God's Efficiency is Greater than Man's

Sometimes, while reading in the first few chapters of the Book of Mormon, I have wondered why God did not simply have Lehi grab the Plates of Brass on their way out. It seems to me like this would have been the most efficient way to get things done. However, much was gained as a result of Nephi and his brothers having to return to Jerusalem.

1. Nephi had a tremendous faith-building experience
2. Lehi's sons were visited by an angel
3. Sariah gained a further witness of her husband's seership

I'm sure there are many more blessings that could be listed here but the point is that God was not only interested in obtaining the plates for Lehi and Sariah's family, but also in helping them reach their full potential. So I asked myself, "Do I question the efficiency of the Lord's methods?" "Do I become impatient with God's plan for me?" I hope I will be able to stop looking for shortcuts and start focusing on what I can learn here and now.

The Cost of a Compliment

While serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the state of Montana I remember sitting in the home of a proud grandmother. She was boasting of her grandkids like any grandparent would do, except the praise she offered her grandchildren was always immediately followed by putting the other children down. This may sound harsh but, the truth is, we all do it. When we make comparisons we often place others below ourselves to make us seem better or above average. 

On the other end of the spectrum, something I have noticed myself doing is when I pay someone a compliment I will put myself down. As if telling the other person they are better than me somehow makes it more sincere. This isn't all that helpful either.

Pointing out other people's strengths is great but let's not cheapen our compliments by dragging someone else through the mud.

Beings Who Act

In the Book of Mormon, a prophet named Lehi speaks of God creating things to act and things to be acted upon. Like it or not, we are beings who act. We cannot choose not to act for that is in itself an action. Each day we are responsible for the decisions we make, whether we complain about our circumstances or not, and how we use our time.