“The enabling and strengthening aspect of the Atonement helps
us to see and to do and to become good in ways that we could
never recognize or accomplish with our limited mortal capacity.
I testify and witness that the enabling power of
the Savior’s Atonement is real.”
~ Elder David A. Bednar
In what ways do we depend on our own strength? How can we
more fully receive the strength of the Lord?
This was a long reading today, and I have so many thoughts about the parallels to our time - about being overtaxed by a government intent on building itself up, layer upon layer of people benefitting from the labors of others... all the while being in bondage to an outside source (the Lamanites/investors in American capital) who demand another great percentage of the wealth. Where are we headed? What are the lessons learned by the people of Zeniff/Noah/Limhi? Will we need an outside, miraculous visit from a savior (as Ammon and his group) to help take us out of our present dilemma??? Is the 2nd Coming of the Lord near?
ReplyDeleteI love the lessons of The Book of Mormon! But they are sobering.
Lisa great insight...what you have described is one of the reason why we search, study and ponder over the scriptures... because then we can see things as they are and be able to act properly. I find it very interesting that the problem with government, business, society is that they "were slow to remember the Lord our God" and "depended upon own strength". Since this isn't at the center or core of society values we find that we can be deceived by those who are cunning, and lying, because they make promises, for the sole purpose of gaining power over us and for their own gain but not the gain of the whole. We need to be wise to not become a lazy people and learn how to work and put forth and honest days worth of work and to stand for truth and righteousness. This might sound idealistic but if government, business and society would change their fundamental principles there would be an opportunity for all to prosper.
ReplyDeleteYes, Yes, Yes! I love all your insights! The ever increasing problem of people who want it all without having to work for it just boggles my mind. The "Wall Street" protesters have it sooo backwards! America, too is going to be in a huge bind financially, and diplomatically because of our spending habits. I firmly believe that if we follow the prophet's counsel about putting our houses in order, we can fight this power. It may be bondage upon us like the people of Ammon, but even if that happens, we will be OK. If we live within our means, don't have any cc debt, pay off our cars, etc., etc., we will fair much better that those who have not followed the prophets counsel. As I studied little of the United Order in Church History, last yea, I will really amazed at what our society could become. We as a people are not a Zion people, yet. But we will eventually get there. It is not idealistic, but you are right, Elin, that when we change our thinking about who is our source of strength, power, and livelihood to the Lord, then our hearts do change for the better, and we become stewards over the resources that the Lord has given us, and All will have what they need and want (although we have to be accountable for it).
ReplyDeleteThe problem remains - we are pretty far down the road, as far as the % of people that are living off of others. Why would they support change? Victim mentality is mind-numbing and logic to us is not logic to them. Why would they vote in leaders who believe in the free market and less government? Just like in King Noah's time, I fear it will take an epic wake-up call to shake America out of it's stupor. For a while I thought maybe 9/11 was that call... but how quickly we forget how to work together on solutions! Don't get me wrong - I understand the ideal, and think it's possible - but I think it will take divine intervention to wake people up. How far do we go before it's a full ripening of iniquity?! You're right though Natalie about at least getting our own houses in order - and getting out of financial bondage as much as we can!
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