Warnings of the Consequences of Pride and Power Seeking

Over and over again, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been told that the Book of Mormon was written for our times. In the book itself, it explains how the prophets who were recording the history of their people had "seen our times" and that the book was written for people in the future to read. It was written to help and warn people in our time, and particularly, to warn the people living here in the Americas. 

I've felt how the Book of Mormon has helped me to come to know Christ more deeply, and I've appreciated how clear the gospel of Christ is explained in its pages. The thing I haven't understood is why so much of the book is spent telling about the people's government conflicts and struggles. Why is all that included in this book of scripture? 

What makes the difference in how people are dealing with the Pandemic?

I have been concerned about all the people who have "lost heart", who are fearful, and discouraged, and I have been wondering why I don't feel that way. There are many people I know who also are not overwhelmed with the pandemic. What makes the difference? 

First, I thought about what is the opposite of fear, that terrible anxious feeling which devovers our courage. I found that the antonyms to fear were such things as love, calmness, assurance, confidence, happiness, and faith. Why are some people not feeling these good positive feelings? Of course you probably think that is frighteningly obvious for we are experiencing a pandemic. Not only are people losing their jobs, and some their businesses, but people around the world are dying. This is true, but I still don't think that explains why so many people are succumbing to fear. 

Struggles of the early Christian church

Paul is speaking here of being unified in the faith Ephesians 4:1-15

I have just been reading the letters in the New Testament which Peter and John sent to the early church members, or saints. It must have been a saddening experience for them to see other men vying to take over the leadership of the congregations of saints. These men had decided that they knew more, and were better able to direct the church, than the apostles whom the Savior had called to lead His people. 

The apostles Peter and John had been with the Savior in His ministry. Even after His death and resurrection, they regularly received revelation from Him on how He wanted His church to be lead. (see Peter receiving revelation to take the teachings of Christ to the gentiles; Acts 10:1-48 and 11:1-18) These were great men who could personally testify of the divine mission of the Savior.  

As the early church began to grow, there appeared men who John called "antichrists". I can see why he called them "antichrists", since their goal was to as get people to follow them instead of Christ. These prideful men wanted power. They wanted to control people. To do this they made up appealing "beliefs", and then tried to get the early saints to follow them instead of their leaders who followed the Savior's direction. 

What Does God Think of Us?

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2014-01-001-abide-with-me?lang=eng

Who hasn't experienced a child who has the "gimmies". This child never has enough, doesn't appreciate what she has, and never even says, "thank you". She works on her never ending Christmas list year round. Though she doesn't even know what she has in her vast hoard, she is sure that she must possess more than anyone else has-- far more! 

How about the youth who packs up his car with all he can lay his hands on from home, then heads out to be on his own, ignoring his parents --until he needs help. Then after disregarding all his parent's advice and counsel, he expects them to come running to bail him out. Arrogantly, he expects his parents to always be there for him, endlessly supplying his all wants. If ever they refuse to indulge him, he poutingly declares, "You don't love me". 

A Friend - Arabian Proverb

A Friend is one to whom one may pour out
 all the contents of one's heart,
chaff and grain together,
knowing that the gentlest of hands
 will take and sift it,
keep what is worth keeping,
and with the breath of kindness
 blow the rest away.

(Me at 19 with my good friend)

Here are some more of my favorite sayings.