- The growth of the Church from its infancy to its present stature is phenomenal, and we have only scratched the surface.
- Each time we read the book we should probably ask ourselves: "Why did these writers choose these particular stories or events to include in the record? What value are they for us today?"
- Among the lessons we learn from the Book of Mormon are the cause and effect of war and under what conditions it is justified. It tells of evils and dangers of secret combinations, which are built up to get power and gain over the people. It tells of the reality of Satan and gives an indication of some of the methods he uses. It advises us on the proper use of wealth. It tells us of the plain and precious truths of the gospel and the reality and divinity of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice for all mankind. It informs us of the gathering of the house of Israel in the last days. It tells us of the purpose and principles of missionary work. It warns us against pride, indifference, procrastination, the dangers of false traditions, hypocrisy, and unchastity.
- The blessings of the scriptures are far more valuable than property and other worldly things. Pursuing the things of the world can sometimes give us momentary pleasures but not lasting joy and happiness. When we seek after the things of the Spirit, the rewards are eternal and will bring us the satisfaction we seek through this mortal experience.
- It is true that in this life we are only as free as our mortal circumstances allow. We may not be able to stay the course of war in distant lands or with our puny arm hold back the tempests that rage or run freely when our body is imprisoned by failing health. But it is verily true that such things do not ultimately control our personal world. We do!
- "The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
- "Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
- "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."
- "Your body is God's sacred creation. Respect it as a gift from God, and do not defile it in any way.
- Modesty is more than a matter of avoiding revealing attire. It describes not only the altitude of hemlines and necklines but the attitude of our hearts. The word modesty means "measured." It is related to moderate. It implies "decency, and propriety ... in thought, language, dress, and behavior."
- Happiness comes from accepting the bodies we have been given as divine gifts and enhancing our natural attributes, not from remaking our bodies after the image of the world. The Lord wants us to be made over--but in His image, not in the image of the world, be receiving His image in our countenances.
- Since the days of Adam, the Lord has spoken to His prophets, and while His message differs according to the specific needs of the time, there is one consistent, never-changing theme: Depart from iniquity and journey to higher ground.
- The natural consequence that comes to those who depart from the way of the Lord is that they are left to their own strength. While in the heat of our success we might assume that our own strength is sufficient, those who rely upon the arm of the flesh soon discover how weak and unreliable it truly is.
- In our day we face a similar choice. We can foolishly ignore the prophets of God, depend on our own strength, and ultimately reap the consequences. Or we can wisely draw near to the Lord and partake of His blessings.
- Each choice has a consequence.
- Each consequence, a destination.
- Secularism is expanding in much of the world today. Secularism is defined as "indifference to or rejection or exclusion of religion and religious considerations." Secularism does not accept many things as absolutes. Its principal objectives are pleasure and self-interest. Often those who embrace secularism have a different look about them. As Isaiah observed, "The show of their countenance doth witness against them."
- The foremost of these absolutes is that there is a God who is the Father of our souls to whom we account for our actions.
- Second, that Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer.
- Third, that the great plan of happiness requires obedience to God's commandments.
- Fourth, that the greatest gift of God is eternal life.
- Once when President Brigham Young was asked why we are sometimes left alone and often sad, his response was the man has to learn to "act as an independent being ... to see what he will do ... and try his independency--to be righteous in the dark." That becomes easier to do when we see the "gospel glow ... radiating from ... illuminated individuals."
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!
-Sarnic Dirchi
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