Choosing Peace
Elder Richard G. Scott has spoken clearly and beautifully about how we may choose a better quality life, with these words:
“You have a choice. You can wring your hands and be consumed with concern for the future or choose to use the counsel the Lord has given to live with peace and happiness in a world awash with evil….. We cannot dry up the mounting river of evil influences, for they result from the exercise of moral agency divinely granted by our Father. But we can and must, with clarity, warn of the consequences of getting close to its enticing, destructive current.
Now on the brighter side. Despite pockets of evil, the world overall is majestically beautiful, filled with good and sincere people. God has provided a way to live in this world and not be contaminated by the degrading pressures evil agents spread throughout it. You can live a virtuous, productive, righteous life by following the plan of protection created by your Father in Heaven: His plan of happiness.” (“How to Live Well Amid Increasing Evil”, Ensign magazine, May 2004).
When I read this this morning, it reaffirmed what I have been feeling as we watch our world collapse around us with Iran, North Korea, our economy, our society and it's values. I find it interesting to watch as it keeps reminding me of the prophecies that are being fulfilled. Is it any surprise all of this is happening? Even, the hearts of men will grow cold, I take that for one another as well. Are we not watching this? Are we not watching some of this among our own selves? I find myself even getting fed up. But What Elder Scott says is true, He has provided us with a plan, a way back through all of this muck by following His way. He is the life, the light! For that I am so grateful. I will try harder!
3 comments:
Deni, you're so right, its so easy to get caught up in all the negativity, but we mustn't. Our family has decided to literally "not participate in the recession". Instead of feeling scared and feeling worried and losing sleep like so many are, we are taking the opportunity to learn about the economy, identify financial opportunities, and pay off debt. The blessings that have come our way in this time are undeniable. I think our attitudes have alot do with A: receiving the blessings, and B: being able to acknowledge the blessings and give thanks for them. Its such an interesting time to be alive, isn't it?
This is a wonderful passage. I really feel like it comes down to accepting the Savior, and realizing we will have trials, but knowing that if we hang on and keep the faith and the commandments, we will be on the right side in the end. The peace that brings--knowing you're on the right side--is priceless.
Personally, I'm a huge hand-wringer. I try to remind myself that God doesn't want me to sit around and worry.
Good stuff.
For instance, there's no reason to wring one's hands over the fact her daughter is moving several states away... for instance. ;)
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