Tonight I read Helaman 4 which tells how within just the space of ten years the Nephites go from being strong in the faith to becoming lifted up in pride and consumed with their riches, which brings contention and dissension among them. The dissenters join the Lamanites and battle against the Nephites, taking over many of their lands. Verse 13 stood out to me which says that the Nephites boasted of their own strength, so the Lord left them to their own strength, which truly wasn't much after all and they ended up loosing possession of their lands. There were many different forms their wickedness took, such as oppressing the poor, not caring for the hungry and the naked, mocking sacred things and those who were humble, denying the Spirit, murdering, plundering, lying, stealing, and committing adultery... but it all began as a result of pride in their hearts and that pride started because of their great riches.
I think we still experience these same pride cycles in our society today. Our country right now is in a state of economic depression and so there are not much riches to be proud over. Perhaps some of the best times of life are those when we are deprived of wealth because of how it helps us to remain humble and teachable. I, for one, am grateful for the important things I've learned as a result of our economic struggles and I really do feel that I've been able to use this time to draw closer to the Lord. I hope that I would not follow the Nephites' example, and that I would also use times of wealth and plenty to draw closer to the Lord as well. I trust that He knows my strengths and weaknesses well enough that if I am to be blessed with riches, I will be in a place emotionally and spiritually where I would not be distracted by them but would use them to bless the lives of others and help accomplish the Lord's work. That is my desire.
Showing posts with label wealth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wealth. Show all posts
November 1, 2010
I finished reading Alma 45. The two verses that stood out to me were 16 and 24. In 16, the land is cursed for the people who chose to do wickedly "because the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance." This doctrine is comforting because it makes me feel loved by a caring Father in Heaven. For ever heinous act committed, He does care, and the perpetrator will meet the justice of God.
In verse 24, sadly, all the leaders whom Helaman appointed to lead the church "grew proud" and wouldn't listen to Helaman or his brothers. They succumbed to pride because "of their exceedingly great riches." I see this as an important reminder of the danger of riches. If they lead one to disregard the counsel of prophets and to not walk uprightly before God, then they have fulfilled Satan's purposes. If I am ever blessed with riches, I want to always use them to bless the lives of others and to further the work of the Lord in building His kingdom.
In verse 24, sadly, all the leaders whom Helaman appointed to lead the church "grew proud" and wouldn't listen to Helaman or his brothers. They succumbed to pride because "of their exceedingly great riches." I see this as an important reminder of the danger of riches. If they lead one to disregard the counsel of prophets and to not walk uprightly before God, then they have fulfilled Satan's purposes. If I am ever blessed with riches, I want to always use them to bless the lives of others and to further the work of the Lord in building His kingdom.
October 20, 2010
Tonight I read a few verses in D&C 11:5-14. I really liked verse 7 that talks about seeking for wisdom rather than riches, and that riches will be granted eventually, with the greatest "richness" being the gift of eternal life. I definitely prefer that blessing above worldly wealth and if it takes a lifetime of seeking God and his righteousness instead of seeking earthly riches, it would be worth it to me.
I also was struck by verse 10 which teaches how to obtain a gift of the Spirit. First is to desire in faith, have an honest heart and then to believe in the power of Jesus Christ, then that gift will be granted. And verse 12 especially stood out to me. It says to "put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good - yea to do justly, to walk humbly; and to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit." I found a lot of comfort in that verse because I really do feel led by that Spirit and it is comforting to know that the Spirit leads me to make choices that are just, humble, and to judge righteously. With so much confusion and distraction in the world sometimes I worry about how I can know what the right thing to do is. This verse offered me comfort by encouraging me to just trust in that Spirit that I already feel led by. I know He will help me make the right choices.
I also was struck by verse 10 which teaches how to obtain a gift of the Spirit. First is to desire in faith, have an honest heart and then to believe in the power of Jesus Christ, then that gift will be granted. And verse 12 especially stood out to me. It says to "put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good - yea to do justly, to walk humbly; and to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit." I found a lot of comfort in that verse because I really do feel led by that Spirit and it is comforting to know that the Spirit leads me to make choices that are just, humble, and to judge righteously. With so much confusion and distraction in the world sometimes I worry about how I can know what the right thing to do is. This verse offered me comfort by encouraging me to just trust in that Spirit that I already feel led by. I know He will help me make the right choices.
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