What you want determines what you seek. What you seek determines what you find. What you find determines what you will become. A key theme of the Savior's Sermon on the Mount is the importance of prioritizing eternal treasures and avoiding distractions.
Founded Upon a Rock
Both the Savior and Helaman taught us to build our lives on a solid foundation. We will all experience storms, but if we our foundation is securely connected to Jesus Christ, we will be better positioned to withstand them.
“Seek, and Ye Shall Find”
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught that the Savior's statement, "Seek, and ye shall find," is more than a promise. It is a statement of fact. We rarely find things that we aren't looking for. If we want to experience joy, we need to look for it, every day.
Springless Bows and the Blame Game
Nephi's brothers blamed him for breaking his bow, but their own bows had previously "lost their springs." Blaming and complaining may have come naturally, but they were not helpful. We need to override those thought patterns and engage in positive action.
“I Stand at the Door and Knock”
Jesus said, "Knock, and it shall be opened to you." In the book of Revelation, John takes this promise one step further: Jesus is knocking on our door. He is not only willing to answer us, He is already speaking to us. Even before we ask, we can listen.
James and the Sermon on the Mount
At least 14 times in his epistle, James teaches principles found in the Sermon on the Mount. He never quotes from the sermon, but its influence is unmistakeable. He internalized the word of God and was therefore able to share it naturally and spontaneously.
Ask Not Amiss
Jesus promised that our prayers will be answered. James added a caution: we need to pray with the right motives. Bishop Keith B. McMullin taught that the Spirit can help us understand what to ask for, so that our prayers can be aligned with God's will.
Vain Jangling – Part 2
One reason to avoid speculative topics is because they often lead to conflict. Sincere questions are good, but controversial questions can provoke unnecessary and unproductive disputes. Stay on solid ground by avoiding frivolous topics.
That Rock Was Christ
We expect rocks to be solid, reliable, and strong. We don't expect them to quench our thirst. But the Savior provides both a firm foundation and "living water." That's why a rock which produces water is a meaningful symbol of Jesus.
His Offspring
We are all children of God. We have not only a divine heritage but also a divine potential. An awareness of that fact can give us confidence as we navigate the challenges of life, confidence that our Heavenly Father loves us and wants to bless us.