I just finished reading all four of President Monson's talks in the May 2014 Ensign. I always try to read his talks first since he is our Prophet. He was inspiring as always.
Below our some of the thoughts he expressed that I want to be sure that I am living and that I want my family (well, and all of the world) to live. (Note: I will italicize his quotes.)
From his welcoming address: Live true to the faith. He was referring to the cultural program before the Gilbert Temple dedication. That was their theme, He said, "Think about that: "Live true to the faith."
President Monson's talk about courage in the Priesthood session was so good. There were so many great quotes!
"We live in a world where moral values have, in great measure, been tossed aside, where sin is flagrantly on display, and where temptations to stray from the strait and narrow path surround us. We are faced with persistent pressures and insidious influences tearing down what is decent and attempting to substitute the shallow philosophies and practices of a secular society.
Because of these and other challenges, decisions are constantly before us which can determine our destiny. In order for us to make the correct decisions, courage is needed—the courage to say no when we should, the courage to say yes when that is appropriate, the courage to do the right thing because it is right."
President Monson is aware of how far from society has strayed from decent values. He knows it isn't easy to live in the world. But he has told us that we need to decide where we stand and be courageous. I t may not be easy but we must do it.
"Inasmuch as the trend in society today is rapidly moving away from the values and principles the Lord has given us, we will almost certainly be called upon to defend that which we believe. Will we have the courage to do so?"
We must defend that which we believe. How can we do so? In conversations, by actions, by commenting in social media or on articles in the internet. We could be such a force for good if we will just have the courage to take a stand. I am going to start looking for articles on the internet where I can comment and stand for the right.
"I offer to each of you the same advice: “If you ever find yourself where you shouldn’t ought to be, get out!”"
I love this! I heard this advice as a teen, I tried to teach it to my children. Be courageous and get out!
Said Scottish poet and novelist Robert Louis Stevenson: “Everyday courage has few witnesses. But yours is no less noble because no drum beats for you and no crowds shout your name.”
First can I say that president Monson is the best for teaching with great quotes be it from poets, literary works, or Broadway musicals. Through the many years he has led me to discover new ideas or works because of what he shares in his talks.
Let me emphasize that quote again. It is so good!
“Everyday courage has few witnesses. But yours is no less noble because no drum beats for you and no crowds shout your name.”
Be courageous - especially when no one is looking!
Wrote the Christian author Charles Swindoll: “Courage is not limited to the battlefield … or bravely catching a thief in your house. The real tests of courage are much quieter. They are inner tests, like remaining faithful when no one’s looking, … like standing alone when you’re misunderstood.”
This was good but I loved what President Monson added : "I would add that this inner courage also includes doing the right thing even though we may be afraid, defending our beliefs at the risk of being ridiculed, and maintaining those beliefs even when threatened with a loss of friends or of social status. He who stands steadfastly for that which is right must risk becoming at times disapproved and unpopular."
Doesn't this just fill you with desire to take on life's dragons?
"Brethren,(and of course, sisters) are you the same person wherever you are and whatever you are doing—the person our Heavenly Father wants you to be and the person you know you should be?"
We should always be the same person ( a person of high character) wherever we are and whoever we are with.
"We will all face fear, experience ridicule, and meet opposition. Let us—all of us—have the courage to defy the consensus, the courage to stand for principle. Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God’s approval."
"I love His promise recorded in the book of Joshua: “I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. … “… Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” My beloved brethren, with the courage of our convictions, may we declare, with the Apostle Paul, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.” And then, with that same courage, may we follow Paul’s counsel: “Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”"
May we all "gird up our loins and fresh courage take" - knowing "God will never us forsake"!
No comments:
Post a Comment