Holy Bible: Controlling Our Tongue

Throughout the ages man has had the ability to tame various wild animals. He has also been blessed with the knowledge and ability to control such things as airplanes as they glide through the air, and large ships as they cut through the waters, directing each of them in the way they are to go. However, he has not necessarily been successful in learning how to tame and control his own tongue.

As the old adage says, “First we think it, and then we say it.” Therefore, it becomes necessary to feed our minds with wholesome and useful information in order to be able to control what we say. In the Holy Bible, a testament of Jesus Christ, it says, “For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (Bible: James 3: 7-8). James, an apostle of Jesus Christ, also exhorts us, “Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be” (James 3: 9-10).

Holy Bible: Being a Encourager Or A Discourager

In this life we will find those who are considered to be encouragers and those who are considered to be discouragers. Encouragers always seem to have a kind word to say or thought to share. Their objective is to build up and strengthen others – to heal, not to wound. They use the words that they say to empower and inspire people to be the best that they can be, to never quit, and to endure to the end. Discouragers, on the other hand, never seem to have a kind word to say or thought to share with anyone. They are always full of negativity and find every opportunity to dishearten those whom they come in contact with. Their objective is to belittle, degrade, demean, berate, insult, and hurt people. They always look for the worst in people and do not hesitate to point out what they perceive to be a person’s flaws. Whenever people speak with them they walk away feeling defeated and as though they are of no worth or in some way inferior. Discouragers are the ones who continually poor salt on already festering wounds.

Again, in the Holy Bible, we read of what Solomon, a great king who received wisdom from God, counseled: “There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. . . . Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy” (Proverbs 12: 18, 20). Jesus Christ’s apostle James also says: “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!” (James 3:5).

 We are all guilty of saying hurtful things in a moment of anger or frustration. On the other hand, we feel good about ourselves when we encourage people and so do they. And so, each of us has the power within us to be an encourager or a discourager. We can build up or we can tear down and destroy with our words. Let us not make excuses for losing our temper and saying hurtful things, but let us take the time to confess our sin to God and apologize to the person(s) whom we have hurt. Remember the words of James in the Holy Bible:

Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom (James 3: 11-13).

Holy Bible: The Tongue Has Great Potential For Good and Evil

Before closing, I would like to share this little story that I came across today that was shared in a local newspaper. The story did not have a title, but the points that it makes are valid for our discussion nonetheless. The story is as follows:

Once upon a time, a king decided to test the wisdom of his chief adviser. He pondered a long time on the best kind of test and eventually decided on a meal. The king believed that a meal shared with friends was one of the greatest pleasures on earth. So he ordered the adviser to prepare the finest meal he could think of for a palace celebration. The adviser did not hesitate for long. He loved ox tongue with its rich sauces and trimmings.

On the chosen evening, the king and his guest sat down to a mouth-watering, sweet smelling dinner of tongue. At the end of the meal, all agreed that the adviser had proven himself a very gifted cook. The company had never tasted so excellent a meal. The king, however, insisted on knowing why the adviser thought this choice of menu was best.

“What could be better than tongue?” ask the adviser. “In life, with the words of the tongue we greet and name each other, speak and tell others where we are, share joy, bring hope, comfort and support, retell stories of the memories of the ancestors and fashion the dreams of the time that is still to come. Nothing is so fine as the gift of the tongue.”

This answer greatly pleased the king. There was only one final test to prove the wisdom of his chosen adviser beyond doubt. “Tomorrow,” he said, “I want you to prepare the worst meal in the world for the company.” Again, the adviser showed no hesitation and began to prepare the menu.

The next evening, the company gathered around the table again. The smells from the kitchen seemed familiar and when the meal was set on the table they were all surprised because it looked and tasted exactly like the meal of the previous evening. All cut the meal carefully, examined it, chewed it slowly, but none could find any difference.

“Have you not served that delicious meal of tongue again?” asked the king. “It is not possible that it can also be the worst meal in the world. Privately, the king was disappointed. He had been so confident in the wisdom of his adviser after the first test.

“What can sow doubt and confusion more skillfully than the tongue?” asked the adviser. “There are very few other things that can spread so much evil. It can lie and deceive, stir up hatred and anger, play the coward, abuse and terrify and, most often of all, is empty and hollow, using many words to say nothing at all. A tongue can be the worst instrument in the world.” The wisdom of the answer silenced the king. He found that he had much to ponder.

King Solomon, in the Holy Bible, taught us many valuable lessons concerning the power of the tongue. Two of those lessons are worth noting at the close of this discussion: (1) “Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles” (Proverbs 21:23), and (2) “Even the foolish man, when he keeps quiet, is taken to be wise: when his lips are shut he is credited with good sense” (Proverbs 17:28). Some very wise counsel indeed. Counsel that I pray we all will heed.

I leave these thoughts with you humbly in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen.

Taking on a Name & Taking on the Name of Jesus Christ

William Shakespeare’s renowned play “Romeo and Juliet” is a timeless theatrical classic masterpiece. In the play Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet meet and fall in love despite the fact that they are doomed from the start as members of two warring families. In an effort to prove her unfaltering love for Romeo, Juliet comments, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” The point that Juliet was endeavoring to make was that a name is an artificial and meaningless convention. She loved the person who is called “Montague”, not the Montague name and not the Montague family. In turn, Romeo, out of his passion for Juliet, rejects his family name and vows, as Juliet asks, to “deny (his) father” and instead be “new baptized” as Juliet’s lover.

There is a Japanese proverb that states, “Tigers die and leave their skins; people die and leave their names”. At the end of the play both Romeo and Juliet are dead, but the names Montague and Capulet live on. It was Logan Pearsall Smith, an American-born essayist and critic, who once said, “Our names are labels, plainly printed on the bottled essence of our past behavior”. And so, perhaps after the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, whenever the names Montague and Capulet were mentioned, it was with a sense of melancholy, as the names of these two young lovers were brought to remembrance. Therefore, the question still begs to be asked, “Is a name merely an artificial and meaningless convention as Juliet described, or does the name which we hold have some significant relevance?”

What Jesus Christ Reveals about the Power of a Good Name

In the public mind, name “is also associated with the character or reputation of an individual who holds it, and by extension, with the family of that name and all of the members thereof.” We are taught by Jesus Christ’s inspired record, the Holy Bible, in Proverbs 22:1: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”

As a young boy growing up those who knew me well always called me by my given name which is Keith. Even though they knew my name, they still associated me with being the son of John and Frances Brown. My parents were not rich or famous by the world’s definitions, but they maintained a good name throughout the community by the lives that they lived and the examples that they set before people. People who were total strangers to me would often say hello in passing while noting that they did not know my name, but they knew that I was “John and Frances’ boy.” Because of that knowledge which they possessed, I was expected to live up to a certain standard and to protect my family’s name. Even while I was in school, having an older brother who proceeded me, most of my teachers referred to me as his younger brother, and thus expected me to live up to a certain level of academic excellence which had already been established. As a result I always strived to do the very best that I could to ensure that the Brown family name remained in good standing as far as academic achievements and excellence was concerned.  This is not to say that people did not respect me for the person that I am, but they knew the name “Brown” and they knew the people who represented that name.

Our Name is a Reflection of Our Devotion to Jesus Christ; our Christian Discipleship

Having a good name, a good reputation, is a great thing, and it is something we should strive for. In Judges 6:25-32 Gideon who was known for his fight against the false god Baal becomes known as Jerubbaal (“let Baal contend”). In 3 John 12 we learn that Demetrius had a “good report of all men, and of the truth itself” and the people in the church bore record of this fact. In like manner, as Christians we should strive to have a good reputation and a good name among the church, as well as, among the people in the world, and be known for our convictions.

Striving to Speaking & Act As Representatives of Jesus Christ

As representatives of Christ to the world, our reputation reflects on Him. Therefore, we should follow the admonition of Paul as given in Titus 2:1-5: “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: that the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed”.

Paul goes on to exhort us that we should always use “sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of [us]” (Titus 2:8). In Galatians 2:20 Paul reminds us that Christ lives in each of us as he exclaims, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me”. He further teaches us that if we do not live up to our name and reputation as Christians, we blaspheme the name of God. In Romans 2: 21-24 we read: “Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? Thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? Thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written”.

Just as our own good name is important, it is also important to not damage the good names of others. In James 4:11-12 we are taught, “Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?” And in Titus 3:2 we are reminded to “speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men”.

If we as Christians do not maintain a good name and our reputation is negative, that is how people will see the church. And if that is how people see the church, what are the chances of them converting?

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The Sermon on the Mount was concluded with a call to action: Respond to the Savior’s invitation and be like a wise man who built a house upon a rock. Fail to give heed to His counsel and be as the foolish man who built his house upon the sand.

Prophets have long counseled their flocks on the importance of preparing for emergencies. Abraham gained personal experience when he traveled to Egypt in an attempt to escape famine. Only a few generations later, Joseph made his dramatic ascent up the Egyptian political ladder and instituted a large scale food storage program. Jesus warned of famines and pestilences and earthquakes. In our own day, latter-day prophets continue the clarion call. From Joseph Smith to Thomas S. Monson–modern Mormon prophets, prophets of The Church of Jesus Christ–a common theme can be heard: Lay up in store for potential famines.

Famines come in many forms, as evidenced by the current economic crisis. As anticipated by Mormons in some ways, and  in our collective recent memory, we have witnessed dramatic declines in the stock market, surges in unemployment rates, and numerous bank failures reminiscent of the Great Depression. Despite the best efforts of the government, surveys show that Americans are left feeling increasingly fearful and uncertain. The Old Testament famines of wheat, corn, and other crops are paralleled by contemporary famines of accessible credit, secure employment, and burgeoning 401k’s.

Certainly in times like these, it is not difficult to see the prophetic and divine wisdom in preparing for emergencies. (And Mormons have been about this preparation for decades.) However, suppose that circumstances were different. If stocks were at all-time highs and unemployment at all-time lows, would we be so concerned with preparing for famines of the financial variety? Would the Lord Jesus Christ’s words have fuller impact?

Circumstance and counsel are often at odds with each other. In the days of Noah, the circumstances were sunny while the counsel was gloomy. The line at the reservation desk for Noah’s Ark was remarkably short. Might the situation have been different if Noah warned of future floods while storm clouds hovered consistently up above?

In our day, modern prophets have warned us of future dangers (Yes, Mormons believe that God continues to speak to His children today, and there are living apostles and a prophet on earth today). We, as members of the Savior’s Church–Mormons– have been counseled to obtain a year’s supply of food, to seek out educational opportunities, and to avoid unnecessary debt. The circumstance of today seems to vindicate the counsel of yesterday. And yet if we have not given heed to prophetic counsel before now, the question must be asked: Are we responding to circumstance—or counsel?

A diligent effort to prepare for future catastrophes is most effective when spurred on by prophetic counsel—not by portending circumstances. While stock markets are blown to and fro with most light breezes, the counsel of the prophets (“Mormon prophets”) remains steadfast amidst heavy rains, floods, and winds: “lay up in store.” The circumstance of the current economic crisis has awakened us all to a greater awareness of the need for financial security. Perhaps the Savior’s counsel from the Sermon on the Mount can encourage us to prepare for emergencies yet unknown—and thus build our houses upon a rock.

Mormons believe in saving up for emergencies: storing food and supplies for at least 3 months, and a year where possible; saving funds; having emergency supplies on hand (72-hour kits); and being temporally, spiritually, and financially solvent and self-reliant where possible.  This is not a man-made doctrine; this guidance, as mentioned above, is divine, and comes from the Savior Jesus Christ, whose House or Church is actually The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). We invite you to learn more of His counsel regarding self-reliance and provident living, and to learn more of the teachings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

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Mormon Beliefs: Adversity, Getting Through Life’s Storms

Some people may find this author a little bit strange, but I actually love thunder storms. I enjoy listening to the roaring sounds of thunder, watching lightning dance across the sky, and the gentle, soothing sound of the rain as it falls.

When I was a young boy growing up, whenever it would begin to storm, my mother would go around the house making sure that everything was unplugged. Once she was sure that everything was unplugged, she would gather us kids together and have us sit quietly in the living room until the storm had passed over. She would not so much as answer the telephone if it rang during the storm. She would tell us that it was God’s work taking place and that we should be still, be quiet, watch and listen. If a storm were to arise during the night when everyone was fast asleep in their beds, my mother would get up from her sleep, go around the house making sure that everything was unplugged, and then light a candle or storm lantern for light and sit alone quietly on the living room couch until the storm had passed over.

Finding Happiness Amid Life’s Circumstances

How wonderful and marvelous are the sunshine days of our lives. When everything seems to be going along smoothly, we tend to be the most happy and content with our lives. Even the small bumps in the road along the way tend to be of little significance. It is during the sunshine days of our lives that we feel more comfortable, more confident, more willing to press on. It is during those hours that our faith and determination seem to be the strongest. It is as though nothing could stop us or turn us around. However, our lives will not always be filled with days of sunshine. In our lives we will also experience many storms that may occur at any given time. There will be times when the storm clouds will begin to gather, the thunder will begin to roar, and lightning will begin to dance all around us. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ  (Mormons) believe that opposition is essential to growth, that without tasting sickness, we could not enjoy health; without resistance, we would not improve. Latter-day Saints have a unique and helpful perspective regarding trials. So, the question for each of us becomes: When those strong winds of adversity begin to blow, do we find that our level of faith, trust, and confidence are the same as during the sunshine when all appeared to be well? During those times of storms do we choose to continue on with our business as usual hoping that the storm will soon pass over or do we take the time to be still, be quiet, watch, and listen?

The Bible and Adversity: Mormon Beliefs

Adversity enters into the life of every individual at various times and in various forms. It may be caused by the willful disobedience to the laws of God; however, those who with righteous desire seek earnestly to learn and strive diligently to do God’s will also experience adversities in their lives. Adversity in the lives of the obedient and faithful may be caused by disease, accidental injury, ignorance, or the influence of the adversary. The Lord also at times permits the righteous to suffer the consequences of evil acts by others. Some may respond to such adversity with resentment, anger, bitterness, doubt, or fear. Still others, with a knowledge and testimony of the divine plan of salvation, often respond with faith, patience, and a hope born of that “peace … which passeth all understanding.” In the midst of storms and adversity in our lives, the Apostle Paul teaches us in Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

The Book of Mormon: Jesus Christ Consecrates Afflictions for our Gain

Similarly, in the Book of Mormon, which is another testament of Jesus Christ, we are given wisdom and counsel concerning the trials and adversities that we will face in life by ancient prophets in America. One such prophet was Lehi who assured his son Jacob with these words as recorded by the ancient prophet Nephi in 2 Nephi 2:12:

And now, Jacob, I speak unto you: Thou art my first–born in the days of my tribulation in the wilderness. And behold, in thy childhood thou hast suffered afflictions and much sorrow, because of the rudeness of thy brethren. Nevertheless, Jacob, my first–born in the wilderness, thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain.

In that same volume of scripture another example of how we should handle adversity in our lives is given to us through the lives of the sons of Mosiah, a king in ancient America of a people known as the Nephites who inhabited the ancient land of Zarahemla. The account is recorded by Alma the younger, a prophet and “chief judge” of the Nephites.

We learn that Mosiah’s sons in the course of their missionary labors, “had many afflictions … both in body and in mind … and also much labor in the spirit.” (Alma 17:5). Partly because of such experiences, they became “strong in the knowledge of the truth; … men of a sound understanding … [who] searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God” (Alma 17:2). They had also “given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God” (Alma 17:3). Because of their positive response to the adversities that they faced they were able to grow spiritually.

We further learn that in the time of Nephi, son of Helaman, “the more humble part of the people … [suffered] much affliction”; but they fasted and prayed frequently and became “stronger in their humility, and … firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation” (Helaman 3:34-35).

From these examples, we learn how to deal with storms and adversities in our own lives. As did they, in times of storms and adversity, we too should look to the Savior for Divine assistance. Paul reminds us in Hebrews 4:14-16:

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

The storms that come into our lives can be compared to my mother’s observation of thunder storms in that as she believed that during a storm God is speaking and busy performing His work and it is at the times of storms in our lives that God is speaking to us and wanting to perform a work in us. To be able to hear what He is saying to us, and to see the things that He wants to do for us, we have to do away with those things that would otherwise distract us and divert our attention from Him. Just as my mother would make sure that everything was unplugged during a storm, when storms arise in our lives we need to unplug from the world, be still, be quiet, watch and listen. And just as the light from the candle or storm lantern that my mother lit gave light to the room, if we will be still, be quiet, watch and listen, the light of Christ will enter in and teach us those things which He needs us to learn.

Some storms are more severe and last longer than others. Perhaps, at times, God needs more of our time and attention. But, have you ever stopped to take notice that even during the midst of a storm, the Son still shines, and at the end of every storm the darkness rolls away and the sun does shine again? I have learned to appreciate the storms in my life because it is during those times that I unplug from the world and allow the Light of Christ to radiate more brightly. It is during the times of storms that I can still hear my dear mother’s counsel to be still, be quiet, watch and listen.

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Is Your Radio Tuned to the Right Frequency? A Biblical Reflection

Bible Verse:

Proverbs 2:1-5, “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after
knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.”

In my apartment I have a replica of an antique table top radio that was once a gift that I had given to my mother. My father kept the radio in his house after my mother passed, and upon his passing I was able to obtain the radio and now have it in my possession as a precious keepsake. Although the radio may appear to be antique, inside of its case are modern electronic components that allow it to be turned on and tuned in to some of my favorite radio stations.

However, to hear the signal that I desire, I must be actively involved – I cannot just wish it so. Instead, I have to physically get up, go over to the radio, turn it on, set it to AM or FM, and turn the tuning knob until I find the location on the dial corresponding to the station that I wish to listen to.

When attempting to tune the receiver to get it centered on the correct frequency, I find that if I move the tuning knob just a little too much to the right or to the left, the result is a lot of unwanted static and background noise. Although I may still be able to discern the station that I have selected, the listening experience is not as clear and interference-free as it would be with the station perfectly tuned to its frequency.

Just as radio waves (and TV and wireless communication signals) fill the atmosphere around us, invisible to the eye, undetectable to the ear, unnoticed to the passer-by, so also does the Holy Spirit surround us all.

This life is an individual journey in which we each face our own trials, temptations, difficulties, and heartaches. At times it may seem that we are all alone and that there is no one who cares. Our Heavenly Father has promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us. He has promised that He would send us One who would be a comforter, guide, and constant companion. However, in order to receive the blessings of the constant companionship of this One and to learn from Him, we need to have our “radio” turned on and “tuned in” to the correct frequency in order to hear His voice as He guides, leads, and directs our path, and teaches us the truth of all things. In John 14:26 we read, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you”.

Just as a radio will not automatically turn itself on and perfectly tune to the station that we desire to listen to without some interaction on our part, it is only through the renewing of our hearts and minds that we are able to turn on our spiritual “radio” and use its tuning knob, which is our faithfulness and obedience, to tune to the exact frequency wherein we will be able to clearly hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. As we continue to keep ourselves “in tune” with our Heavenly Father, through our faithfulness and obedience, our “radio” will continue to give a clear and undistorted signal; however, if we lose focus and begin to move the tuning knob a little to the left or a little to the right, we will become distracted by the cares of the world and will end up listening to a lot of static and distortion. We may also need to adjust the volume control so as to drown out the noises of the world and focus only on the Still Small Voice as He speaks to us.

Is your “radio” turned on, and is it tuned perfectly to the correct frequency? Solomon gave this wise counsel as recorded in Proverbs 2:1-5, “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.”

I leave you these humble thoughts in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. Amen.

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