Job Description - What's Yours?

  I am sure that my children do not know what a rotary telephone looks like. They know nothing about phones except for the fact that they stay with you all the time, in your pocket or purse. Although I sound as if I am quite an old person as I say this, the fact is that technology is just moving at an enormously fast rate, all due to the purpose of the gospel being preached to all men. 

when I was eighteen-years old I worked for a land-line telephone company. The monopoly ran by South Western Bell had recently been named un-lawful and due to this new law; new phone companies began to form in hopes to take advantage of the required rates given to those whom wanted to buy their telephone lines, in order to re-sell them. 

I began working for one of these newly forming phone companies, ( only a couple years old ) as a Sales Representative, where I answered the phone and signed up individuals for this new phone service. With in one year I was promoted to become a Sales Quality Analyst, where my job entailed coaching my former sales associates on how to obtain the sale, while following FCC Regulations, and maintaining a quality call, with an retain-able new customer.  I also worked with two outsourced companies that we used, ensuring our same procedures were being followed, although they were off location. 

As I came into work at this up and coming company one day, I was informed that I would have an individual shadowing me on and off for an entire week. A few individuals were temporarily hired in order that they could document what it was that not just myself, but every employee did  in their job; even those unseen, yet forming processes unknown to anyone besides the person who held the position. 

Although this was a lengthy and expensive project, there was great significance in this documentation for the future employees, as it left a clear depiction of how the company is ran successfully. 

In 3 Nephi 5:13 Mormon describes himself as a " Disciple of Christ ". Although Mormon was likely making this statement in part due to his authority as an apostle, as stated in the manual ( Religion 121-122 ) , Mormon also teaches us what we can and must do ourselves as we are also " Disciples of Christ " in our lives, as we have taken upon us His name at baptism. 

Like this company that I worked for; the importance of documenting and making known the " Job Description " for those future employees and current employees, Our Father in Heaven understands the great need for us to also comprehend what it means to be " His Disciple " , and so, He left us examples and instructions in great detail in the documentation of His life, and His  apostles, prophets and disciples- all documented in the scriptures. As we read the scriptures we learn from those such as Mormon and many others, after what manner our job as " Disciples of Christ " should be executed. 

There are many today that when asked what they " do " or what they " are " identify themselves to their career job description, their hobbies, the brand of their car,  the university they attended, or their favorite sports team ( Let Your Faith Show, April 2014, Elder Russel M. Nelson ) , but I know that the Lord made the scriptures available to us, even with great sacrifice from many individuals that I am certain that He loves, and did not want to see them suffer the way they did, but none the less; in order for us, that we might have our most important " Job Description " made known to us through examples like Mormon, as what we are to do and be, as " Disciples of Christ." We can and should identify ourselves first and foremost,  as exactly what we came to this earth to become; His students, and followers.

When we understand our real " Job Description " our whole life attitudes towards even daily mundane tasks can change. As we first identify ourselves as " His Disciples " we are no longer just changing a diaper of our baby, but we are caring for royal offspring that has divine potential. As we go shopping at the grocery store for our family, we are not just buying food, we are learning to run a small kingdom of God, and preparing and training His small servants, that will need strength to reach their potential. As I understand my " Job Description " as a " Disciple of Christ ", I am not just doing this school work for a degree, but I am becoming better prepared to build His kingdom, as I have practiced discipline, precision, and hard work, which has given me added knowledge on how to be a better Servant for Him in His kingdom. 

As stated in the manual , Religion 121-122: Chauncey C. Riddle states in Becoming a Disciple, Ensign 1974 :

" The word disciple comes from the Latin meaning learner. A disciple of Christ is one whom is learning to be like Christ- learning to think, feel and act how He does. To be a true disciple, to fulfill that learning task, is the most demanding regimen known to man. No other discipline compares...in either requirements or rewards. It involves a total transformation of a person from state of natural man to that of a Saint, one whom loves the Lord, and serves him with all his heart, might, mind and strength." 

I am so thankful that I have these sacred scriptures that have given me clear instructions as to how I should live my life. How I should act, what kind of work that I should do, and how to become a profitable servant unto Him that I love. I am so thankful that I know my real " Job Description " as a " Disciple of Jesus Christ." 

I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

Choose a famine, rather than the sword

I have been struggling to keep up with the work load of taking care of my family, school work, my calling, and my job at the hospital. I have come to learn that something must be taken out of my schedule in order that I can be the mother and wife that I need to be in order to help my family have the spirit and feel safe and comfortable. 

As I was in the temple this week I was also praying about the chapters I have been reading for class and what I could learn from them. I turned to Helaman 11. As I was reading Helaman 11 : 4 , " Oh Lord, do not suffer that this people should be destroyed by the sword ; but Oh Lord , rather let there be a famine in the land to stir them up in remembrance of the Lord their God and perhaps they will repent and turn unto thee." My thoughts and feelings were different than they have ever been as I have read this verse before. I was able to understand that although my family is not at war, suffering death by the sword, I must be able to put teaching my children first, and I should have the faith like Nephi, who would rather go through a famine in the land, even knowing that would be hard; but in order that they might turn to the Lord and be safe in Him. In my life, I have everything that I need, and I enjoy taking care of patients at the hospital, and I enjoy having extra money to buy extra things, but I had the distinct feeling from the spirit speak to me in this verse that I should be willing to accept a famine of not working as much as I enjoy it; and not making that extra money, in order that I can prevent the swords of satan destroying my children as they do not have their Mother around as much when I am working more. I am so thankful for the temple, where we can serve and gain special insights for our own families. I did some research on this topic and this is what I found:

Group 3. President Ezra Taft Benson (student manual,237–38).

• •Mothers should be at the crossroads for their children, whether their children are six or sixteen.
• •A family suffers when the mother is absent.
• •Recent societal trends have fostered discontent in women who have chosen the role of wife and mother.
• •It is propaganda that some women are more suited for work than for family.
• •Women should not sacrifice their preparation for marriage just to prepare to make money.
• •Children need more of mother than money.
  
  
  Group 4. President Spencer W. Kimball (student manual,237).
• •Only in an emergency should women seek outside employment.
• •Many divorces can be traced to the day the wife left home for the workforce.
• •Two incomes raise the standard of living beyond the norm.
• •No career approaches the importance of wife, homemaker, and mother.
• •Some people afford luxuries but say they cannot afford children.
• 
  
• Only a mother can fulfill the role of mother.
  
  President Gordon B. Hinckley counseled, “In terms of your happiness, in terms of the
   matters that make you proud or sad, nothing—I repeat, nothing—will have so profound an effect on you as the way your children turnout” (in Conference Report, Oct. 2000, 67; or Ensign,Nov. 2000, 50). Couples who follow the counsel of the prophets concerning the importance of mothers staying home with their children when possible will be blessed.Repeat Elder Scott’s statement that mothers who are in unusual circumstances and have no choice but to work outside the home will also be blessed.

I am fortunate in my job at the hospital that I can schedule myself as little or as often as I would like. I am positive that the Lord's response to my seeking guidance was that I just need to schedule myself less at my hospital job, and especially reserve those Saturdays that my family can spend time all together as a time for us all to connect with each other, and teach in action. 

Samuel The Lamenite

As we learn about Samuel the Lamenite in Helaman Chapter 13 we can see the mercy of the Lord at work as he puts into the heart of Samuel what he should say,( Helaman 13: 3 )

There were many whom believed in Samuel the Lamenites prophesies but there were also many whom became angry at Samuel. ( Helaman 16:2 )

As I read about these people whom were angry and shooting arrows at Samuel I was reminded of a wonderful tender mercy of the Lord, that I was given this past General Conference. 

My husband whom is not LDS, generally tries to avoid even being in the room when General Conference is playing in my home, on my computer. Because I attend my husbands Catholic church once a month, he did agree to watch one hour of this General Conference, but it was kind of like pulling teeth. I was really disappointed when my husband decided suddenly that he needed to go to his office for awhile that Sunday, and I knew that he would be gone at the time that President Monson would speak. When my husband almost very literally had just sat down to watch not long before the most perfect talk was being given by Elder Bednar, called, " Come and See " , I felt the spirit right away tell me that this was such a blessing to be had, for my husband to have the opportunity for someone to explain to him, why I am the way I am about wanting to share the gospel with everyone so badly.

Sometimes individuals do feel very frustrated with us as we try and share the gospel, as I know my husband does on occasion, just as there were those whom were angry with Samuel the Lamenite, but as the spirit permitted, and he was told, he did not stop to teach these people the things upon the wall; even as they shot arrows at him. I understand that being in tune with the spirit is what allowed Samuel the Lamenite to know the words he should say; and as well following the spirit is what allowed him to be protected from danger. I understand that we must follow his example in continuing to bear our testimonies when the spirit prompts us, as well it would be wise for us to explain why we want to share the gospel; just as Elder Bednar explained in his talk, that seemed almost especially for my husband. I do not know if my husband took the talk to heart, but I felt the love of the Lord as I listened to a servant of God teach me how I can explain to those I share the gospel with why I do it and as my husband had the chance to open his heart and accept the invitation.

Elder Bednar used this story as an explanation as to why we desire to share:

"One evening Susan and I stood near a window in our home and watched two of our little boys playing outside. During the course of their adventures, the younger of the two boys was injured slightly in a small accident. We quickly recognized that he was not seriously hurt, and we decided not to provide immediate assistance. We wanted to observe and see if any of our family discussions about brotherly kindness had sunk in. What happened next was both interesting and instructive.

The older brother consoled and carefully helped the younger brother back into the house. Susan and I had positioned ourselves near the kitchen so we could see what next took place, and we were prepared to intervene immediately if additional bodily harm seemed likely or a serious accident was imminent.

The older brother dragged a chair to the kitchen sink. He climbed up on the chair, assisted his brother onto the chair, turned on the water, and proceeded to pour a large quantity of dish washing soap onto the scratched arm of his little brother. He did his best to gently wash away the dirt. The reaction of the little brother to this procedure can only be described accurately using language from the holy scriptures: “And they shall have cause to howl, and weep, and wail, and gnash their teeth” (Mosiah 16:2). And did that little boy howl!

After the scrubbing was finished, the arm was carefully dried with a towel. Eventually the screaming stopped. The older brother next climbed up onto the kitchen counter, opened a cabinet, and found a new tube of medicated ointment. Though the scratches on his little brother were not large or extensive, the older brother applied almost all of the ointment in the tube to the entire injured arm. The screaming did not resume, as the little brother clearly liked the soothing effect of the ointment much more than he appreciated the cleansing effect of the dish washing soap.

The older brother returned again to the cabinet in which he had found the ointment and located a new box of sterile bandages. He then unwrapped and put bandages all up and down his brother’s arm—from the wrist to the elbow. With the emergency resolved, and with soap bubbles, ointment, and wrappers all over the kitchen, the two little boys hopped down from the chair with bright smiles and happy faces.

What happened next is most important. The injured brother gathered up the remaining bandages and the almost empty tube of ointment, and he went back outside. He quickly sought out his friends and began to put ointment and bandages on their arms. Susan and I both were struck by the sincerity, enthusiasm, and rapidity of his response.

Why did that little boy do what he did? Please note that he immediately and intuitively wanted to give to his friends the very thing that had helped him when he was hurt. That little boy did not have to be urged, challenged, prompted, or goaded to act. His desire to share was the natural consequence of a most helpful and beneficial personal experience.

 

Many of us as adults behave in precisely the same way when we find a treatment or medication that alleviates pain with which we have long suffered, or we receive counsel that enables us to face challenges with courage and perplexities with patience. Sharing with other people things that are most meaningful to us or have helped us is not unusual at all.To you family members and friends who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have attempted to explain fundamental reasons why we are missionaries....

Absolute truth exists in a world that increasingly disdains and dismisses absolutes. In a future day, “every knee [shall] bow” and “every tongue [shall] confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10–11). Jesus the Christ absolutely is the Only Begotten Son of the Eternal Father. As members of His Church, we witness He lives and His Church has been restored in its fulness in these latter days.

The invitations we extend to you to learn about and test our message grow out of the positive effects the gospel of Jesus Christ has had in our lives. Sometimes we may be awkward or abrupt or even relentless in our attempts. Our simple desire is to share with you the truths that are of greatest worth to us.

As one of the Lord’s Apostles, and with all of the energy of my soul, I bear witness of His divinity and reality. And I invite you to “come and see” (John 1:39), in the sacred name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen."

I am thankful for the tender mercy that I received that day for my husband to have an invitation from Elder Bednar to " Come and See", and I am thankful that my actions were explained. I am thankful for Samuel the Lamenites worthiness to receive the Lord's words into his heart, and for the example that it is to me that I can be a witness of Christ to others as I do missionary work, and as I am worthy to have His spirit, I will both be told, and protected." 

I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

SEALING POWER

As I read in Helaman 10 and I witness Nephi receiving the " Sealing Power " I am reminded of how blessed that I am today that I am a member of Jesus Christ's church; that same church that He organized Himself when He was here upon the earth. As Elder Callister stated in a CES Devotional held at BYU, titled " Blueprint", Jan. 2014, he said, " Christ's church was founded on Apostles and Prophets. When Paul was writing to some new members of the church he said that they were now, " built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Corner Stone."  ( Ephesians 2:20 )

Just as we witness Nephi in this chapter receiving acceptance and blessings from God, we also witness Nephi receiving the Priesthood Power, or  in other words Keys or " Power that whatsoever you seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven; and whatsoever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. "  ( Helaman 10:7 )

 

The sacred call of a Prophet and the sacred " Keys of the kingdom " have been present since the beginning of time. We have witnessed Moses being called in Exodus 24 on Mount Sinai in the Old Testament, Where Moses took three others; Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu with him to the mount, and they saw the God of Israel. ( Exodus 24:9-11 ) 

Again we witness the sacred call and " Keys of the Kingdom " being given to a prophet on the Mount of Transfiguration eight days before Christ would take Peter, John and James upon the mount with Him, He promised Peter, " Blessed art thou Simon, Barjona; for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in Heaven, and I say unto thee that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." ( Matthew 16: 14-20 )

Eight days later in Luke 9:28-36 Christ took Peter, John and James up into a mountain to pray; when suddenly Moses and Elias appeared in glory.

I personally know of no other church whom claims to hold the same Priesthood Power that was given to all of the past prophets? 

keys are biblical symbols of power and authority held by prophets for governing the kingdom of God.

“Keys symbolize power because they are given to those
who are judged trustworthy. . . . In the Old Testament keys belong
to the steward of the house, the trusted servant, the one that the
master has chosen for the household affairs. Thus, in the biblical
context, keys are dual images of trust and responsibility.  For the
one who gives the keys, they are symbols of trust and belief in the
character of the steward. For the one who receives the keys, they
are symbols of responsibility. While Jesus taught the Jewish leaders
that keys control access to revelation (see Luke 11:52), his statement
implied that, because the Jewish leaders did not fulfill their
responsibility in accessing and teaching the truth, they had lost the
keys which they had once held. The biblical references to keys
(Is. 22:22; Matt. 16:13–20; Luke 11:52; Rev. 1:18; 3:7) imply that
there are several keys associated with the kingdom of God.
As two of the foremost prophets in the Old Testament with
roles that embodied trust and responsibility, both Moses and
Elijah held keys for the governing of the Kingdom."

                                                   Ryken, Wilhoit, and Longman discuss the meaning of keys in biblical texts.

When Jesus Christ chose His Apostles and those whom would receive Priesthood Power, he did not choose those whom were educated in religious matters. He prayed " all night " to know from His Father's inspiration whom He should choose. ( Luke 6 : 12-17 ) 

Christ said, " Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you and ordained you. " ( John 15:16 )

I am so deeply thankful that I have this exact same power greatly involved in my life today. That same power that Jesus Christ ordained his Apostles to have; is the same power that worthy men of the church use as they direct and lead the affairs of the church.  I feel this power in the authority of my Bishop, Stake President and church Teachers. Although I do not hold the Priesthood, I also feel it's power working on my behalf and through me as I keep my temple covenants. The power of God is real. I know this and experience it daily. I am forever thankful for this. 

In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Atonement Works For Eternity

As I imagine this Nephi, the son of Helaman that we read about in the book of Helaman I see the miracle of the Atonement at work still and through eternity. As I think of this Nephi whom was named after the first Nephi whom faithfully left Jerusalem with his father Lehi ( Helaman 3:21 ), I see the fruit of Alma the Younger, and I see His good fruit being produced after he was gone, in the life of this Nephi - his great grandson. I feel the miracle of the Atonement as I think back to when Alma the Younger was destroying the church of God, and I can see that not a person could imagine how this wicked and rebellious man would be responsible for offspring that would lead the church generation after generation, and that even eight thousands of conversions would be a result of this lineage's testimony and work in the gospel. ( Helaman 5:17 ) I think about these generations and what caused them to stand so firm in their beliefs and how eventually this Nephi would be in a position of standing as a prisoner in the same prison that his great grandfather's dear friend Ammon also stood in, and that his faith would be so strong that the power of heaven was called down to help him in this prison ( Helaman 5:22-26 ). What produces a faith like this I ask? The answer is in the scriptures, or for this Nephi scriptures and the stories that his great grandfather told, as we know that Alma the Younger shared his conversion story over and over in the scriptures and to his posterity, as well as non-members. I can imagine that this Nephi as he was starving in prison and going to be taken to be killed; he must have been recalling the experiences that he knew that his great grandfather, grandfather, and father had. He may have thought about Alma's hardships in Melek and Ammmonihah? He may have been recalling his grandfather's friend Ammon being saved by the mercy of God from this same prison? His heart must have taken courage with the memory of these stories? This caused me to wonder if I share enough with my children about how I gained my testimony and true conversion, in order that they might be able to relate and hold onto my experiences, when they have their own trials? I wondered if I am sharing enough of my triumphs in the gospel? Sharing how a certain principle used to be difficult for me, but how I overcame my trial? And how the Lord helped me? I wonder if I share enough about the cost of my discipleship? We saw Nephi long to have been born in the time of the Nephi that he was named after ( Helaman 7:7-8 ), so clearly this Nephi was influenced by his heritage, and certainly he knew whom he was named after and what his name stood for? This reminded me that I can remind my children over and over about my conversion experiences as well, and that I can remind them whose name they take upon themselves when they are baptized, and what the outcome will be for them if they can endure. I am reminded that I must remind them there will be trials, hardships and that's part of life, but this truth, that, 

" We don't know when the game ends, nor the final score, but we know that we win." 

                                                                                                             Dallin H. Oaks , GC April 2004

I can show my children how Christ is winning now, by showing them how happy the gospel makes me as I live it. 

I say this in the name of Jesus Christ.amen.

Materialism

My experience at the hospital 

I am privileged to work as a Technician and Nurses Assistant at a hospital near my home. This past Sat. as I went in for my long twelve-hour shift I was told that I would be in the care of one patient all day. The overwhelming gratitude and sorrow that I witnessed in this patients family during these twelve hours; was merciful and horrific at the same time. I felt the effects of what had began to happen to the Nephites as we read in Helaman 3:33. As we read this verse we learn that a pride began to enter into their hearts. Later as we read in Helaman 3:36, we learn where this pride came from, as the verse states, " Exceeding great pride had gotten into the hearts of the people; and it was because of their exceedingly great riches and their prosperity in the land, and it did grow upon them from day to day."

                             
 This patient was nearly dead when he was found by his wife. He had attempted to commit suicide by hanging himself with a belt around his neck. Fortunately this patient had survived, although he was being supported by machines which allowed him to breath, and having a broken neck, the recovery will not be an easy one. It was a miracle that although he had a seizure shortly after being rescued, nuero-testing indicated that his brain had not been damaged by this tragic event. As I watched the endless tears from his wife and family as they entered and exited the room, discussing with one another and such; it became evident right away the cause for this mans attempted suicide. The plea from his wife at bedside in tears was, " I am so sorry. I am so sorry that I made you believe that our house, cars and rental properties were more important than you. I promise we are going to stay together and nothing is more important than you sweetheart." These words could not be heard by the sedated patient, and in a way the chains and destruction of materialism had already taken a very heart wrenching toll on this family. As I witnessed many times this same patient's wife also exit the room to talk with her rel estate agent, and then come back into the room, and state to her sedated husband, " Don't worry, this and that house are being sold right now." As if the image of her husband's delicate life hanging by a thread, did not sink the message, " Things that can be bought do not matter" , deep enough. 

                               
  Witnessing these events brought a vivid image of what materialism can really do to a people, even as we saw it take hold of the hearts of the Nephites in these chapters in Helaman 3. We even witness the Nephites materialism cause them to lose their support from God, and eventually lose " all the possessions of the Nephites " 

( Helaman 4:1 ), and furthermore in Helaman 4:11-12 we read, " Now this great loss of the Nephites and the great slaughter which was among them, would not have happened had it not been for their wickedness and abomination which was among them; yea and it was among those who professed to belong to the church of God, and it was because of the pride of their hearts, because of their exceeding riches, yea it was because of their oppression to the poor." 

                                 
 Although we may not be a a great slaughter physically, these events caused me to worry for myself and those whom may be on the path towards slaughter like I watched this patient mercifully be saved from, as his family and he are given a second chance to remember how to treat and cherish each other, more than their possessions. 

                                     We have been warned and taught so many examples about materialism. 

Luke 2:15, " A man's life consisteth not in the abundance of thing which he posesseth."

Prayer, scripture study, and spiritual experiences help remind us that we are greater than what we own.

" Seek not after riches nor the vain things of this world; for behold you cannot carry them with you. " ( Alma 39:14 ) 

When we die the only things we take with us are our memories, relationships and the things that we learned.

" Seek not the things of this world, but seek ye first to build the kingdom of God." ( JST Matthew 6:38 )

I would rather spend my time doing those things that will help people come unto Christ, than any other thing that I could spend my time on.

" Thou shalt lay aside the thing of this world, and seek for the things of a better." ( D&C 25:10 )

When I die, I hope my children will not mourn for me, because if my work is finished, I will be exactly where I want to be.

" We are happiest when our lives are connected to others through unselfish love and service."  (Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorom of the Twelve Apostles)

I have experienced this happiness myself in connection and service of others!

" Lay up yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will heart be also. ( Matthew 6:19-21 )

I am so thankful for these great teachings in the scriptures and it is easy to see where our hearts are; our hearts are wherever we are spending our time! 

I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. amen.

Jealousy

In Helaman we can learn about the dangerous sin of jealousy. I decided to expand on this account of jealousy because I used to feel jealousy frequently in my life, and in fact my competitive nature and jealousy kept me from being as worthy of the spirit's influence in my life. I could partially attribute this sin to my leaving the path towards happiness for a time.

In Helaman 1 we learn that as Pahoran had died there began to be serious contention about who should obtain the judgement-seat. ( Helaman 1:2)

We watch this competition among Pahoran's sons cause a division among the people. ( Helaman 1:4 )

We watch Pahoran Jr. obtain the position, only shortly after to be murdered by followers of Paanchi ( Pahoran's own brother ). ( Helaman 1:9 )

This evil work began all because of jealousy which eventually led to an enormous destruction of righteousness and physical destruction, because of the difficulty these sins caused in their government being prepared to protect their people. ( Helaman 1:18 )

In the New Testament we are taught a parable by Jesus Christ that is a reminder to us that we never need be jealous as followers of Christ. In Luke 15:11-32)

 As we read about the Prodigal Son, Elder Jeffery R. Holland reminded us in an April 2002, conference talk, titled " The Other Prodigal "  an important lesson that we were meant to take away from this parable as he says, " Being caught in this younger son's story we can miss, if we are not careful, the account of an elder son, for the opening line of the account reads, " a certain man had two sons", and he might have added both whom were lost and needed to come home. Certainly this younger brother had been a prisoner of sin, stupidity and pigsty, but the older brother lives in some confinement too, as he has yet been able to break out of the prison himself, he is haunted by the green-eyed monster of jealousy, he feels taken for granted by his father, and disenfranchised by his brother, when neither is the case. As such he is like Tantalus of Greek Mythology- he is up to his chin in water, but he remains thirsty never the less. One who was heretofore presumably happy with his life and content with good fortune suddenly feels very unhappy, simply because another has had good fortune as well. Who is it that whispers to subtly in our ear that a gift given to another somehow diminishes the blessings that we have received? Who makes us feel that if God is smiling on another then he must surely be frowning on us? You and I know who does this- it is the father of all lies, it is Lucifer, whose cries down the corridors of time is always and to everyone, " give me thine honor"  ( Moses 4:1 ). As others seem to grow larger in our sight, we think we must therefore be smaller, so unfortunately we occasionally act that way. God does not work this way. The Father in this story does not tantalize his children. He does not mercilessly measure them against their neighbors. He doesn't even compare them with each other. His gestures of compassion towards one do not require a withdrawal or denial of love for the other. He is divinely generous to both of these sons. Towards both of His children He extends charity. How can we overcome the tendency to be jealous in a world that constantly compares people, ranking them as more or less intelligent, more or less attractive, more or less successful? Along the way we can count our many blessings and we can applaud the accomplishments of others. Best of all, we can serve other's- the finest exercise  for the heart ever prescribed. We can cheer every talent and ability wherever it is bestowed, thus making life here more nearly what it will be like in heaven. We can always remember Paul's succinct prioritizing virtues, now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. He reminds us that we are all the body of Christ, and that all members wether comely or feeble are adored, essential and important. We feel the depth of this plea that there be no schism in the body, but that the members have the same care for another, and when one member suffers, all members suffer with it, or when one member is honored, all the members rejoice.  ( 1 Corinthians 12:25-26 )

In this account that we read of  in Helaman of jealousy, we literally witness each "member" suffering the consequences of jealousy that began between brothers.


 In my own life, as one whom has been jealous in the past; and as a person whom truly rarely feels a smidge of jealousy or envy now; I can testify of the thing that helped me overcome my insecurities. The number one principle that I began to apply in my life is recognition that everyone here on this earth is part of my family. As I began to view each individual as my brothers and sisters; this love began to grow in my heart for the whole human race. I began to pray not just for immediate family, but for my church family as well, and for the church across the world daily. I pray that we all as members of His church could be strengthened in obedience and diligence in building His kingdom here upon the earth. 

I began to pray for those whom are not members of our church. I prayed that I could find those whom are seeking for truth. As my love grew for everyone, when I witness their success; I know that their success is my success too; as I have been praying for them. As I saw other's loving each other, I did not see it as a lack of love for me, but an opportunity for the person that I would seek love from to be able to be happy, and more experienced in how to have happy, and loving relationships with me. Even as I saw my husband work late and go out with friends often, I do not feel jealous with an understanding that these things make him happy; and that his happiness allows him to love me even more. As I see my Father in Heaven bless others with talents and abilities; I see how this is blessing me at the same time because they have covenanted to use their talents and blessings to help me and all of my brothers and sisters. I wrote a poem for a high school English assignment that is much like this thinking pattern that Paul discussed about being one. Although in high school I was not versed in this Bible scripture; I can see now that I was inspired by this truth; and desiring to write about a true principle. The principle is that none of us are more important than the other, as Elder Jeffery R. Holland stated in this conference talk, as he said, " No one of us is less treasured or cherished of God than the other. I testify that He loves each of us, insecurities, anxieties, self-image and all. " 

This is the poem I wrote at age sixteen:

Large in stature stand a tree, the leaves embedded, we can not see. 

Buried below the bark we discover, yet another creature of  Nature Mother.

One leaf on a tree insignificant appears, but the secured cocoon, shelters there without fears.

One branch of a tree, produces no lengthy fire, but the bird's nest is their home, where they'll learn to fly higher.

The trunk of the tree is the bearer of all, but with out all the rest, this tree would not be tall.

I am thankful that Jesus Christ whom has taught me this truth of being one with each other; and by His example of loving everyone; I have been blessed with a great joy, as I follow His example. I love Him so very much.

I say this in the name of Jesus Christ.Amen.