For over 50 years chimpanzees have been taught with great success to communicate through sign language. Yet from the first one in 1965 until today, a chimpanzee has never asked a question. They have the tools to communicate but lack the curiosity to question the world around them.
Similarly, millions of God's children have been taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but many of us lack the curiosity to go beyond just knowing that it is true. It's like having a Ferrari nicely stored in a garage somewhere.
I was in the gym one day last week for over an hour. There was a young man that wandered in just after I got there. He casually lifted a few wights and then sat down with his phone for almost half an hour. Then he lifted a couple more wights and sat down with his phone again. He was still sitting there when I left. I wonder if he thinks that just being in the gym will make him stronger?
"Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than going to a garage makes you an automobile" -Billy Sunday
We have the unique and unparalleled ability to question the world around us. No other life on Earth can do that, because we are children of God. But even a loving, all-powerful God cannot impose self-improvement on a person. He can only give us the tools and see what we do with them.
Doctrine and Covenants 58:26
For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.
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Sunday, July 29, 2018
Sunday, July 22, 2018
Words That Cannot Be Spoken
The day of the Sandy Hook school shooting I listened in horror as the news about the shooting rolled out every hour on the hour; each report more horrific than the last.
As I made my way home that evening with a heavy heart I happened to be listening to a religious music station. At the conclusion of a particularly beautiful song an announcer with a deep, smooth radio voice came on and said that he would like to say a prayer for the victims and families of Sandy Hook. As he did, the power of his prayer affected me in a way that I just can't do justice in print. As I sat listening at a red light, I felt a tear making its way down my cheek.
In 3 Nephi 17:17 it says that Jesus prayed and the words that he spoke, "no tongue can speak, neither can there be written by any man, neither can the hearts of men conceive..."
I'll admit that this scripture has both frustrated and puzzled me for years. Why couldn't they just write the words he said so I could experience Jesus praying? What does that even mean that the words cannot be written? But I think I finally understand, because of Sandy Hook. I could play for you a recording of the prayer that was given that day, but it would not likely have the impact that it did on me that day; because it wasn't just words. It was the horrific events of the day leading to an emotional build-up which made a place in my heart for those words at that particular time. The power of that moment could only be experienced in that moment.
It's kind of like when you hear a song from high school and you feel a sudden rush of emotion that you haven't felt for years. Playing that song for a friend would not do it justice because its not just a song. The reason it's more than a song is that song played, for example, the first time you kissed someone and that flood of excitement is forever fused with the music, the car you drove home and the time of night you were driving. A three-dimensional moment was created that is the sum of all the parts. So today, when you hear that song, see the car or drive late at night the experience comes back to you, but no one else can truly appreciate what your feeling just by hearing one part of the experience; like the song. It would be like trying to get a friend to understand the smell of a flower by showing them a picture of one.
So, as frustrating as it is, there are words that no tongue can speak, neither can be written because they were so much more than just words. The Nephites had lost numerous cities and countless people to natural disasters and then they were present for the first appearance of Jesus Christ on the American continent; which meeting culminated in the healing of the sick and the Savior praying with them to Heavenly Father. Thus, just having the words Jesus spoke in that prayer simply would not do justice to what was happening in that moment. In fact, because of the sacred nature of that moment, it would be a sacrilege to have recorded his words for people to read out of context.
Perhaps in the next life, we can first experience all the background that gave life to the words that were spoken that day.
1 Corinthians 2:14
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
As I made my way home that evening with a heavy heart I happened to be listening to a religious music station. At the conclusion of a particularly beautiful song an announcer with a deep, smooth radio voice came on and said that he would like to say a prayer for the victims and families of Sandy Hook. As he did, the power of his prayer affected me in a way that I just can't do justice in print. As I sat listening at a red light, I felt a tear making its way down my cheek.
In 3 Nephi 17:17 it says that Jesus prayed and the words that he spoke, "no tongue can speak, neither can there be written by any man, neither can the hearts of men conceive..."
I'll admit that this scripture has both frustrated and puzzled me for years. Why couldn't they just write the words he said so I could experience Jesus praying? What does that even mean that the words cannot be written? But I think I finally understand, because of Sandy Hook. I could play for you a recording of the prayer that was given that day, but it would not likely have the impact that it did on me that day; because it wasn't just words. It was the horrific events of the day leading to an emotional build-up which made a place in my heart for those words at that particular time. The power of that moment could only be experienced in that moment.
It's kind of like when you hear a song from high school and you feel a sudden rush of emotion that you haven't felt for years. Playing that song for a friend would not do it justice because its not just a song. The reason it's more than a song is that song played, for example, the first time you kissed someone and that flood of excitement is forever fused with the music, the car you drove home and the time of night you were driving. A three-dimensional moment was created that is the sum of all the parts. So today, when you hear that song, see the car or drive late at night the experience comes back to you, but no one else can truly appreciate what your feeling just by hearing one part of the experience; like the song. It would be like trying to get a friend to understand the smell of a flower by showing them a picture of one.
So, as frustrating as it is, there are words that no tongue can speak, neither can be written because they were so much more than just words. The Nephites had lost numerous cities and countless people to natural disasters and then they were present for the first appearance of Jesus Christ on the American continent; which meeting culminated in the healing of the sick and the Savior praying with them to Heavenly Father. Thus, just having the words Jesus spoke in that prayer simply would not do justice to what was happening in that moment. In fact, because of the sacred nature of that moment, it would be a sacrilege to have recorded his words for people to read out of context.
Perhaps in the next life, we can first experience all the background that gave life to the words that were spoken that day.
1 Corinthians 2:14
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Sunday, July 15, 2018
The Lowest Common Denominator
In Hungarian tradition, there is a fascinating story about a Capitan named Sylvester Danos whose only son was found assassinated in a town Capitan Danos' army was occupying. The king was so enraged that one of his soldiers and the son of one of his greatest commanders was murdered that he ordered the City of Canossa was to be plundered by the Hungarian army for three hours. The gates of the city were locked so no one could leave before the appointed time of reckoning. Each resident undoubtedly imagined the brutality they were about to endure; stripped of all possessions and their daughters dishonored.
When the troops had assembled in the town square, their commander Capitan Danos, still morning for the loss of his son, stood before them and said, "Hungarian men! The king has resolved to punish the town of Canossa because in its streets one of his soldiers was treacherously assassinated. He has therefore decreed that the town shall be given over to plunder by the Hungarian troops for the space of three hours. Accordingly, I give you permission to go forth and seize whatever your eyes covet and your heart desires, from the priest's golden cross to the virgins' kiss. This you may do in the name of the king and none shall say you nay. But in my own name, I tell you that it is not the part of an honest man to avail himself of such a permission. Now, do what you think fit."
The sound of the clock tower echoed through town marking the beginning of the siege, but not another sound was heard. No doors slamming open, no women screaming. Not a single soldier broke from his ranks. For three hours every man in that army stood at attention until the final bell rang out marking the conclusion of three hours. The streets instantly filled with the residents of the town cheering the soldiers and dragging them by force into the homes that they were feared to have entered only hours before.
In today's society, we have similar permissions of the government and society to indulge ourselves. Not in a raid of each other's homes per se, but to partake of things we should not. Recreational marijuana is legal to enjoy, pornography is aggressively protected under the rights of free speech, and I won't be surprised when prostitution becomes legal here as it is in other parts of the world.
It seems every vice known to man is either protected or promoted by our society. We can reduce our lives to the lowest common denominator with the full permissions of the government and society and there is none to say us nay.
In the Book of Mormon, the lawyers accusing Alma and Amulek said they were reviling against their laws. Then and now people think somehow that if the government allows it, that makes it right.
But it is not the part of an honest Christian to avail himself of such permissions. We should stand our ranks in the Lord's army until the final bell calls us home. President Nelson taught, "Why would any man waste his days and settle for Esau's mess of pottage when he has been entrusted with the possibility of receiving all of the blessings of Abraham?"
There is a price for indulging in the world's carnal pleasures, even if it is legal. Our freedom. Our families. Our salvation.
Alexander Pope:
Vice is a monster of so frightful Mien,
As, to be hated, needs but to be seen;
Yet seen to oft, familiar with her face,
we first endure, then pity, then embrace.
When the troops had assembled in the town square, their commander Capitan Danos, still morning for the loss of his son, stood before them and said, "Hungarian men! The king has resolved to punish the town of Canossa because in its streets one of his soldiers was treacherously assassinated. He has therefore decreed that the town shall be given over to plunder by the Hungarian troops for the space of three hours. Accordingly, I give you permission to go forth and seize whatever your eyes covet and your heart desires, from the priest's golden cross to the virgins' kiss. This you may do in the name of the king and none shall say you nay. But in my own name, I tell you that it is not the part of an honest man to avail himself of such a permission. Now, do what you think fit."
The sound of the clock tower echoed through town marking the beginning of the siege, but not another sound was heard. No doors slamming open, no women screaming. Not a single soldier broke from his ranks. For three hours every man in that army stood at attention until the final bell rang out marking the conclusion of three hours. The streets instantly filled with the residents of the town cheering the soldiers and dragging them by force into the homes that they were feared to have entered only hours before.
In today's society, we have similar permissions of the government and society to indulge ourselves. Not in a raid of each other's homes per se, but to partake of things we should not. Recreational marijuana is legal to enjoy, pornography is aggressively protected under the rights of free speech, and I won't be surprised when prostitution becomes legal here as it is in other parts of the world.
It seems every vice known to man is either protected or promoted by our society. We can reduce our lives to the lowest common denominator with the full permissions of the government and society and there is none to say us nay.
In the Book of Mormon, the lawyers accusing Alma and Amulek said they were reviling against their laws. Then and now people think somehow that if the government allows it, that makes it right.
But it is not the part of an honest Christian to avail himself of such permissions. We should stand our ranks in the Lord's army until the final bell calls us home. President Nelson taught, "Why would any man waste his days and settle for Esau's mess of pottage when he has been entrusted with the possibility of receiving all of the blessings of Abraham?"
There is a price for indulging in the world's carnal pleasures, even if it is legal. Our freedom. Our families. Our salvation.
Alexander Pope:
Vice is a monster of so frightful Mien,
As, to be hated, needs but to be seen;
Yet seen to oft, familiar with her face,
we first endure, then pity, then embrace.
Sunday, July 8, 2018
A Matter Of Perspective
When my son Alex was ordained to the office of a priest, the bishop allowed my older son Tyler and I to bless the sacrament with him the first time. It was a moment of indescribable pride to have two sons who were worthy priesthood holders standing on either side of me performing that sacred ordinance.
To my surprise Alex was kicking himself on the way home because he made a mistake his first time through the prayer and had to start again; so he thought he had done a bad job. The same thing happened when Tyler did it for the first time. Interestingly, at that same moment that he was frustrated with himself, I was flying high with the pride of a father. I was excited about the fact that they were both worthy participants in the gospel and great kids; he was focused only on the technicality of an individual moment.
It made me wonder how often, as children of God, we make mistakes in life and we are down here kicking ourselves and feeling hopeless while simultaneously a loving Heavenly Father is looking down with great pride at his child who is fighting the good fight, struggling against a tidal wave of daily challenges.
God loves us more than we love ourselves I think. He understands the mountains we must climb to overcome this world and ourselves to become celestial beings. It is Satan who uses discouragement as a vehicle to push us away from him. I don’t think we understood how hard it would be in this life, but he did.
Some of us mess up more than others, but it is not perfection that makes him proud, it’s a child who won’t give up.
Vince Lombardi, Jr.
When you see someone on top of a mountain, you know he didn’t fall there.
To my surprise Alex was kicking himself on the way home because he made a mistake his first time through the prayer and had to start again; so he thought he had done a bad job. The same thing happened when Tyler did it for the first time. Interestingly, at that same moment that he was frustrated with himself, I was flying high with the pride of a father. I was excited about the fact that they were both worthy participants in the gospel and great kids; he was focused only on the technicality of an individual moment.
It made me wonder how often, as children of God, we make mistakes in life and we are down here kicking ourselves and feeling hopeless while simultaneously a loving Heavenly Father is looking down with great pride at his child who is fighting the good fight, struggling against a tidal wave of daily challenges.
God loves us more than we love ourselves I think. He understands the mountains we must climb to overcome this world and ourselves to become celestial beings. It is Satan who uses discouragement as a vehicle to push us away from him. I don’t think we understood how hard it would be in this life, but he did.
Some of us mess up more than others, but it is not perfection that makes him proud, it’s a child who won’t give up.
Vince Lombardi, Jr.
When you see someone on top of a mountain, you know he didn’t fall there.
Sunday, July 1, 2018
Works Without Faith
"Faith without works," is an oft-quoted phrase at church...but is there such a thing as "works without faith?" In other words, going through the motions of keeping the commandments without really believing it.
When children are tasked with household chores, they often do as little as they think they can get away with. That is because children are not cleaning in order to live in a clean house, they are cleaning just to complete an assigned task.
Similarly, many of us as adults are keeping the commandments just to fulfill an assignment, rather than to become celestial beings. This is perhaps a symptom of the backward thinking that we get points for keeping commandments. In fact, the benefit of keeping a commandment is who you become as a result, not some superficial blessing you receive as a reward for doing it.
I don't think we are blessed separately just for coming to church while we play games on our phones through sacrament meeting. The blessing is in the meeting, if we find it. Do we expect a separate blessing for adherence to the Word of Wisdom, other than good health? The list could go on, but perhaps there are more half-hearted “works without faith” going on in our lives than we realize.
I think it is possible to know something but not believe it. That may sound backward but it may not be. Belief is the action that certifies what we know. I can tell my kids that their lives will be better if they don’t participate in certain behaviors and then they know it’s true because I told them; but they may not believe it. So, they go out and make the same mistakes we all did as teenagers and then they believe what they really already knew. This is what happened to us in the pre-existence. The all-powerful God of our universe surely told us what is right and what is wrong; so we all knew it because he said so. But it was not possible for us to believe it until we came here to Earth to experience it for ourselves.
Even if you know something, you have to have a great deal of faith or belief in it before you can carry it out consistently and in front of others. Peter knew that Jesus was the Christ, yet he denied him three times because his faith in that knowledge was not yet strong enough.
We are not saved as a church. We are saved as individuals. It takes enormous personal effort in living the commandments, not just obeying them; so that we can come to believe what we know to be true.
Moroni 7:8
For behold, if a man being evil giveth a gift, he doeth it grudgingly; wherefore it is counted unto him the same as if he had retained the gift; wherefore he is counted evil before God.
When children are tasked with household chores, they often do as little as they think they can get away with. That is because children are not cleaning in order to live in a clean house, they are cleaning just to complete an assigned task.
Similarly, many of us as adults are keeping the commandments just to fulfill an assignment, rather than to become celestial beings. This is perhaps a symptom of the backward thinking that we get points for keeping commandments. In fact, the benefit of keeping a commandment is who you become as a result, not some superficial blessing you receive as a reward for doing it.
I don't think we are blessed separately just for coming to church while we play games on our phones through sacrament meeting. The blessing is in the meeting, if we find it. Do we expect a separate blessing for adherence to the Word of Wisdom, other than good health? The list could go on, but perhaps there are more half-hearted “works without faith” going on in our lives than we realize.
I think it is possible to know something but not believe it. That may sound backward but it may not be. Belief is the action that certifies what we know. I can tell my kids that their lives will be better if they don’t participate in certain behaviors and then they know it’s true because I told them; but they may not believe it. So, they go out and make the same mistakes we all did as teenagers and then they believe what they really already knew. This is what happened to us in the pre-existence. The all-powerful God of our universe surely told us what is right and what is wrong; so we all knew it because he said so. But it was not possible for us to believe it until we came here to Earth to experience it for ourselves.
Even if you know something, you have to have a great deal of faith or belief in it before you can carry it out consistently and in front of others. Peter knew that Jesus was the Christ, yet he denied him three times because his faith in that knowledge was not yet strong enough.
We are not saved as a church. We are saved as individuals. It takes enormous personal effort in living the commandments, not just obeying them; so that we can come to believe what we know to be true.
Moroni 7:8
For behold, if a man being evil giveth a gift, he doeth it grudgingly; wherefore it is counted unto him the same as if he had retained the gift; wherefore he is counted evil before God.
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