God wanted Enoch to expand his people's perspective. "Their eyes cannot see afar off," He observed. We can expand our perspective by studying the gospel, repenting, and developing Christlike attributes.
Spiritually Minded
Paul and Jacob both taught, "To be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life." President Dallin H. Oaks explained that we view the world through a lens. We interpret our experiences very differently depending on the lens we choose.
“What Great Things”
Knowing what the Lord has done for prior generations can help us in 3 ways: 1. It provides a foundation for our faith. 2. It helps us recognize that apparently small miracles may be larger than we realize. 3. It keeps us humble and grateful.
Think Celestial!
Paul urged the Colossians to prioritize heavenly goals over earthly desires. This message is echoed in the teachings of Jesus and the Book of Mormon. President Russell M. Nelson has invited us to "think celestial," framing decisions in an eternal context.
Ages
Based on: Psalm 90 Core message: We have to expand our perspective, even beyond our own lifetime, if we want to understand God better. Related Book of Mormon passage: Moroni 10:3
Roots Deeply Planted
How did Esther find the strength to risk her life on behalf of her people? She found it partly by broadening her perspective, remembering that God had given her specific missions to perform. Mordecai reminded her that she was in a unique position to help: "Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as... Continue Reading →
“Behold the Seer”
MUSTAFA: Do you know what you would like this evening, sir?EGO: Yes, I think I do.... You know what I'm craving? A little perspective.Ratatouille (2007), screenplay by Brad Bird There was a lot to be unhappy about in the time of Enoch. Just six generations after the Fall of Adam and Eve, people had largely... Continue Reading →
Pyrrhic Victories
On the first day of an economics class that I took as an undergraduate at Brigham Young University, the professor, James Kearl, conducted a dollar auction, which is a game designed by Yale economist Martin Shubik. In the game, the auctioneer offers a dollar for sale at a starting bid of 5¢. The catch is... Continue Reading →
The Jaredite Generations
Thirty generations in fifteen chapters: in the Book of Ether, Moroni provides a sweeping history of the rise and fall of a civilization. At first glance, the book appears to be the story of the Jaredite people from the perspective of their kings. But upon closer consideration, it becomes clear that the narrative follows a... Continue Reading →
Supposing by Their Numbers to Overpower Teancum- Alma 52:21-24
21 And it came to pass that Moroni, having no hopes of meeting them upon fair grounds, therefore, he resolved upon a plan that he might decoy the Lamanites out of their strongholds. 22 Therefore he caused that Teancum should take a small number of men and march down near the seashore; and Moroni and... Continue Reading →