![]() ![]() “But O my son, how can a people like this, whose delight is in so much abomination. The depths of depravity that then occurred were subsequently so evil that ultimately the great prophet Mormon laments to his son Moroni: Unfortunately, 4 Nephi then describes a dramatic change that began in the “two hundred and first year,” 16 when iniquity and division destroyed righteousness and unity. With respect to unity, 4 Nephi reads, “There was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.” 15 Because of this righteousness, the record states, “surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.” 14 The historical record we read in 4 Nephi describes a people where there were no envyings, strifes, tumults, lyings, murders, or any manner of lasciviousness. The account in 4 Nephi in the Book of Mormon includes a similar 200-year period after the Savior appeared and established His Church in ancient America. It has been 200 years since the Father and His Son first appeared and commenced the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in 1820. The context for my message is the contrast and lessons from sacred scriptures. 12 It denotes a Zion people whose hearts and minds are “knit together in unity.” 13 Unity is also a broad, comprehensive term but most certainly exemplifies the first and second great commandments to love God and love our fellowmen. But the Lord has promised that the righteous who are faithful “may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness.” 11 We may not be married or blessed with children or have other desired blessings now. 10īeing righteous is not dependent on each of us having every blessing in our lives at this time. 9 It qualifies us for the sacred ordinances that constitute the covenant path and blesses us to have the Spirit give direction to our lives. Righteousness is a broad, comprehensive term but most certainly includes living God’s commandments. ![]() Our desire is that our hearts and minds will be knit in righteousness and unity and that we will be one with Them. However, our faith teaches that we are all children of our Father in Heaven, and we worship Him and His Son, Jesus Christ, who is our Savior. ![]() 7 Unity is enhanced when people are treated with dignity and respect, even though they are different in outward characteristics.Īs leaders, we are not under the illusion that in the past all relationships were perfect, all conduct was Christlike, or all decisions were just. Matilda’s son answered, “Mother will serve them just as she does you, and give them a place at her table.”Īnd so she did, and “they ate with perfect propriety.” Elizabeth explained that this hostess rose 100 percent in her opinion. Matilda’s son’s reply was, “She said ‘These strangers came first, and I have only cooked enough for them but your meal is on the fire cooking now, and I will call you as soon as it is ready.’”Įlizabeth asked, “Will she really do that, or just give them scraps at the kitchen-door?” 6 Elizabeth asked one of the King children, “What did your mother say to those men?” Sister King spoke to them “in their dialect.” They sat down with their blankets with a pleasant look on their faces. Although uninvited, it was clear they expected to join the company. 5Įlizabeth wrote that as Matilda was preparing a meal for President Young and his company, five American Indians came into the room. 4ĭuring the trip they stayed in Fillmore at the home of Thomas R. 3 She also found Church members were kind and understanding with respect to Native Americans. For instance, she found that any career by which a woman could earn a living was open to them in Utah. She was surprised by some of the things she learned. Elizabeth approached her first visit to Utah with reservations about the women. They accompanied Brigham Young and his associates on a trek south to St. In 1872, General Kane, his talented wife, Elizabeth Wood Kane, and their two sons traveled from their home in Pennsylvania to Salt Lake City. He was an advocate for the Church for many years. Kane assisted and defended the Saints as they were required to flee Nauvoo. I love a true account that exemplifies this.Īs a young man not of our faith, General Thomas L. 1 When people love God with all their hearts and righteously strive to become like Him, there is less strife and contention in society. Righteousness and unity are profoundly significant. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |