Monday, June 11, 2012

Taking credit for too much - a problem

I earned it. That can be an easy and logical thing to say, but it can bring problems, such as pride and a lack of caring for others. For example, here's the following verse that describes how members of the church began to grow pride and mean as a result of their prosperity. Alma 4:

 And it came to pass in the eighth year of the reign of the judges, that the people of the church began to wax proud, because of their exceeding ariches, and their bfine silks, and their fine-twined linen, and because of their many flocks and herds, and their gold and their silver, and all manner of precious things, which they had obtained by their cindustry; and in all these things were they lifted up in the pride of their eyes, for they began to wear very costlydapparel.

The members had worked hard and avoided wasteful things in obtaining their blessings/riches. However, they were blessed - they were taught the right way to live and had the guidance of the Spirit, which is why things were working out for them. Unfortunately, when you only see your work/efforts and forget 1) who taught you and 2) what you would be doing without those teachings or that guidance, you think you 'earned' it.

This can be a very big issue in today's church, which is likely why it's in the Book of Mormon.

Interestingly, Alma fought the pride of the church that crept up due to this by bearing testimony to them and teaching them the word. Perhaps it's a lesson that if we're in the scriptures and listening to the prophets, it will help us remember where to give credit and to stay humble.

Remember, thinking you've earned things "by your industry" is not a reason to be lifted up in pride or to think you deserve things, specifically such as fancy clothes, that you wouldn't give to those around you.

No comments: