God said that He wants us to be hot or cold, not lukewarm. Nephi warned that we shouldn't be "at ease in Zion." When we choose to participate in an activity, and especially in the gospel, we need to fully commit. We need to be all-in.
“They…Stopped Their Ears”
When Stephen told the Sanhedrin that he saw Jesus standing on the right hand of God, "they cried with a loud voice, and stopped their ears." It can be difficult to hear messages that require us to change, but if we refuse to listen, we fail to progress.
“All Things”
Jesus promised that the Holy Ghost would teach us all things. Nephi and Moroni taught the same. What does that mean? 1. He is omniscient. 2. He can lead us to the next bit of knowledge we need. 3. He can help us in all aspects of our lives on any subject.
Burying My Talent
Loss aversion is the tendency to prioritize what we already have over what we can achieve. The unwise servant in the Parable of the Talents fell into this trap, missing opportunities to expand his resources because he was unwilling to take risks.
Veritas Liberabit Vos
Truth makes us free for at least two reasons. First, when we don't acknowledge our sins, we are unable to overcome them. Second, increased knowledge brings increased power. God wants to give us more knowledge, so that we can be more free.
The Mouths of Babes
Children can be more receptive to spiritual learning than adults for at least three reasons: 1. They are less self-conscious. 2. They are more aware of their vulnerability. 3. They have a natural curiosity. We can emulate children as we seek revelation.
The Desire of All Nations
Speaking on behalf of the Lord, Haggai prophesied: Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts. Haggai 2:6-7 In the King James... Continue Reading →
At Ease in Zion
Amos decried the complacency he saw among the inhabitants of Israel. Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came! Amos 6:1 He went on to describe them lying on beds of ivory, eating, drinking, and using expensive ointments, but not... Continue Reading →
Joseph, Daniel, and Nephi: Dream-Interpreters
Not all dreams are revelations from God, but some are. Joseph was a dreamer, and he clearly believed that some of his dreams were messages from God. (See Genesis 37:5-11.) Perhaps because of that experience, he was attuned to the dreams of others, and he was able to interpret the cryptic dreams of Pharaoh's chief... Continue Reading →
God Gave Them Knowledge
It's tempting to think of physical health, mental/emotional health, and spiritual health as separate categories of well-being, with separate practices required to maintain each. But we know it's not that simple. All of those categories of health are interconnected. For example, it may be impossible to hear the voice of the Spirit, which speaks to... Continue Reading →