(This is a talk I once gave in sacrament meeting. Because it is a talk it does not flow the same as writing and it is directed to a very specific audience. But I think it is appropriate to post it here.)
How will you be remembered when you die?
How do you want to be remembered?
How will you choose to be remembered?
Winston Churchill once said, “History will be kind to me for I intend to write it.” I believe he was true to that statement and I challenge you to do the same. A blank sheet of paper is before you, the future is yours to author, what will it say?
Be sure that it says what you want it to because the world will remember it and even write it for you if you do not. The best way to prevent this is to decide what you want, but in this is where most people make their first fatal mistake of mortality. They choose to live for that which has no worth. Their sights are set on the things of this world which are good and for our use, but they are only rays of light, they are not the source. The joys that they bring to our lives are as the light of a candle when compared to the light of the sun the gospel gives us. Our sights must be set higher than the things of this mortal world. If we live for clothes our sights are too low. If we live for iPods our sights are too low. If we live for cell phones, TV shows and computers games our sights are too low. Even if we live for our education and careers our sights are too low. The challenge that I want to make to all of you here today is to live for God. Only then will all things be added unto you.
Most of us have already accepted this challenge. We did so when we were baptized. It was then that we covenanted to keep all of God’s commandments and that we would always remember Him and in return we are promised that we will always have His spirit to be with us. Every week we renew this covenant, promising that we will live for God and every week, though we fail to keep this promise perfectly, we should progressively be becoming better and better people.
If we turn to the scriptures we find many excellent examples of individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving God. When we think of all the great prophets of history we do not remember them for how talented, rich or good looking they were. In fact, such details are rarely given or are not deemed to be significant. In the Book of Mormon it does say that the prophet Lehi was fairly wealthy having “gold and silver and all manners of riches.” (1 Ne. 3:16) But it does not dwell on how he obtained it. He may have been a merchant, a business man, an educator or a lawyer for all we know. The fact of the matter is that he was not remembered for his riches and worldly positions. He was remembered because he was a true Disciples of Christ. All other things were merely details and a result of his choice to live for God.
Ezra Taft Benson once said,
“Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace.”
All of this does not mean that we should be spiritual and prophetic all the time. Joseph Smith, the man who “has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men… that any other man.” is a perfect example of this, for even though he was a prophet we know that he had a fun loving, playful personality. Such was probably the case with other prophets like Nephi, Alma and Moroni. 2 Nephi 2:25 explains that “Adam fell that man might be; and men are, that they might have joy.” Our Heavenly Father wants us to find happiness and experience the joys of this mortal life, but we must recognize that the joy that we were meant to live for can only be obtained through obedience to His commandments. And think of this, all the great prophets are remembered for their powerful testimonies of Jesus Christ, not for the great positions they held. They understood the purpose of life and they truly lived it.
There are many great examples of people who truly live life in the world today, but there is one in particular that I want to mention here and he is my father. The many blessing I have personally received because my Father chose to live his life are innumerable and I will be forever grateful to him for his righteous example.
Live your lives and start living today. (Alma 34: 32-34) “The day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors… Therefore I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance.”
The time given us on this earth is a great gift from God. We must care for it and not loose any of it. Be jealous of your time, do not spend it on frivolous fancies but invest it in a good cause. For the time will come when we shall all stand before the judgment seat where we will be asked to give an accounting of our lives to our Heavenly Father. What do we want to be able to tell Him?
We must all live our lives right now in a way that we would not be ashamed to tell our Heavenly Father about. We must do it now because later may be too late. The Apostle James said in James 4: 14, “Whereas is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time and then vanisheth.” Life is too fragile to handle carelessly. We must have a firm grasp on it for how well we use it will largely determine the type of life we will have in the eternities. Today is all we have yesterday is gone forever and tomorrow will always be tomorrow. So do not put off till tomorrow what should be done today.
The wicked exist. The apathetic, survive. Only the righteous ever really live. Live your lives brothers and sisters, live for God.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Despotism of Modernity
In class we were talking about the forms despotism (or tyranny) takes in government. The principles we discussed were quite interesting so here are a few of them.
All of the despotic rulers throughout history, up until a certain point, were more removed from the common people. The average Joe did not have to much to fear under the rule of Nero, Alexander the Great or Henry VIII because these tyrants were concerned only with those who had political power. The closer you were to these men the more power you had and the more power you had the more you were considered a threat to the throne. Henry VIII had his queens and his chief advisers like Thomas Moore executed. Alexander the Great, when he conquered a nation, only had the kings of those nations killed. Nero destroyed his own mother who had put him on the throne and did so mainly because she had the power to put him there. This behavior is predictable of most tyrants up to a certain time in history. The turning point occurred during the the early 1900's though its seeds were planted around 1787.
Modern despotism plays out on a much more personal level. Those in high political positions had much to fear still but under rulers like Stalin, Hitler and Mao no average Joe was safe. He had everyone to fear; the state, his neighbors, even his family. Such absolute despotism was never before possible because the government had never before been so involved in the affairs of the individual. The socialistic state engenders this relationship between the government and its citizens. A "Nannie Nation" offers numerous services to its citizens and creates the mentality that the state will provide for all their wants and needs, but in order to receive these benefits much personal information is required. An example of this is the United States' income tax. If you want to get a greater tax return you give the government information about how much money you make, how much of it you gave to charity, how many kids you have and their ages, how old you are, your health issues, etc. I would agree with those that would argue that socialistic programs are created with the intent to help people but it must be understood that such programs increase the power of government and when this kind of power falls into the hands of a Hitler or a Stalin, because the power already extends into every aspect of the citizen's lives, the tyranny of these men is felt more completely.
But what is the point of all this? Yes, despotism has increased its power but why has it done so? I do not say that I have the answer but I would like to point out the interesting correlation between the birth of modern despotism and the birth of America and constitutional government. It is interesting that following so closely the greatest amount of political freedom ever to be enjoyed was the greatest amount of political bondage ever to have been endured. And so, with the greater light comes the greater darkness and as good increases in goodness evil increases in evil. What is also interesting is that it seems to always happen in that order, good increases than evil increases, as if the later were some how dependent on former for its expansion. It is as if evil is incapable of original thought in that it cannot create an evil without stealing from a form of goodness. Such is its evolution.
All of the despotic rulers throughout history, up until a certain point, were more removed from the common people. The average Joe did not have to much to fear under the rule of Nero, Alexander the Great or Henry VIII because these tyrants were concerned only with those who had political power. The closer you were to these men the more power you had and the more power you had the more you were considered a threat to the throne. Henry VIII had his queens and his chief advisers like Thomas Moore executed. Alexander the Great, when he conquered a nation, only had the kings of those nations killed. Nero destroyed his own mother who had put him on the throne and did so mainly because she had the power to put him there. This behavior is predictable of most tyrants up to a certain time in history. The turning point occurred during the the early 1900's though its seeds were planted around 1787.
Modern despotism plays out on a much more personal level. Those in high political positions had much to fear still but under rulers like Stalin, Hitler and Mao no average Joe was safe. He had everyone to fear; the state, his neighbors, even his family. Such absolute despotism was never before possible because the government had never before been so involved in the affairs of the individual. The socialistic state engenders this relationship between the government and its citizens. A "Nannie Nation" offers numerous services to its citizens and creates the mentality that the state will provide for all their wants and needs, but in order to receive these benefits much personal information is required. An example of this is the United States' income tax. If you want to get a greater tax return you give the government information about how much money you make, how much of it you gave to charity, how many kids you have and their ages, how old you are, your health issues, etc. I would agree with those that would argue that socialistic programs are created with the intent to help people but it must be understood that such programs increase the power of government and when this kind of power falls into the hands of a Hitler or a Stalin, because the power already extends into every aspect of the citizen's lives, the tyranny of these men is felt more completely.
But what is the point of all this? Yes, despotism has increased its power but why has it done so? I do not say that I have the answer but I would like to point out the interesting correlation between the birth of modern despotism and the birth of America and constitutional government. It is interesting that following so closely the greatest amount of political freedom ever to be enjoyed was the greatest amount of political bondage ever to have been endured. And so, with the greater light comes the greater darkness and as good increases in goodness evil increases in evil. What is also interesting is that it seems to always happen in that order, good increases than evil increases, as if the later were some how dependent on former for its expansion. It is as if evil is incapable of original thought in that it cannot create an evil without stealing from a form of goodness. Such is its evolution.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
The Key to Influence
Since the main purpose of this work is to persuade the reader as to the destructiveness of pride I must admit my own shortsightedness and arrogance in my thought that I could know anything about such a subject as to write a work that explores and explains it. In truth I have little experience to draw from: the number of my years, when counted, is nine less than the number of words in this sentence. My experience in writing is even more limited than my years and I have yet to author anything of renown. I have no credibility and you have every reason to set this down and never pick it up again. But know this; I have written what I know to be true. Its correctness I have proven for myself in my life. These principles have worked for me and I believe they will work for others if applied correctly.
Men of Truth
Christ said, “I am the son of the living God.” Moses, when presented before Pharaoh, demanded the release of the Israelites. Paul declared to the Corinthians and the Romans that the only way to gain eternal life was through the gospel he preached.
By what authority were they making such statements? The audacity of these declarations is really quite astonishing if you think about it. Jesus was the son of a carpenter. He lived in no palace, had no servants and held no political position yet he went about claiming that he was the King of kings and Lord of lords that the prophets of old had prophesied of. Even, that he was the son of God.
Moses, in his old age clothed in the garb of a shepherd with no weapon but the staff in his hand walks into the palace of the most powerful ruler of the world at that time and as bold as brass, demands the release of the Israelite slaves.
Paul was no more than a common man, yet he stated time and time again to all that would listen, from bond servants to high ranking military leaders that the only way to salvation was through the gospel of Christ.
Out of context one might think such claims were made either by men outrageously arrogant and elitists or lunatics. But in context we know that Christ, Moses and Paul all had an incredible influence and many believed on their words. And those who did not believe hated them; not because of any pomp and conceitedness but because they challenged their authority by simply having the courage to speak the truth which was something they could not refute.
The Key to Influence
Truth coupled with humility is one of the most powerful tools of influence. Like a two edged sword it cleaves in two the most impenetrable of shields disarming the most formidable of foes. When parted they are all but useless.
Truth is meant to be published to all the world, carried from continent to continent and sounded in the ear of highest of kings to the lowliest of laborers. God is the source of all truth. Throughout all the ages He has revealed truths unto men that they might better understand what they must do to become more like Him. And though no man can come to a knowledge of truth save it be through His spirit, He has chosen men to be the messengers to carry it unto the world; men who are imperfect, who have a tendency to place themselves at the center of their universe where God should be. When this occurs the truth does not reach those who need it. They can feel the pride and they shut their doors and bar their windows as if they were preparing for a hurricane.
To separate truth from humility would be like placing cargo (truth) on a ship (man) and then trying to travel from New York to London without any sails. Pride has sabotaged the ship rendering it completely and utterly useless. Truth is a door through which we desire to pass, pride is the lock that prevents our entry and humility is the only key which can unlock it. Truth cannot be prideful.
Field Experience
In conversation with a friend of mine we came upon a subject of interest that we disagreed, both felling very strongly about the rightness of our positions. We left that conversation unsettled, each frustrated with the other’s blindness to what appeared to be the obvious truth, but to be honest, I was not completely convinced of the truthfulness of my own opinion.
I spent the next few days thinking about that conversation, churning over and over in my head all the arguments and counter arguments that had been presented. I read articles about the issue; I asked the advice of friends and family members; I studied it out and at the end of all my efforts I had a powerful experience when I knew for a certainty that I had found truth.
I then spent the next few days planning the future conversation I wished to have with my friend. I thought up questions to ask, series of logical steps I would have to help my friend make, how I would say certain things and when I would say them and all this preparation was done with the thought in mind that I must forget my pride and my desire to be right for the desire to simply find and share truth.
The day came and I brought up the issue again in conversation. The discussion went beautifully and by the end my friend came to the same truth that I had. I had obtained my desire, I was victorious. But the victory was not filled with praises of my victory; indeed, my victory was rather lost in the shuffle with my friend’s as he took full credit for the find which was, in truth, totally and completely his. But this is really what I desired. My victory was in his victory and this could only be obtained by me being okay with not getting the glory. It was through these means that I had influence. It was through these means that my friend was willing to accept the truth I offered him.
Happiness or Misery, That is the Choice
Pride is at the root of all human misery. God has no desire but that his children might have joy and He has not left man to grope around for it blindly. God has shown to man the way that leads to happiness, all we have to do is follow. The moment we put our will before God’s, (this being pride), we trade happiness for misery.
Give up your pride, put your trust in God and He will reveal the truths and mysteries of heaven unto you. He will open doors for you that before were shut, expanding your influence to those who need to feel the light you posses.
Men of Truth
Christ said, “I am the son of the living God.” Moses, when presented before Pharaoh, demanded the release of the Israelites. Paul declared to the Corinthians and the Romans that the only way to gain eternal life was through the gospel he preached.
By what authority were they making such statements? The audacity of these declarations is really quite astonishing if you think about it. Jesus was the son of a carpenter. He lived in no palace, had no servants and held no political position yet he went about claiming that he was the King of kings and Lord of lords that the prophets of old had prophesied of. Even, that he was the son of God.
Moses, in his old age clothed in the garb of a shepherd with no weapon but the staff in his hand walks into the palace of the most powerful ruler of the world at that time and as bold as brass, demands the release of the Israelite slaves.
Paul was no more than a common man, yet he stated time and time again to all that would listen, from bond servants to high ranking military leaders that the only way to salvation was through the gospel of Christ.
Out of context one might think such claims were made either by men outrageously arrogant and elitists or lunatics. But in context we know that Christ, Moses and Paul all had an incredible influence and many believed on their words. And those who did not believe hated them; not because of any pomp and conceitedness but because they challenged their authority by simply having the courage to speak the truth which was something they could not refute.
The Key to Influence
Truth coupled with humility is one of the most powerful tools of influence. Like a two edged sword it cleaves in two the most impenetrable of shields disarming the most formidable of foes. When parted they are all but useless.
Truth is meant to be published to all the world, carried from continent to continent and sounded in the ear of highest of kings to the lowliest of laborers. God is the source of all truth. Throughout all the ages He has revealed truths unto men that they might better understand what they must do to become more like Him. And though no man can come to a knowledge of truth save it be through His spirit, He has chosen men to be the messengers to carry it unto the world; men who are imperfect, who have a tendency to place themselves at the center of their universe where God should be. When this occurs the truth does not reach those who need it. They can feel the pride and they shut their doors and bar their windows as if they were preparing for a hurricane.
To separate truth from humility would be like placing cargo (truth) on a ship (man) and then trying to travel from New York to London without any sails. Pride has sabotaged the ship rendering it completely and utterly useless. Truth is a door through which we desire to pass, pride is the lock that prevents our entry and humility is the only key which can unlock it. Truth cannot be prideful.
Field Experience
In conversation with a friend of mine we came upon a subject of interest that we disagreed, both felling very strongly about the rightness of our positions. We left that conversation unsettled, each frustrated with the other’s blindness to what appeared to be the obvious truth, but to be honest, I was not completely convinced of the truthfulness of my own opinion.
I spent the next few days thinking about that conversation, churning over and over in my head all the arguments and counter arguments that had been presented. I read articles about the issue; I asked the advice of friends and family members; I studied it out and at the end of all my efforts I had a powerful experience when I knew for a certainty that I had found truth.
I then spent the next few days planning the future conversation I wished to have with my friend. I thought up questions to ask, series of logical steps I would have to help my friend make, how I would say certain things and when I would say them and all this preparation was done with the thought in mind that I must forget my pride and my desire to be right for the desire to simply find and share truth.
The day came and I brought up the issue again in conversation. The discussion went beautifully and by the end my friend came to the same truth that I had. I had obtained my desire, I was victorious. But the victory was not filled with praises of my victory; indeed, my victory was rather lost in the shuffle with my friend’s as he took full credit for the find which was, in truth, totally and completely his. But this is really what I desired. My victory was in his victory and this could only be obtained by me being okay with not getting the glory. It was through these means that I had influence. It was through these means that my friend was willing to accept the truth I offered him.
Happiness or Misery, That is the Choice
Pride is at the root of all human misery. God has no desire but that his children might have joy and He has not left man to grope around for it blindly. God has shown to man the way that leads to happiness, all we have to do is follow. The moment we put our will before God’s, (this being pride), we trade happiness for misery.
Give up your pride, put your trust in God and He will reveal the truths and mysteries of heaven unto you. He will open doors for you that before were shut, expanding your influence to those who need to feel the light you posses.
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