Important Dates
- July 10-12: Youth Conference
July 2014 Lesson Schedule
- July 6: Presidency Lesson
- July 13: Lesson 11&12: Honoring the Priesthood Keys Restored through Joseph Smith & The Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood
- July 20: Lesson 13&14: Baptism & The Gift of the Holy Ghost
- July 27: Grateful in Any Circumstances by Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Lesson Review
In
our combined Relief Society/Priesthood meeting on June 29, we saw the
conversion stories of several people from our ward. There was a common thread that ran though many of them. Did you see
it?
Many of the conversions came from a seed that had been planted years before. Seeds that were planted by friends, families, missionaries, and some well-placed commercials.
What wonderful testimonies have sprouted and grown from these seeds.
It is good to know that so many people are out there planting seeds, but could we be out there killing seeds before, or after they sprout?
What are we being Seed Planters or Seed Killers?
Sometimes it’s easy to justify our lack of obedience, or a poor example. We could use the quote “Don’t judge me because I sin differently than you do.” We can take a breath, and feel good that we are trying, and that it is OK when we fall short. And because we have a Heavenly Father that loves us, it is OK.
Most of the world does not know that quote, or who President Uchtdorf is. And they do judge us, and our faith, based on how we sin.
They may have a young and tender seed that could be destroyed when they see our lapses in obedience, or in the way we treat our fellow men.
People DO watch us, and they DO notice
Has the Lord carefully planted a seed in the heart of one of his children, only to have the sprout killed because of something I said, or did?
Do I plant and nurture seeds?
Having had the privilege of seeing the conversion stories in the
combined meeting left me feeling spiritually strengthened. At the same time knowing that there is more
to do.
As we go through this next week may the Lord strengthen our
resolve, to exercise faith, and help us grow in character, so that we may be an
instrument for good.
My testimony is that He lives.
As we worthily seek His help, He will guide us in our life.
Many of the conversions came from a seed that had been planted years before. Seeds that were planted by friends, families, missionaries, and some well-placed commercials.
What wonderful testimonies have sprouted and grown from these seeds.
It is good to know that so many people are out there planting seeds, but could we be out there killing seeds before, or after they sprout?
What are we being Seed Planters or Seed Killers?
Sometimes it’s easy to justify our lack of obedience, or a poor example. We could use the quote “Don’t judge me because I sin differently than you do.” We can take a breath, and feel good that we are trying, and that it is OK when we fall short. And because we have a Heavenly Father that loves us, it is OK.
Most of the world does not know that quote, or who President Uchtdorf is. And they do judge us, and our faith, based on how we sin.
They may have a young and tender seed that could be destroyed when they see our lapses in obedience, or in the way we treat our fellow men.
People DO watch us, and they DO notice
Has the Lord carefully planted a seed in the heart of one of his children, only to have the sprout killed because of something I said, or did?
Do
I “justify in committing a little sin?”
“ And there shall also be many which shall say:
Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing
a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his
words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these
things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat
us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God.” (2
Nephi 28:8)
Elder Russell M. Nelson taught: “Each member can be
an example of the believers. Brethren, as followers of Jesus Christ, each of
you can live in accord with His teachings. You can have “a pure heart and clean
hands”; you can have “the image of God engraven upon your countenance.” Your
good works will be evident to others. The light of the Lord can
beam from your eyes.” Conference 2010, Be Thou
an Example of the Believers
President Monson said: “You can share your
testimony in many ways—by the words you speak, by the example you set, by the
manner in which you live your life.” Conference 2005, Be Thou an Example
There is an article called, Living
a Life of Peace, Joy, and Purpose by Elder Richard G. Scott in the February
2014 Ensign. He listed 10 things that could help us be successful in this life. Or in other words a seed planter.
1.
Establish principles to guide your life.
2.
Don’t make exceptions to your standards.
3.
Be Loyal.
4.
Live so that the Lord can guide you.
5.
Serve others.
6.
Smile.
7.
Don’t complain.
8.
Always have a Church assignment.
9.
Worship in the temple.
10.
Follow the Savior’s example.
President Uchdorf asked, "When our time in mortality is
complete, what experiences will we be able to share about our own contribution
to this significant period of our lives and to the furthering of the Lord’s
work? Will we be able to say that we rolled up our sleeves and labored with
all our heart, might, mind, and strength? Or will we have to admit that our
role was mostly that of an observer"?
Priesthood Session, April 2014, Are you
Sleeping through the Restoration?
My Question is, if Shelly, Brenda,
Arlene, Karli or Moraima had been dependent on ME to plant the seed of their
faith, would they be where they are now?
My testimony is that He lives.
As we worthily seek His help, He will guide us in our life.
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