Construction and Criticism

Something that I struggle with at times is taking advice from others. So this post is more for myself than perhaps anyone else.

In athletics it is common to have a coach of sorts who helps you to fix things you are doing wrong. There are other reasons for coaches but this is definitely a main focus. As the athlete, you have to learn to listen to what your coach says and then change how you perform a certain thing. For me, it's always been easy to listen to most of my coaches. However, I have had coaches who I felt like didn't know what they were talking about. It is very difficult to follow what they say when you feel like you know better.

The same principle applies to our spiritual athleticism. It's often easy to take advice from someone we respect and admire but difficult when it comes from others. When we feel like we have had more experience it is hard to listen to what they say without becoming defensive. The truth is that we should listen carefully to all criticism and look for the truth in what they are saying. We shouldn't become defensive or begin attacking their weaknesses as if that would somehow make it better.

I know that it's difficult. It is something I have a tough time with. But I know that the principles are true. Hopefully we can begin to self-construct rather that self-destruct and build each other up as well.

See also: Job 5:17

Tools and Swords

As the Jews rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem Nehemiah recounts, "They which builded on the wall . . . every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon." (Nehemiah 4:17)

I found this scripture applicable to our day because here we are trying to build up Zion, the New Jerusalem (see Articles of Faith 1:10), and Satan is constantly attacking us. Therefore, we must have the tools necessary to build Zion in one hand and the weapons to fend off Satan in the other. It's important though that we don't put our tools down and allow warring with the adversary to occupy all of our time. And it's equally important to never lay our weapons down because we must always be ready to defend ourselves and the truth.

Hydrate or Die

Water (also known as H2O) is essential. Our bodies require it for a plethora of different functions. I had a great scout leader who would always advise us to hydrate or die when we would go on hikes or things of that nature.

Drinking water is necessary when playing sports, especially in warm climates. As bodies undergo physical exertion they begin to sweat. As this sweat evaporates it cools our bodies down. If we do not have enough fluids in us this process cannot happen which leads to dangerous circumstances.

The same principle applies to our spiritual well-being. We have got to stay hydrated with Christ, the living water. Christ said of Himself, "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."

Living Water. Is it in you?

Links of an Eternal Chain

Many people in the world today have desires to find out their family history, where they came from. There is something satisfying about making connections with your ancestors. I experienced this when I read my great-grandfather's World War I diary. I felt like a hole was filled that I didn't know was there.

Elder Russel M. Nelson, an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, said, "Our inborn yearnings for family connections are fulfilled when we are linked to our ancestors through sacred ordinances of the temple."1

The picture above represents what a family chain looks like when the ordinances in the temple have not been completed. In order for a fullness of joy to be complete, everyone must be linked properly together.

Easter 2012

Easter Season is here once again. It is a great time of year to think about Christ. We had the great opportunity to attend a baptism this morning. This young sister was able to start anew and begin her journey back to our Father in Heaven. We all have that chance.

Because of Christ we can become clean from sin. Let us reflect this time of year on the gifts Jesus Christ gave us two thousand years ago and the gifts he continues to give us.