Monday, February 20, 2017

Alma 28:13-14 -- On Inequality and Joy

"And thus we see how great the inequality of man is because of sin and transgression, and the power of the devil, which comes by the cunning plans which he hath devised to ensnare the hearts of men.
And thus we see the great call of diligence of men to labor in the vineyards of the Lord; and thus we see the great reason of sorrow, and also of rejoicing—sorrow because of death and destruction among men, and joy because of the light of Christ unto life."
Alma 28:13-14


I like this idea that inequality is the result of sin and transgression.  I think that offers us hope, that as we live better, keeping the commandments and working on doing as God asks, that we will get closer and closer to equality in the world, helping each other and lifting each other up.  ... And let's be careful not to interpret this in a bad way.  God isn't saying poor or powerless people are sinners and rich and powerful people are righteous.  That's just not true, and believing things like that contributes to the problem.  Instead, God is saying that as we accept each other as equals, regardless of wealth or power, and recognize that we all have strengths and weaknesses, we can learn from other people in the areas where they are strong, and they might be able to learn from us when our strengths match their weaknesses.

Today, let's not let the devil ensnare our hearts and encourage or justify inequality.  Let's jump in and help in the Lord's vineyard.  Let's see the sorrow in death and destruction, but work with everything we have for the joy and the light and the life that Christ offers us.  Let's let go of our biases and generalizations, and let's really see each other as children of God... all with that magnificent eternal potential that God has given to us all.  Let's see the good in each other and find the joy in friendship and equality. :)

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