Thursday, March 24, 2005
Fear ye not the reproach of men...
"Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.
"For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation."
The other day, Utah passed a law requiring ISP operating in the state of offer their subscribers the option to have websites publishing various types of materials not suitable for minors blocked. It also requires publishers of such material in the state to include rating material on their sites which allows browsers to automatically block them based on user settings. A popular technology and liberty news website noted the passing of the law, and the discussion board was predictably filled with outcry against it.
The world may be filled with instances like this where "the reproach of men" ignites against the efforts of "the people in whose heart is [God's] law", whether by religious training or individual conscience. We must remember not to fear men, but to remain loyal to God. We must not impose our religious beliefs or observances on others, but laws like this, which provide a way for individuals to protect themselves and their families from evil, do no such thing.
In the last days, the adversary will make every effort to make righteousness seem evil. Do not fear those who are so decieved, but stand by your faith, and God will stand by you.
"For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation."
The other day, Utah passed a law requiring ISP operating in the state of offer their subscribers the option to have websites publishing various types of materials not suitable for minors blocked. It also requires publishers of such material in the state to include rating material on their sites which allows browsers to automatically block them based on user settings. A popular technology and liberty news website noted the passing of the law, and the discussion board was predictably filled with outcry against it.
The world may be filled with instances like this where "the reproach of men" ignites against the efforts of "the people in whose heart is [God's] law", whether by religious training or individual conscience. We must remember not to fear men, but to remain loyal to God. We must not impose our religious beliefs or observances on others, but laws like this, which provide a way for individuals to protect themselves and their families from evil, do no such thing.
In the last days, the adversary will make every effort to make righteousness seem evil. Do not fear those who are so decieved, but stand by your faith, and God will stand by you.
Saturday, September 11, 2004
They did not believe that it would heal them
"Behold, [Christ] was spoken of by Moses; yea, and behold a type was raised up in the wilderness, that whosoever would look upon it might live. And many did look and live.
"But few understood the meaning of those things .... But there were many who were so hardened that they would not look, therefore they perished. Now the reason they would not look is because they did not believe that it would heal them."
Many of God's commandments guide us to act in ways that naturally lead to happiness. However, some of the things that God asks us to do are not important in an of themselves, but are either symbolic of things that we will benefit from understanding, or are given to give us opportunities to exercise our faith, from which we benefit, and in response to which God can bless us.
When the reason for a commandment is not obvious, consider what it might symbolize. And in all cases, obey, even if you cannot see how your obedience might be beneficial.
"But few understood the meaning of those things .... But there were many who were so hardened that they would not look, therefore they perished. Now the reason they would not look is because they did not believe that it would heal them."
Many of God's commandments guide us to act in ways that naturally lead to happiness. However, some of the things that God asks us to do are not important in an of themselves, but are either symbolic of things that we will benefit from understanding, or are given to give us opportunities to exercise our faith, from which we benefit, and in response to which God can bless us.
When the reason for a commandment is not obvious, consider what it might symbolize. And in all cases, obey, even if you cannot see how your obedience might be beneficial.
Sunday, July 11, 2004
Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
It's easy to let the little details of life crowd out time for God. Remember that even the necessities of living like work, eating, exercise, etc., are not more important than maintaining one's spiritual health. Show God that you put the things He has asked of you first, and he will help with the rest.
It's easy to let the little details of life crowd out time for God. Remember that even the necessities of living like work, eating, exercise, etc., are not more important than maintaining one's spiritual health. Show God that you put the things He has asked of you first, and he will help with the rest.
