Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that wo would come unto those who harden their hearts against the Lamb of God. A marvelous work would come forth and those who are convinced of it will receive eternal life. However, those who harden their hearts against it will be destroyed, both temporally and spiritually, and be captive to the devil. There are great consequences to our decision to either obey the will of the Lord or turn from it and harden our hearts. 1 Ne. 14: 6-7 "Therefore, wo be unto the Gentiles if it so be that they harden their hearts against the Lamb of God. For the time cometh, saith the Lamb of God, that I will work a great and a marvelous work among the children of men; a work which shall be everlasting, either on the one hand or on the other—either to the convincing of them unto peace and life eternal, or unto the deliverance of them to the hardness of their hearts and the blindness of their minds unto their being brought down into captivity, and also into destruction, both temporally and spiritually, according to the captivity of the devil, of which I have spoken."

In the New Testament I read that where much is given, much is required. If somebody knows and understands the commandments of God disregards them and rebells against them, they'll be punished harshly. But if someone who doesn't know any better does the same thing, they won't be punished as much. We're judged by what we know. We've been taught the gospel and we know better, so we'd better obey! Luke 12:47-48 "And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell about how wise the ant is who stores up food for future needs and how being lazy and sleeping too much brings poverty. This is true not only of temporal things, but of spiritual things as well. As we study the scriptures and attend our church meetings, we're building up our spiritual reserves. So when times of trial come, we don't overreact with worry and stress--we trust in the Lord with faith to help us get through it. Just like wise ants store up provisions for lean times, we need to diligently prepare for the needs of our soul. Not only will an abundant spiritual harvest benefit us, but we'll have plenty to share with others as well. Proverbs 6:6-11 "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man."