(Wisdom and Understanding)
By: Amy Mann
“One of the great challenges facing us today is to develop sufficient wisdom, understanding, and inner strength so that we can live happily and successfully in our complex and difficult world and not be caught up in the mad scramble for the material things and pleasures.”(1) Wisdom and understanding come through the Spirit and grant access to strength, happiness, and aid in making better choices. Without knowledge there can be no wisdom. “In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found…”(2) Separately, these attributes are useless. However, when wisdom and understanding are used together, therein lies power and therein we can become rich!
Wisdom and understanding are gifts of the Spirit. “And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord…” (3) Where there is truth, the Spirit is there witnessing to our Spirits the truthfulness of it, that is how we gain understanding. “By the power of the Spirit our eyes were opened and our understandings were enlightened, so as to see and understand the things of God—“(4) For instance, in order to gain a testimony, or in fact, in order to come to an understanding of anything, the Spirit needs to be there to testify. As one strives to gain that understanding, they will have the Spirit to grant them understanding and in turn wisdom.
When we have gained wisdom and understanding through the Spirit, we can then have strength and happiness. “Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.” (5) In gaining understanding, one can gain strength in whatever it is they’re lacking because they will understand how to overcome that weakness and in turn become stronger. For instance, when I was 14 years old I didn’t have a strong testimony of modesty. I didn’t understand it; I didn’t really live by the Prophet’s counsel. Sometime in church, the Spirit testified the truthfulness of it to me and I began to understand why we’re given that counsel. I then had the strength to change my behavior and have dressed very modestly ever since. Also, happiness can come from gaining wisdom because of the peace that is felt and because of the increased ability gained to find the good in life. “Happy is the man who has wisdom and understanding.”(6) Also, “He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.”(7) I know I feel happier when I’m being positive and can find the good in things. Having wisdom and understanding allows me to do so.
The Spirit can help us to apply that understanding in making choices, and that is how we use wisdom. The Spirit of wisdom and understanding “shall make him of quick understanding…and he shall not judge after the sight of his own eyes…but with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth…and righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins…”(8) The understanding that we come to helps us make decisions with a wiser mind and with the light of the Spirit that we may begin to This proves that wisdom and understanding truly are Spiritual gifts that can help in making more righteous decisions.
“Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich.”(9) As we strive for wisdom and understanding we will be made rich with the Spirit, rich in strength, rich in happiness, in power, and in the ability to make those choices that will in turn make us more rich. I would exhort anyone who is lost, sad, or unsure to seek out wisdom and understanding and they will in turn be found, happy, and sure; rich.
1-Franklin D. Richards, “‘Seek Not for Riches But for Wisdom’,” Ensign, May 1976, 35
2-Proverbs 10:13
3-2Nephi 21:2
4-D&C 76:12
5-Proverbs 8:14
6-Proverbs 3:13
7-Proverbs 19:8
8-2Nephi21:3-5
9-D&C 6:7
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Let’s Wear the Robe of Righteousness! – Ashlee Johnson
In 2 Nephi 4:32-33 Nephi says, “O Lord, wilt thou not shut the gates of thy righteousness before me… that I may be strict in the plain road! O Lord, wilt thou encircle me around in the robe of thy righteousness! O Lord, wilt thou make a way for mine escape before mine enemies. Wilt thou make my path straight before me!” [1] Nephi truly wants this Robe of Righteousness, to walk on the straight and narrow path of the Lord. We should try to follow the example of the prophet Nephi and also strive to obtain the Lord’s Robe of Righteousness. What is this Robe of Righteousness though, and how do we get it?
By using the Hebrew translation of the word “righteous” I came to some interesting conclusions. The Hebrew word for “righteous” is 
or “tsadaq”. [2] Then I researched the Hebrew word “rasha” which is often paired up with “tsadaq” as its antonym. [3] “Rasha” is usually translated as "wicked" but also means, "to depart from the path and become lost". [2] Since “rasha” is the opposite of “tsadaq”, I concluded that this Hebrew word for righteous could mean “one who remains on the path.” Ultimately one who wears the Robe of Righteousness is one who is preparing to walk and remain on the path the Lord has set out for us. Even the word “Melchizedek” is translated as a “king/prince of righteousness”. [2] If we are wearing the Robe of Righteousness, we are endowed or blessed with the priesthood!
Clearly this Robe of Righteousness is extremely valuable, but why should we want to obtain it? How may it bless us? In Doctrine and Covenants 29:12 it reads, “I say unto you… that mine apostles, the Twelve which were with me in my ministry at Jerusalem, shall stand at my right hand at the day of my coming… being clothed with robes of righteousness, with crowns upon their heads, in glory even as I am.” [4] The Lord’s apostles get to stand on the right hand of God, and what are they wearing? Robes of Righteousness! We should try to be like our prophets and apostles of old, and wear the Robe of Righteousness as well. Then we may also stand on the right hand of God, and be favored in His eyes. Even Isaiah wears the Robe of Righteousness. “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.” [5] Everyone who speaks of the Lord and his Robe of Righteousness is rejoicing in Him. Shouldn’t that be something we strive for? We should want the same joy these people feel, and want to be wrapped in the Robe of Righteousness. It is yet another reason to desire the Robe of Righteousness.
By wearing a Robe of Righteousness, we will be led to live with our Heavenly Father once more. This should be a daily goal for everyone. We want to live with God again because of his greatness and mercy, and because it will give us everlasting joy. Throughout all of 2 Nephi 9, Jacob is praising the Lord. “O the wisdom of God, his mercy and grace! ... O how great the goodness of our God, who prepareth a way for our escape from the grasp of this awful monster [hell]… O how great the plan of our God! For the spirit and the body [will be] restored to itself again, and all men become incorruptible, and immortal… the righteous shall have a perfect knowledge of their enjoyment, and their righteousness being clothed with purity, yea, even with the robe of righteousness… O the greatness and the justice of our God! ... O how great the holiness of our God! For he knoweth all things, and there is not anything save he knows it.” [6] As I read this chapter, I immediately felt grateful and excited to meet my Heavenly Father. He is amazing! We should want nothing more than to be with him again. Even in the lyrics of the song “Beautiful Savior” it is eminent that the Savior is wonderful. “Fair is the sunshine, fair is the moonlight, bright the sparkling stars on high; Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer, than all the angels in the sky.” [7] We should all want to live with Him again someday.
Now how do we get a Robe of Righteousness? What do we need to do? We can start simply by keeping the commandments of the Lord and his prophets. Follow their guidelines, be an example to others, and strive to be more Christ-like. When I was younger, Heavenly Father reminded me to be more Christ-like when I was not doing so. I was being a typical fifth grade girl, and getting too caught up in the things of the world. My friends and I were fighting with other girls constantly and we even started plotting against one of them. We wanted to bring her down so to say! Well that same day, I went to my church for a ward activity with my family. I took a quick break to the bathroom, and soon noticed that someone had left a necklace by the sink. In big letters on the front of the necklace was the word “SMILE” and on the back it listed the scripture 2 Nephi 9:39. Once I read the scripture I immediately felt that the Lord was gently reminding me to stay on the straight and narrow path. The verse says, “O, my beloved brethren, remember the awfulness in transgressing against that Holy God, and also the awfulness of yielding to the enticings of that cunning one. Remember, to be carnally-minded is death, and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal.” [8] I know the Lord was telling me to be spiritually minded, not carnally minded! I immediately stopped the bickering going on with my friends, and tried to be a better person and example.
The wonderful thing about that scripture is the “smile” factor. With the last five words, “spiritually-minded is life eternal,” you can take the first letter of each word and spell the word “smile” J. I hope all of us will strive to “smile” and be more spiritually minded, so that we may wear the Robe of Righteousness and be able to live with our Heavenly Father once more. It is definitely worth all the struggles and difficulties of this world to wear the Robe of Righteousness, and I know that I will constantly desire to be wrapped up in it. I bear testimony of this, and say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
WORKS CITED
1. 2 Nephi 4:32-33
2. The Scriptures: CD-ROM Edition 1.1. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2005.
3. http://www.ancient-hebrew.org
4. Doctrine and Covenants 29:12
5. Isaiah 61:10
6. 2 Nephi 9:8-20
7. http://www.lds.org/churchmusic
8. 2 Nephi 9:39
Ask for Wisdom, Understand with the Heart - by Amanda Dinsdale
Quietly and mindfully, I diligently searched paragraph after paragraph for the knowledge and wisdom I so badly wanted to know. Rewind, as a reader you may be confused about what I am doing and what reasoning do I have behind my search. Eight months ago, my best friend and boy friend, Bo, was finally finishing up the preparations for the biggest journey of his life, he was soon to experience. This journey I am referring to is the sacred service to heavenly father through giving two years of his life to serve a mission in Paraguay Asuncion. Before Bo left we sat down and discussed our feeling for each other and what we were going to do for the next two years. Bo and I both were very confused on whether or not I should wait for him and support him throughout his mission. We decided, separately and in privacy we would both read our patriarchal blessings and pray. Continuing to search for my answer, toward the end of my blessing I read in a paragraph the answer I was looking for. With the knowledge I had just found in my blessing I quickly knelt to the ground in excitement to see if the wisdom, I so diligently searched, was indeed the answer I needed to follow. The prayer was one of the hardest and longest I have ever had in conversation with Heavenly Father. Soon answers and knowledge filled my mind and heart with understanding of what I was meant to do. As I continued to pray, thanking my Heavenly Father for the wisdom and understanding he filled my heart with, a slow and steady a feeling of evil washed through my body. I felt as if someone was standing behind me and whispering that I should stop my prayer and that what I had heard was in fact untrue and nothing would work out. In fear I ended my pray with recognition of my brother Jesus Christ and quickly rose to my feet to repeat the words I so many times had heard in stories from the scriptures, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to leave”. All at once the feeling of evil was gone and I was able to understand that the feeling I had just sent away was Satan trying to loosen my faith and wisdom. My emotions overwhelmed me and I cried for a very long time till I finally had the courage to call Bo and tell him of my experience. When Bo answered he was also overwhelmed with emotion when he described the exact experience that he had experienced at the same time I did. To this day I am still waiting and supporting Bo on his mission. I will never forget the wisdom and understanding both Bo and I experienced in that one night. Truly wisdom and understanding is from God, the teachings behind it are ones I wish to convey to you.
First let’s start off with the question, what is wisdom? Wisdom (noun): wise decision: good sense shown in a way of thinking, judgment, or action. Wisdom as described is the knowledge gained through experiences. Many may think that they have all the answers in the world and that they are for sure the wisest in the land. However they have forgotten where they obtained their wisdom. “…for the Lord giveth wisdom,” states Proverbs 2:6. As proven many times in the scriptures wisdom is obtained through God. “Therefore, he that lacketh wisdom, let him ask of me, and I will give him liberally and upbraid him not,” says D&C 42: 68. To obtain the wisdom required of us we must first do our part in asking God. A great example of this principle is Joseph Smith and his faith to perform this very task. Joseph ask in faith which church he should join. The Lord answered his prayers with the wisdom that none of the churches were correct and true, he told joseph that he wanted him to organize The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Without Joseph Smith’s great faith and seeking for wisdom from God we would not have the true knowledge and church we have today. To apply this scripture to my life I always try to make my decisions through asking of Heavenly Father first before I act on any action, that i might have wisdom of what i should do in any and every situation.
Second what is the meaning of understanding? Understanding (noun): ability to grasp meaning: the ability to perceive and explain the meaning or the nature of somebody or something. To understand you are able to truly know what the meaning or concept of something is. To truly understand anything and everything that we desire to know is by far one of the greatest gift that can be obtained. Not only to truly understand within the mind but to truly understnd within your heart. We all have different ways of understanding with our hearts and we all feel differently so that we know that we understand. For me to understand with my heart i can feel warmth with in my body and it is not only within but it continues to shine through me till it radiates off my skin and all can see it. But truly understanding something should never end at just a feeling, “…he that keepeth understanding shall find good” Proverbs 19:8. Once you have obtained understanding do not forget that knowledge! Heavenly Father will not give us understanding of what we desire if we will in turn just live for it that moment and then forget what we have learned. Just as the scripture of Proverbs 19:8 states, you will find good in all things in life if you will but remember and keep the understandings that God has given you.
“But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?” Many times I have asked these questions to myself and to Heavenly Father. Finally I was able to find answers to both of these questions in Proverbs 2:2, “So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understand." What does this scripture mean? To me this scripture tells us that knowledge and wisdom is attained throw listening with the ear either spiritually or literally. To listen with the ear spiritually we can either listen to the Holy Ghost and his promptings or listen to Heavenly Father when we pray. The wisdom we obtain literally through the ear can be that of knowledge learned from experiences of others, through their experience we can learn what to do or what not to do. “…apply thine heart to understand,” shows that to understand the wisdom we just heard we must take it and apply it in our hearts. In applying understanding to our hearts we will truly understand the wisdom that God has given us.
Wisdom and understanding does not come easily if they are separated, the two are only truly effective if wisdom is obtained first and the understanding of wisdom follows. Like in Proverbs 15:21 “Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh upright,” we cannot just have wisdom, the understanding of the knowledge makes the true wisdom. I know that when I first found the words of wisdom within my patriarchal blessing, that I had so diligently looked for, I could not just stop my search at just those words. Questions would have forever haunted me if i had done so; what if the piece of information I had found was meant to guide me in another part of my life rather than the path I desired to take? what if i just took bits and pieces of some important message and only looked at it how i wanted it to sound? In taking the information or words of wisdom to Heavenly Father through prayer I was able to truly understand the intent and purpose that Heavenly Father had for me in the situation of waiting for Bo and supporting him in his mission. I was even able to feel the adversary in proof that the decision I was making was true and of God because if it had not been true and right satan would not have tried to interupt my prayer and scare me away from that wisdom. Without the verification of Heavenly Father I would not be as strong and determined as I am in supporting and waiting for Bo, because only the lord alone knows the true sorrow and heartache it brings me to be away from Bo. To end this blog I want to leave you with a scripture from Proverbs 3:13, I hope that it will truly touch your heart and bear witness to you that all that has said in this blog is inspired, straight from my heart, testified of in the bible and through my testimony of the gospel again proven to you of its truthfullness. “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.”
Work Cited:
1. The Online Scriptures
2. The Book of Proverbs
3. Encarta Online Dictionary
First let’s start off with the question, what is wisdom? Wisdom (noun): wise decision: good sense shown in a way of thinking, judgment, or action. Wisdom as described is the knowledge gained through experiences. Many may think that they have all the answers in the world and that they are for sure the wisest in the land. However they have forgotten where they obtained their wisdom. “…for the Lord giveth wisdom,” states Proverbs 2:6. As proven many times in the scriptures wisdom is obtained through God. “Therefore, he that lacketh wisdom, let him ask of me, and I will give him liberally and upbraid him not,” says D&C 42: 68. To obtain the wisdom required of us we must first do our part in asking God. A great example of this principle is Joseph Smith and his faith to perform this very task. Joseph ask in faith which church he should join. The Lord answered his prayers with the wisdom that none of the churches were correct and true, he told joseph that he wanted him to organize The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Without Joseph Smith’s great faith and seeking for wisdom from God we would not have the true knowledge and church we have today. To apply this scripture to my life I always try to make my decisions through asking of Heavenly Father first before I act on any action, that i might have wisdom of what i should do in any and every situation.
Second what is the meaning of understanding? Understanding (noun): ability to grasp meaning: the ability to perceive and explain the meaning or the nature of somebody or something. To understand you are able to truly know what the meaning or concept of something is. To truly understand anything and everything that we desire to know is by far one of the greatest gift that can be obtained. Not only to truly understand within the mind but to truly understnd within your heart. We all have different ways of understanding with our hearts and we all feel differently so that we know that we understand. For me to understand with my heart i can feel warmth with in my body and it is not only within but it continues to shine through me till it radiates off my skin and all can see it. But truly understanding something should never end at just a feeling, “…he that keepeth understanding shall find good” Proverbs 19:8. Once you have obtained understanding do not forget that knowledge! Heavenly Father will not give us understanding of what we desire if we will in turn just live for it that moment and then forget what we have learned. Just as the scripture of Proverbs 19:8 states, you will find good in all things in life if you will but remember and keep the understandings that God has given you.
“But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?” Many times I have asked these questions to myself and to Heavenly Father. Finally I was able to find answers to both of these questions in Proverbs 2:2, “So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understand." What does this scripture mean? To me this scripture tells us that knowledge and wisdom is attained throw listening with the ear either spiritually or literally. To listen with the ear spiritually we can either listen to the Holy Ghost and his promptings or listen to Heavenly Father when we pray. The wisdom we obtain literally through the ear can be that of knowledge learned from experiences of others, through their experience we can learn what to do or what not to do. “…apply thine heart to understand,” shows that to understand the wisdom we just heard we must take it and apply it in our hearts. In applying understanding to our hearts we will truly understand the wisdom that God has given us.
Wisdom and understanding does not come easily if they are separated, the two are only truly effective if wisdom is obtained first and the understanding of wisdom follows. Like in Proverbs 15:21 “Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh upright,” we cannot just have wisdom, the understanding of the knowledge makes the true wisdom. I know that when I first found the words of wisdom within my patriarchal blessing, that I had so diligently looked for, I could not just stop my search at just those words. Questions would have forever haunted me if i had done so; what if the piece of information I had found was meant to guide me in another part of my life rather than the path I desired to take? what if i just took bits and pieces of some important message and only looked at it how i wanted it to sound? In taking the information or words of wisdom to Heavenly Father through prayer I was able to truly understand the intent and purpose that Heavenly Father had for me in the situation of waiting for Bo and supporting him in his mission. I was even able to feel the adversary in proof that the decision I was making was true and of God because if it had not been true and right satan would not have tried to interupt my prayer and scare me away from that wisdom. Without the verification of Heavenly Father I would not be as strong and determined as I am in supporting and waiting for Bo, because only the lord alone knows the true sorrow and heartache it brings me to be away from Bo. To end this blog I want to leave you with a scripture from Proverbs 3:13, I hope that it will truly touch your heart and bear witness to you that all that has said in this blog is inspired, straight from my heart, testified of in the bible and through my testimony of the gospel again proven to you of its truthfullness. “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.”
Work Cited:
1. The Online Scriptures
2. The Book of Proverbs
3. Encarta Online Dictionary
Messenger of the Works - Andrew Allison
At baptism we are given a powerful gift, and one that can not be ignored or denied, it is known as the tongue of angels. This is spoken of in 2 Nephi 31:14 which reads, “then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel.”[1] This leads to the question of what an angel is and how are we supposed to act a mouthpiece of them. In Hebrew the word angel is mal’akh, and this is also known as a messenger. The word tongue in Hebrew is l¡shôn which is also translated to be a speaker or a talker. So by being given the gift of the tongue of angels we can be messengers of the words of Christ.
The words of Christ can be also relayed as the works of Christ. This is because Christ taught followers only after example. At the last supper when Christ washed the feet of his disciples He said, “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”[2] Taking this back to the idea of us having the tongue of angels, we should be the messengers of the word by becoming messengers of the works of Christ. We must act in service as Christ has acted in service for us.
Bringing souls unto the knowledge of the church is as I believe the highest form of service. This is very understandable considering the remarks of President David O. Mckay who said, “Every member is a missionary. He or she has the responsibility of bringing somebody: a mother, a father, a neighbor, a fellow worker, an associate, somebody in touch with the messengers of the gospel.”[3] The responsibility that we are given at our baptism of receiving the tongue of angels, becoming the messengers of the works of Christ is to become missionaries and spread the Gospel.
“When ye are in service of fellow beings, ye are in service of God,” Mosiah 27:31[4]. When we become messengers of the works of Christ we act in service of God, and with this come many blessing that are described in countless scriptures. One of such is 2 Nephi 2:3 which reads, “Wherefore, thy soul shall be blessed, and thou shalt dwell safely with thy brother, Nephi; and thy days shall be spent in the service of thy God.”[5] Blessing will come to those that their gift of the tongues of angels.
Though there are many blessings and rewards that will come with our fulfillment of our baptismal gift of the tongue of angels, a warning for those that disobey comes in 2 Nephi 31:14 which reads, “Ye… have received the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, and can speak with a new tongue, yea, even with the tongue of angels, and after this should deny me, it would have been better for you that ye had not known me.”[6] If we do not act as a messenger of the works after we have acknowledged that we would do so at baptism it would be better that we not have the knowledge of the Gospel.
[1] 2 Nephi 31:14
[2] John 13:15
[3] Chapter 6: “Every Member a Missionary”, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay
[4] Mosiah 27:31
[5] 2 Nephi 2:3
[6] 2 Nephi 31:14
The words of Christ can be also relayed as the works of Christ. This is because Christ taught followers only after example. At the last supper when Christ washed the feet of his disciples He said, “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”[2] Taking this back to the idea of us having the tongue of angels, we should be the messengers of the word by becoming messengers of the works of Christ. We must act in service as Christ has acted in service for us.
Bringing souls unto the knowledge of the church is as I believe the highest form of service. This is very understandable considering the remarks of President David O. Mckay who said, “Every member is a missionary. He or she has the responsibility of bringing somebody: a mother, a father, a neighbor, a fellow worker, an associate, somebody in touch with the messengers of the gospel.”[3] The responsibility that we are given at our baptism of receiving the tongue of angels, becoming the messengers of the works of Christ is to become missionaries and spread the Gospel.
“When ye are in service of fellow beings, ye are in service of God,” Mosiah 27:31[4]. When we become messengers of the works of Christ we act in service of God, and with this come many blessing that are described in countless scriptures. One of such is 2 Nephi 2:3 which reads, “Wherefore, thy soul shall be blessed, and thou shalt dwell safely with thy brother, Nephi; and thy days shall be spent in the service of thy God.”[5] Blessing will come to those that their gift of the tongues of angels.
Though there are many blessings and rewards that will come with our fulfillment of our baptismal gift of the tongue of angels, a warning for those that disobey comes in 2 Nephi 31:14 which reads, “Ye… have received the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, and can speak with a new tongue, yea, even with the tongue of angels, and after this should deny me, it would have been better for you that ye had not known me.”[6] If we do not act as a messenger of the works after we have acknowledged that we would do so at baptism it would be better that we not have the knowledge of the Gospel.
[1] 2 Nephi 31:14
[2] John 13:15
[3] Chapter 6: “Every Member a Missionary”, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay
[4] Mosiah 27:31
[5] 2 Nephi 2:3
[6] 2 Nephi 31:14
“Eternal Life, which Gift is the Greatest of all the Gifts of God.” (D&C 14:7) by Marina Bair
When the scriptures the words saved and salvation can have different means according to the context. Salvation could mean being saved from physical death and spiritual death. But salvation could also mean exaltation, “For I give unto thee a promise that this right shall continue in thee, and in thy seed after thee...shall all the families of the earth be blessed, even with the blessings of the Gospel, which are the blessings of salvation, even of life eternal,” (Abraham 2:11, emphasis added). The last interpretation is the one that I want to focus on. 2 Nephi 31:20 reads, “Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the words of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.” I love this scripture because it is like a road map, telling us how to receive salvation. The five things we are told to do in this scripture are to have a “steadfastness in Christ”, faith, “perfect brightness of hope”, hope, “love of God and of all men”, charity, “feasting upon the words of Christ”, scripture study, and “endure to the end.” The main three points I want to talk about from this scripture is faith, hope and charity.
What is faith? Alma 32:21 says, “Faith in not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.” What we learn from Alma is that faith is not a perfect knowledge of things rather faith perfects our knowledge of things. I don't know all the secrets of the Kingdom of God, but the Spirit whispers to me that what I know is true. The Spirit strengths my faith which in turn strengthens my knowledge, or perfects what I know to be true. How can we strengthen our faith? When we exercise our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ our faith increases. We can exercise our faith by praying to our Heavenly Father, studying and pondering our scriptures and by serving those around us. Mosiah 5:15 reads, “Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works that Christ...may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life.” Good works is an excellent way to exercise our faith. My faith increases as I feel the Spirit and I feel the Spirit the most when I am doing service, reading my scriptures and when I am listening and/or singing the beautiful hymns of our church. “Faith is a principle of action and power. Whenever you work toward a worthy goal, you exercise faith. You show your hope for something that you cannot yet see.” [1]
“The word hope is sometimes misunderstood. In our everyday language, the word often has a hint of uncertainty.” But in the gospel, “The word hope is sure, unwavering, and active.” [2] Hope comes after you gain your faith in Christ. As Aaron explained to Lamoni's father, “If thou wilt repent of all thy sins, and bow down before God, and call on his name in faith, believing that ye shall receive, then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest.” [3] What should our hope be in? Moroni explains, “Ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal.” [4] I also see hope as perspective. When I read, “a perfect brightness of hope,” I think of having the eternal perspective in our minds and hearts, because the eternal plan for us is so beautiful and happy that it feels like pure light. And knowing that the plan would be void without the Atonement of Christ, fills me with gratitude and hope in my Savior. When we have faith and hope in our Savior it leads us to want to become like Him in all aspects including being able to love as He loves.
“Charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever.” [5] Charity is also more than love it is a way of being, “And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all thing.” (Moroni 7:45) President George Albert Smith, a great man, exemplified charity in his life. “Immediately following World War II, the Church had a drive to amass warm clothing to ship to suffering Saints in Europe. Elder Harold B. Lee and Elder Marion G. Romney took President George Albert Smith to Welfare Square in Salt Lake City to view the results. They were impressed by the generous response of the membership of the Church. They watched President Smith observing the workers as they packaged this great volume of donated clothing and shoes. They saw tears running down his face. After a few moments, President George Albert Smith removed his own new overcoat and said, “'Please ship this also.'” The Brethren said to him, “'No, President, no; don’t send that; it’s cold and you need your coat.'” But President Smith would not take it back; and so his coat, with all the others, was sent to Europe, where the nights were long and dark and food and clothing were scarce. Then the shipments arrived. Joy and thanksgiving were expressed aloud, as well as in secret prayer.” [6] That is such a beautiful story. Charity is love, but if you do not share those feelings through your actions what good will that love be? We should all strive to have that kind of love in us and ready to share with others.
In 2 Nephi 31:20 we are instructed to “feast upon the words of Christ.” In 2 Nephi 32:3 says that we need to, “feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.” The words that are used in these scriptures are specific. They do not say skim the words of Christ or nibble here and there, they say feast upon the words of Christ! The words of the Lord are so important! The words of the Lord feed our faith and hope, they tells us what we need to do to return to our heavenly home. The final thing that we are instructed to do in the 2 Nephi scripture is to, “endure to the end.” Enduring through all the hardships of this mortality and keeping a steadfast faith in Christ will not be easy, but the Lord never said it would be easy he only said that it would be worth it.
It is through Jesus Christ that we have the opportunity to be saved, or exalted. But we have to do our part. As Nephi says, “for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” [7] I know that if we follow the teachings of the prophets, living and those who have passed on, that we will be blessed with eternal life. And I know that if we will have faith, hope, charity, diligently studying the scriptures, participate in the priesthood ordinances and endure to the end that we will be able to live with our families in the eternities.
Works Cited:
[1] True to the Faith
[2] True to the Faith
[3] Alma 22:16
[4] Moroni 7:41
[5] Moroni 7:47
[6] Thomas S. Monson, “Your Eternal Home,” Ensign, May 2000, 52
[7] 2 Nephi 25:23
The Rock to Build upon and Ask for help. Jeremy David Chugg ~ JDBlogger
What is the Rock in our life we should hold onto and build upon? Bruce R. McConkie said “Christ is the Rock: the Rock of Ages, the Stone of Israel, the Sure Foundation—the Lord is our Rock!” (1) Each of us must build upon this rock “For behold, he that is built upon the rock receiveth it with gladness; and he that is built upon a sandy foundation trembleth lest he shall fall.” (2) When we build upon anything else it will surely lead to unhappiness. If we build upon Christ then we can be sure of our foundation and know that it will never fall.
What happens if I choose not to build on the Rock? First Let’s look at the words of Helaman “And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.” (3) I have bolded the word “when” because It is important. The scriptures don’t say “if” which means you will have hard times or choices in your life that are may be life dependents or spiritually significant. Not building Christ will lead only to unnecessary sadness and grief. Even living correctly will have trials necessary to help us grow; but when we choose not to follow Christ we will have those trials and more. Building not on the rock means living worldly or without gratefulness of what God has done for us. Living in the world never will bring happiness. Alma taught his son the truth that “wickedness never was happiness.”(4) Nevertheless the Rock will always be available for building and you can repent; but only while the work can be performed. Do not procrastinate!
If you are still reading I’m supposing you are choosing to build on the Rock, Jesus Christ and want to know “What can I do build on the Rock Jesus Christ?” There are a lot of things we can do to either start or continue building on the Rock. I’ll name a few: Family activities (learn it together), supporting extended family (visit them), Sing Hymns, Pray, Pondering the Word, attend church, serve others, and reach out to everyone. These are simple answers, so why are some of them so hard for me to do? When Nephi spoke to his brethren he said “I had spoken hard things against the wicked, according to the truth; and the righteous have I justified.”(5) I guess I’m probably still wicked but this won’t get me to give up. Some of this is probably human nature; nonetheless we still need to change our life into accordance. I would say unto you as we continue building on the rock and changing our lives one thing at a time that it gets easier. It helps me to choose just one thing to work on and go forth. Even still rely on the rock to help you on other things that are good too.
The Rock is available to us even when it is dark out or the way seems unclear! I know I like driving stories (see earlier post), but the Lord our Rock will teach us in different ways and he teaches me through road experiences. I believe that Christ our Rock helped me get to the place I wanted to be. I do not get to hear my Grandfather speak very often and so it was important to hear him speak. I was running a tad late and didn’t get the address from my parents before they had left. I knew where his church meetings were normally held but only vaguely because I had been there only a few times before; so I decided to continue to that location. I had my brother who was with me give a short prayer on the way to help us find the place. I found the chapel and to my dismay it was under renovation. No meetings were being held there today and I knew of no other meeting places around. I decided to continue on in search of another church meeting house. I turned around a few bends and then turned towards the direction of my grandparent’s house when we passed another church. Within the view of the parking lot was my parent’s vehicle. I knew I had gotten to the place. I believe it was Christ our redeemer who led me to the chapel. I had gotten there well within the needed time frame to see my Grandpa speak. Although, I knew neither where to go nor where to turn; I had gotten to the church on time. I cannot justify saying it was merely a coincidence that we found the place for I had never been this meeting house before. Though it was dark and unclear our way was brightened by the Rock even Jesus Christ; even as rocks were brightened and lead the way for Jaredites.
We can conclude that Christ is our Rock that we must build on. That building on a flaky foundation is not a reasonable option and lastly that he can and will help us on our way for righteous causes. Build on this Rock as if your life depended on it. In essence your life really does depend on it. It is so important for each of us to learn this and not build on a sandy turf. Turn unto Christ and try it out. You may not be helped in getting to a specific earthly location; however this Rock is the only Rock to which we can receive eternal life and exaltation! This he can help you to attain. Be willing and trusting to all the Lord gives you and build for the future. I leave my testimony that Christ is the only Rock your can build on to attain happiness!
Jeremy David Chugg ~ JDBlogger
(1) Bruce R. McConkie, “‘Upon This Rock’,” Ensign, May 1981, 75
(2) 2nd Nephi 2:28
(3) Helaman 5:12
(4) Alma 41:10
(5) 1st Nephi 16:2
What happens if I choose not to build on the Rock? First Let’s look at the words of Helaman “And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.” (3) I have bolded the word “when” because It is important. The scriptures don’t say “if” which means you will have hard times or choices in your life that are may be life dependents or spiritually significant. Not building Christ will lead only to unnecessary sadness and grief. Even living correctly will have trials necessary to help us grow; but when we choose not to follow Christ we will have those trials and more. Building not on the rock means living worldly or without gratefulness of what God has done for us. Living in the world never will bring happiness. Alma taught his son the truth that “wickedness never was happiness.”(4) Nevertheless the Rock will always be available for building and you can repent; but only while the work can be performed. Do not procrastinate!
If you are still reading I’m supposing you are choosing to build on the Rock, Jesus Christ and want to know “What can I do build on the Rock Jesus Christ?” There are a lot of things we can do to either start or continue building on the Rock. I’ll name a few: Family activities (learn it together), supporting extended family (visit them), Sing Hymns, Pray, Pondering the Word, attend church, serve others, and reach out to everyone. These are simple answers, so why are some of them so hard for me to do? When Nephi spoke to his brethren he said “I had spoken hard things against the wicked, according to the truth; and the righteous have I justified.”(5) I guess I’m probably still wicked but this won’t get me to give up. Some of this is probably human nature; nonetheless we still need to change our life into accordance. I would say unto you as we continue building on the rock and changing our lives one thing at a time that it gets easier. It helps me to choose just one thing to work on and go forth. Even still rely on the rock to help you on other things that are good too.
The Rock is available to us even when it is dark out or the way seems unclear! I know I like driving stories (see earlier post), but the Lord our Rock will teach us in different ways and he teaches me through road experiences. I believe that Christ our Rock helped me get to the place I wanted to be. I do not get to hear my Grandfather speak very often and so it was important to hear him speak. I was running a tad late and didn’t get the address from my parents before they had left. I knew where his church meetings were normally held but only vaguely because I had been there only a few times before; so I decided to continue to that location. I had my brother who was with me give a short prayer on the way to help us find the place. I found the chapel and to my dismay it was under renovation. No meetings were being held there today and I knew of no other meeting places around. I decided to continue on in search of another church meeting house. I turned around a few bends and then turned towards the direction of my grandparent’s house when we passed another church. Within the view of the parking lot was my parent’s vehicle. I knew I had gotten to the place. I believe it was Christ our redeemer who led me to the chapel. I had gotten there well within the needed time frame to see my Grandpa speak. Although, I knew neither where to go nor where to turn; I had gotten to the church on time. I cannot justify saying it was merely a coincidence that we found the place for I had never been this meeting house before. Though it was dark and unclear our way was brightened by the Rock even Jesus Christ; even as rocks were brightened and lead the way for Jaredites.
We can conclude that Christ is our Rock that we must build on. That building on a flaky foundation is not a reasonable option and lastly that he can and will help us on our way for righteous causes. Build on this Rock as if your life depended on it. In essence your life really does depend on it. It is so important for each of us to learn this and not build on a sandy turf. Turn unto Christ and try it out. You may not be helped in getting to a specific earthly location; however this Rock is the only Rock to which we can receive eternal life and exaltation! This he can help you to attain. Be willing and trusting to all the Lord gives you and build for the future. I leave my testimony that Christ is the only Rock your can build on to attain happiness!
Jeremy David Chugg ~ JDBlogger
(1) Bruce R. McConkie, “‘Upon This Rock’,” Ensign, May 1981, 75
(2) 2nd Nephi 2:28
(3) Helaman 5:12
(4) Alma 41:10
(5) 1st Nephi 16:2
"Piercing Tongues" by Mallory Manning
"Piercing Tongues"
Mallory Manning
The tongue is the strongest group of muscles in the human body proportional to its size. It is necessary for everything from eating to communicating. In 2 Nephi, Jacob says to his brothers, “But, behold, my beloved brethren, thus came the voice of the Son unto me, saying: After ye have repented of your sins, and witnessed unto the Father that ye are willing to keep my commandments, by the baptism of water, and have received the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, and can speak with a new tongue, yea, even with the tongue of angels, and after this should deny me, it would have been better for you that ye had not known me” [1]. There are two ways this phrase, “the tongue of angels,” can be interpreted; the first is the meaning that Nephi was implying, being that when we have the Spirit of the Lord with us we can understand the words of the Lord through the Holy Ghost, and can speak with the higher language of the Lord and say the things Heavenly Father would have us say. There is also a more temporal yet still important application; if we use our tongues- or words and language- to serve the Lord and follow His commandments as well as to help others, and do not use our words in ways displeasing to the Lord, we are teaching ourselves to speak with the tongue of angels.
First, we should employ our tongues in spreading the gospel. The word “tongue” in almost any language also means “language.” This has an interesting correlation to missionary work. Many missionaries who go on missions in foreign language-speaking countries are able to learn the language there in a matter of one or two months, and many of them find that after they return from their mission they no longer remember how to speak it fluently. This is because the Spirit helps them to understand the language more easily while they are teaching gospel, so that they might be able to more effectively bring people to the gospel. A similar but more extraordinary example of this occurred in Acts 2 when the apostles were teaching a multitude of people from different nations. The apostles spoke in their own language, but each person in the crowd was able to hear them in their own language: “We do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God” [2]. When we teach others the gospel we are truly speaking in the tongue of angels, because we are saying the words of the Lord. Alma the Younger desired so much to teach everyone the gospel that he cried, “O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!” [3]. Angels are the Lord’s messengers; thus, we can speak with the tongue of angels if we convey the messages of the gospel to those around us.
Our tongues should also be occupied in happy and uplifting words, and in praising and thanking our Heavenly Father. After teaching the gospel and preaching repentance, the most common things we hear angels in the scriptures speaking are praises and thanksgiving to the Lord. We must use our gift of language to pray earnestly and always, and most importantly to thank the Lord for our bountiful blessings. We should also make the world around us a better and more pleasant place through simply smiling, laughing, and saying kind things. Our words should uplift and encourage others, and be filled with love for our neighbors. 1 Corinthians 13:1 says, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal” [4]. I have personally experienced the profound effect that kind words can have on many occasions. Very recently, my roommate was listing things that stuck out about the people she knew while I was not in the room; she mentioned people’s nice hair, intelligence, interesting habits, and other such things. She then said that I had an “incredible personality.” It didn’t take much effort for her to say so, but it completely made my day and I probably will never forget it, because it was one of the most sincere compliments I’ve ever received. The words we say can have a profound and lasting effect on others, often beyond what we are able to witness ourselves.
It is also important to remember the things we should not be doing with our tongues. A short list would include saying cruel things to others, swearing, taking the Lord’s name in vain, lying, and sticking our tongues to frozen flagpoles. The LDS church website tells us, “We should always use the names of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost with reverence and respect. Misusing their names is a sin. Profane, vulgar, or crude language or gestures, as well as immoral jokes, are offensive to the Lord and to others. Foul language is both degrading and harmful to the spirit. We should not let others influence us to use foul language. Instead, we should use clean language that uplifts and edifies others, and we should choose friends who use good language. Setting an example will encourage those around us to use clean language. If friends and acquaintances use profanity, we can good-naturedly encourage them to choose other words. If they persist, we can politely walk away or change the subject. Those who have developed the habit of swearing can break it. They must begin by making a decision to change and then pray for help” [5]. Harsh or thoughtless words can hurt people in ways we will most likely never see. The Hebrew word “tongue” can also mean “language,” “whet,” “sharpen,” and “indent.” Words spoken with a sharp tongue can leave an “indent,” or mark upon that person for years to come. Proverbs 12: 18-19 tells us, “There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health” [6]. The Lord also tells Jeremiah that, “They bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the Lord” [7]. Fewer things can be more harmful to not only others but also to us than lies. They cause more problems than they solve, and they eat away at us from the inside, gnawing at our conscience and absorbing our every thought.
If we live our lives in a way that makes us worthy to have the Spirit with us, He will help us to speak with the tongue of angels, which includes not only understanding the words of the Lord and promptings of the Spirit, but also simpler things such as sharing the gospel, saying kind things, and thanking our Heavenly Father. Our tongues can be a powerful weapon for either good or evil, far more so than our actions. Our words must always be used for the good of others and to praise and give thanks to our Lord, as the hymn “Raise Your Voices to the Lord” says: “Raise your voices to the Lord,Ye who here have heard his word.As we part, his praise proclaim,Shout thanksgiving to his name” [8].
Works Cited
1. Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 31:14
2. Bible New Testament, Acts 2:11
3. Book of Mormon, Alma 29:1
4. Bible New Testament, 1 Corinthians 13:1
5. True to the Faith (2004), 128-29, {http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=bbb39daac5d98010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=bbd508f54922d010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD}.
6. Bible Old Testament, Proverbs 12:18
7. Bible Old Testament Jeremiah 9:13
8. LDS Hymns 61. "Raise Your Voices to the Lord," Evan Stephens, 1854–1930. {http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Curriculum/music.htm/hymns.htm/restoration.htm/61%20raise%20your%20voices%20to%20the%20lord.htm#JD_Hymns.61}.
Mallory Manning
The tongue is the strongest group of muscles in the human body proportional to its size. It is necessary for everything from eating to communicating. In 2 Nephi, Jacob says to his brothers, “But, behold, my beloved brethren, thus came the voice of the Son unto me, saying: After ye have repented of your sins, and witnessed unto the Father that ye are willing to keep my commandments, by the baptism of water, and have received the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, and can speak with a new tongue, yea, even with the tongue of angels, and after this should deny me, it would have been better for you that ye had not known me” [1]. There are two ways this phrase, “the tongue of angels,” can be interpreted; the first is the meaning that Nephi was implying, being that when we have the Spirit of the Lord with us we can understand the words of the Lord through the Holy Ghost, and can speak with the higher language of the Lord and say the things Heavenly Father would have us say. There is also a more temporal yet still important application; if we use our tongues- or words and language- to serve the Lord and follow His commandments as well as to help others, and do not use our words in ways displeasing to the Lord, we are teaching ourselves to speak with the tongue of angels.
First, we should employ our tongues in spreading the gospel. The word “tongue” in almost any language also means “language.” This has an interesting correlation to missionary work. Many missionaries who go on missions in foreign language-speaking countries are able to learn the language there in a matter of one or two months, and many of them find that after they return from their mission they no longer remember how to speak it fluently. This is because the Spirit helps them to understand the language more easily while they are teaching gospel, so that they might be able to more effectively bring people to the gospel. A similar but more extraordinary example of this occurred in Acts 2 when the apostles were teaching a multitude of people from different nations. The apostles spoke in their own language, but each person in the crowd was able to hear them in their own language: “We do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God” [2]. When we teach others the gospel we are truly speaking in the tongue of angels, because we are saying the words of the Lord. Alma the Younger desired so much to teach everyone the gospel that he cried, “O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!” [3]. Angels are the Lord’s messengers; thus, we can speak with the tongue of angels if we convey the messages of the gospel to those around us.
Our tongues should also be occupied in happy and uplifting words, and in praising and thanking our Heavenly Father. After teaching the gospel and preaching repentance, the most common things we hear angels in the scriptures speaking are praises and thanksgiving to the Lord. We must use our gift of language to pray earnestly and always, and most importantly to thank the Lord for our bountiful blessings. We should also make the world around us a better and more pleasant place through simply smiling, laughing, and saying kind things. Our words should uplift and encourage others, and be filled with love for our neighbors. 1 Corinthians 13:1 says, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal” [4]. I have personally experienced the profound effect that kind words can have on many occasions. Very recently, my roommate was listing things that stuck out about the people she knew while I was not in the room; she mentioned people’s nice hair, intelligence, interesting habits, and other such things. She then said that I had an “incredible personality.” It didn’t take much effort for her to say so, but it completely made my day and I probably will never forget it, because it was one of the most sincere compliments I’ve ever received. The words we say can have a profound and lasting effect on others, often beyond what we are able to witness ourselves.
It is also important to remember the things we should not be doing with our tongues. A short list would include saying cruel things to others, swearing, taking the Lord’s name in vain, lying, and sticking our tongues to frozen flagpoles. The LDS church website tells us, “We should always use the names of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost with reverence and respect. Misusing their names is a sin. Profane, vulgar, or crude language or gestures, as well as immoral jokes, are offensive to the Lord and to others. Foul language is both degrading and harmful to the spirit. We should not let others influence us to use foul language. Instead, we should use clean language that uplifts and edifies others, and we should choose friends who use good language. Setting an example will encourage those around us to use clean language. If friends and acquaintances use profanity, we can good-naturedly encourage them to choose other words. If they persist, we can politely walk away or change the subject. Those who have developed the habit of swearing can break it. They must begin by making a decision to change and then pray for help” [5]. Harsh or thoughtless words can hurt people in ways we will most likely never see. The Hebrew word “tongue” can also mean “language,” “whet,” “sharpen,” and “indent.” Words spoken with a sharp tongue can leave an “indent,” or mark upon that person for years to come. Proverbs 12: 18-19 tells us, “There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health” [6]. The Lord also tells Jeremiah that, “They bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the Lord” [7]. Fewer things can be more harmful to not only others but also to us than lies. They cause more problems than they solve, and they eat away at us from the inside, gnawing at our conscience and absorbing our every thought.
If we live our lives in a way that makes us worthy to have the Spirit with us, He will help us to speak with the tongue of angels, which includes not only understanding the words of the Lord and promptings of the Spirit, but also simpler things such as sharing the gospel, saying kind things, and thanking our Heavenly Father. Our tongues can be a powerful weapon for either good or evil, far more so than our actions. Our words must always be used for the good of others and to praise and give thanks to our Lord, as the hymn “Raise Your Voices to the Lord” says: “Raise your voices to the Lord,Ye who here have heard his word.As we part, his praise proclaim,Shout thanksgiving to his name” [8].
Works Cited
1. Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 31:14
2. Bible New Testament, Acts 2:11
3. Book of Mormon, Alma 29:1
4. Bible New Testament, 1 Corinthians 13:1
5. True to the Faith (2004), 128-29, {http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=bbb39daac5d98010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=bbd508f54922d010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD}.
6. Bible Old Testament, Proverbs 12:18
7. Bible Old Testament Jeremiah 9:13
8. LDS Hymns 61. "Raise Your Voices to the Lord," Evan Stephens, 1854–1930. {http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Curriculum/music.htm/hymns.htm/restoration.htm/61%20raise%20your%20voices%20to%20the%20lord.htm#JD_Hymns.61}.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)