometimes closed culture, to isolate those who are different from the group. It is almost as if you won’t be accepted if you choose to accept those who aren’t accepted by the general group. How’s that for a confusing assumption? But if you think about it, it’s true. Haven’t you ever had an experience where you felt it was wrong to isolate someone because of their differences, but felt as if you would be ‘kicked out of the club’ if you chose to befriend them? Not only is there a negative attitude toward those who are (quote on quote) “different” from the group, but the same negative attitude exists even for those in the group who choose to associate with them. It can be very hard at times, but if we choose to care about everyone, we will more easily overcome the pressures around us and make our actions parallel our beliefs.
Let us not fall into the trap of “I’m Christian, Unless You’re Gay”; but rather exemplify the attributes of true disciples of Christ regardless of our disagreements with others. Let us follow the golden rules of “Love thy neighbor as thyself”, and “treat others as you want to be treated”, as well as follow Christ, always - regardless of the circumstances.
References
Pearce, Dan. I'm Christian, unless you're gay. Single Dad Laughing (Blog): Pearce, Fall 2011. Web. (http://www.danoah.com/2011/11/im-christian-unless-youre-gay.html)
*Scriptures: Topical Guide- Sinner. lds.org. Web. 26 January 2012.
(http://www.lds.org/scriptures/tg/sinner?lang=eng&query=sinner)
Scriptures: Topical Guide- Publican. lds.org. Web. 26 January 2012.
(http://www.lds.org/scriptures/tg/publican?lang=eng&query=publican)
Bible: King Jame's Version-St. Luke. Scripture. (Luke 7:37-50)
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Learning from War - Lessons from Cap. Moroni
Alma 46: 30
Moroni knew that if he didn't stop Amalickiah, he would bring war to them. This is very simmilar to how Nephi was commanded to "stop" (kill) Laban. (1 Nephi 4:10-13) Nephi could have just taken the plates while Laban lay drunk and ran, but the Lord knew Laban would cause trouble for His people if he awoke. So, to avoid battle in the wilderness, and more from there on out, Laban had to be killed. Yay for scripture connections!
Alma 48
Moroni provides a very good example of how we should fight our battles in life. In contrast with Amalickiah, he shows us that we should obtain power through God rather than the world (Alma 48:7).
Also throughout these war chapters, we are reminded not to be on offense, but rather defense. In other words, we are taught to not intentionally offend others, but to only fight when we are defending ourselves. This has numerous applications to our lives today. :)
Alma 48:15 - "yea, warn them to flee, or to prepare for war...)
Sometimes, instead of fighting, God tells us to not get involved at all but to run away. When He knows it's better for us to stay away, as is the case with bad influences, inappropriate movies/media, etc., out best way to fight is to "flee".
Alma 49
The enemy was "astonished exceedingly" at the strength of the defenses Moroni prepared (in a city that was usually vulnerable). So, what does the enemy do? Go to the next weakest place. The devil uses this same strategy - he attacks our weakest spots, and if he finds it too strong and gets scared, he goes to a weaker one. In the words if one of my high school seminary teachers, Brother Little, "What a punk."
Alma 51: 22-23 "Behold, it came to pass that while Moroni was thus breaking down the wars and contentions among his own people... the Nephites were not sufficiently strong in the city of Moroni, therefore Amalickiah did drive them, slaying many..."
It is when we are at war with ourselves that the devil sees the biggest opportunity to attack - when we are already unstable. Again, what a punk. However, when we know this, we are better prepared to defend ourselves against him. :
Moroni knew that if he didn't stop Amalickiah, he would bring war to them. This is very simmilar to how Nephi was commanded to "stop" (kill) Laban. (1 Nephi 4:10-13) Nephi could have just taken the plates while Laban lay drunk and ran, but the Lord knew Laban would cause trouble for His people if he awoke. So, to avoid battle in the wilderness, and more from there on out, Laban had to be killed. Yay for scripture connections!
Alma 48
Moroni provides a very good example of how we should fight our battles in life. In contrast with Amalickiah, he shows us that we should obtain power through God rather than the world (Alma 48:7).
Also throughout these war chapters, we are reminded not to be on offense, but rather defense. In other words, we are taught to not intentionally offend others, but to only fight when we are defending ourselves. This has numerous applications to our lives today. :)
Alma 48:15 - "yea, warn them to flee, or to prepare for war...)
Sometimes, instead of fighting, God tells us to not get involved at all but to run away. When He knows it's better for us to stay away, as is the case with bad influences, inappropriate movies/media, etc., out best way to fight is to "flee".
Alma 49
The enemy was "astonished exceedingly" at the strength of the defenses Moroni prepared (in a city that was usually vulnerable). So, what does the enemy do? Go to the next weakest place. The devil uses this same strategy - he attacks our weakest spots, and if he finds it too strong and gets scared, he goes to a weaker one. In the words if one of my high school seminary teachers, Brother Little, "What a punk."
Alma 51: 22-23 "Behold, it came to pass that while Moroni was thus breaking down the wars and contentions among his own people... the Nephites were not sufficiently strong in the city of Moroni, therefore Amalickiah did drive them, slaying many..."
It is when we are at war with ourselves that the devil sees the biggest opportunity to attack - when we are already unstable. Again, what a punk. However, when we know this, we are better prepared to defend ourselves against him. :
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Faith and a Knowledge of our Savior Bring New Insights
Alma 42: 4-5 "there was a time granted unto men to repent, yeah, a probationary time... For behold, if Adam had put forth his hand immediately and partaken of the tree of life, he would have lived forever, having no space for repentance... and the great plan of salvation would have been frustrated"
This life is a time for us to repent. As this passage refers to The Fall, and the tree of life, it brought an interesting thought to me. During this 'probationary time', we EARN the tree of life for ourselves. This thought puts a new spin on Lehi's dream for me, and makes the path to the tree more real to me.
Alma 42: 23 "mercy claimeth the penitent"
I don't have much more to say about this phrase than: I like it. The reason - Because although we know justice has a claim on all, because we all sin, it is nice to be reminded that mercy has a claim on us, too - if we are repentant.
Alma 43:21 "they were exceedingly afraid of the armies of the Nephites because of their armour."
This made me think of the armor of God - which gave me this insight: Enemies are afraid of the armor of God. His protection is POWERFUL. It gave me a new conviction/reason to choose to wear the armor always.
Alma 43: 23-24 "Moroni.. knowing of the prophesies of Alma..." Moroni had faith that the Lord would help his armies through Alma. And later... "Alma informed the messengers of Moroni, that the armies of the Lamanites were marching round about the wilderness, that they might come over into the land of Manti" Thus: Faith brings the Lord's help! Always! I Love seeing reminders of this throughout my study.
This life is a time for us to repent. As this passage refers to The Fall, and the tree of life, it brought an interesting thought to me. During this 'probationary time', we EARN the tree of life for ourselves. This thought puts a new spin on Lehi's dream for me, and makes the path to the tree more real to me.
Alma 42: 23 "mercy claimeth the penitent"
I don't have much more to say about this phrase than: I like it. The reason - Because although we know justice has a claim on all, because we all sin, it is nice to be reminded that mercy has a claim on us, too - if we are repentant.
Alma 43:21 "they were exceedingly afraid of the armies of the Nephites because of their armour."
This made me think of the armor of God - which gave me this insight: Enemies are afraid of the armor of God. His protection is POWERFUL. It gave me a new conviction/reason to choose to wear the armor always.
Alma 43: 23-24 "Moroni.. knowing of the prophesies of Alma..." Moroni had faith that the Lord would help his armies through Alma. And later... "Alma informed the messengers of Moroni, that the armies of the Lamanites were marching round about the wilderness, that they might come over into the land of Manti" Thus: Faith brings the Lord's help! Always! I Love seeing reminders of this throughout my study.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Distracted?
Guess what, friends? I'm in Brother Griffin's class again for the second half of the Book of Mormon! And you know what that means - WEEKLY BOM! I'm so excited! Here's week one!
Something I really liked from Brother Griffin's lesson on Thursday was his comment about taking something into the scriptures. Each time we study the scriptures, we should have something on our mind that we need help with. I especially liked how he said that this 'thing' you take with you could be the thing you find yourself distracted by as you read. Because that thing is something pressing (you know this because you're being distracted by it) it's probably something you could use the Lord's help with. So, read with it in mind, and see what you get! I really like this concept, and I'm going to start applying it more as I read.
Alma 37: 6 - "small and simple things.."
This is a familiar scripture to many, but something new about it came to me as I read it this time. Alma is talking to his son, Helaman, about keeping a record before he says this. I then thought about how keeping a history of one's life seems mundane or simple, but because the prophet's did it, we have this record that is a huge part of our lives today. I'm very grateful for it. Then I got to thinking about journals and how they can serve this same purpose for our future generations. :)
Alma 37: 11
Alma predicts why the record, the BoM, is important, and is astonishingly accurate and in line with what the title page illustrates. He then says: "Now these mysteries are not yet fully made known unto me; therefore I shall forbear." This was a reminder and testimony to me that prophets are full of the spirit and see things very clearly. Therefore, we should pay close attention to their words. Because they are right.
Something I really liked from Brother Griffin's lesson on Thursday was his comment about taking something into the scriptures. Each time we study the scriptures, we should have something on our mind that we need help with. I especially liked how he said that this 'thing' you take with you could be the thing you find yourself distracted by as you read. Because that thing is something pressing (you know this because you're being distracted by it) it's probably something you could use the Lord's help with. So, read with it in mind, and see what you get! I really like this concept, and I'm going to start applying it more as I read.
Alma 37: 6 - "small and simple things.."
This is a familiar scripture to many, but something new about it came to me as I read it this time. Alma is talking to his son, Helaman, about keeping a record before he says this. I then thought about how keeping a history of one's life seems mundane or simple, but because the prophet's did it, we have this record that is a huge part of our lives today. I'm very grateful for it. Then I got to thinking about journals and how they can serve this same purpose for our future generations. :)
Alma 37: 11
Alma predicts why the record, the BoM, is important, and is astonishingly accurate and in line with what the title page illustrates. He then says: "Now these mysteries are not yet fully made known unto me; therefore I shall forbear." This was a reminder and testimony to me that prophets are full of the spirit and see things very clearly. Therefore, we should pay close attention to their words. Because they are right.
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