070824, Monday, Journal Entry

Vitals: weight 224.6; CGM 123; GMI 6.5%; Pain level 4

Book of Mormon Review Reading: Mosiah 27

Journal Entry 

I got very little sleep last night because of pain again. The good news is I get to see Dr Kimball this morning and hopefully he'll have some ideas that will be reassuring.

I had a temple recommend interview telephonically yesterday with Bishop Schoonover. That went very well. Hopefully I will be able to meet with a member of the stake presidency either this week or next and that should take care of that.

Come Follow Me 

Alma 24:17 And now it came to pass that when the king had made an end of these sayings, and all the people were assembled together, they took their swords, and all the weapons which were used for the shedding of man’s blood, and they did bury them up deep in the earth.

18 And this they did, it being in their view a testimony to God, and also to men, that they never would use weapons again for the shedding of man’s blood; and this they did, vouching and covenanting with God, that rather than shed the blood of their brethren they would give up their own lives; and rather than take away from a brother they would give unto him; and rather than spend their days in idleness they would labor abundantly with their hands.

19 And thus we see that, when these Lamanites were brought to believe and to know the truth, they were firm, and would suffer even unto death rather than commit sin; and thus we see that they buried their weapons of peace, or they buried the weapons of war, for peace. 19 And thus we see that, when these Lamanites were brought to believe and to know the truth, they were firm, and would suffer even unto death rather than commit sin; and thus we see that they buried their weapons of peace, or they buried the weapons of war, for peace.

"The Apostle Paul taught that the Lord’s teachings and teachers were given that we may all attain “the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13). This process requires far more than acquiring knowledge. It is not even enough for us to be convinced of the gospel; we must act and think so that we are converted by it. In contrast to the institutions of the world, which teach us to know something, the gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to become something."

Elder Dallin H. Oaks Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, October 2000

This is an interesting scripture in that I believe it helps us to consider more completely the ramifications of bearing weapons too quickly rather than searching for other ways to accomplish a peaceful solution to whatever problem or threat is in front of us. Violence seldom accomplishes any real long term solution to a threat, even a life endangering threat. However in the heat of the moment, the use of arms may not be avoidable in order to protect loved ones or ourselves. But we should, at least, try to avoid a violent, dangerous solution when an alternative might be available that will solve the problem and perhaps win the hearts and minds of dangerous fires.

 "…[T]he Anti-Nephi-Lehies…promised to follow God’s teachings and never go back on their commitment…

Being “converted unto the Lord” means leaving one course of action, directed by an old belief system, and adopting a new one based on faith in Heavenly Father’s plan and in Jesus Christ and His Atonement. This change is more than an intellectual acceptance of gospel teachings. It shapes our identity, transforms our understanding of life’s meaning, and leads to unchanging fidelity to God. Personal desires that are contrary to being anchored to the Savior and to following the covenant path fade away and are replaced by a determination to submit to the will of Heavenly Father.

Being converted unto the Lord starts with an unwavering commitment to God, followed by making that commitment part of who we are. Internalizing such a commitment is a lifelong process that requires patience and ongoing repentance. Eventually, this commitment becomes part of who we are, embedded in our sense of self, and ever present in our lives. Just as we never forget our own name no matter what else we are thinking about, we never forget a commitment that is etched in our hearts."

Elder Dale G. Renlund Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, October 2019