Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that most of the people became wicked, turning from their righteousness like a dog turning to his vomit or a pig wallowing in the mire.  3 Nephi 7:7-8 "And they did cause a great contention in the land, insomuch that the more righteous part of the people had nearly all become wicked; yea, there were but few righteous men among them. And thus six years had not passed away since the more part of the people had turned from their righteousness, like the dog to his vomit, or like the sow to her wallowing in the mire."

In the Old Testament we read that Solomon finished building the temple and the Lord told him that if he would keep all His commandments and walk in His statutes, He would dwell among the children of Israel and not forsake His people.  1 Kings 6:11-14 "And the word of the Lord came to Solomon, saying, Concerning this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute my judgments, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will I perform my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father: And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel. So Solomon built the house, and finished it."

Some verses with a thought booklet recount the Golden Rule--that we should do unto others as we would have them do unto us.  It's not enough to be kind and giving to those who are kind and giving to us--even a sinner will do that.  We need to be kind and giving to everyone.  The Lord will richly bless us as we do our best to richly bless the lives of those around us.  Luke 6:31-38 "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."