Today's Favorite Verse: Philippians 2:14-15

Today's Favorite Verse: Philippians 2:14-15
"Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;"

I pondered on how you cannot be a light to anyone when you murmur or argue over points of doctrine or just things in general. Individual like this are not that nice to be around. I know when I get that way I don't even like being around me! I've been working on keeping my mouth shut, that seems to be getting easier. Now, I just have to control the thought in the first place.

It made me think of this talk by Elder Boyd K. Packer about "Worthy Thoughts" and how the "mind was like a stage". It was made into a film strip which has stayed with me all these years. I often tell myself to kick that thought off the stage. I wondered if I could find it online, and I did.

Day 3264

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 14:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 14:1

"Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations."

All I can think of when I read this is "keep your mouth shut". If what you want to contribute is not edifying, helpful, or matters in the scheme of the eternities, then keep your mouth shut. If someone is trying to live the gospel but doing somethings wrong, does it really need to be you to correct them? If what you are doing causes another to contend or take offense, then leave it alone. Instead of picking your battles is it better to simply lay down your weapons of war? As President Nelson has said "be a peacemaker".

Several years ago I had to temper myself on Facebook and other social media channels. Inspired by the thirteenth Article of Faith, I took this as my mission statement.

"If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, I seek after these things."

Day 3219

Today's Favorite Verse: Philippians 2:14

Today's Favorite Verse: Philippians 2:14
"Do all things without murmurings and disputings:"

I pondered on this and decided I do to much of this. I need to do better. At least I could chuckle at myself, that it's not with "all things".  Funny how you have categories of pet peeves, I want none. I have to figure out a way to break that habit. With disputings it references contention and strife. Now I will have none of that. I end things quickly if contention appears, for the spirit flees at these times. I am fine letting others think they won the discussion, my opinions are my own. But, what I reflected on was politics and when is discussion right and wrong? There are times to reason things out. I guess the line is when you start to content with others, because no one gets anywhere with it. So I looked at murmuring and see if has the same line, it actually gets you no where. Language must have a useful purpose to improve and not tear down. I guess the things to ask myself is it helpful or kind?

Day 1678

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 24:12, 16

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 24:12, 16
"And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men."

I pondered on how not disputing with others, and living in a manner where your conscience is void of offence, would make this world a peaceable place. It must be the manner we will live after the Savior's second coming and during the millennium. As I pondered this further it should be the way I need to live before he comes too. Just because others may not hold the same standard it does not mean I shouldn't either.

Day 1615

Today's Favorite Verse: Do&C 102:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 102:2

The high council was appointed by revelation for the purpose of settling important difficulties which might arise in the church, which could not be settled by the church or the bishop's council to the satisfaction of the parties."

As I read this chapter I kept thinking, what does this have to do with me?  I don't plan on having a situation where I would need to go before the high council to settle a dispute, or have them question my standing in the church?

Then I realized, I do need to know this. In fact I have counted on these proceedings as the church has needed to settle matters, especially with apostate members. I know how the Lord handles these matters, and it is just and fair. The whole process is no secret, A person is given every opportunity to repent. When an apostate in turn speaks out angrily against the church, I feel no need to hear or get involved in the matter. I have totally confidence in how these things have been handled. I trust the high council has sought the will of the Lord in the matter.

Day 521