The Parable of Wheat and the Tares teaches that God doesn't right every wrong immediately. We can flourish even when surrounded by negative influences by studying the Savior, making covenants with Him, and safeguarding the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Letting Things Go
A major part of discipleship is letting things go. Jesus told his apostles what not to pack, how not to plan for speeches, and how to move on when treated badly. The principle is simple: find joy by focusing on the most important things.
In My Flesh
"If a man die, shall he live again?" asked Job. There is more than a hint of doubt in the question, especially in light of the gloomy content which precedes it, but he immediately follows up with a statement of hope: "All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come"... Continue Reading →
In Paradise
One of the thieves who was crucified with the Savior made a desperate final request: "Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom." In response, Jesus promised, "To day shalt thou be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:42-43). The Greek word paradeisos (παράδεισος) in that passage comes from two Persian roots: pairi- "around" and diz "to make,... Continue Reading →
Why?
When God showed Moses the earth and its inhabitants, Moses replied with a question: Tell me, I pray thee, why these things are so, and by what thou madest them?Moses 1:30 In response, God explained that this earth was created by His Only Begotten Son, that it is one of many worlds which He has... Continue Reading →
“My Opinion”
As Alma counseled his wayward son Corianton, he discussed the doctrine of the resurrection, a topic that had confused and troubled Corianton (Alma 40:1). In this sermon to his son, Alma explores the boundaries of his knowledge about the topic. He says, "There are many mysteries which are kept, that no one knoweth them save God himself. But... Continue Reading →
“I Know” / “I Know Not”
Recognizing the boundaries of our knowledge is an important element of self-awareness and a prerequisite to wise decision-making. Nephi opens the Book of Mormon with a testimony of its truthfulness: I know that the record which I make is true; and I make it with mine own hand; and I make it according to my knowledge.1... Continue Reading →
Paradise
As He hung on the cross, the Savior spoke words of compassion to a man being crucified beside him: "Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43). The Greek word paradeisos (παράδεισος) comes from an ancient Persian word for a garden or a park. It specifically refers... Continue Reading →
“It Mattereth Not”
The heavenly messenger who appeared to Joseph Smith as he went to procure wine for the sacrament taught him an important principle: We can completely miss the most important aspects of our experiences when we are focused on less-important details. Quoting Jesus Christ, the messenger said: It mattereth not what ye shall eat or what ye shall... Continue Reading →
“I Will Explain” – Alma 41:1, Alma 42:2
Corianton had done wrong. He had not only committed a serious sin, but had done so while representing the church as a missionary under the leadership of his father, Alma. His actions had embarrassed his father and had weakened the credibility of his fellow missionaries (Alma 39:1-12). As you might expect, Alma reproved his son.... Continue Reading →
Book of Mormon Study Notes 