Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that king Noah told Abinidi that unless he would recall his words, he would be put to death.  Abinidi refused to take back what he had said and again testified as to their truthfulness. Even in the face of death, Abinidi stood firm in his testimony. Mosiah 17:5-10 "And it came to pass that the king caused that his guards should surround Abinadi and take him; and they bound him and cast him into prison. And after three days, having counseled with his priests, he caused that he should again be brought before him.  And he said unto him: Abinadi, we have found an accusation against thee, and thou art worthy of death.  For thou hast said that God himself should come down among the children of men; and now, for this cause thou shalt be put to death unless thou wilt recall all the words which thou hast spoken evil concerning me and my people. Now Abinadi said unto him: I say unto you, I will not recall the words which I have spoken unto you concerning this people, for they are true; and that ye may know of their surety I have suffered myself that I have fallen into your hands. Yea, and I will suffer even until death, and I will not recall my words, and they shall stand as a testimony against you. And if ye slay me ye will shed innocent blood, and this shall also stand as a testimony against you at the last day."

In the Old Testament we're told that it is better to trust in the Lord than put confidence in man. This seems a pretty obvious truth, but do we really live our lives to show that we believe it? If we feel prompted by the Lord to do something that doesn't make sense to us, do we run to our friends to see if they think we should go ahead with it?  If we know the Lord has given us a commandment that many people in today's world are disobeying, are we hesitant to stand up for what we know is right because that is not a popular opinion among those around us? Do we care more about pleasing God or looking good to others? It is more important to have the Lord on our side than all the people in the world. Do we truly trust Him enough to believe that and live our lives accordingly?   Psalms 118:8 "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet illustrate how we need to love God with all our heart, soul, and might, and to keep His commandments.  And not only do we need to do these things ourselves, but parents need to teach these things diligently to their children. It's not enough to just casually mention these things every once in a while.  We need to be diligent in our teachings, and talk of these things morning and night, when we're sitting at home, and when we're walking together.  We need to take every opportunity to impart a love of God and His commandments to the younger generation.   Deuteronomy 6:5-7 "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."