Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that we need to cheerfully do all things that lie within our power, and then we will see the salvation of God revealed.  Notice that it's not enough to just do the right things, we need to do them cheerfully!  D&C 123:17 "Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."

In the New Testament we read Jesus' condemnation of the scribes, Pharisees, and hypocrites who outwardly appear to be righteous, but inside they are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.  Are we sometimes guilty of this too?  Do we attend church on Sunday and appear to be disciples of Christ on the outside, but during the week we gossip about our neighbor, ignore someone in need, or fight with our spouse?  Are we less than honest at times?  Less than loving?  Less than kind?  If so, we are in need of repentance and trying to actually become the type of person we appear to be while sitting in church on Sunday.  Matthew 23:25-28 "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.  Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to be quick to hear but slow to speak, and also slow to become angry.  If we all did more to listen to what other people had to say and truly try to understand them, instead of just putting our own two cents in, there were be less contention in the world and we'd all get along better.  Many times we become upset and angry with other people simply because we didn't take the time to hear them out and try to understand their point of view.  James 1:19-20 "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:  For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God."