"My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body."
James 3:1-2
The Joseph Smith Translation for the first verse says "strive not for the mastery." ... Still kind of confusing when I read it this morning. What does that mean? I don't know for sure, but here is my take on it. Maybe it means that we shouldn't seek out high positions... not "lust for power" and that sort of thing, because having more responsibility means more condemnation when we screw up... as we all do, noted in the next verse. We all offend, in many things. We're not perfect, and we've got plenty to work on... so maybe we don't fight our way to the top... we try to solve problems where we are. Not to say that we should walk away from any calling at all, because if God gives us something to do... inside *or* outside the church... that is what we should go and do. We just don't need to be better than everyone else... plus, if we let go of the competitiveness and the hunger for power, we'll be a LOT more satisfied with wherever God wants us to be, whether that is a "high" or a "low" position in the eyes of anyone else. If it is where God wants us to be, that is all that matters.
For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body."
James 3:1-2
The Joseph Smith Translation for the first verse says "strive not for the mastery." ... Still kind of confusing when I read it this morning. What does that mean? I don't know for sure, but here is my take on it. Maybe it means that we shouldn't seek out high positions... not "lust for power" and that sort of thing, because having more responsibility means more condemnation when we screw up... as we all do, noted in the next verse. We all offend, in many things. We're not perfect, and we've got plenty to work on... so maybe we don't fight our way to the top... we try to solve problems where we are. Not to say that we should walk away from any calling at all, because if God gives us something to do... inside *or* outside the church... that is what we should go and do. We just don't need to be better than everyone else... plus, if we let go of the competitiveness and the hunger for power, we'll be a LOT more satisfied with wherever God wants us to be, whether that is a "high" or a "low" position in the eyes of anyone else. If it is where God wants us to be, that is all that matters.
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