"And verily I say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better."
Doctrine and Covenants 25:10
This is a verse directed to Emma Smith, and it is a good one for us all to keep in mind. We often get so caught up in the things that are right in front of us that we forget about what comes after. And of course that doesn't mean that we should ignore people or our earthly responsibilities, but that we have to lay them aside as our top priorities and get our priorities and our perspective straight. And sometimes that means letting some things go, and sometimes that means shuffling our priorities, but the focus here is to work for a better world rather than investing everything in this one.
What does that mean? Well, I think it means that we shouldn't give up on our ideals, or just do things the way they have always been done just because "that's the way it is." Realism doesn't have to crush us, because God knows that we can make things better, and part of believing him means believing his promises, and even believing in ourselves, because he promises us that we can be more than we are, and that we can turn our weaknesses into strengths. Significantly, other people can also be more than they are, with God's help. Instead of condemning or giving up on people, we can hope for them, and work to make their lives better as well.
Later in the chapter God tells us: "Keep my commandments continually, and a crown of righteousness thou shalt receive. And except thou do this, where I am you cannot come." This is also an important thing to remember because as we learn to love God and live the gospel, we want more and more to be able to be with him... to achieve heaven, and live among Zion-type people. We can't get there if we aren't seeking it and working for it. Today, let's lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better.
Doctrine and Covenants 25:10
This is a verse directed to Emma Smith, and it is a good one for us all to keep in mind. We often get so caught up in the things that are right in front of us that we forget about what comes after. And of course that doesn't mean that we should ignore people or our earthly responsibilities, but that we have to lay them aside as our top priorities and get our priorities and our perspective straight. And sometimes that means letting some things go, and sometimes that means shuffling our priorities, but the focus here is to work for a better world rather than investing everything in this one.
What does that mean? Well, I think it means that we shouldn't give up on our ideals, or just do things the way they have always been done just because "that's the way it is." Realism doesn't have to crush us, because God knows that we can make things better, and part of believing him means believing his promises, and even believing in ourselves, because he promises us that we can be more than we are, and that we can turn our weaknesses into strengths. Significantly, other people can also be more than they are, with God's help. Instead of condemning or giving up on people, we can hope for them, and work to make their lives better as well.
Later in the chapter God tells us: "Keep my commandments continually, and a crown of righteousness thou shalt receive. And except thou do this, where I am you cannot come." This is also an important thing to remember because as we learn to love God and live the gospel, we want more and more to be able to be with him... to achieve heaven, and live among Zion-type people. We can't get there if we aren't seeking it and working for it. Today, let's lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better.
This verse took on new meaning to me as I cleaned out everything left after my sister, and then my mother passed away. Earthly goods will be left behind to be discarded and eventually rot. Our character, intelligence and relationships will be carried with us into the next life.
ReplyDeleteGood point. Our attachments to earthly things aren't going to mean much in the end... an important aspect of seeking a better world. Thanks. :)
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