Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that whatever knowledge and intelligence we receive in this life will rise with us in the resurrection.  And if a person gains more knowledge through their diligence and study than another person, they'll have so much the advantage in the life to come.  D&C 130:18-19 "Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come."

In the New Testament we read about how Jesus was hungry and seeing leaves on a fig tree a long way off, went to it hoping to find fruit, even though it wasn't the season for figs. He found no fruit, but only the showy leaves.  He cursed the fig tree and when they came upon it later, it had withered and died.  We might ask ourselves why he was so upset with this fig tree. After all, figs weren't in season.  Other fig trees didn't bear fruit either.  But this fig tree was full of leaves out of season, looking like it might bear fruit.  In other words, it looked like a fruit bearing tree, even though it wasn't.  It was a hypocrite, pretending to be something it was not. Likewise I think the Lord will be displeased with us if we only appear to be righteous, making a show of looking like we're doing the right things, but in actuality bearing no fruit.  Mark 11:12-14, 20-21 "And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:  And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.  And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.  And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that trials of our faith can be more precious than gold.  The riches of the world will eventually perish.  But when we are able to prove ourselves during times of tribulation, the end result of our faith will be salvation to our souls and joy unspeakable.  1 Peter 1:7-9 "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:  Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:  Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls."