Capitalism and Evolution both are based on survival of the fittest. In each there are freedoms granted to the organism or organization that lets them strive to beat out others for sustenance and reproduction. They both are harsh and leave some by the waysides. They give no comfort for the weak and unable, unless it is of profit to them in ways of the specie surviving, but even then some animals are known to kill their young. One grows stronger through the conquering of others and establishing his niche. If unchecked the organization or organism will grow immensely and destroy the balance which usually results badly for life in general. These systems are generally motivated by selfishness, natural instinct, without capacity of forgiveness or charity for others. But, we are human and also carry these traits in the scriptures known as “The Natural Man” and Korihor, an antichrist, speaks of men living by their own genius, conquer by their own strength, and that life is for the “management of the creature.”
What is the opposite? The Lord’s way of Consecration.
“Let every man esteem his brother as himself.
“For what man among you having twelve sons, and is no respecter of them, and they serve him obediently, and he saith unto the one: Be thou clothed in robes and sit thou here; and to the other Be thou clothed in rags and sit thou there—and looketh upon his sons and saith I am just?
“Behold, this I have given unto you as a parable and it is even as I am. I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine.” (D&C 38:25–27)
The Lord has devised a system where in men are free to develop their time and talents in service to the Lord and the resources are not dependent on the person working but of just necessity. The Lord has reassured us that this is the way to create the strongest society and lives, by the examples He has given in the scriptures. The city of Enoch was so righteous they were brought right up to heaven, “And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them.” (Moses 7:16, 18.)
In the Book of Mormon there are many times when the people were industrious and farmers, giving to all, serving all and being equal with all, having an abundance.
“And it came to pass in the thirty and sixth year, the people were all converted unto the Lord, upon all the face of the land, both Nephites and Lamanites, and there were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with another.
“And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift.
“And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.” (4 Ne. 1:2–3, 15.)
He says come to the land of milk and honey without price. Take upon my yoke for my burden is light. Ask not for that which ye ought. There is plenty in Zion for all. Its system is set up to not lose one soul but bring them all up, not leaving anyone behind for all are precious to the Lord. Quite the opposite of what the men of the world profess.
All He requires is that we do not turn ourselves or others into our property, that we don’t make our property our top priority, and that we acknowledge the Lord as our God for He is a jealous God. All gods are jealous, its impossible to serve 2 masters. We will love one and hate the other.
The scriptures testify of the Creation. They instruct us in how the Lord created the world for our benefit and yet we look at our world as such a burden, something to mow down, shoot the animals, chop down the natural beauty of rain forests and mine the ground for precious metals and riches.
The Lord says that he that has eternal life is rich. Yet we spend our time proving to be the most destructive animal of all time in the name of riches. Polluting and trashing the great gift of our inheritance from the Lord. He created this habitat so that we could have a place to learn the Lord’s way and yet we have incorporated the wrong ways for taking care of our gift.
Just as a sinner can repent and put his burdensome sin on the Lord, so can we change and put the burden on the Lord as to how to live on this planet. He has given us knowledge sufficient for our needs. The Law of Consecration dictates that we must not serve material things but the Lord. We must be one and not a greedy or esteem ourselves above another.
The Lord’s way is that of taking care of each other, love, abundance, and it is an eternal principle which is set up to continue during and after this life. Where in the philosophies of men are only set up for the survival of this telestial environment.
21.5.10
In the World, but Not Of the World? No, Come Out of the World
An excerpt from "How Firm a Foundation! What Makes It So" by Hugh W Nibley
Such considerations admonish me to ask whether all is well in Zion, and I find the answer in myself alone. Have I taken the message seriously? No. I have been quite halfhearted about it, and much too easily drawn into what I call the Gentile Dilemma. That is, when I find myself called upon to stand up and be counted, to declare myself on one side or the other, which do I prefer—gin or rum, cigarettes or cigars, tea or coffee, heroin or LSD, the Red Rose or the White, Shiz or Coriantumr, wicked Nephites or wicked Lamanites, Whigs or Tories, Catholic or Protestant, Republican or Democrat, black power or white power, land pirates or sea pirates, commissars or corporations, capitalism or communism? The devilish neatness and simplicity of the thing is the easy illusion that I am choosing between good and evil, when in reality two or more evils by their rivalry distract my attention from the real issue. The oldest trick in the book for those who wish to perpetrate a great crime unnoticed is to set up a diversion, such as a fight in the street or a cry of fire in the hall, that sends everyone rushing to the spot while the criminal as an inconspicuous and highly respectable citizen quietly walks off with the loot.
It can be shown that in each of the choices just named, one of the pair may well be preferable to the other, but that is not the question. There is no point in arguing which other system comes closest to the law of consecration, since I excluded all other systems when I opted for the real thing. The relative merits of various economies is a problem for the gentiles to worry about, a devil's dilemma that does not concern me in the least. For it so happens that I have presently covenanted and promised to observe most strictly certain instructions set forth with great clarity and simplicity in the Doctrine and Covenants. These are designated as the law of consecration, which are absolutely essential for the building up of the kingdom on earth and the ultimate establishment of Zion. "Behold, this is the preparation wherewith I prepare you, and the foundation and the ensample which I give unto you, whereby you may accomplish the commandments which are given you; that through my providence, notwithstanding the tribulation which shall descend upon you, that the church may stand independent above all other creatures beneath the celestial world" (D&C 78:13-14). It is all there, this law of consecration, by which alone the Saints can implement God's plans for Zion in spite of the persecution it will bring on them; this is the foundation on which they must build (see D&C 48:6). The alternative is to be dependent on baser things, for "Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom; otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself" (D&C 105:5).
But should I ask for tribulation? I live in the real world, don't I? Yes, and I have been commanded to "come out of her,. . . that ye be not partakers of her sins" (Revelation 18:4). It is not given "unto you that ye shall live after the manner of the world" (D&C 95:13). Well, then, you must be "in the world but not of the world." That happens to be a convenient para-scripture (we have quite a few of them today), invented by a third-century Sophist (Diognetos), to the great satisfaction of the church members, who were rapidly becoming very worldly. The passage as it appears in the scriptures says quite the opposite: "For [whatsoever] that is in the world. . . is not of the Father, but is of the world" (1 John 2:16). The Lord has repeatedly commanded and forced his people to flee out of the world into the wilderness, quite literally; there is only one way to avoid becoming involved in the neighborhood brawls, and that is to move out of the neighborhood. There is nothing in the Constitution that forbids me doing certain things I have covenanted and promised to do; if the neighbors don't like it, they have no legal grounds against me, but there are ways of getting me to move; "the tribulation . . . shall descend upon you," said the Lord, but do things my way and "my providence" will see you through (D&C 78:14). This inescapable conflict is part of our human heritage, as we learn from dramatic passages of scripture.
Such considerations admonish me to ask whether all is well in Zion, and I find the answer in myself alone. Have I taken the message seriously? No. I have been quite halfhearted about it, and much too easily drawn into what I call the Gentile Dilemma. That is, when I find myself called upon to stand up and be counted, to declare myself on one side or the other, which do I prefer—gin or rum, cigarettes or cigars, tea or coffee, heroin or LSD, the Red Rose or the White, Shiz or Coriantumr, wicked Nephites or wicked Lamanites, Whigs or Tories, Catholic or Protestant, Republican or Democrat, black power or white power, land pirates or sea pirates, commissars or corporations, capitalism or communism? The devilish neatness and simplicity of the thing is the easy illusion that I am choosing between good and evil, when in reality two or more evils by their rivalry distract my attention from the real issue. The oldest trick in the book for those who wish to perpetrate a great crime unnoticed is to set up a diversion, such as a fight in the street or a cry of fire in the hall, that sends everyone rushing to the spot while the criminal as an inconspicuous and highly respectable citizen quietly walks off with the loot.
It can be shown that in each of the choices just named, one of the pair may well be preferable to the other, but that is not the question. There is no point in arguing which other system comes closest to the law of consecration, since I excluded all other systems when I opted for the real thing. The relative merits of various economies is a problem for the gentiles to worry about, a devil's dilemma that does not concern me in the least. For it so happens that I have presently covenanted and promised to observe most strictly certain instructions set forth with great clarity and simplicity in the Doctrine and Covenants. These are designated as the law of consecration, which are absolutely essential for the building up of the kingdom on earth and the ultimate establishment of Zion. "Behold, this is the preparation wherewith I prepare you, and the foundation and the ensample which I give unto you, whereby you may accomplish the commandments which are given you; that through my providence, notwithstanding the tribulation which shall descend upon you, that the church may stand independent above all other creatures beneath the celestial world" (D&C 78:13-14). It is all there, this law of consecration, by which alone the Saints can implement God's plans for Zion in spite of the persecution it will bring on them; this is the foundation on which they must build (see D&C 48:6). The alternative is to be dependent on baser things, for "Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom; otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself" (D&C 105:5).
But should I ask for tribulation? I live in the real world, don't I? Yes, and I have been commanded to "come out of her,. . . that ye be not partakers of her sins" (Revelation 18:4). It is not given "unto you that ye shall live after the manner of the world" (D&C 95:13). Well, then, you must be "in the world but not of the world." That happens to be a convenient para-scripture (we have quite a few of them today), invented by a third-century Sophist (Diognetos), to the great satisfaction of the church members, who were rapidly becoming very worldly. The passage as it appears in the scriptures says quite the opposite: "For [whatsoever] that is in the world. . . is not of the Father, but is of the world" (1 John 2:16). The Lord has repeatedly commanded and forced his people to flee out of the world into the wilderness, quite literally; there is only one way to avoid becoming involved in the neighborhood brawls, and that is to move out of the neighborhood. There is nothing in the Constitution that forbids me doing certain things I have covenanted and promised to do; if the neighbors don't like it, they have no legal grounds against me, but there are ways of getting me to move; "the tribulation . . . shall descend upon you," said the Lord, but do things my way and "my providence" will see you through (D&C 78:14). This inescapable conflict is part of our human heritage, as we learn from dramatic passages of scripture.
20.5.10
The World is Not Enough?
Doctrine and Covenants 49:19-21
For, behold the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which cometh of the earth, is ordained for the use of man for food and for raiment, and that he might have in abundance.
But it is not given that one man should possess that which is above another, wherefore the world lieth in sin.
And wo be unto man that sheddeth blood or that wasteth flesh and hath no need.
What a striking thought? We are so proud of our capitalistic ideals and the trickle down economics that conservatives preach but what of the morals? We live in such a rich planet but so many are poor and dying. If you have a fridge with food, clothes on your back, and a bed to sleep in then you are richer than 75% of the world. The world is ordained for all men and we have devised it in such a way that only a few are rich while others suffer.
Doctrine and Covenants 42:42
Thou shalt not be idle; for he that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer.
We often think that the poor deserve it. How sick of a perspective! There are many poor in spirit, poor in mind, poor in heart, and poor according to this money system but how many of us are poor in charity? If you are poor in charity then it could be very easy for you to be rich in money. Charity is the giving of anything that person needs, and above all what do we need more than love? We must give to those in need and we'll all live in abundance. The Lord has spoken it.
9.5.10
Satan the Great Counterfeiter
God has a way of edifying your soul while bringing down your pride.
Satan is just the opposite.
There are many ways to tell the difference between true and false prophets. These are some of my findings-
True Prophets:
Called of God
Receive heavenly riches
Receive revelations
Speak with the Spirit
Edify you but don't flatter
Faith comes from God and not themselves
Good fruit
Can come from various backgrounds
Speak to the individual
Responsible
Worker
Honest
Miracles only when necessary
The Spirit
Offers all that the Father which is in Heaven has, after this world
Teaches about covenants that bless you more than deserved
Teaches about sacred ordinances
Teaches that people are not objects but subjects to love and respect
Wants to give
Asks you to keep the commandments of God but doesn't force you
Modest
Usual False Prophet Traits:
Called of themselves
Receive Worldly Riches
Inspired by Satan
Speak eloquently
Flatter the people's pride
Faith in themselves more than God
Bad fruit
Can come from and take various forms- politics, music, celebrities, news, religion, sports, even an angel of light
Speak to the audience more than the person
Reckless
Lazy
Manipulations
Lies
Tricks
Offers all the riches and power of this world
Teaches about contracts that bind you to their will
Has secret combinations
Teaches that people are objects used for personal gain
Wants to take
Tries to force you to do their will
Materialistic
Satan is always counterfeiting God. But, the one thing he can't counterfeit is the Holy Ghost. He tries though with worldly lusts and appetites or costly apparel and pride but there is no peace of the Spirit for the wicked.
Moses 1:11-21
11 But now mine own eyes have beheld God; but not my natural, but my spiritual eyes, for my natural eyes could not have beheld; for I should have withered and died in his presence; but his glory was upon me; and I beheld his face, for I was transfigured before him.
12 And it came to pass that when Moses had said these words, behold, Satan came tempting him, saying: Moses, son of man, worship me.
13 And it came to pass that Moses looked upon Satan and said: Who art thou? For behold, I am a son of God, in the similitude of his Only Begotten; and where is thy glory, that I should worship thee?
14 For behold, I could not look upon God, except his glory should come upon me, and I were transfigured before him. But I can look upon thee in the natural man. Is it not so, surely?
15 Blessed be the name of my God, for his Spirit hath not altogether withdrawn from me, or else where is thy glory, for it is darkness unto me? And I can judge between thee and God; for God said unto me: Worship God, for him only shalt thou serve.
16 Get thee hence, Satan; deceive me not; for God said unto me: Thou art after the similitude of mine Only Begotten.
17 And he also gave me commandments when he called unto me out of the burning bush, saying: Call upon God in the name of mine Only Begotten, and worship me.
18 And again Moses said: I will not cease to call upon God, I have other things to inquire of him: for his glory has been upon me, wherefore I can judge between him and thee. Depart hence, Satan.
19 And now, when Moses had said these words, Satan cried with a loud voice, and ranted upon the earth, and commanded, saying: I am the Only Begotten, worship me.
20 And it came to pass that Moses began to fear exceedingly; and as he began to fear, he saw the bitterness of hell. Nevertheless, calling upon God, he received strength, and he commanded, saying: Depart from me, Satan, for this one God only will I worship, which is the God of glory.
21 And now Satan began to tremble, and the earth shook; and Moses received strength, and called upon God, saying: In the name of the Only Begotten, depart hence, Satan.
Moses knew the difference.
Satan is just the opposite.
There are many ways to tell the difference between true and false prophets. These are some of my findings-
True Prophets:
Called of God
Receive heavenly riches
Receive revelations
Speak with the Spirit
Edify you but don't flatter
Faith comes from God and not themselves
Good fruit
Can come from various backgrounds
Speak to the individual
Responsible
Worker
Honest
Miracles only when necessary
The Spirit
Offers all that the Father which is in Heaven has, after this world
Teaches about covenants that bless you more than deserved
Teaches about sacred ordinances
Teaches that people are not objects but subjects to love and respect
Wants to give
Asks you to keep the commandments of God but doesn't force you
Modest
Usual False Prophet Traits:
Called of themselves
Receive Worldly Riches
Inspired by Satan
Speak eloquently
Flatter the people's pride
Faith in themselves more than God
Bad fruit
Can come from and take various forms- politics, music, celebrities, news, religion, sports, even an angel of light
Speak to the audience more than the person
Reckless
Lazy
Manipulations
Lies
Tricks
Offers all the riches and power of this world
Teaches about contracts that bind you to their will
Has secret combinations
Teaches that people are objects used for personal gain
Wants to take
Tries to force you to do their will
Materialistic
Satan is always counterfeiting God. But, the one thing he can't counterfeit is the Holy Ghost. He tries though with worldly lusts and appetites or costly apparel and pride but there is no peace of the Spirit for the wicked.
Moses 1:11-21
11 But now mine own eyes have beheld God; but not my natural, but my spiritual eyes, for my natural eyes could not have beheld; for I should have withered and died in his presence; but his glory was upon me; and I beheld his face, for I was transfigured before him.
12 And it came to pass that when Moses had said these words, behold, Satan came tempting him, saying: Moses, son of man, worship me.
13 And it came to pass that Moses looked upon Satan and said: Who art thou? For behold, I am a son of God, in the similitude of his Only Begotten; and where is thy glory, that I should worship thee?
14 For behold, I could not look upon God, except his glory should come upon me, and I were transfigured before him. But I can look upon thee in the natural man. Is it not so, surely?
15 Blessed be the name of my God, for his Spirit hath not altogether withdrawn from me, or else where is thy glory, for it is darkness unto me? And I can judge between thee and God; for God said unto me: Worship God, for him only shalt thou serve.
16 Get thee hence, Satan; deceive me not; for God said unto me: Thou art after the similitude of mine Only Begotten.
17 And he also gave me commandments when he called unto me out of the burning bush, saying: Call upon God in the name of mine Only Begotten, and worship me.
18 And again Moses said: I will not cease to call upon God, I have other things to inquire of him: for his glory has been upon me, wherefore I can judge between him and thee. Depart hence, Satan.
19 And now, when Moses had said these words, Satan cried with a loud voice, and ranted upon the earth, and commanded, saying: I am the Only Begotten, worship me.
20 And it came to pass that Moses began to fear exceedingly; and as he began to fear, he saw the bitterness of hell. Nevertheless, calling upon God, he received strength, and he commanded, saying: Depart from me, Satan, for this one God only will I worship, which is the God of glory.
21 And now Satan began to tremble, and the earth shook; and Moses received strength, and called upon God, saying: In the name of the Only Begotten, depart hence, Satan.
Moses knew the difference.
30.4.10
Charity Never Faileth
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
-Revelation 12:10
If you do not accuse each other, God will not accuse you. If you have no accuser you will enter heaven, and if you will follow the revelations and instructions which God gives you through me, I will take you into heaven as my back load. If you will not accuse me, I will not accuse you. If you will throw a cloak of charity over my sins, I will over yours—for charity covereth a multitude of sins.
-Joseph Smith
And many more things did the people imagine up in their hearts, which were foolish and vain; and they were much disturbed, for Satan did stir them up to do iniquity continually; yea, he did go about spreading rumors and contentions upon all the face of the land, that he might harden the hearts of the people against that which was good and against that which should come.
-Helaman 16:21-22
Cease to find fault with one another.
-D&C 88:124
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail.
-Moroni 7:46
Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
-1 Corinthians 13:8
Yet, my brethren, I have not done these things that I might boast, neither do I tell these things that thereby I might accuse you; but I tell you these things that ye may know that I can answer a clear conscience before God this day.
Behold, I say unto you that because I said unto you that I had spent my days in your service, I do not desire to boast, for I have only been in the service of God. And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.
Behold, ye have called me your king; and if I, whom ye call your king, do labor to serve you, then ought not ye to labor to serve one another? And behold also, if I, whom ye call your king, who has spent his days in your service, and yet has been in the service of God, do merit any thanks from you, O how you ought to thank your heavenly King!
-Mosiah 2:15-19
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
-1 Corinthians 13:1
-Revelation 12:10
If you do not accuse each other, God will not accuse you. If you have no accuser you will enter heaven, and if you will follow the revelations and instructions which God gives you through me, I will take you into heaven as my back load. If you will not accuse me, I will not accuse you. If you will throw a cloak of charity over my sins, I will over yours—for charity covereth a multitude of sins.
-Joseph Smith
And many more things did the people imagine up in their hearts, which were foolish and vain; and they were much disturbed, for Satan did stir them up to do iniquity continually; yea, he did go about spreading rumors and contentions upon all the face of the land, that he might harden the hearts of the people against that which was good and against that which should come.
-Helaman 16:21-22
Cease to find fault with one another.
-D&C 88:124
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail.
-Moroni 7:46
Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
-1 Corinthians 13:8
Yet, my brethren, I have not done these things that I might boast, neither do I tell these things that thereby I might accuse you; but I tell you these things that ye may know that I can answer a clear conscience before God this day.
Behold, I say unto you that because I said unto you that I had spent my days in your service, I do not desire to boast, for I have only been in the service of God. And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.
Behold, ye have called me your king; and if I, whom ye call your king, do labor to serve you, then ought not ye to labor to serve one another? And behold also, if I, whom ye call your king, who has spent his days in your service, and yet has been in the service of God, do merit any thanks from you, O how you ought to thank your heavenly King!
-Mosiah 2:15-19
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
-1 Corinthians 13:1
29.4.10
The Enemy is Not the Enemy
Often times we fall victim to the syndrome I call Don Quixote syndrome where we utilize our energies and imaginations to the fighting of a villain thats not there.
We come up with an amazing case against someone, accusing them of this and that. What happens is we don't have the whole story and but then fill in the rest with our fears and prejudice. Sort of like online dating, but the opposite, when we just see the good things and assume the rest about that person would also be amazing and build up this fantasy.
The truth is our brains need closure, we need labels, we hate when things are up in the air. We need to put things in a category for our minds to know how to deal with it. Thats why politics are often such a shaky ground. We get a narration from one side and then another and then there are still gaps and theories and we just don't know what is right.
Luckily, theres a cure for this.
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." -Matthew 7:7
"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."
-Matthew 21:22
First we must seek knowledge. We must ask about the situation. We must knock on the door by our active desire to figure it out. Then, we must have an open heart and mind and then we shall receive and know. So how does this relate to dealing with people? The same as it does with getting knowledge from God. We must find common ground, hope for the best, build from there, and try to reconcile the differences with forgiveness and humility. Charity never faileth. If we love God and our brethren with all our heart, might, mind and strength then we cannot fail.
Back to fighting the imaginary villain, I think Satan is behind this. My friend had a great way of looking at it. He said Satan is more like the Don King of our fight, than the opponent. Our enemy isn't our enemy, those things that make us think someone or something is our enemy is our enemy. We are all family. We must seek charity and fight our instincts to hate or despise others. Don't fight people, fight fighting. I'm not saying we shouldn't stand up for whats right but we should stand by principles more than people. People are weak and imperfect but the principles are eternal and the way to godhood.
I LOVE this scripture passage:
And it came to pass that the God of heaven looked upon the residue of the people, and he wept; and Enoch bore record of it, saying: How is it that the heavens weep, and shed forth their tears as the rain upon the mountains?
And Enoch said unto the Lord: How is it that thou canst weep, seeing thou art holy, and from all eternity to all eternity?
And were it possible that man could number the particles of the earth, yea, millions of earths like this, it would not be a beginning to the number of thy creations; and thy curtains are stretched out still; and yet thou art there, and thy bosom is there; and also thou art just; thou art merciful and kind forever;
And thou hast taken Zion to thine own bosom, from all thy creations, from all eternity to all eternity; and naught but peace, justice, and truth is the habitation of thy throne; and mercy shall go before thy face and have no end; how is it thou canst weep?
The Lord said unto Enoch: Behold these thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own hands, and I gave unto them their knowledge, in the day I created them; and in the Garden of Eden, gave I unto man his agency;
And unto thy brethren have I said, and also given commandment, that they should love one another, and that they should choose me, their Father; but behold, they are without affection, and they hate their own blood;
And the afire of mine indignation is kindled against them; and in my hot displeasure will I send in the floods upon them, for my fierce anger is kindled against them.
Behold, I am God; Man of Holiness is my name; Man of Counsel is my name; and Endless and Eternal is my name, also.
Wherefore, I can stretch forth mine hands and hold all the creations which I have made; and mine eye can pierce them also, and among all the workmanship of mine hands there has not been so great wickedness as among thy brethren.
But behold, their sins shall be upon the heads of their fathers; Satan shall be their father, and misery shall be their doom; and the whole heavens shall weep over them, even all the workmanship of mine hands; wherefore should not the heavens weep, seeing these shall suffer?
But behold, these which thine eyes are upon shall perish in the floods; and behold, I will shut them up; a prison have I prepared for them.
And That which I have chosen hath led before my face. Wherefore, he suffereth for their sins; inasmuch as they will repent in the day that my Chosen shall return unto me, and until that day they shall be in torment;
Wherefore, for this shall the heavens weep, yea, and all the workmanship of mine hands.
We come up with an amazing case against someone, accusing them of this and that. What happens is we don't have the whole story and but then fill in the rest with our fears and prejudice. Sort of like online dating, but the opposite, when we just see the good things and assume the rest about that person would also be amazing and build up this fantasy.
The truth is our brains need closure, we need labels, we hate when things are up in the air. We need to put things in a category for our minds to know how to deal with it. Thats why politics are often such a shaky ground. We get a narration from one side and then another and then there are still gaps and theories and we just don't know what is right.
Luckily, theres a cure for this.
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." -Matthew 7:7
"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."
-Matthew 21:22
First we must seek knowledge. We must ask about the situation. We must knock on the door by our active desire to figure it out. Then, we must have an open heart and mind and then we shall receive and know. So how does this relate to dealing with people? The same as it does with getting knowledge from God. We must find common ground, hope for the best, build from there, and try to reconcile the differences with forgiveness and humility. Charity never faileth. If we love God and our brethren with all our heart, might, mind and strength then we cannot fail.
Back to fighting the imaginary villain, I think Satan is behind this. My friend had a great way of looking at it. He said Satan is more like the Don King of our fight, than the opponent. Our enemy isn't our enemy, those things that make us think someone or something is our enemy is our enemy. We are all family. We must seek charity and fight our instincts to hate or despise others. Don't fight people, fight fighting. I'm not saying we shouldn't stand up for whats right but we should stand by principles more than people. People are weak and imperfect but the principles are eternal and the way to godhood.
I LOVE this scripture passage:
And it came to pass that the God of heaven looked upon the residue of the people, and he wept; and Enoch bore record of it, saying: How is it that the heavens weep, and shed forth their tears as the rain upon the mountains?
And Enoch said unto the Lord: How is it that thou canst weep, seeing thou art holy, and from all eternity to all eternity?
And were it possible that man could number the particles of the earth, yea, millions of earths like this, it would not be a beginning to the number of thy creations; and thy curtains are stretched out still; and yet thou art there, and thy bosom is there; and also thou art just; thou art merciful and kind forever;
And thou hast taken Zion to thine own bosom, from all thy creations, from all eternity to all eternity; and naught but peace, justice, and truth is the habitation of thy throne; and mercy shall go before thy face and have no end; how is it thou canst weep?
The Lord said unto Enoch: Behold these thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own hands, and I gave unto them their knowledge, in the day I created them; and in the Garden of Eden, gave I unto man his agency;
And unto thy brethren have I said, and also given commandment, that they should love one another, and that they should choose me, their Father; but behold, they are without affection, and they hate their own blood;
And the afire of mine indignation is kindled against them; and in my hot displeasure will I send in the floods upon them, for my fierce anger is kindled against them.
Behold, I am God; Man of Holiness is my name; Man of Counsel is my name; and Endless and Eternal is my name, also.
Wherefore, I can stretch forth mine hands and hold all the creations which I have made; and mine eye can pierce them also, and among all the workmanship of mine hands there has not been so great wickedness as among thy brethren.
But behold, their sins shall be upon the heads of their fathers; Satan shall be their father, and misery shall be their doom; and the whole heavens shall weep over them, even all the workmanship of mine hands; wherefore should not the heavens weep, seeing these shall suffer?
But behold, these which thine eyes are upon shall perish in the floods; and behold, I will shut them up; a prison have I prepared for them.
And That which I have chosen hath led before my face. Wherefore, he suffereth for their sins; inasmuch as they will repent in the day that my Chosen shall return unto me, and until that day they shall be in torment;
Wherefore, for this shall the heavens weep, yea, and all the workmanship of mine hands.
Victim Mentality is Bird Poop
I believe there are many with a victim mentality. In this mentality, they have an excuse for all their lackings. This mentality breeds resentment and hatred, it fosters the idea that they aren't responsible for their lives but are merely thrown into an inescapable circumstance. They do many things out of spite and give you logic but its all based on negativity and cynicism. I'm afraid we've all been a victim of victim mentality at one point or another.
Who hasn't thought themselves unmerited of their current state? "If only this or that would happen...then I'd be happy and free" or "If my mom and dad would've done such and such thing then things would be better", honestly there is no end to the things we can complain about or be happy about and really the choice is ours.
We don't have to be victims. Those that are raped, molested, born with A.I.D.S., grow up in a foster home, get in a car accident, get thrown into a concentration camp, get crucified, go blind, lose everything that ever mattered to them are victims. But, how true it is that our mentality will restrict us and bind us to never moving on, if we keep the victim mentality? Those that go through these situations have so much burden to bear. I'm not saying its easy, but I am saying its the only way to move on, we have to accept that it happened and not let our hearts and minds be consumed by it. Just as Ghandi said "The rulers may have our land and bodies but not our souls." He understood that what happens to us in life doesn't have to overcome our spirits. Satan only has the power that we give him.
Its not easy to escape the victim mentality. Sometimes we hold on to the pain because its scary to invoke that vulnerability to trust again. So we try to have control over everything we can and that resentment and distrust gives us that control. We all have crosses to bear and trials to overcome. The trials don't have to define us as victims if we choose to not have a victim mentality. Its extremely hard but who was more of a victim than Christ?
Webster defines Victim to mean "one that is subjected to oppression, hardship, or mistreatment." I think the keyword is "Mistreatment". We love to think ourselves so innocent and how dare anyone cross us? We're not better than anyone for God loves us all the same. He does. He loves the sinner as much as the righteous but none are righteous we all have flaws that could only truly be seen when compared to the perfection of God. God might trust some more than others, but He truly loves us all equally.
Of course nobody is perfect and we all will be let down by others but we all have to share this world. If we hold others to the demands of perfection how lonely and bitter we will be all the days of our lives! We have to eventually love again or how empty and sad is that life? Do not let that which divides you from others become your only focus or you will have a deeper hole in your heart.
So, everyone is imperfect (so be humble) but God loves us all equally anyway? So how should we treat others? With love, respect, and dignity. We. Must. Forgive. Forgive, move on, love, let go of the anger and resentment.
"The Lord will forgive whom he will forgive, but men must forgive all."
-D&C 64: 10
"Inasmuch as men forgive one another, the Lord will forgive them."
-D&C 82: 1
That which you hold in anger and hatred will burn your hand. Its your choice to react the way you do. If something happens to you thats out of your control, remember, the only thing thats in your control is if you decide to be bitter or forgiving. If a bird poops on you, do you shoot the bird? You might like to but he's long gone. You could wallow in the despair of having to clean your shirt, complaining for all to listen, venting and criticizing all the birds in the world, digging deeper and deeper into the anger till it totally consumes your whole life. All over bird poop. Its all bird poop when you think about it. Why not just brush it off and move on? Your life will be so much easier. You won't have to keep picking and driving a wedge in your life. Wasting your time and energy.
Choose to not be a victim. Helen Keller is such an amazing example of this. Deaf, dumb and blind but she knew she had no control of that but had control of what she would do. It was her choice to not be consumed by her crosses to bear and like Christ overcame them through faith and love of life.
I learned this principle from my faith in Christ who led a life of hardships, persecution, trials directly from Satan, taking on the weight of all the sin in the world and being crucified all to fulfill His Father's will and didn't become bitter or shrink from the responsibility He had of drinking this bitter cup. He overcame and asks us to do the same.
"...knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon..."
-2 Nephi 2:26
"I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."
-Matthew 5:44
Who hasn't thought themselves unmerited of their current state? "If only this or that would happen...then I'd be happy and free" or "If my mom and dad would've done such and such thing then things would be better", honestly there is no end to the things we can complain about or be happy about and really the choice is ours.
We don't have to be victims. Those that are raped, molested, born with A.I.D.S., grow up in a foster home, get in a car accident, get thrown into a concentration camp, get crucified, go blind, lose everything that ever mattered to them are victims. But, how true it is that our mentality will restrict us and bind us to never moving on, if we keep the victim mentality? Those that go through these situations have so much burden to bear. I'm not saying its easy, but I am saying its the only way to move on, we have to accept that it happened and not let our hearts and minds be consumed by it. Just as Ghandi said "The rulers may have our land and bodies but not our souls." He understood that what happens to us in life doesn't have to overcome our spirits. Satan only has the power that we give him.
Its not easy to escape the victim mentality. Sometimes we hold on to the pain because its scary to invoke that vulnerability to trust again. So we try to have control over everything we can and that resentment and distrust gives us that control. We all have crosses to bear and trials to overcome. The trials don't have to define us as victims if we choose to not have a victim mentality. Its extremely hard but who was more of a victim than Christ?
Webster defines Victim to mean "one that is subjected to oppression, hardship, or mistreatment." I think the keyword is "Mistreatment". We love to think ourselves so innocent and how dare anyone cross us? We're not better than anyone for God loves us all the same. He does. He loves the sinner as much as the righteous but none are righteous we all have flaws that could only truly be seen when compared to the perfection of God. God might trust some more than others, but He truly loves us all equally.
Of course nobody is perfect and we all will be let down by others but we all have to share this world. If we hold others to the demands of perfection how lonely and bitter we will be all the days of our lives! We have to eventually love again or how empty and sad is that life? Do not let that which divides you from others become your only focus or you will have a deeper hole in your heart.
So, everyone is imperfect (so be humble) but God loves us all equally anyway? So how should we treat others? With love, respect, and dignity. We. Must. Forgive. Forgive, move on, love, let go of the anger and resentment.
"The Lord will forgive whom he will forgive, but men must forgive all."
-D&C 64: 10
"Inasmuch as men forgive one another, the Lord will forgive them."
-D&C 82: 1
That which you hold in anger and hatred will burn your hand. Its your choice to react the way you do. If something happens to you thats out of your control, remember, the only thing thats in your control is if you decide to be bitter or forgiving. If a bird poops on you, do you shoot the bird? You might like to but he's long gone. You could wallow in the despair of having to clean your shirt, complaining for all to listen, venting and criticizing all the birds in the world, digging deeper and deeper into the anger till it totally consumes your whole life. All over bird poop. Its all bird poop when you think about it. Why not just brush it off and move on? Your life will be so much easier. You won't have to keep picking and driving a wedge in your life. Wasting your time and energy.
Choose to not be a victim. Helen Keller is such an amazing example of this. Deaf, dumb and blind but she knew she had no control of that but had control of what she would do. It was her choice to not be consumed by her crosses to bear and like Christ overcame them through faith and love of life.
I learned this principle from my faith in Christ who led a life of hardships, persecution, trials directly from Satan, taking on the weight of all the sin in the world and being crucified all to fulfill His Father's will and didn't become bitter or shrink from the responsibility He had of drinking this bitter cup. He overcame and asks us to do the same.
"...knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon..."
-2 Nephi 2:26
"I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."
-Matthew 5:44
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