RELATIONSHIPS

When music is added to words there seems to be a magnification of meaning on the subject matter and an increased impact upon the listener. This may well be the reason King David chose to dramatize his thoughts by adding harp and pipe to his words and put them forth in Psalms rather that lectures. We can easily understand why Alma the son of Alma coveted the tongues of angels as an aid to proclaim the gospel to all the world.

Having never had the advantage of musical talent I have had to be content with reliance upon subject matter to put import upon my thoughts. As life’s experiences have multiplied, one subject has become increasingly important and has convinced me, that of all we do in life, our relationships will weigh heaviest upon the scales of justice.

David sang:
The wicked person is one who in his pride persecutes the poor, whose mouth is full of cursing, deceit and fraud. Who sits lurking in places to destroy the innocent.
The righteous is one who prevails over their tongue, who backbiteth not, who taketh up no reproach against their neighbor.

John, the apostle called beloved taught:
The ability to love God whom we have not seen is dependent upon our ability to love our neighbor whom we have seen. One professing to love God while continuing to hate his neighbor is a liar and the truth is not in him.

James, one of the sons of thunder indicates:
There is a strong relationship between the way I speak to my mortal brother and my ability to communicate with Deity in prayer.

Benjamin, the servant king demonstrated:
True service to God can only be accomplished through service to our fellow beings.

Even a brief searching of the scriptures leaves us with little doubt. That much of the degree of the quality of life we will eventually enjoy in our post-mortal existence will be determined by how we conduct our relationships with our fellow sojourners during our time on earth. Our level of worthiness may be determined less by the breaking or enshrining of the commandments written on tablets of stone and more by the words which have caused our neighbor’s heart to swell with joy and comfort.

The Lord’s cautioning words about not thinking on the morrow and what it might bring, while making sure we make this day sufficient unto itself, gives us realization that our eternalness will be no more than an eternal extension of our daily walk. The words I speak, the songs I sing, the thoughts I think, the things I do are but today’s steps upon my eternal path.

Boyd K. Packer said that when he begins his day, he petitions the Lord to aid him in being sensitive as he contacts individuals that he might come to know their needs and be made aware of how he might be able to serve and edify them.

Can we imagine the wonderful transformation which would take place in our relationships if each of us were to approach our day with this prayer in our hearts and then go forth resolutely striving to fulfill the desires of our prayer?

I don’t have to wait. It matters little whether another single soul strives to make their neighbor’s life better today. I am convinced that if I choose to live my life trying to have relationships which edify, build and bring joy to others, wickedness will lessen and a little righteousness will stand in its stead.

If a universal prayer existed I suspect that it would include the human family adding their petitions to Elder Packer’s; that we would be driven by this magnificent obsession to place our feet upon the pathway to ultimate joy, that songs of kindness might take root in more and more hearts, begin to swell in souls, transforming attitudes and actions, that mankind unconditionally begins to interact in a real loving, caring, compassionate way to all our neighbors.