A while back I was struck by a particular phrase in the first commandment God ever gave: "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth." (Genesis 1:28--identical except for minor punctuation in Moses 2:28)
The word "replenish" sounds odd there. A bit of online research should show anyone that "fill" would be a more proper translation of the word, rather than something that usually means "refill". This means that "multiply" and "replenish the earth" are a bit redundant. Even so, the fact that some translators happened to choose that word (for unknown reasons) makes me think of something. I think of what it would mean to actually replenish the earth in relation to bearing more children, because as we live on the Earth, and have more children who also live on the Earth, thus using natural resources and making a mess.
For decade now there have been some people who argue that the Earth is overpopulated, and some are even proponents of laws that would limit child-bearing. This would be directly in opposition to God's first commandment. If anyone were to confront me about my large family and accuse me of wrongdoing, I would tell them that I do not believe at all that the Earth is over-populated, and that the real problem is that we're not managing the Earth and its resources well. Yes, some people on the Earth are hungry, but if we all managed the land well we could easily produce enough food for everyone currently on the Earth and more. I would tell them that the important thing is to teach children to be good stewards of the Earth, to avoid waste, and to contribute by helping others in need. There's not a lot of direct instruction from Church leaders about how to care for the Earth, and I would always want to avoid getting political (particularly as I don't trust people in government much at all in most cases but also when it comes to environmentalism), but I do believe in managing resources well and cleaning up messes. So on a personal level, I believe in picking up trash and recycling, among other things.
The other aspect to stewardship of the Earth is that it seems to be one of those topics that some Church members easily ignore. I feel that the attitude of not examining ourselves and considering ways that we should change is on of the most spiritually inhibiting factors that can be present in a person's life.
Last thoughts for now:
Granted, "replenish" in Genesis 1:28 would be better translated as "fill". That being said, as I do my part to fill the Earth with God's children, I want to teach them to care for it also, by both word and example.
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
A Bit of Good Advice for a Successful Marriage
Sometime when I was newly married, when I was living in our first apartment, my father visited me and gave me two pieces of advice for having a successful marriage. (It might have even been in the month before our marriage, before my wife moved in.) Sadly, I don't remember the first of his suggestions, but I have always remembered the second. He said:
"Always let your wife do what she wants with her hair."
That might sounds simple, but I think there's more to it than hairstyles. It really strikes home with some, people, too; perhaps a year or so later I was in a marriage class at church and when we were asked about this subject (making marriage succeed) and I mentioned the advice my father gave me, one of the sisters in the front row responded with an energetic "Woohoo!" (or some similar exclamation).
I say that a woman ought to be entirely able to choose her hairstyle (including the length) for herself. Sure, her husband will generally have preferences, and she ought to consider them, but the decision should be hers. It's her body and her appearance; not only does she clearly have the greatest interest in her appearance, she is the only one with any real claim to control over it.
In past eras or other cultures, it might be highly normal for a husband to dictate certain things like his wife's hairstyle. In the modern U.S. that kind of practice or attitude is surely less common, though (and this is mostly speculation) it might be more likely in the homes of some latter-day saints. Members of the church are used to the idea of men being the leader in the home, responsible for guiding the family as the patriarch and priesthood holder. There's justification for this way of living, and also some very clear warnings in Doctrine and Covenants Section 121:37 against "exercise[ing] control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness".
If my father's advice sounds to any women out there like something to celebrate, it's an indication that some husbands are exceeding the proper bounds of their decision-making authority. There are times when it's important for a husband and father to seek out revelation for his family, and times when he should express conviction related to what his family should do, but there are also times when his wife's decisions are personal and he should not try to interfere. If a wife feels like her husband is being domineering, he should genuinely listen to and consider her complaint, and if he's compelling her to the point where she doesn't feel like she's able to make any personal decisions for herself, it's basically a guarantee that he's doing things wrong in a way that is depriving them both of a lot of happiness.
Granted, a wife can definitely be the domineering spouse within a marriage, but in those cases it's the exception to the typical cultural phenomenon for Church members.
Last thoughts for now:
I don't want to focus on the negative side of this, and I would hate to give the impression that domineering spouses are more prevalent than they really are. I do think it's important to remember the sentiment behind my father's advice. We ought to respect our husbands and wives and their God-given agency.
(Also, as a side note, my wife does listen to my preferences for her hair and, while she is totally free to choose her hairstyle and length, she has never chosen something that I would dislike. And she's beautiful.)
"Always let your wife do what she wants with her hair."
That might sounds simple, but I think there's more to it than hairstyles. It really strikes home with some, people, too; perhaps a year or so later I was in a marriage class at church and when we were asked about this subject (making marriage succeed) and I mentioned the advice my father gave me, one of the sisters in the front row responded with an energetic "Woohoo!" (or some similar exclamation).
I say that a woman ought to be entirely able to choose her hairstyle (including the length) for herself. Sure, her husband will generally have preferences, and she ought to consider them, but the decision should be hers. It's her body and her appearance; not only does she clearly have the greatest interest in her appearance, she is the only one with any real claim to control over it.
In past eras or other cultures, it might be highly normal for a husband to dictate certain things like his wife's hairstyle. In the modern U.S. that kind of practice or attitude is surely less common, though (and this is mostly speculation) it might be more likely in the homes of some latter-day saints. Members of the church are used to the idea of men being the leader in the home, responsible for guiding the family as the patriarch and priesthood holder. There's justification for this way of living, and also some very clear warnings in Doctrine and Covenants Section 121:37 against "exercise[ing] control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness".
If my father's advice sounds to any women out there like something to celebrate, it's an indication that some husbands are exceeding the proper bounds of their decision-making authority. There are times when it's important for a husband and father to seek out revelation for his family, and times when he should express conviction related to what his family should do, but there are also times when his wife's decisions are personal and he should not try to interfere. If a wife feels like her husband is being domineering, he should genuinely listen to and consider her complaint, and if he's compelling her to the point where she doesn't feel like she's able to make any personal decisions for herself, it's basically a guarantee that he's doing things wrong in a way that is depriving them both of a lot of happiness.
Granted, a wife can definitely be the domineering spouse within a marriage, but in those cases it's the exception to the typical cultural phenomenon for Church members.
Last thoughts for now:
I don't want to focus on the negative side of this, and I would hate to give the impression that domineering spouses are more prevalent than they really are. I do think it's important to remember the sentiment behind my father's advice. We ought to respect our husbands and wives and their God-given agency.
(Also, as a side note, my wife does listen to my preferences for her hair and, while she is totally free to choose her hairstyle and length, she has never chosen something that I would dislike. And she's beautiful.)
Sunday, September 10, 2017
Peace, Not As the World Giveth
I'm a blessed man. Downright spoiled right now, in fact. That's what I tell everyone. Beyond being blessed by the restored gospel and having a wonderful family, I have a good income and I'm able to pursue good professional opportunities. I have an extremely flexible schedule at the moment.
I have a lot of little things that bring me some measure of happiness, like books and movies. I'm able to chat with distant friends via text message. I'm in good health. I have clean water to drink and bathe in and access to a wide variety of food that is either healthy, good-tasting, or both. I have a comfortable home. (And carpet; my standard for being rich, on a global scale, is having carpet, so overall I'm doing really well.) I live in a land that values and preserves a great deal of personal liberty.
Being blessed as I am and being currently free from severe stress makes it easy to feel happy. I think that sometimes similar conditions have led people to overlook the source of true, lasting happiness and real, eternal peace.
What if I were to lose the things I have?
People experience loss. There is a limitless amount of precedent for misfortune and loss, and it's entirely plausible that I could lose almost all of the things I listed above, and much more. I doubt that I would lose them all together, like Job, but it's possible that any day I could experience significant loss on any given day. Tragedy sometimes occurs on a personal level, and sometimes with much larger scope. Nations fall. Natural disasters, war, and other problems displace thousands and millions. I could break a limb or get cancer or otherwise fall ill. My house could burn down, with all of my possessions in it. I sincerely hope it will not happen, but my wife or children could experience grave injury. But what if? What if I were to lose these things that bring me happiness?
I know that regardless of any particular blessing or the loss of it, no matter how much misfortune may come my way, I can still be right before God. No matter what I could lose, I could still dedicate myself to righteousness and service to God and others. And that would bring me peace, "not as the world giveth" (John 14:27), but as Jesus Christ gives to all those who earnestly follow Him.
To say this is the sort of thing that would have superstitious people knocking on wood. Indeed, I do not ask for trouble or loss to enter my life. But, having mentioned Job, I know that any of us can show the same commitment to following Christ that he showed, despite any loss.
Last thoughts for now:
It's easy to say that I could be committed like that. But I know it's possible. I know that we can make that kind of choice. In the meanwhile, I hope to make that kind of commitment without needing tragedy to spur me on. But if tragedy should befall me, I know that I can still receive the peace that our Savior brings.
I have a lot of little things that bring me some measure of happiness, like books and movies. I'm able to chat with distant friends via text message. I'm in good health. I have clean water to drink and bathe in and access to a wide variety of food that is either healthy, good-tasting, or both. I have a comfortable home. (And carpet; my standard for being rich, on a global scale, is having carpet, so overall I'm doing really well.) I live in a land that values and preserves a great deal of personal liberty.
Being blessed as I am and being currently free from severe stress makes it easy to feel happy. I think that sometimes similar conditions have led people to overlook the source of true, lasting happiness and real, eternal peace.
What if I were to lose the things I have?
People experience loss. There is a limitless amount of precedent for misfortune and loss, and it's entirely plausible that I could lose almost all of the things I listed above, and much more. I doubt that I would lose them all together, like Job, but it's possible that any day I could experience significant loss on any given day. Tragedy sometimes occurs on a personal level, and sometimes with much larger scope. Nations fall. Natural disasters, war, and other problems displace thousands and millions. I could break a limb or get cancer or otherwise fall ill. My house could burn down, with all of my possessions in it. I sincerely hope it will not happen, but my wife or children could experience grave injury. But what if? What if I were to lose these things that bring me happiness?
I know that regardless of any particular blessing or the loss of it, no matter how much misfortune may come my way, I can still be right before God. No matter what I could lose, I could still dedicate myself to righteousness and service to God and others. And that would bring me peace, "not as the world giveth" (John 14:27), but as Jesus Christ gives to all those who earnestly follow Him.
To say this is the sort of thing that would have superstitious people knocking on wood. Indeed, I do not ask for trouble or loss to enter my life. But, having mentioned Job, I know that any of us can show the same commitment to following Christ that he showed, despite any loss.
Last thoughts for now:
It's easy to say that I could be committed like that. But I know it's possible. I know that we can make that kind of choice. In the meanwhile, I hope to make that kind of commitment without needing tragedy to spur me on. But if tragedy should befall me, I know that I can still receive the peace that our Savior brings.
Sunday, January 8, 2017
Crises of Faith
Sometimes fast and testimony meetings end up having themes. Today's meeting was kind of like that, with a theme being the right way to handle a questions about the Church. One sister bore her testimony of how she had harbored doubts for a while, but had eventually had them alleviated essentially through true doctrine. One of my favorite parts of the Gospel is that we can pray to Heavenly Father for a witness of truth from Him, especially when troubled, and for me, the simple answer for any crisis of faith is to pray. Once we receive a witness from the Holy Ghost, we can know whatever we really need to know.
There's something else that qualifies as a crisis of faith in a very different sense but with the same solution. At times we may be in quite a different situation; we may know exactly what we need to do but lack the faith to do it. The answer again is to pray for a witness of the Holy Ghost, though in this case what's more important than new knowledge is the inspiration to act on our knowledge.
Even Jesus Christ prayed for strength to do His Father's will when in a difficult situation, and when he would have preferred another way, as he prepared himself for the Atonement. That probably doesn't qualify as a "crisis of faith" for Him, but He did show us what to do when we are in the middle of our own crises.
Last thoughts for now:
The great test of life is how we will submit ourselves to God's will. Jesus Christ gave an amazingly powerful example to us, and we can follow it. Prayer can bring us knowledge and inspiration from the Holy Ghost.
There's something else that qualifies as a crisis of faith in a very different sense but with the same solution. At times we may be in quite a different situation; we may know exactly what we need to do but lack the faith to do it. The answer again is to pray for a witness of the Holy Ghost, though in this case what's more important than new knowledge is the inspiration to act on our knowledge.
Even Jesus Christ prayed for strength to do His Father's will when in a difficult situation, and when he would have preferred another way, as he prepared himself for the Atonement. That probably doesn't qualify as a "crisis of faith" for Him, but He did show us what to do when we are in the middle of our own crises.
Last thoughts for now:
The great test of life is how we will submit ourselves to God's will. Jesus Christ gave an amazingly powerful example to us, and we can follow it. Prayer can bring us knowledge and inspiration from the Holy Ghost.
Sunday, August 21, 2016
Alternatives to Obeying the Law
This thought starts with something not spiritual at all. I drive according to the speed limit. Admittedly, I used to be more careful, but I still consider it personally unacceptable to exceed that limit. This means that I tend to drive slower than most people around me. I don't mind that. People tend to be polite and don't tell me I should drive faster, yet as with everything else, there is always a subtle pressure to conform to what everyone else is doing. There are surely those who would look down on me for restricting myself to obeying a law that most people don't obey, especially in light of countless reasons to drive faster. This was on my mind the other day, so I asked myself if I didn't follow the speed limit, what else would I do?
One of my options would be to match the speed of those around me, or, if I didn't happen to be in much traffic, to try to go as fast as I thought other people would drive if they were there. I don't like this idea because I believe in acting out of principle. I have a good mind that can think through problems and come up with reasons for taking any particular action, and I can use it when determining my driving speed rather than just going with the flow. Sure, there are a lot of social conventions that are harmless to follow, where it would be more trouble than it's worth to defy, but if it comes to social pressure vs. principle, principle will always be more important for me.
Another option would be to increase my speed but limit myself to only going five miles per hour over the speed limit. This is a pretty common practice, because people (like me) often want to take as little time as possible to get somewhere, but are content to get away with breaking the law a little bit when they know they won't get in trouble for it (which is not much like me). In this case, people driving five-over are still constrained by the law without respecting it. I don't like that. To undermine one law is to undermine the rule of law in general, and I believe in law. I believe that the commandments of God and usually the laws of the land are there for our benefit, and I don't want to undermine them.
I could also go flying down the road at very high speeds. I see people do this commonly, and I always think poorly of their actions. Not only would such an action show blatant disrespect for the law, but it can be very dangerous. It also sends a clear message to everyone that the driver considers himself or herself to be more important than everyone else, because there's no practical way that everyone could drive recklessly on the road. Even if I knew that there were no police officers or cameras on a given stretch of road, I wouldn't want to do this.
So the alternatives to obeying the law aren't acceptable to me.
I made the distinction between God's commandments and the laws of men. In matters such as the payment of tithing, no one is going to fine me or imprison me for not obeying the law. If I were to openly break the Word of Wisdom I wouldn't get tossed in jail either. So when I choose to obey the commandments, it's because I know the value of the law and the blessing I receive from obeying it.
As with man-made laws, people tend to have social conventions regarding obedience to the laws of God. The social pressure in a given context may be to obey the commandments or to disobey them. I don't ever want to obey commandments only because it's the socially acceptable thing to do, and I do want to obey them even if it's not popular. I'm not immune to social pressure; I do worry about being too concerned with what people think of me, and there have surely been times when social pressure has led me to do the right thing when I wouldn't have otherwise, but I believe in doing what is right just because it is right.
As a disclaimer, when my baby was born recently I sped while driving from an airport to the hospital. I bear in mind President Monson's words that "it is easier to keep the commandments 100 percent of the time than it is 98 percent of the time." But especially after missing the birth of my last child, I wanted to be there for this one. So my obedience to law is evidently not perfect, but after this experience I've continued in my regular driving habits.
Last thoughts for now:
I believe in obeying the commandments because they are God's will and He loves us and knows what is best for us. I believe in doing the right thing out of principle. What's really most important to me is knowing that I stand well with God and with myself. I will need the mercy of Jesus Christ, but I want to merit it by truly being His disciple.
One of my options would be to match the speed of those around me, or, if I didn't happen to be in much traffic, to try to go as fast as I thought other people would drive if they were there. I don't like this idea because I believe in acting out of principle. I have a good mind that can think through problems and come up with reasons for taking any particular action, and I can use it when determining my driving speed rather than just going with the flow. Sure, there are a lot of social conventions that are harmless to follow, where it would be more trouble than it's worth to defy, but if it comes to social pressure vs. principle, principle will always be more important for me.
Another option would be to increase my speed but limit myself to only going five miles per hour over the speed limit. This is a pretty common practice, because people (like me) often want to take as little time as possible to get somewhere, but are content to get away with breaking the law a little bit when they know they won't get in trouble for it (which is not much like me). In this case, people driving five-over are still constrained by the law without respecting it. I don't like that. To undermine one law is to undermine the rule of law in general, and I believe in law. I believe that the commandments of God and usually the laws of the land are there for our benefit, and I don't want to undermine them.
I could also go flying down the road at very high speeds. I see people do this commonly, and I always think poorly of their actions. Not only would such an action show blatant disrespect for the law, but it can be very dangerous. It also sends a clear message to everyone that the driver considers himself or herself to be more important than everyone else, because there's no practical way that everyone could drive recklessly on the road. Even if I knew that there were no police officers or cameras on a given stretch of road, I wouldn't want to do this.
So the alternatives to obeying the law aren't acceptable to me.
I made the distinction between God's commandments and the laws of men. In matters such as the payment of tithing, no one is going to fine me or imprison me for not obeying the law. If I were to openly break the Word of Wisdom I wouldn't get tossed in jail either. So when I choose to obey the commandments, it's because I know the value of the law and the blessing I receive from obeying it.
As with man-made laws, people tend to have social conventions regarding obedience to the laws of God. The social pressure in a given context may be to obey the commandments or to disobey them. I don't ever want to obey commandments only because it's the socially acceptable thing to do, and I do want to obey them even if it's not popular. I'm not immune to social pressure; I do worry about being too concerned with what people think of me, and there have surely been times when social pressure has led me to do the right thing when I wouldn't have otherwise, but I believe in doing what is right just because it is right.
As a disclaimer, when my baby was born recently I sped while driving from an airport to the hospital. I bear in mind President Monson's words that "it is easier to keep the commandments 100 percent of the time than it is 98 percent of the time." But especially after missing the birth of my last child, I wanted to be there for this one. So my obedience to law is evidently not perfect, but after this experience I've continued in my regular driving habits.
Last thoughts for now:
I believe in obeying the commandments because they are God's will and He loves us and knows what is best for us. I believe in doing the right thing out of principle. What's really most important to me is knowing that I stand well with God and with myself. I will need the mercy of Jesus Christ, but I want to merit it by truly being His disciple.
Sunday, July 3, 2016
A Full Quiver
I believe it was at my sister's wedding shower, at my Uncle Dale and Aunt Diane's house during some regular conversation, that Diane said one of those very simple things that I have always remembered (much like another simple statement about parenthood I mentioned before at http://inspirationandmusings.blogspot.com/2008/11/joy-of-fatherhood.html). We were discussing family and I made some generic comment about them having quite a few children. (They have eight.)
Diane responded, saying, "If I could do it again I would have them closer together, so that I could have more."
That quotation might not be word-for-word, but the idea is clear. It is a sentiment that is vastly different from the majority of people in the world. Many have few children, and some have none at all by their own choice. People often enough speak of children as being a burden or a hassle, and in some ways it's very easy to sympathize with them. But Diane saw a value in her children that inspired her to keep having them until she no longer could.
As for myself, I see parenthood as a great task, a great honor, and a great joy. Psalms 127:4-5 reads, "As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them". My quiver now has five children; I don't think that's quite "full", but each of my children makes me happy.
Maybe I value my aunt's words partially because I like to think differently from the worldly masses, but I felt truth in what she said, or rather in the implication that it is a great blessing to have many children, and that the attitude that will be the best for us is one that brings us to seek out the joys of parenthood in great measure. I know that many people are medically unable to have children, or to have more children, and I know I am very blessed with the children I have.
Last thoughts for now:
I'm grateful for my children, and grateful to my wife for not only bearing them for me but also for showing such astounding dedication to raising them well and for supporting me as I follow my heart in parenting, even when it means doing some unusual or uncommon things. I don't know how many children I'll end up with, but I'm glad for those who are with me.
Diane responded, saying, "If I could do it again I would have them closer together, so that I could have more."
That quotation might not be word-for-word, but the idea is clear. It is a sentiment that is vastly different from the majority of people in the world. Many have few children, and some have none at all by their own choice. People often enough speak of children as being a burden or a hassle, and in some ways it's very easy to sympathize with them. But Diane saw a value in her children that inspired her to keep having them until she no longer could.
As for myself, I see parenthood as a great task, a great honor, and a great joy. Psalms 127:4-5 reads, "As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them". My quiver now has five children; I don't think that's quite "full", but each of my children makes me happy.
Maybe I value my aunt's words partially because I like to think differently from the worldly masses, but I felt truth in what she said, or rather in the implication that it is a great blessing to have many children, and that the attitude that will be the best for us is one that brings us to seek out the joys of parenthood in great measure. I know that many people are medically unable to have children, or to have more children, and I know I am very blessed with the children I have.
Last thoughts for now:
I'm grateful for my children, and grateful to my wife for not only bearing them for me but also for showing such astounding dedication to raising them well and for supporting me as I follow my heart in parenting, even when it means doing some unusual or uncommon things. I don't know how many children I'll end up with, but I'm glad for those who are with me.
Sunday, July 26, 2015
No Regrets About Temple Service (and No Boredom)
It was ironic that I passed up an opportunity to serve in the temple yesterday, and then in the Elders' Quorum today we had a lesson about temples. During the lesson I spoke to a thought I've had before: I never regret going to the temple. And I know I should go very soon.
I've heard the life philosophy that people should live their lives without regret. There's potentially something laudable about this way of thinking and it could potentially also be eternally disastrous. Regret and sorrow are an enabling and motivating factor in repentance, which is crucial to our salvation; some people ignore feelings of regret and thus never right the wrongs they commit, which is detrimental beyond mortal understanding. However, if we're determined to do what we know is right regardless of other consequences, taking action without fear of regret could be a good thing.
A determination to do what is right is what is important. Something I've also heard is that a way to judge our actions is by asking ourselves, "Will I regret this later?", and the other way of living with less regret is to deliberately choose to do what we know God desires of us.
There have certainly been times in the past when I knew I could go serve in the temple, but didn't feel that I wanted to. I felt like doing other things. Admittedly, I'm selfish, and I like to do things that are fun. But every time I choose temple service in spite of those feelings, I'm glad I did. I've never regretted temple service; I've never walked away saying, "Man, I wish I'd done that other thing instead."
I never walk away from the temple with more money, in better shape, or higher in the esteem of the world, but I walk away with a simple peace and certainty that I did what I should.
While I'm on the topic of "never" and the temple, I'll note that despite the fact that temple service is both very quiet and very repetitive, I'm never bored there. Ever. To an outsider looking in, I imagine that would be remarkable.
Last thoughts for now:
The goal, moving forward, will be for me to remember that I'll be glad I went to the temple, and use that knowledge as motivation for me to go. I'll never have to doubt that it's a good way to use my time, and I'll never have to doubt that it's God's will. And I'll never be bored with it.
I've heard the life philosophy that people should live their lives without regret. There's potentially something laudable about this way of thinking and it could potentially also be eternally disastrous. Regret and sorrow are an enabling and motivating factor in repentance, which is crucial to our salvation; some people ignore feelings of regret and thus never right the wrongs they commit, which is detrimental beyond mortal understanding. However, if we're determined to do what we know is right regardless of other consequences, taking action without fear of regret could be a good thing.
A determination to do what is right is what is important. Something I've also heard is that a way to judge our actions is by asking ourselves, "Will I regret this later?", and the other way of living with less regret is to deliberately choose to do what we know God desires of us.
There have certainly been times in the past when I knew I could go serve in the temple, but didn't feel that I wanted to. I felt like doing other things. Admittedly, I'm selfish, and I like to do things that are fun. But every time I choose temple service in spite of those feelings, I'm glad I did. I've never regretted temple service; I've never walked away saying, "Man, I wish I'd done that other thing instead."
I never walk away from the temple with more money, in better shape, or higher in the esteem of the world, but I walk away with a simple peace and certainty that I did what I should.
While I'm on the topic of "never" and the temple, I'll note that despite the fact that temple service is both very quiet and very repetitive, I'm never bored there. Ever. To an outsider looking in, I imagine that would be remarkable.
Last thoughts for now:
The goal, moving forward, will be for me to remember that I'll be glad I went to the temple, and use that knowledge as motivation for me to go. I'll never have to doubt that it's a good way to use my time, and I'll never have to doubt that it's God's will. And I'll never be bored with it.
Monday, June 29, 2015
Fairness
I recently heard a Gospel Doctrine class instructor comment about how she felt bad for the five foolish virgins and the slothful servant spoken of in Matthew 25. I sympathize. Granted, these story characters are fictional, but the reason that the parables are so poignant is that the characters have real-life applicability is that people around us make the choices that these characters make.
So I feel bad for them, too. I don't think what happens to them is unfair or unjust; it's completely fair for an authority to decree terms and reward only those who abide by those terms. I feel bad that they make the wrong choices and earn their just but unpleasant rewards.
(Granted, I fully acknowledge that sometimes I make bad choices and deprive myself of blessings, but I certainly hope to be faithful and fulfill God's plan in my life.)
I would think that the average person would agree that God's judgments are just (and certainly in our own judgment day, faced with full knowledge, it would be pointless to argue), but what some people might say is unfair is that while all ten virgins had an equal chance of succeeding, the three servants clearly had different circumstances to begin with, having been given different amounts of "talents".
Is it unfair?
Prophets have made a comparison stating that this mortal life is merely the second act in a three-act play. What appears to be the beginning is, in fact, not the beginning at all. Similarly, in the parable of the talents, the beginning of the servants' story is really not their beginning. We might ask, "Why would the lord give his servants unequal portions?" The answer is simple: he knew them. These were not servants he had just hired off the street, but probably servants he'd had in his household for years, and "he gave...talents...to every man according to his several ability" (verse 15). He gave five talents to one because, after observing him and coming to know him, the lord knew that he would make good use of those five talents.
Of course, we still are free to choose what we do with the "talents" that the Lord gives us, and sometimes even a five-talent child of God ruins his or her opportunity, but He still gives us an opportunity. How did the lord of the parable treat the slothful servant? He surely didn't expect as much of that one, but still gave him a great opportunity. One talent is no small amount of money. If it is likely that the servant will waste his opportunity, wouldn't squandering five talents be even worse than squandering one?
Another point of fairness is the reward for the faithful. Regardless of the size of the stewardship, the reward is the same. The lord's words to his faithful servants were identical, and they surely would have been the same for the third servant if he'd been faithful also. The end goal of the Plan of Salvation is the greatest possible: "all that [our] Father hath shall be given unto him." (Doctrine and Covenants 84:38) If a five-talent servant and a two-talent servant both end up with everything, neither has anything to complain about.
Last thoughts for now:
I keep going to church, praying with my family, and doing a lot of other things while maintaining a religious focus in all aspects of my life because I know the Plan of Salvation is true and good, and I hope to receive what God wants to give me. I hope he'll say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant". If, however, I failed, I would always admit that His gifts to me and His judgments were fair.
So I feel bad for them, too. I don't think what happens to them is unfair or unjust; it's completely fair for an authority to decree terms and reward only those who abide by those terms. I feel bad that they make the wrong choices and earn their just but unpleasant rewards.
(Granted, I fully acknowledge that sometimes I make bad choices and deprive myself of blessings, but I certainly hope to be faithful and fulfill God's plan in my life.)
I would think that the average person would agree that God's judgments are just (and certainly in our own judgment day, faced with full knowledge, it would be pointless to argue), but what some people might say is unfair is that while all ten virgins had an equal chance of succeeding, the three servants clearly had different circumstances to begin with, having been given different amounts of "talents".
Is it unfair?
Prophets have made a comparison stating that this mortal life is merely the second act in a three-act play. What appears to be the beginning is, in fact, not the beginning at all. Similarly, in the parable of the talents, the beginning of the servants' story is really not their beginning. We might ask, "Why would the lord give his servants unequal portions?" The answer is simple: he knew them. These were not servants he had just hired off the street, but probably servants he'd had in his household for years, and "he gave...talents...to every man according to his several ability" (verse 15). He gave five talents to one because, after observing him and coming to know him, the lord knew that he would make good use of those five talents.
Of course, we still are free to choose what we do with the "talents" that the Lord gives us, and sometimes even a five-talent child of God ruins his or her opportunity, but He still gives us an opportunity. How did the lord of the parable treat the slothful servant? He surely didn't expect as much of that one, but still gave him a great opportunity. One talent is no small amount of money. If it is likely that the servant will waste his opportunity, wouldn't squandering five talents be even worse than squandering one?
Another point of fairness is the reward for the faithful. Regardless of the size of the stewardship, the reward is the same. The lord's words to his faithful servants were identical, and they surely would have been the same for the third servant if he'd been faithful also. The end goal of the Plan of Salvation is the greatest possible: "all that [our] Father hath shall be given unto him." (Doctrine and Covenants 84:38) If a five-talent servant and a two-talent servant both end up with everything, neither has anything to complain about.
Last thoughts for now:
I keep going to church, praying with my family, and doing a lot of other things while maintaining a religious focus in all aspects of my life because I know the Plan of Salvation is true and good, and I hope to receive what God wants to give me. I hope he'll say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant". If, however, I failed, I would always admit that His gifts to me and His judgments were fair.
Sunday, May 17, 2015
A Few First Steps in Member-Missionary Work
I was called to serve as a ward mission leader while we still lived in Logan, Utah, in the Logan University 52nd Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
On a side note, our ward was miniscule geographically. The congregation lived in apartments within a four square block chunk of town next to the hospital. But, given that there were a lot of married student church members there, our ward was normal-sized for meeting attendance.
Utah is kind of a tricky place for missionary work. One tends to expect that everyone has heard of the Church in some way or another, and some residents who are not members of the Church, who have already decided that they will never want to join, can be frustrated by the continual exposure to Church culture and by the frequent attempts at proselytization. So it's easy to expect that if one is to approach a neighbor with a message about the restored Gospel, the neighbor will know about it already and will either already be a member or will be aggravated by the message. Truthfully, there are still quite a few people who will be glad to hear the message, but it's still a challenge to know how to approach missionary work in the area.
As a ward mission leader I had to create a ward mission plan, hold regular meetings with ward missionaries, and then actively provide guidance during Sunday meetings. There are a few things I did that I truly felt were inspired, and which I believe still are or would be useful today.
I made the ward mission plan in three parts. The first page was a plan for the entire ward, and it was more general. The second page was specifically for ward missionaries, and it including activities and goals for the ward mission. The third page was for me, and it again contained specific goals.
One of my favorite items on the plan was that ward members "3. Meet our neighbors in the immediate neighborhood and know at least their names," which would be made easier as we would "4. Sit with another family at church and know at least their names." It's a simple thing to just know someone's name, yet it's usually a prerequisite to any other extensive conversation, especially about the Gospel. Perhaps unsurprisingly, a reluctance to actively share the Gospel with others was seen first in members' reluctance to merely go out of their way to learn someone else's name. As church members made this first step at church they would become more enabled to do so elsewhere. I always felt very confident that God was pleased with this simple goal.
One action I took during church meetings, specifically during an elders' quorum meeting as I recall, was "Giving each person present a small piece of paper and instructing them to silently pray and meditate for one minute, and to write the name of someone who would be blessed if that Church member shared the Gospel with them." The single minute of silence was invaluable for seeking the guidance of the Holy Ghost. It was a low-pressure activity, because everyone knew that they weren't going to have to give an accounting of their thoughts to me or anyone else, and consequently people seemed to feel little or no discomfort at the exercise. At the same time, the simple act of quiet meditation and active seeking of revelation was something I felt had become too rare for many of us. Of course, there are many steps to be taken beyond simply writing down a person's name before that person can be brought into the Church, but again, the simple act is both a useful and largely necessary act that is frequently neglected. I remember feeling very distinctly that I had taken a correct action as the leader of missionary work in the ward.
Last thoughts for now:
I hope to strengthen my faith. Someday I hope to find that I've been instrumental in helping others in their personal conversion to the Gospel. Maybe my thoughts from my old ward mission plan will be useful to others someday, but either way, I hope to always be ready to take simple first steps (and then all the remaining steps as well).
On a side note, our ward was miniscule geographically. The congregation lived in apartments within a four square block chunk of town next to the hospital. But, given that there were a lot of married student church members there, our ward was normal-sized for meeting attendance.
Utah is kind of a tricky place for missionary work. One tends to expect that everyone has heard of the Church in some way or another, and some residents who are not members of the Church, who have already decided that they will never want to join, can be frustrated by the continual exposure to Church culture and by the frequent attempts at proselytization. So it's easy to expect that if one is to approach a neighbor with a message about the restored Gospel, the neighbor will know about it already and will either already be a member or will be aggravated by the message. Truthfully, there are still quite a few people who will be glad to hear the message, but it's still a challenge to know how to approach missionary work in the area.
As a ward mission leader I had to create a ward mission plan, hold regular meetings with ward missionaries, and then actively provide guidance during Sunday meetings. There are a few things I did that I truly felt were inspired, and which I believe still are or would be useful today.
I made the ward mission plan in three parts. The first page was a plan for the entire ward, and it was more general. The second page was specifically for ward missionaries, and it including activities and goals for the ward mission. The third page was for me, and it again contained specific goals.
One of my favorite items on the plan was that ward members "3. Meet our neighbors in the immediate neighborhood and know at least their names," which would be made easier as we would "4. Sit with another family at church and know at least their names." It's a simple thing to just know someone's name, yet it's usually a prerequisite to any other extensive conversation, especially about the Gospel. Perhaps unsurprisingly, a reluctance to actively share the Gospel with others was seen first in members' reluctance to merely go out of their way to learn someone else's name. As church members made this first step at church they would become more enabled to do so elsewhere. I always felt very confident that God was pleased with this simple goal.
One action I took during church meetings, specifically during an elders' quorum meeting as I recall, was "Giving each person present a small piece of paper and instructing them to silently pray and meditate for one minute, and to write the name of someone who would be blessed if that Church member shared the Gospel with them." The single minute of silence was invaluable for seeking the guidance of the Holy Ghost. It was a low-pressure activity, because everyone knew that they weren't going to have to give an accounting of their thoughts to me or anyone else, and consequently people seemed to feel little or no discomfort at the exercise. At the same time, the simple act of quiet meditation and active seeking of revelation was something I felt had become too rare for many of us. Of course, there are many steps to be taken beyond simply writing down a person's name before that person can be brought into the Church, but again, the simple act is both a useful and largely necessary act that is frequently neglected. I remember feeling very distinctly that I had taken a correct action as the leader of missionary work in the ward.
Last thoughts for now:
I hope to strengthen my faith. Someday I hope to find that I've been instrumental in helping others in their personal conversion to the Gospel. Maybe my thoughts from my old ward mission plan will be useful to others someday, but either way, I hope to always be ready to take simple first steps (and then all the remaining steps as well).
Thursday, April 2, 2015
The Mighty Man Shall be Humbled
It's been depicted, in film and otherwise, that a person who displays pride and strength is shown to be submissive to a mother or perhaps father (often to comical effect). It's striking in a way, because these people are regarded as people of great presence, and as people who are pursuing a course deemed justifiable by many or perhaps even all, but then they are made very humble due to a natural relationship that existed before they ever came to have strength or influence. The mothers or fathers knew them from when they were at their most weak and dependent point in their lives; beyond simply not being fooled by the image the sons or daughters present, they are also in a position of trust from which they can dispense humbling advice and correction.
Yet there are many in the world who decide to put themselves beyond this kind of vulnerability. They are submissive to no one, and can be humbled by no one--not even parents. Often enough they commit acts of great evil while in pursuit of some sort of worldly greatness.
It seems a fairly simple matter, to me, for people to convince themselves of something. Especially given that we, in general, don't like to be wrong, it's really very common for us to cling all the more fiercely to ideas when they are threatened. I'm reminded of the end of the Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis. I hope to not make this a book spoiler. At the end, a number of characters have effectively passed on to the next life, including a group of dwarves. While others see beautiful countryside around them, the dwarves see only the filthy inside of a stable. Some, including Aslan himself, want the dwarves to see things as they really are, but Aslan explains that they cannot be convinced. The basic scenario, while tragic, is not hard to believe.
I wonder, though, how long such obstinacy can last. It is written many times in scripture that "every knee shall bow" to God and that "every tongue shall confess" that Jesus is the Christ (Romans 14:11, Isaiah 45:23, Doctrine and Covenants 76:110, Mosiah 27:31, Doctrine and Covenants 88:104, Philippians 2:10-11). It is also written that "the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled" (Isaiah 5:15). I get the idea that no matter how prideful a person may be, no amount of pride and obstinacy will endure forever. Eventually God will give us his perspective on our lives, and we'll see how unimportant some of our supposedly great achievements were, and how terrible our evil acts were that we thought so little of. Eventually we'll have to hear His words that we cannot dispute, and we'll know that they come from someone who is both perfectly wise and loving. We will have no reason to do anything but trust those words. "When our heavenly parents we meet" (Hymn 286, Oh, What Songs of the Heart) we'll know again that we are still children to Them.
Of course, having faced the truth, it always still remains for us to not only accept it but also to act upon it. Many times in these films or other media we get the impression that a humbled villain will never really learn; that simply having their power or influence removed is resolution enough of the problems in the story. Again, it's not hard to believe that some people, after having been humbled, will "be filthy still" (Revelation 22:11, Mormon 9:14, 2 Nephi 9:16, Doctrine and Covenants 88:35, 102). But even if these people do not gain the faith and glory that God would otherwise desire for them, they eventually will no longer be able to deny the truth.
Last thoughts for now:
Someday we will all be brought low. It will be better for us if that happens sooner, rather than later. It will be better for us if we gain knowledge in our humility, and better for us if we use that knowledge to grow in righteousness.
Yet there are many in the world who decide to put themselves beyond this kind of vulnerability. They are submissive to no one, and can be humbled by no one--not even parents. Often enough they commit acts of great evil while in pursuit of some sort of worldly greatness.
It seems a fairly simple matter, to me, for people to convince themselves of something. Especially given that we, in general, don't like to be wrong, it's really very common for us to cling all the more fiercely to ideas when they are threatened. I'm reminded of the end of the Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis. I hope to not make this a book spoiler. At the end, a number of characters have effectively passed on to the next life, including a group of dwarves. While others see beautiful countryside around them, the dwarves see only the filthy inside of a stable. Some, including Aslan himself, want the dwarves to see things as they really are, but Aslan explains that they cannot be convinced. The basic scenario, while tragic, is not hard to believe.
I wonder, though, how long such obstinacy can last. It is written many times in scripture that "every knee shall bow" to God and that "every tongue shall confess" that Jesus is the Christ (Romans 14:11, Isaiah 45:23, Doctrine and Covenants 76:110, Mosiah 27:31, Doctrine and Covenants 88:104, Philippians 2:10-11). It is also written that "the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled" (Isaiah 5:15). I get the idea that no matter how prideful a person may be, no amount of pride and obstinacy will endure forever. Eventually God will give us his perspective on our lives, and we'll see how unimportant some of our supposedly great achievements were, and how terrible our evil acts were that we thought so little of. Eventually we'll have to hear His words that we cannot dispute, and we'll know that they come from someone who is both perfectly wise and loving. We will have no reason to do anything but trust those words. "When our heavenly parents we meet" (Hymn 286, Oh, What Songs of the Heart) we'll know again that we are still children to Them.
Of course, having faced the truth, it always still remains for us to not only accept it but also to act upon it. Many times in these films or other media we get the impression that a humbled villain will never really learn; that simply having their power or influence removed is resolution enough of the problems in the story. Again, it's not hard to believe that some people, after having been humbled, will "be filthy still" (Revelation 22:11, Mormon 9:14, 2 Nephi 9:16, Doctrine and Covenants 88:35, 102). But even if these people do not gain the faith and glory that God would otherwise desire for them, they eventually will no longer be able to deny the truth.
Last thoughts for now:
Someday we will all be brought low. It will be better for us if that happens sooner, rather than later. It will be better for us if we gain knowledge in our humility, and better for us if we use that knowledge to grow in righteousness.
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