I've always loved the story of Daniel and I like that he tells details I often forget (his age, background, etc). He says Daniel could have been much like us- he still had to pray and wait for understanding and wisdom from the Lord. And he received it. "The challenge is ours to daily practice the principles of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and live true to God's commandments."
I liked the paragraph about how God DOES want to speak to us but it requires our scientific curiosity, experimentation, humility, open heart, in short, seeking. "If we make no effort to believe, we are like the man who unplugs a spotlight and then blames the spotlight for not giving any light."
I think my favorite part of the whole talk was how he says, "We believe in God because of things we know with our heart and mind, not because of things we do not know." Love this. If it were based on things we didn't know, we would all fall. Thank goodness for the things we do know. Sometimes if I don't understand something, I just have to remind myself that I believe in prophets, I believe this is Christ's church restored, I believe God loves us, or whatever other concept.
I love how President Uchtdorf started with the example of Daniel. He pointed out that Daniel's life probably would have been easier if he had "set aside the restrictive code of conduct God had given the children of Israel". But he also points out that the ease of life would have only been until the king demanded an interpretation of his dreams. I have heard others say how easy our life would be without having to live by the "restrictive" commandments and guidelines of the gospel, and it probably would be "easier". But when we aren't living by the commandments, we are also separating ourselves from the Holy Ghost. Without the gift of the Holy Ghost and light of Christ, I feel that our lives become much more restrictive, and less easier.
I also love how President Uchtdorf talks about the courage it takes to believe. He says of Satan: "He slyly suggests that the doubter, the skeptic, the cynic is sophisticated and intelligent, while those who have faith in God and His miracles are naive, blind or brainwashed." I have heard multiple times that those that follow the teachings of the church have "blind faith", or that they blindly follow. He then says, "If we make no effort to believe, we are like the man who unplugs a spotlight and then blames the spotlight for not giving any light." I love how he says if we make "no effort" to believe. It does take effort, and not just a little, but continued effort to believe. We need to not let up on our scripture study, prayers and church attendance.
One quote I loved was, "Why would anyone walk through life satisfied with the light from the candle of their own understanding when, by reaching out to our Heavenly Father, they could experience the bright sun of spiritual knowledge that would expand their minds with wisdom and fill their souls with joy?" I love learning, and I do experience great joy every time I learn something new, however, the greatest joy I have is when my understanding of the gospel is expanded and deepened. I believe that our spiritual knowledge is the thing that we need to help us in these confusing times that we live in.
I've always loved the story of Daniel and I like that he tells details I often forget (his age, background, etc).
ReplyDeleteHe says Daniel could have been much like us- he still had to pray and wait for understanding and wisdom from the Lord. And he received it.
"The challenge is ours to daily practice the principles of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and live true to God's commandments."
I liked the paragraph about how God DOES want to speak to us but it requires our scientific curiosity, experimentation, humility, open heart, in short, seeking. "If we make no effort to believe, we are like the man who unplugs a spotlight and then blames the spotlight for not giving any light."
I think my favorite part of the whole talk was how he says, "We believe in God because of things we know with our heart and mind, not because of things we do not know." Love this. If it were based on things we didn't know, we would all fall. Thank goodness for the things we do know. Sometimes if I don't understand something, I just have to remind myself that I believe in prophets, I believe this is Christ's church restored, I believe God loves us, or whatever other concept.
I love how President Uchtdorf started with the example of Daniel. He pointed out that Daniel's life probably would have been easier if he had "set aside the restrictive code of conduct God had given the children of Israel". But he also points out that the ease of life would have only been until the king demanded an interpretation of his dreams. I have heard others say how easy our life would be without having to live by the "restrictive" commandments and guidelines of the gospel, and it probably would be "easier". But when we aren't living by the commandments, we are also separating ourselves from the Holy Ghost. Without the gift of the Holy Ghost and light of Christ, I feel that our lives become much more restrictive, and less easier.
ReplyDeleteI also love how President Uchtdorf talks about the courage it takes to believe. He says of Satan: "He slyly suggests that the doubter, the skeptic, the cynic is sophisticated and intelligent, while those who have faith in God and His miracles are naive, blind or brainwashed." I have heard multiple times that those that follow the teachings of the church have "blind faith", or that they blindly follow. He then says, "If we make no effort to believe, we are like the man who unplugs a spotlight and then blames the spotlight for not giving any light." I love how he says if we make "no effort" to believe. It does take effort, and not just a little, but continued effort to believe. We need to not let up on our scripture study, prayers and church attendance.
One quote I loved was, "Why would anyone walk through life satisfied with the light from the candle of their own understanding when, by reaching out to our Heavenly Father, they could experience the bright sun of spiritual knowledge that would expand their minds with wisdom and fill their souls with joy?" I love learning, and I do experience great joy every time I learn something new, however, the greatest joy I have is when my understanding of the gospel is expanded and deepened. I believe that our spiritual knowledge is the thing that we need to help us in these confusing times that we live in.