Wednesday, September 19, 2012

While Reading my Book of Mormon Manual for Class Today...


I stumbled across this passage:

         1 Nephi 2:11–15 - Murmuring
• One reason Satan encourages murmuring is to prevent us from following living prophets, inspired leaders, and parents. Elder H. Ross Workman of the Seventy explained that “murmuring consists of three steps, each leading to the next in a descending path to disobedience.” First, when people murmur they begin to question. They question “first in their own minds and then [plant] questions in the minds of others.” Second, those who murmur begin to “rationalize and excuse themselves from doing what they [have] been instructed to do. . . . Thus, they [make] an excuse for disobedience.” Their excuses lead to the third step: “Slothfulness in following the commandment.” “The Lord has spoken against this attitude in our day: ‘But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a  commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned’ (D&C 58:29). . . .
“I invite you to focus on the commandment from living prophets that bothers you the most. Do you question whether the commandment is applicable to you? Do you find ready excuses why you cannot now comply with the commandment? Do you feel frustrated or irritated with those who remind you of the commandment? Are you slothful in keeping it? Beware of the deception of the adversary. Beware of murmuring” (in Conference Report, Oct. 2001, 104–6; or Ensign, Nov. 2001, 85–86). 

I was struck by his invitation to focus on the commandment we have the most trouble with. I want to commit myself to not murmuring, complaining, or gossiping in any way - I believe this is one of the hardest commandments for me to follow. No doubt I will have to start over and over again daily, but I know it will be worth it and I will be so much happier. Let's see if I can go just 24 hours without saying anything negative or complaining about anything. Can you?

1 comment:

Unknown said...

your invitation to try just 24 hours, and the way you said it, gave me a good feeling like i could try it to. i'll admit i didn't even read this post till tonight because i didn't want to be reminded to not murmur! (is that murmuring?) anyhow, i'm certainly glad i did!!! also, i loved all of the newer posrs above this one. soo glad you got to idaho when the weather was THAT GORGEOUS and all your family was close by and in the mood for fun. these are the great times! love you.
xxoo mom m.