MIGHTY CHANGE OF HEART

One of the residual gifts which comes from spending one’s life as a people watcher is that it opens some understanding about common passages we all traverse during our lives. I was reading in the 13th chapter of Mosiah where Abinadi was trying with what turned out to be a singular success to convince the Priest’s of Noah the difference between a religion based on performance and one based on becoming a new creature in Christ.

Now that I have once again demonstrated the looseness of my thought patterns, let me attempt to bring some clarity to the connection between the two sentences in my introductory paragraph.

I have observed that most of us spend a good portion of our lives conforming our actions to the boundaries which have been created by various authorities in our lives.

In the beginning of our journey these boundaries are made up of familial traditions passed on to children because of the parent tapes playing in their mother’s or father’s heads.

When we leave the confines of our home and are exposed to the physical, emotional and philosophical fences of school yards, we dramatically come to the realization that some of those home environment rules of conduct are not completely shared by those coming from other homes, nor from those who are designated as teachers or administrators. Many times we are left to practice one set of rules at school and another set at home.

Even when we enter the chambers of worship we find a divergence of value our peers and leaders place on various aspects of the religious experience. Far too many of us now find the practice of conditional behavior expanded into three distinct areas.

As we venture into the work-a-day world it becomes apparent that behavioral expectations whether written or unwritten often vary significantly from what we previously believed to be acceptable behavior. I think you understand by now this will mean we are constantly adjusting our actions to be appropriate to whatever arenas in which we find ourselves confined.

There comes a time when it should not surprise us to be involved in so many different situations with innumerable different rules and regulations that because of confusion and constant adaptations we find ourselves committing embarrassing mistakes.

Although it seems like he was only able to convince one Priest of Noah, a man named Alma, of the principle, Abinadi knew and taught that salvation could not come by adhering to a set of laws and statues. He taught them that in spite of all their strictly abiding by statues and performances they could never gain salvation without the Atonement of Jesus the Christ.

I am well aware that without the Atonement of Jesus the Christ all the purposes of existence would be meaningless, but I also believe that just as trying to conform to all of the norms of the societal groups in which we find ourselves ultimately will cause most of us to throw our hands in the air and exclaim, forget about trying to please all people in all places, and turn inwardly to discover a way of behaving which makes us feel peaceful, comfortable and calm. Pure religion, besides being totally dependent on the Grace and Mercy of God, ultimately comes upon one when they experience a mighty change of heart. (Alma 5:11-14)

Abinadi did not diminish the need for the Law of Moses to be a schoolmaster which leads us to the good news the Savior would teach, but he well understood that if we abide by the expectations of the outward ordinances alone the inner vessel could never be made clean. We must go beyond being doer’s of the word and become the word.

The scripture make it abundantly clear the heart is a symbol of the traditional center from which all goodness proceeds. It also becomes apparent that if our heart is not right our actions will count as naught. (Joseph Smith – History 19)

When Paul wrote his second epistle to the Corinthians it seems they had fallen into the trap of believing that if they lived within the fences of the Law of Moses that salvation was assured. In the third chapter of that book we find him saying that the laws written upon stone could not bring salvation, but they must be written upon the fleshy parts of the heart, and that if that we tried to live correctly by the performance of law alone we would find our eyes covered with a veil which would hide understanding.

Most of us sooner or later find we fall far short of happiness by trying to practice perfect performance of the variety of situational societal expectations and only discover true living when we follow the comforting whisperings of the Holy Spirit as he communes with our heart. There should come a time for all of us when the fences put around us in our homes, school yards, cathedrals and work places must yield to the conversion which happens when we experience that mighty change in our hearts.

The more I ponder upon the principles of performance of laws and that of having a mighty change of heart, I become more convinced that performance may never lead to having a pure heart, but having a pure heart will cause us to correctly perform.

A few verses to ponder in connection with this Thought for a Sabbath day.

3 Nephi 12: 8 And blessed are all the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

3 Nephi 13: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Luke 8: 15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

Luke 24: 32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

Romans 8: 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

1 Peter 3: 3, 4 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.


THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY

EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Doing something different – does not always make it – unique – or – better!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Traditions – which are based on meaningful events – never grow tiresome – even from frequent repetition!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF MY 9TH DECADE OF MORTALITY!!

Blink!
And the carefree decade of your infancy, toddler and youth evaporates
Blink!
And the troubled decade of your teens vanishes
Blink!
And the hopeful decade of your twenty’s disappears
Blink!
And the training decade of your thirty’s dissipates
Blink!
And the productive decade of the forty’s is gone
Blink!
And the fruitful decade of your fifty’s withdraws
Blink!
And the secure decade of your sixty’s retires
Blink!
And the resourceful decade of your seventy’s withdraws
Blink!
And the fading decade of your eighty’s expires

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

With all the advancements – we witness in the world – during our lives – we seem to be standing still – and - even at times retrogressing – when it come to increasing – in love for one another – and – living together in peace!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

The world would be a lot more peaceful – if everyone could learn to handle disappointment – in less dramatic ways!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

It seems ludicrous – that of all the reasons – we may have in our lives – which cause divisions among us – but – the wishing of happiness – for days of Religious Holy Days – seems the most ridiculous!!

BRINGER OF GOOD TIDINGS – PUBLISHER OF PEACE – PUBLISHER OF SALVATION

During the trials of Abinadi before the wicked King Noah we may find for the first time that Zeniff must have taken some record of the scriptures with him when he departed the Land of Nephi and returned to the land of their original inheritance, because one of the priests of Noah quotes verses which could have only come from the Brass Plates of Laban as he interrogates the prophet.

And it came to pass that one of them said unto him: What meaneth the words which are written, and which have been taught by our fathers, saying: (Mosiah 12: 20)

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings; that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good; that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth; Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing; for they shall see eye to eye when the Lord shall bring again Zion; Break forth into joy; sing together ye waste places of Jerusalem; for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem; (Mosiah 12: 21-23 and Isaiah 52: 7-10)

The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God? (Mosiah 12 :24 and Isaiah 33: 2)

In his no holds barred sermon Abinadi rebukes the Priests of Noah and gives some solemn counsel to those who would ever be involved in the calling of being a publisher of the Lord’s word.

In order to avoid perverting the way of the Lord we must first have understanding before we attempt to teach.

We must apply our hearts (have desire) to gain understanding.

Only though having the spirit of prophesy will we gain understanding.

Only after gaining wisdom through understanding are we able to teach correctly.

No matter how much preparation we had done, it would be impossible to teach; as a bringer of good tidings, as a publisher of peace or as a publisher of salvation, if we are not truthfully living the principle we are attempting to teach.

I suspect appropriate one word summations of my life could include such words as a son, disciple (of Christ), husband, father and fan (sport), but if the aggregate of non-sleeping hours were used to determine the most appropriate one word descriptor it would be teacher.

My formal teaching experiences started when I became my father’s Home Teaching companion at the age of 12. My first calling as a teacher came at the age of 17 when I was given the assignment to teach the 13, 14 year old youth in Sunday School. After the age of 19 the hours I spent teaching each day seldom dipped below 4 and usually exceeded 10, publishing salvation. After retirement from being a professional publisher of peace my daily hourly dedication to publishing good tidings declined to between 4 and 6 hours a day.

I suspect it would be impossible to have had even the least degree of activity with the Priesthood organizations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints without having read or been taught the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood as found in Section 84 of the Doctrine and Covenants verses 33-41. To one degree or another I believe all who have had this experience are affected by having been introduced to those obligatory phrases with the accompanying promised blessings.

And yet, only as I was reading the 12th chapter of Mosiah in preparation for this Thought was I struck with the profoundness of Abinadi’s words, which could easily be used as an oath and covenant of one who would bring good tiding, a publisher of peach and a publisher of salvation.

I add a few scriptures to ponder, which could add to Abinadi’s words:

But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. (Matthew 10: 19, 20)

And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say. (Luke 12: 11, 12)

And now I, Nephi, cannot write all the things which were taught among my people; neither am I mighty in writing, like unto speaking; for when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men. (2 Nephi 33: 1)

And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore, by laboring with our might their blood might not come upon our garments; otherwise their blood would come upon our garments, and we would not be found spotless at the last day. (Jacob 1:19)

As I conclude this Thought for a Sabbath Day I am profoundly struck with the understanding that of all the talents and attributes a teacher must have in order to be a bringer of good tidings, a publisher of peace and a publisher of salvation, it is that of being in tune with what Abinadi identifies as the Spirit of Prophesy and is called elsewhere in scripture the Holy Ghost.


THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY

EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

The longer we live – the more we will probably understand – the importance of everything being done in its season – and – making sure we enjoy those seasons – to the fullest – during their appropriate times in our lives!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Making choices between – good – better – and – best – may be a formula – which will aid in preparing one for living – in this world during its Millennial Era – since in that era – there will be no good versus evil choices!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

For those who have attempted – to tread the gospel path long enough – and – far enough – that the battle against evil is more – or – less behind them – will find themselves being abundantly tested – in making choices between – good – better – and – best!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Since none of us are totally righteous – or – in the words of the scriptures – ‘no not one’ – it stands to reason – the true standard of righteousness – must come from a Higher Source!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

People like nails – which stand out from the place they were meant to be – eventually get knocked down – and – put back in their proper place!!

AGENCY – RESPONSIBILITY - ACCOUNTABILITY

Having read and reread the Record of Zeniff found in the Book of Mosiah in The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ, I should not be surprised that my most recent reading, just as with each previous reading I once again had several questions arise, which, if not thoroughly pondered seem contradictory to one another.

Is it not true that each individual is responsible for and accountable for how they use their agency?

Is it not true that the environment in which one lives has a great influence on the choices one makes?

Is it not true that leaders and governments often have control over the choices citizens can make?

In the Record of Zeniff the following responsibility and accountability resulting from the use of agency is placed upon:

The desires of ones own heart! (Mosiah 11: 2)

Kings and priests! (Mosiah 11: 4-14, 19)

Influences of the land we inherit or choose to live in! (Mosiah 9)

Examining the main characters in these chapters seems to begin to clarify how much either parents, governments, communities or individuals are accountable and responsible for decisions being made.

Zeniff remains faithful to the Lord until his death and his people generally have a tendency to lean toward obedience.

The son of Zeniff, Noah, having grown up under the influence of goodly parents, lets wickedness rule his every choice and he rules over others wickedly.

Abinadi comes out of the wicked society which evolved under Noah and becomes such a righteous prophet that he is able to make the choice to give up his life rather than bow to the forces of evil.

Alma, who although being totally involved in Noah’s courts as one of his false priests, abandons all and becomes one of the greatest Publishers of Peace in the history of mankind.

Limhi, the son of Noah, choses to throw off all of the wicked influences of his father and leads his people back to the paths of righteousness.

Even though a quick judgement which comes when reviewing these significant characters might lead us to believe that outside influences have little or nothing to do with our personal accountability and responsibility for the choices we make, we cannot ignore the advantage or disadvantage one might have in making righteous choices because they have been blessed to be surrounded by righteous influences.

We have discussed in previous Thoughts how the Atoning Grace of the Lord covers the wrong choices of those whose circumstances leave them ignorant or who are in a state of innocence when making choices, but as for the rest of us we might be covered by our propensity to follow or ignore the Light of Christ.

Light of Christ (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints English Standard Works - Bible Dictionary – Page 275)

The phrase “light of Christ” does not appear in the Bible, although the principles that apply to it are frequently mentioned therein. The precise phrase is found in Alma 28:14, Moro. 7:18, and D&C 88:7. Biblical phrases that are sometimes synonymous to the term “light of Christ” are “spirit of the Lord” and “light of life” (see, for example, John 1:4; 8:12). The “spirit of the Lord,” however, sometimes is used with reference to the Holy Ghost and so must not be taken in every case as having reference to the light of Christ.

The light of Christ is just what the words imply: enlightenment, knowledge, and an uplifting, ennobling, persevering influence that comes upon mankind because of Jesus Christ. For instance, Christ is “the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (D&C 93:2; see John 1:9). The light of Christ fills the “immensity of space” and is the means by which Christ is able to be “in all things, and is through all things, and is round about all things.” It “giveth life to all things” and is “the law by which all things are governed.” It is also “the light that quickeneth” man’s understanding (see D&C 88:6–13, 41). In this manner, the light of Christ is related to man’s conscience and tells him right from wrong (Moro. 7:12–19).

We don’t have to spend very much time pondering from this point forward before we come to the realization, that except for extraordinary circumstances in which some may be born we all have been given a gift to help us make good decisions. It likewise seems that because of the gift of agency we also have the ability to diminish this light and even extinguish it.

We should all be grateful our Heavenly Father has made the Light of Christ a part of our birth process, but we must also beware that we don’t ignore this blessing and allow outside influences to dominate the use of our agency.

I have become satisfied within my own mind that responsibility and accountability reside upon the ruler of every realm of existence.

Every individual is accountable and responsible for every decision they make.

Every person who governs over or has responsibility for another is responsible for the way they minister their stewardships.

Only the Savior had sufficient power, grace and love to be able to bear the burdens of the choices others make.

Heaven is full of days which will provide each of us with opportunity to make choices influenced by the Light of Christ.

I feel that only good can come from spending some time pondering our personal use of Agency and our corresponding accountability and responsibility.


THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY

EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Since I enjoy being with happy – and – positive people – and – since I am always with myself – it will be beneficial if I am a happy – and positive person!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

We should learn to enjoy who we are – since we will spend far more time – with this person – than anyone else – during our lives!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

We must remember – although we take – and – pass many tests in life – there awaits one big final exam – for each of us!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Maybe I walk alone – but – I suspect the world would be a calmer – and – more peaceful place – if there were more baritones – and – fewer metro sopranos – if there were more harp musicians – and – fewer guitar players – if orchestras had more French horn players – and fewer trumpeters – and – if the cello section were larger than the violin section!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

I doubt any of us were prepared – for our own birthing process – which should have been a warning – and – a lesson for us – of what was going to come in life – even though we would be going through many tight situations – we would get through them – and – the outcome would be wonderful!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

I don’t understand – what possesses mothers – to think – that spit – is a cleaning agent??

BEGINNING OUR QUEST

As the celebration of the end of my 8th decade of mortality rapidly approaches I find it takes only small indicators to get me reviewing my life. This week as I was reading some of the words which Limhi shared with Ammon from the Record of Zeniff in the tenth chapter of Mosiah my mind started reviewing how with the passing of the years the way I had perceived reality and truth had shifted and changed.

As a toddler – which I recall now by observing my great grandchildren – I must have viewed the world and all its inhabitants as sources for my life’s sustenance, comfort and happiness!

As a youth – I found it expedient to accept what those who were older and wiser said with a shallow OK – and then just went forth living the life my friends and I found enjoyable!

As a teenager – I spent a lot of time in a state of confusion – because what I heard at home – what I heard at church – what I heard on the news – what I heard spending time with my peers – seldom fit into one box of reality – and one truth was usually contradictory to other sets of truth!

As a young adult – My life was centered in the fundamental truths taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints – and I found great comfort in attempting to explain to others these fundamental understandings of the Plan of Happiness!

As the next couple of decades passed – I went through a phase which I will facetiously call – the period of absolute knowledge – for example – I knew with assuredness that the second coming was near – time passed – adjustments were made!

A calming period of shortening the list of what I knew to be absolute – I have a Father in Heaven – sincere prayerful communication is possible – of all we do in life there is nothing more important than loving one another!

As a wizened person – What we believe to be true is probably a product of the culture we were born into – what we believe to be absolute is but a pittance of Omniscience – most of what we base our beliefs on are products of hope and faith and seldom fall into the category of knowledge!

The verses which started this review of my 8 decades of mortality are found in Mosiah 10: 12, 13. It is amazing to view the gulf between the perceived realities and truths of the Lamanites verses the Nephites as described by Zeniff.

The Lamanites – were a wild, and ferocious, and a blood-thirsty people, believing in the tradition of their fathers, which is this—Believing that they were driven out of the land of Jerusalem because of the iniquities of their fathers, and that they were wronged in the wilderness by their brethren, and they were also wronged while crossing the sea; and again, that they were wronged while in the land of their first inheritance, after they had crossed the sea.

The Nephites – Because Nephi was more faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord—therefore he was favored of the Lord, for the Lord heard his prayers and answered them, and he took the lead of their journey in the wilderness.

Zeniff spends many more verses describing how he views the wrongness of the Lamanite interpretation of truth and defending the Nephite understanding of truth.

It only takes a tiny bit of open mindedness to come to the understanding that people in our day establish their beliefs in different truths depending on what network they watch their news on, the predominant political views espoused by the majority of those they are surrounded by in their current residence, along with a plethora of other influences which tend to sway our belief systems.

To conclude this sabbath day I offer the following scriptures to ponder as you consider where you are in your life concerning those ideas you consider to be absolutely true.

Proverbs 3: 5-7: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.
Doctrine and Covenants 5: 21: And now I command you, my servant Joseph, to repent and walk more uprightly before me, and to yield to the persuasions of men no more…

Romans 1: 16–25: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

Moroni 10: 3-5: Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

Doctrine and Covenants 93: 24-31: And truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come; And whatsoever is more or less than this is the spirit of that wicked one who was a liar from the beginning. The Spirit of truth is of God. I am the Spirit of truth, and John bore record of me, saying: He received a fulness of truth, yea, even of all truth; And no man receiveth a fulness unless he keepeth his commandments. He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.

Man was also in the beginning with God. Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be. All truth is independent in that sphere in which God has placed it, to act for itself, as all intelligence also; otherwise there is no existence.

Behold, here is the agency of man, and here is the condemnation of man; because that which was from the beginning is plainly manifest unto them, and they receive not the light.

At this beginning point on my eternal journey I feel comfortable that there are a few teachings which I have gained an assurance of their truthfulness, I am secure that what I know as absolute truth is a small fraction of the knowledge of my Heavenly Father, I know that I have been given sufficient understanding to complete the purposes of this phase of my existence, the Holy Spirit has blessed me with the absoluteness of knowing the completeness of the mercy and love attending the Atonement of the Lord Jesus the Christ will with His grace overcome the deficiencies which are inherent in living in this Telestial environment.

May the Lord bless us to be content with the truth which has been given us and the desire continue in our quest to be added upon is my sincere prayer.


THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY

EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

It is interesting – that of all the phrases – ‘you guys’ – has become a non-gender – and – politically correct expression!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

If everyone were attracted to the same things in the world – clothing would be monotonous – food would lose its savor – and – the earth would wobble on its axis – because of the population bulge around the equator!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Sadly – we cannot choose – the parts of our character – others will judge us by!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

If little children – and – dogs – are good judges of character – their crying – and – barking – when you approach them – possibly could indicate – a personal character adjustment is needed!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

When a person tells you – that you remind them of someone – remember – their comment may not necessarily – be a reference to positive personality traits!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

In those long ago days – when I ran to my mother – sobbingly telling her that I had hurt myself doing whatever – her sympathetic counsel was often right on – and – even though I don’t do that anymore – I have learned her advice – still applies to many situations in my life!!

LIFE’S REFINERS

It didn’t take me very long in the earlier days of my life’s journey to realize there were many characteristics which seemed to come with my having gained a mortal body and mind, which were not necessarily all that wonderful. I doubt I have enough weeks left to write about all of the weaknesses which I have had to contend with during my life, so for this week I will just be revealing the two attributes of independence and competitiveness which to a certain degree can be a positive thing in our lives, but when they dominate relationships they most often result in dysfunctional interactions.

Once I became converted to the benefits associated with knowing that Heavenly Father blesses his struggling children with the privilege of being guided by those who have made the veil between Heaven and Earth so opaque that they could know the will of the Lord and make it known, It became apparent there was the need to change the characteristics which were counterproductive to relationships of love and harmony. Like Limhi (Mosiah 8: 17-20) I knew my life could be forever changed if I would diligently follow the Heavenly directions sent to their assistant refiners.

And Ammon said that a seer is a revelator and a prophet also; and a gift which is greater can no man have, except he should possess the power of God, which no man can; yet a man may have great power given him from God. But a seer can know of things which are past, and also of things which are to come, and by them shall all things be revealed, or, rather, shall secret things be made manifest, and hidden things shall come to light, and things which are not known shall be made known by them, and also things shall be made known by them which otherwise could not be known.

Thus God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty miracles; therefore he becometh a great benefit to his fellow beings.

And now, when Ammon had made an end of speaking these words the king rejoiced exceedingly, and gave thanks to God, saying: Doubtless a great mystery is contained within these plates, and these interpreters were doubtless prepared for the purpose of unfolding all such mysteries to the children of men. O how marvelous are the works of the Lord, and how long doth he suffer with his people; yea, and how blind and impenetrable are the understandings of the children of men; for they will not seek wisdom, neither do they desire that she should rule over them!

Through the prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord made it abundantly clear that interdependence is built into the very essence of Heavenly Father’s plan to bring about the changes necessary for us to inch toward becoming as He is.

But ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally; and that which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should do in all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me, considering the end of your salvation, doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving, that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men; for some are of men, and others of devils.

Wherefore, beware lest ye are deceived; and that ye may not be deceived seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given; For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon their lusts. And again, verily I say unto you, I would that ye should always remember, and always retain in your minds what those gifts are, that are given unto the church. For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby. (Doctrine and Covenants 46: 7-12)

As I continue to work to overcome my telestial need to retain independence, I am reminded of my grandfather Earnest Albert Law who in his 9th decade of life stated: ‘I suspect Heavenly Father is allowing me to continue to live to give me time to repent’. In my own case I think my conversion process to total interdependence will as Neal A. Maxwell said: ‘a work which will continue to need refining into the next stage of existence’.

In my personal life competitiveness usually contributed to negative relationships because it often manifested itself, as does pride, in many other negative attributes. Competition could be a springboard to anger. Competition could lead to belittling name calling. Competition often resulted in shunning and excluding others. I assure you I could add to this list of negatives relating to overzealous competitiveness, but I think you get the idea as to why in my life there was a great need for change.

The list of those who have contributed to my meager progress away from competitiveness and towards cooperation is lengthy. Some were called teacher, some were called mentor, some were called leader, but they all contributed to redirecting my behavior away from the often destructive divisiveness which results from competition towards the more productive results which come from cooperation.

In the words of Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf delivered in General Conference in October of 2008 the principle is joyfully taught.

Some years ago in our meetinghouse in Darmstadt, Germany, a group of brethren was asked to move a grand piano from the chapel to the adjoining cultural hall, where it was needed for a musical event. None were professional movers, and the task of getting that gravity-friendly instrument through the chapel and into the cultural hall seemed nearly impossible. Everybody knew that this task required not only physical strength but also careful coordination. There were plenty of ideas, but not one could keep the piano balanced correctly. They repositioned the brethren by strength, height, and age over and over again—nothing worked.

As they stood around the piano, uncertain of what to do next, a good friend of mine, Brother Hanno Luschin, spoke up. He said, “Brethren, stand close together and lift where you stand.”

It seemed too simple. Nevertheless, each lifted where he stood, and the piano rose from the ground and moved into the cultural hall as if on its own power. That was the answer to the challenge. They merely needed to stand close together and lift where they stood.

In my own life those who were male teachers, mentors and leaders might be compared to the rough carpenters building houses, while the women teachers, mentors and leaders would better be characterized by viewing them as the finish carpenters who cover up all the mistakes and smooth the edges and beautify with tender touches.

I know there is yet a long way to go on the journey of perfection, but I will be forever grateful that there are those who have paid the price to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and thereby can help in stoking the fire of The Refiner.


THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY

EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

When celebrations – and – traditions – become stressful burdens – it is probably time – to reevaluate what we are doing!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

We should be grateful for those moments – that the creations of God – and – sometimes those of inspired men – live up to the advertised expectations – for example – the Grand Canyon – and - the Pyramids!!