Knowing the Truth

Here's the thought I shared in this month's ward (church) newsletter:

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In this generation of information and opinion at the speed of thought, there are countless voices—many of which are rational, logical, and indeed quite convincing. While truth is always supported by logic, what is logically valid is not always intrinsically true. As we consider the many voices that assail the values and beliefs that are at the core of the restored gospel, let us not supplant our Heavenly Father’s divine revelations and manifestations in our day with the wisdom of man—which has always been limited and imperfect.

President Thomas S. Monson has said, “Important to remember is the solemn truth: Obedience to God’s law will bring liberty and eternal life, whereas disobedience will bring captivity and death,” (“Decisions Determine Destiny.” New Era. Nov. 1979, 8).

More recently, he has declared, “To those who humbly seek, there is no need to stumble or falter along the pathway leading to truth. It is well marked by our Heavenly Father. We must first have a desire to know for ourselves. We must study. We must pray. We must do the will of the Father. And then we will know the truth, and the truth will make us free,” (“Great Expectations,” CES fireside for young adults. Jan. 11, 2009).

As we desire to know the truth—in regards to the tumultuous societal issues facing our day or any other matters in our lives—we will find that the simple process of study, prayer, and obedience to our Heavenly Father’s plan will be the means of gaining truth, life, and liberty. While we consider the varying voices around us, let us make a renewed personal effort to study and live God’s law, and seek ever more diligent devotion to it.

Quote of the day

I don't remember the exact quote, but it comes from the ghost of Jacob Marley--(in Dickens' A Christmas Carol).  He is talking to Scrooge, and when Scrooge tells Marley his punishment certainly can't be just because he was such a good business man, Marley retorts:

"Mankind was my business!"

. . . then he goes on, and tells Scrooge (and the rest of us) that mankind is his (and ours) business as well.

If Mankind is my business, why do I spend so much time on business and so little on the "mankind" I care most about?  This thought occurred to me as I drove away from my home and family at 7:00am again this Saturday to my MBA classes.  And for what?  . . .to better my career?  . . . to improve my earning potential?  . . .to be better at business? 

Or. . . is there something deeper to my education?  Maybe my MBA interactions ARE the "business of mankind".  Maybe every day with every person--business or personal--is a day of "the business of mankind."  I think it can be, depending on the way I interact.

When I feel the urge to step out of the mindset of 'the business of mankind', I can do the kindest thing you can imagine.  When I feel anger, and wish to place blame, I can take blame.  When I feel upset, I can use kindness to defuse my own emotions.

It's been said that there are two kinds of truths in the world:  the kind of truth that builds people up, and the kind of truth that tears people down.  May I always be cognizant of the truth I share.