Trials and Tribulations

Most of us have experienced some type of heartache and grief.  It is part of the mortal experience and trial of our faith. One of the things that has best helped me through those days, weeks and even years of trial is truth; truth based-upon solid doctrine.

A favorite quote of mine is from Elder Orson F. Whitney who said: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. … All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.”

That understanding has strengthened me to put my trust in God and endure more faithfully.

Lead Clean Lives

In this day of evil and wickedness it's not always easy to tell which things are right and which things are wrong.  Without the guidance of the Holy Spirit - we might flounder even more.

The gift of the Spirit is of the greatest value.  As we seek to fill our lives and home with things that are worthy - the Spirit will guide us at to what to remove and what to keep.

President Benson stated: "Our...people must lead clean lives -- clean in their actions, clean in their thoughts."  He also reminded us that "The Book of Mormon declares that 'every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God." And 'whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil."

Higher Standards

For many years I've been concerned about those in the church who buy into the standards of the world.  As a long-time lover of President Benson and his straight-forward teachings I share the following messages about things of good report.

"Youth leaders, are you holding aloft our standards, or have you compromised them for the lowest common denominator in order to appease the deceived or vile within the Church?  Are the dances and music in your cultural halls virtuous, lovely, praiseworthy, and of good report (Article of Faith 13), or do they represent a modern Sodom with short skirts, loud beat, strobe lights, and darkness?

"Promote only good literature and music in the home.  Introduce your children to the best in art, music, literature, and entertainment." 

"....our young people should not enter into any activity if there is any doubt as to its propriety.  If you are living right, you will have the prompting of the Spirit which will tell you whether it is right or wrong.  Do not fail to heed that prompting, as I hope you will heed the counsel of your own parents and your leaders.