I found the greatest eternal truths in the game of Scrabble the other day. My wife and I were playing and my mind quickly thought upon the things of the Gospel and life in general.
While playing Scrabble you receive a certain amount of letters. These letters are given at random and are given to you to use the best you can. When you use the letters you are given more, so as to always have a fill of what you need in order to play the game.
Winning doesn't matter. Just as in life you can play your hardest or try your darndest but you still might lose everything. What matters then is that you do play. Sometimes I found myself not wanting to put down some letters for fear that I might give another an advantage or for fear of looking dumb and not getting enough points.
But with some I am not well pleased, for they will not open their mouths, but they hide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear of man. Wo unto such, for mine danger is kindled against them.
And it shall come to pass, if they are not more faithful unto me, it shall be taken away, even that which they have. -Doctrine and Covenants 60:2-3
Part of the foundation of the United States is that "all men are created equal" and that every man may be free to pursue life, liberty and happiness. But, we are not all endowed with the same gifts or abilities or even timing as to be equal in greatness. In Scrabble you may think of a great word but just not have the letters or you may have the letters and someone else takes the word or uses it in a way that makes it impossible for you to do the same. This constant change happens in life. Each day we may find familiar surroundings but have different opportunities. We may have different ideas and use time differently. The Lord is aware which is why He asks of us to not fear or hide the talents which we are given. Use it or lose it. We may wait to do something once we are assured a great return but this is not the way to gain favor with the Lord. We must play the talents we have and play them to the maximum or they will turn to our demise.
At the end of Scrabble there is a rule that whatever letters you can't play will be taken away from your total score. I think this same condemnation applies to us in eternities. "But wo unto the rich, who are rich as to the things of the world. And behold, their treasure shall perish with them also." -2 Nephi 9:30
"For whosoever will save his life, shall lose it; or whosoever will save his life, shall be willing to lay it down for my sake; and if he is not willing to lay it down for my sake, he shall lose it." -Joseph Smith Translation Mark 8: 37-38:37
The gifts you have are meant to be played and thats the reason they're given. Not for points to win, or money to be lifted up in pride, but, to be played, to show gratitude toward God, for giving them. As the scripture says "if laborers in Zion labor for money, they shall perish."- 2 Ne. 26: 31
