Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read about how those who would cling to the rod of iron and press forward were able to find their way to the tree of life, even through the mists of darkness which caused those who did not hold fast to the rod to lose their way and wander off. The iron rod is the word of God and if we hold fast to it, we'll be able to remain on the straight and narrow path that leads to eternal life. If we loosen our grip on it, we'll lose our way. 1 Ne. 8: 19-24"And after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed. And I also cast my eyes round about, and beheld, on the other side of the river of water, a great and spacious building; and it stood as it were in the air, high above the earth. And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit. And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost."

In the New Testament I read that the spirit might be willing, but the flesh is weak and we need to be alert and cautious, praying that we'll be able to resist temptation. If we think we're so strong that we don't need the Lord's help to keep from falling into temptation, we are wrong. Often it's people who are haughty enough to think they're above giving into temptation who fall the hardest. We need to watch and pray! Matthew 26:41 "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that instead of just trying to please ourselves, we should bear the infirmities of the weak and show patience and consolation toward one another, just as God shows toward us. The thought that went with this, written by Charles P. Axe from Hermitage, Pennsylvania says: They concluded, based on what they observed, that the child was very difficult and beyond help. They did not know that he was living in a home where one parent was an alcoholic; where domestic abuse frequently occurred; where money, food, hugs, and kisses were scarce; where, by age eight, he had had nine different addresses and had dealt with his parents divorcing twice. "They" included neighbors, teachers, friends, and family. "The child" was me. There have also been some who have looked beyond my difficult behavior and seen someone in need. They demonstrated a compassionate, accepting attitude rather than a judgmental, dismissive one. I will be forever grateful to them. Today's text reminds us to let love govern our attitudes and actions. Patience when dealing with a "difficult" person certainly doesn't come naturally. But understanding that he or she might be going through something difficult such as addiction, divorce, abuse, or other issues, and showing genuine concern, can make a lasting impression and significant difference. It did for me. Romans 15:1, 5-7 "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God."
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