Scripture Thought
1 Nephi 5:4-6
When I read these verses, I have to force myself sometimes to stop and put myself in Lehi's shoes. I know the anxiety that Sariah must have been feeling. I know that sometimes my children and those around me may feel the same way about me.
Just the other day I was talking to my supervisor. I had heard a rumor about a certain class coming up, that I had been designated to teach it, yet it was going to conflict with my temple assignment. I causually mentioned that I had heard this rumor and wanted to know what the purposed time frame of the class was. He asked me why it mattered and I told him that if I was going to be teaching the class, it would conflict with that assignment. He was truly shocked. He looked and me and said, "You are still doing that gig? For how long?" I told him that it was a calling that could last for years. I would do it until they released me. He was speechless. I can only imagine what was going through his head.
I wonder if we don't all get this way sometimes. We may see anothers dedication to a cause and start believing that it is clouding their judgement, rational, and regard to others. I know that it happens in my work place. I know that my children think that when it comes to education and their perceived rights of passage or entitlements. Is this what was happening here? Was Sariah starting to wonder?
Maybe I need to be like Lehi. He was completely upfront. He did not deny any of the accusations. He was striving to be in tune with the Lord. He was very plain about his love of God and his desire to follow all that the Lord expected of him. He stood and bore his testimony of these things. He gave this gift of the spirit to his wife. Now it was up to her to receive it.
I hope that I am able to do the same. That even with matters not of the gospel, my family, friends, and associates will understand my stance, believes, and standards. I pray that they will be in tune enough with the spirit to receive the witness of truth.
I don't think the things Lehi was asking his family to do were any easier for him than they were for them. In fact, it was probably harder. He had to ask them to trust that he was doing what he new was right. Not only was he asking them to trust God, who is much more powerful and all knowing than he is, but he also asking them to trust in him, who he sees as imperfect. This is not an easy task. I know that it is not easy for me.
I hope that each of you think about this as well when asked to serve in a calling or when you are asked to do something by your leaders. They struggle with the same things. They are thinking of you and all the ramifications. It pains them to ask you to make the sacrifice, but they are only doing their best to follow and do what they are being asked to do.
Just a side note, the same thing happens when it comes to your parents.
When I read these verses, I have to force myself sometimes to stop and put myself in Lehi's shoes. I know the anxiety that Sariah must have been feeling. I know that sometimes my children and those around me may feel the same way about me.
Just the other day I was talking to my supervisor. I had heard a rumor about a certain class coming up, that I had been designated to teach it, yet it was going to conflict with my temple assignment. I causually mentioned that I had heard this rumor and wanted to know what the purposed time frame of the class was. He asked me why it mattered and I told him that if I was going to be teaching the class, it would conflict with that assignment. He was truly shocked. He looked and me and said, "You are still doing that gig? For how long?" I told him that it was a calling that could last for years. I would do it until they released me. He was speechless. I can only imagine what was going through his head.
I wonder if we don't all get this way sometimes. We may see anothers dedication to a cause and start believing that it is clouding their judgement, rational, and regard to others. I know that it happens in my work place. I know that my children think that when it comes to education and their perceived rights of passage or entitlements. Is this what was happening here? Was Sariah starting to wonder?
Maybe I need to be like Lehi. He was completely upfront. He did not deny any of the accusations. He was striving to be in tune with the Lord. He was very plain about his love of God and his desire to follow all that the Lord expected of him. He stood and bore his testimony of these things. He gave this gift of the spirit to his wife. Now it was up to her to receive it.
I hope that I am able to do the same. That even with matters not of the gospel, my family, friends, and associates will understand my stance, believes, and standards. I pray that they will be in tune enough with the spirit to receive the witness of truth.
I don't think the things Lehi was asking his family to do were any easier for him than they were for them. In fact, it was probably harder. He had to ask them to trust that he was doing what he new was right. Not only was he asking them to trust God, who is much more powerful and all knowing than he is, but he also asking them to trust in him, who he sees as imperfect. This is not an easy task. I know that it is not easy for me.
I hope that each of you think about this as well when asked to serve in a calling or when you are asked to do something by your leaders. They struggle with the same things. They are thinking of you and all the ramifications. It pains them to ask you to make the sacrifice, but they are only doing their best to follow and do what they are being asked to do.
Just a side note, the same thing happens when it comes to your parents.
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