Fifth Warning from Our Savior

Transcription

1 Fifth Warning from Our Savior Alms represent offerings intended to help the poor. In this fifth warning, Jesus is condemning those who do good things such as doing alms, praying, and fasting because of impure motives. In this first warning in Matthew 6 He is advising us not to do our alms before men to be seen of them, but to perform our alms in secret. An alternate translation of the English expression for alms from the Greek language is righteousness, acts of religious devotion. This is why the Savior warns us of hypocrites in the synagogues and in the streets who are pretending to be religious when they are not. The Greek word for hypocrite can also be translated to be pretender. A hypocrites intent is to be seen by others so that they may have the glory of men and as a result, are pretending to be a disciple of Christ vs. being one. Doing any act of religious devotion, particularly the offering of charity to be seen by others is about ego. Another way to think of alms is to think of charity which is the highest, noblest, strongest kind of love, not merely affection; the pure love of Christ. It is never used to denote alms or deeds of benevolence, although it may be a prompting motive. 1

2 When we live righteous lives, perform acts of religious devotion, particularly prayer, we draw closer to the Lord and become more receptive to spiritual promptings that open us to recognizing service opportunities. True charity is a result of pure devotion that not only blesses the lives of those being helped it edifies the person providing the help. It is most often through you and me that our Heavenly Father answers the prayers of those in pain (see 1 Corinthians 13:1-4, 8). Moroni the last Book of Mormon prophet teaches, But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him (Moroni 7:47). Possessing the pure love of Christ engages us in serving, building, edifying, and strengthening others without thought of ourselves. We know we are safe from violating this fifth warning when we do not expect any return for each act of kindness. When we are not concerned about what we will receive or what, others will say or whether our burdens will be lifted we free ourselves to become a disciple of Christ. Our selfless service done in secret to build another is how the power of the gospel is released in our lives. Application Exercise Our offerings are holy to the Lord when done in secret to honor Him, not ourselves. The offerings we make are an expression of our love, faith, and gratitude to God for all that he has given us. Our offerings show Him that we will follow Him even when it may be difficult; we show Him that we rely on Him rather than trust in money or material things when we are willing to part with it for charitable purposes. How are the paying of offerings an expression of your faith in God and His work? What are some of the blessings you have received by being charitable? How is what you received far greater than anything you gave up? The payment of tithes and offerings not only opens the windows of heaven that brings material and spiritual blessings through sacrifice and obedience (see Malachi 3:8-12). It is the first step towards personal and family financial preparedness. What does it mean to be a steward over our earthly possessions? Why are financial problems so much a part of unhappiness and a major factor in family difficulties and divorce? Our ability to manage our financial resources is improved through the disciplined payment of our tithes and the giving of our substance to assist the poor and needy. How does the making of financial offerings help us to control our desires for material things? How to these offerings help us to be honest with our fellowmen? The amount paid is not what s important; it is about being honest with the Lord. How is the widow s mite as important and acceptable as the rich man s offerings? (see Mark 12:41-44). What did the rich people cast into the church treasury? (see Mark 12:41). Why was Jesus more pleased with the widow s offering of a very small amount of money than the larger amounts offered by the rich people? (see Mark 12:43-44).

3 The offerings we make in secret help us to learn to trust that what we have been given, through the blessings of the Lord and our diligent efforts, is sufficient for our needs. The greatest blessings we receive from the offerings we make are spiritual. Our faith grows stronger each time we choose to obey the law of tithing and be generous in our contributions of time and money to the church and those in need. 1 Bible Dictionary, Charity ; scriptures.lds.org

4 Seventh Invitation from Our Savior The seventh invitation is about being thoughtful in our prayers. Again, the Savior is inviting us not to be as the hypocrites who pretend for others to be religious when inwardly they are not. The Savior s invitation is to pray in secret without vain repetitions to a loving Heavenly Father who knows us and wants to have a personal relationship with us. It is through prayer that we cultivate on our end a personal relationship with God. Just as it is with our earthly friends, we lose our connection with them when we aren t in contact with them. This is a major reason why Facebook is so popular; it allows people to stay up to date on what their friends and family are doing, particularly those located far away as well as update them about your life. If you aren t posting to Facebook, your friends don t know what you are up to. If you aren t praying, your Heavenly Father isn t being given the opportunity to connect with your spirit and your intellect. While He does know what you are up to, you aren t connecting with Him if you aren t praying. Prayer is a reverent communication with God during which a person gives thanks and asks for blessings. Prayers are addressed to our Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ. Prayers can be either spoken aloud or silent. A person s thoughts may also be a prayer if they are directed to God... The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that we must ask for in order to obtain. 1

5 In Matthew 6:9-13 is the Lord s Prayer, a pattern for all prayer offered by the Savior for his disciples to follow that applies to each of us. In verse 9 the pattern of prayer begins with the precise identification of who our prayers are addressed to, Our Father, which art in heaven. It is our Heavenly Father, and only Him that are prayers are to be directed to. The phrase hallowed be thy name at the end of verse 9 reflects the attitude of respect that we should feel as we pray. Thy will be done in verse 10 indicates the need for openness on our part to accept His will, not try to change it. The request for daily bread in verse 11 reminds us of the need for both physical and spiritual nourishment. In the Book of John, Jesus says, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst (John 6:35). Spiritual nourishment is sustenance that cannot be obtained in any other way than through righteous acts of devotion that include the weekly partaking of the Lord s Supper (see Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79). In verse 12, we are shown how we are to ask then for the forgiveness of our debts which includes offenses, faults, and sins. Here we are asking for our release from paying the price for our sins through the atonement of Jesus Christ. His promise is that he will forgive us after we have forgiven others for their offenses against us. The second part of verse 12 links our request for forgiveness with how we forgive others who have offended us. The Lord s Prayer closes in verse 13 first with the request to help us avoid temptation by protecting us from the evil one. He then closes this seventh invitation to a more excellent way everyday by teaching us how we are to close our prayer with the acknowledgment of God s great power and glory. Our prayers are to close with Amen which is a solemn affirmation of our prayer. In the Hebrew and Greek languages, amen means truly, surely, verily, or so be it. In verse 7, the Lord prefaced His pattern for prayer by warning us to avoid vain repetitions. The Lord s Prayer represents a pattern to follow, not verses to memorize and recite repetitively. Think how quickly you grow weary of a friend who repeats themselves, let alone repeats the same 67 words to you each day. We would never want someone to communicate with us this way, and it isn t how our Heavenly Father wants us to communicate with Him through His Son. In the Lord s Prayer, the Savior has shown us how we need to be thoughtful in our prayers to God for His help while we strive every day to resist evil and live righteously. Application Exercise Jesus Christ taught us how to pray. He modeled the importance of prayer throughout His mortal ministry. We pray because we are the sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father who wants to have a personal relationship with us and on whom we depend on for everything we enjoy. Consider how important food and clothing, health, sight and hearing, our voices, our bodies, our brains, even our life itself are to us every day.

6 Application Exercise Jesus Christ taught us how to pray. He modeled the importance of prayer throughout His mortal ministry. We pray because we are the sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father who wants to have a personal relationship with us and on whom we depend on for everything we enjoy. Consider how important food and clothing, health, sight and hearing, our voices, our bodies, our brains, even our life itself are to us every day. Reflect for a moment on the following thought from a prophet of God before completing the assessment below. Sin generally comes when communication lines are down. There is a great need in the world today for prayer which can keep us in touch with God and keep open the channels of communication. None of us should get so busy in our lives that we cannot contemplate with prayer. Prayer is the passport to spiritual power. 2 Response Key: 1 = Never 2 = Sometimes 3 = Often 4 = Almost Always 5 = Always I pray regularly both morning and evening and over my meals. My prayers include expressions of gratitude for past blessings. I pray for the welfare and inspiration of my religious and civil leaders. I pray for those whom I have hard feelings for, even my enemies. I pray for the sick and afflicted that they may have peace or courage or strength to bear up their infirmities. I pray for wisdom, for judgment, for understanding that I may act according to the Lord s will. I pray over my marriage, my children, my neighbors, for the welfare of those around me. I pray for success in school, my job, the decisions I must make, my feelings and my goals. I pray for protection from danger, for strength in moments of temptation. I find it easy to maintain a prayer in my heart that I may do well in the activities of my day. I pray for forgiveness for the mistakes I make. I listen for answers as part of my praying. After I pray, I strive to live the gospel of Jesus Christ as honestly and earnestly as I prayed. Based on your answers above, consider what you can do in your next prayer so that your prayers become a more meaningful part of your life? 1 Guide to the Scriptures, Prayer ; scriptures.lds.org 2 Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, May 1979, pg 7

7 Sixth Warning from Our Savior The fourth invitation and fourth higher law to living a more excellent way everyday encourage us to be forgiving, generous and accommodating to one another. In this sixth warning, Jesus commands us to forgive others of their trespasses if we desire to be forgiven by our Heavenly Father for our trespasses against Him. While our personal acts of righteous devotion are to be done in secret, we live in a diverse world of many different types of people and worship in congregations to form a body of Christ. This means that the nature of our dealings with our fellowmen matters. In large measure, how we treat one another will determine our status in the kingdom of heaven. Forgiving others of their trespasses helps us to develop the Christlike qualities of brotherly kindness, honesty, mercy, virtue, and integrity. When we omit these qualities from our lives, we will be found unworthy to come into His presence. This commandment to forgive others is made easier when we strive to live the second great commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves (see Matthew 22:39). In stating this, the Lord said that this second great commandment is of like importance to the first great commandment, which is to love God with all our heart and soul (see Matthew 22:36-38).

8 Much of the Sermon on the Mount refers largely to our relationships with one another. In the First Epistle of John, we are taught, If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? (1 John 4:20). Think about this for a moment. If we do not have good relationships with our neighbors, whom we have seen, how can we rightfully claim to love God, whom we have not seen? If you are struggling with the ability to forgive another of their trespass, ask yourself if you think it is possible to enter the Kingdom of God with unforgiven sins? The Psalmist teaches us, Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation (Psalm 24:3-5). My favorite verses of scripture associated with forgiveness are found in modern-day scripture: Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more. By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins behold, he will confess them and forsake them (Doctrine and Covenants 58:42-43). Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ when we repent, we do receive a forgiveness of our trespasses against God. A forgiveness that restores us with clean hands and a pure heart so that we can stand in His holy places. The challenge here is that this is only possible if we give forgiveness to those who trespass against us. Application Exercise It is said that forgiveness may be the greatest virtue on earth, and certainly the most needed. Today s world has more meanness, abuse, intolerance and hatred than it had even a few years ago. The forgiveness we receive and the forgiveness we extend can heal spiritual wounds and bring to us the peace and love that only God can give. To improve your ability to forgive others read each item below carefully. Decide how true that statement is about you then choose the most appropriate response from the response key. Response Key: 1 = Never 2 = Sometimes 3 = Often 4 = Almost Always 5 = Always I recognize that there are enough heartache and sorrow in this life without my adding to it through my stubbornness, bitterness, and resentment. My days are filled with more kindness, goodness, and acceptance towards others than it is with contention, argument, and conflict. I am concerned about the eternal welfare and happiness of other people, even those who aren t easy to get along with. I find it easy to say positive things about others. I try to understand others feelings and see their point of view before judging them. I am quick to forgive others who have offended or wronged me.

9 Response Key: 1 = Never 2 = Sometimes 3 = Often 4 = Almost Always 5 = Always I look for opportunities to serve other people. I am kind, patient and charitable towards others, even when they are hard to get along with. I am willing to walk the second mile for those I have a more difficult time relating to. When people do things that annoy, disappoint, or anger me, I do not exclude, push away, or punish them because of what they have done. Today, I do not harbor a grudge against anyone because I have laid aside old grudges and nurture them no more. I have replaced judgmental thoughts and feelings with a heart full of love for God and His children. As you review your answers above, identify which forgiveness attribute you need to work on, so it is easier for you to be forgiving of others. Never forget that heaven will be filled with those who have this in common: God has forgiven each, and they have forgiven those who have offended them. See the fourth invitation and fourth higher law taught in Matthew 5:38-42 for another application exercise that encourages us to be more forgiving, generous and accommodating to one another.

10 Seventh Warning from Our Savior The purpose of fasting is to develop spiritual strength through the voluntary abstinence from food and drink. Fasting is a principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ that has always existed among true believers (see Luke 5:33; 18:12). In Old Testament times, Moses and Elijah fasted (see Exodus 34:28; 1 Kings 19:8). Under the Law of Moses, fasting was often used for certain occasions or divine assistance. It was regarded as a natural way of showing sorrow and was often combined with other ceremonies, such as rending of the garments, putting on sackcloth, refraining from washing the face or anointing with oil (see 2 Samuel 12:20; 1 Kings 21:27; Isaiah 58:5; Joel 2:12-13). In New Testament times, Jesus Christ fasted 40 days and 40 nights in preparation for His mortal ministry (see Matthew 4:1-4). Throughout His ministry, Jesus taught His disciples about the power and importance of fasting. This commandment to fast continues in our day. This seventh warning admonishes us not to appear unto others to fast, but to fast unto our Father in secret that He may reward us openly. Here Jesus is reaffirming the religious value of fasting by teaching us first what not to do than how to fast (see Bible Dictionary, Fasts ; scriptures.lds.org).

11 The spiritual benefits of fasting include the following: 1. Expression of gratitude (see Alma 45:1) 2. Learning truth through the spirit of revelation (see Alma 5:46) 3. For the welfare of souls (see Alma 6:6; 17:3, 9; Moroni 6:5) 4. As an expression of mourning (Helaman 9:10) The Lord links fasting with rejoicing: Verily, this is fasting and prayer, or in other words, rejoicing and prayer (Doctrine and Covenants 59:14). Another inspiring verse on fasting is, Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God (Helaman 3:35). In addition to fasting in secret where our fasting isn t apparent to those around us, it is important that we fast with a definite purpose otherwise going without food or drink for a defined period without reason is just going hungry. Application Exercise At its core, fasting helps us develop a greater closeness to the Lord, increased spiritual strength, temporal well-being, expanded compassion, and a stronger desire to serve others. How have you found fasting as an opportunity for spiritual renewal and growing closer to our Heavenly Father? Through the law of the fast and fast offerings the Lord has established a structured way to bless His people while providing a way to help those in need (see Isaiah 58:6-12; Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:1-5). How does contributing the monies we would have spent on the meals at least equal to the value of the food we would have eaten an important part of fasting? Why do you think we are encouraged to be generous and give more whenever possible? Below are three quotes from modern-day Apostles talking to the blessings of keeping the law of the fast. As you read these quotes, consider how you are personally blessed by fasting. 1. The law of the fast has three great purposes. First, it provides assistance to the needy through the contribution of fast offerings, consisting of the value of meals from which we abstain. Second, a fast is beneficial to us physically. Third, it is to increase humility and spirituality on the part of each individual When the poor are starving, let those who have, fast one day and give what they otherwise would have eaten to the bishops for the poor, and every one will abound for a long time. And so long as the saints will all live to this principle with glad hearts and cheerful countenances they will always have an abundance "Be liberal in your giving, that you yourselves may grow. Don t give just for the benefit of the poor, but give for your own welfare. Give enough so that you can give yourself into the kingdom of God through consecrating of your means and your time. Pay an honest tithing and a generous fast offering if you want the blessings of heaven. I promise every one of you who will do it that you will increase your own prosperity, both spiritually and temporally. The Lord will reward you according to your deeds. 3

12 In considering the critical success factors to achieving a more spiritual experience in your fasts choose the most appropriate response from the response key relative to how true that statement is about you. Response Key: 1 = Never 2 = Sometimes 3 = Often 4 = Almost Always 5 = Always Begin and end your fast with prayer. Fast with a purpose (see Matthew 17:18-21; Mosiah 27:22-23; Alma 5:45-46; 28:4-6; Helaman 3:35). Fast in secret by being aware of your countenance (see Matthew 6:1-4; 16-18). Pay a generous fast offering (see Doctrine and Covenants 104:14-18). In your next fast select one of the above success factors to work on and see how your fasting experience improves. 1 L. Tom Perry, The Law of the Fast, April 1986 General Conference 2 Joseph B. Wirthlin, The Law of the Fast, April 2001 General Conference 3 Marion G. Romney, Welfare Agricultural Meeting, Sept. 30, 1967).

13 Eighth Warning from Our Savior In this eighth warning, Jesus teaches us what we should value most and how we are to lay up treasures in heaven while warning us that where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (see Matthew 6:20-21). If you violate any of the 16 warnings found through the Sermon on the Mount, you put yourself at risk of placing your heart in conflict with the Lord whether you are financially rich or poor. You are acquiring treasures in heaven when you avoid the 16 warnings and follow the Savior s 11 Sermon on the Mount invitations to a more excellent way everyday. Your past actions, particularly your most recent actions involving your time and money make this one of the easiest warnings from the Sermon on the Mount to check yourself against. To confirm what you treasure all you have to do is evaluate the amount of time, money, and thought you devote to those things that are important to you, and you will know what you treasure and as a result where your heart is. The Savior begins this warning with the admonishment that we not lay up for ourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Matthew 6:19-21).

14 In the parable of the rich fool found in the Book of Luke the Savior teaches about a rich man who brought forth plentifully and decided to pull down my barns, and build greater" to store "all my fruits and my goods that he may lay up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? The Savior concludes this parable with, So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God (see Luke 12:16-21). Earthly treasures consist of material things acquired through sacrifice, hard work, wealth, and power. The problem with acquiring treasures for the honors of men is your hard earned treasures become corrupted through pride. Being rich does not mean you aren t laying up treasures in heaven, it s all in where your heart is and what you are doing with your material blessings. One of the best ways to lay up for yourself treasures in heaven is in the quality of time and effort you put into strengthening your family relationships and in being a true disciple of Christ that serves others. Consider how the Savior taught later in Matthew, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me (Matthew 25:40). Another way to lay up treasures in heaven is through personal study of the Word of God that deepens your understanding of the doctrine of Christ and strengthens your testimony. The entrance to one of the world's great universities has the following displayed as you enter campus, The glory of God is intelligence with the full verse reading, The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth. The next verse, says, Light and truth forsake that evil one (Doctrine and Covenants 93:36-37). When we consistently study the words of Christ as found in the scriptures and the words of the living prophets we are protected from the evil one who is trying to misdirect our heart. By acquiring light and truth through the scriptures, we learn all things that we should do (see 2 Nephi 32:3). Understanding what our priorities need to be and what we must be willing to sacrifice relative to the things of this world is how we obtain a place in the kingdom of heaven. The promise is that if we seek the kingdom of God; all these things shall be added unto you (see Luke 12:31-34). Application Exercise We are all involved to some degree in earning and spending money on treasures of the earth that satisfy a want or serves a need. Providing for ourselves and our families requires a majority part of our time and attention because our physical needs are many and there is no end to what the world has to offer. The risk we must manage is how the pursuit of temporal needs and wants can overtake our spiritual pursuits. When we sacrifice our spiritual pursuits for earthly treasures, our eternal goals become lost. The hard reality is that the more energy we expend in the pursuit of owning the latest and the most sophisticated possessions the less energy we have to lay up treasures in heaven.

15 You know you are at risk of becoming lost in the pursuit of earthly treasures when you become proud of the material things you have acquired, the wealth you have accumulated, the power you have over others, and the honors of men that you enjoy. To protect yourself from this risk, rate how you are doing in laying up treasures in heaven for yourself per the following: Response Key: 1 = Never 2 = Sometimes 3 = Often 4 = Almost Always 5 = Always I am striving to develop further in myself the Christlike attributes of faith, hope, humility, and charity. I put more quality time and effort into strengthening my family relationships than I do in maintaining my toys. I make time to serve others as a true follower of Christ putting their needs ahead of my own. I study the doctrine of Christ and find real joy and satisfaction in studying the words of Christ as found in the scriptures and the words of living prophets. I contribute financially with a glad heart to the building of the Lord s kingdom by paying a full tithing on my income. I am generous in my fast offering contributions more than the value of the two meals I fasted through. Our priorities, desires, appetites, and passions shape the decisions we make and the actions we take. If you are struggling with any of the six items above, your heart is at risk of being placed on treasures where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal (Matthew 6:19). It is when your heart is found in doing the above more than not that you are laying up for yourself treasures in heaven For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Matthew 6:21). See the eleventh invitation in Matthew 7:9-12 concerning the Golden Rule for another application exercise on the effect of our attitude towards others and their possessions compared to that which we would like to have extended to us.

16 Ninth Warning from Our Savior Our eyes are the windows to our brains and intellect. As a result, what we allow ourselves to see affects our mind and spirit which in turn affects who we are and who we become. Similar to the fourth warning and second higher law from the Savior that commands us not to lust in our heart after another that supersedes the seventh commandment of thou shalt not commit adultery. Because it is next to impossible to commit adultery if you are avoiding lustful thoughts, is why this ninth warning that what we allow ourselves to see affects who we are is so important to our spiritual and physical well-being. If what we choose to look at, watch and observe is edifying than our whole body shall be full of light (Matthew 6:22). If that which we allow ourselves to view is evil than our whole body shall be full of darkness (Matthew 6:23). When we allow our souls to be in darkness, we distance ourselves from the love of God because we rob ourselves of the ability to see and feel His love. As a result, we become miserable.

17 In modern-day scripture, we are taught further on the importance of our eye as the light of the body: And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things. Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will. Remember the great and last promise which I have made unto you; cast away your idle thoughts and your excess of laughter far from you (Doctrine and Covenants 88:67-69). A common saying is we are what we eat. This same truism can be used in defining how the quality and character of our spirit is a reflection of what we choose to look at. I.e we are what we look at. The books and magazines we read, the movies, television shows, plays, and other public entertainments we watch either builds within us healthy spirituality or it rots our souls from the inside out. The media available to us has such amazing potential to teach, inspire, inform, and entertain us, yet at the same time, it has the power to corrupt, degrade, and pervert us. The media we choose to look at will either edify or destroy, there isn t much, if anything, in the middle. This is an issue because what we allow to pass through our eyes has the power to influence us for good or evil. What we look at influences and shapes all aspects of our values and feelings, as well as our behavior. We are affected by what we choose to expose our eyesight to. A modern-day Apostle provided a powerful sermon on the significance of desires in our life and there affect on the decisions that we make. He taught, Desires dictate our priorities. Priorities shape our choices, and our choices determine our actions. The decisions we act on determine our changing, our achieving, and our becoming. 1 In April 1984, Victor B. Cline wrote a powerful article on Obscenity How It Affects Us, How We Can Deal with It. In this article, he states the following that is worth quoting. Before you read this, consider how cable TV hadn t been with us for too long in 1984 and how video stores were just beginning to show up everywhere, and there was no internet for us to surf from the comfort of our homes. As a clinical psychologist, I see examples almost daily of gracious and good people (all ages, both sexes) of exemplary upbringing who have become addicted to viewing violence. Many have also cultivated an appetite for voyeuristically viewing stimulating, sexually explicit scenes of multiple adulteries, rape, or the seduction of innocents all in living color and accompanied by a memorable musical score. Evil is presented as attractive and good. Destructive behaviors are marketed as exciting and rewarding. Often humor is used to make pornography, rape, or the loss of innocence entertaining and palatable. But what starts out as a spectator sport introduces into one s brain a vast library of antisocial fantasies. These have the potential, much research suggests, of eventually being acted out to the destruction of the individual and others around him. I have found that four things typically happen to some people who become immersed in erotic or pornographic material. First, they become addicted. They get hooked on it and come back for more and more. Second, their desire for it escalates. They soon need rougher and more explicit material to get the same kicks and excitement.

18 Third, they become desensitized to the abnormality of the behavior portrayed. I n time, they accept and embrace what at first had shocked and offended them. Fourth, eventually there is a tendency and temptation to act out what they have witnessed. Appetite has been whetted and conscience anesthetized. 2 Through this ninth warning, the Savior is admonishing us not to expose ourselves to any degrading material voluntarily. By heeding this warning, we protect ourselves by avoiding the addictive progression that begins with seeing it through our eyes than lusting after it in our heart. Everyone is vulnerable, even good people. It has been over 30 years since Dr. Cline published the article on Obscenity How It Affects Us, How We Can Deal with It. Consider how easy it is today to be flooded with erotic, pornographic and violent images. Our access to damaging images is now wherever we are with our smartphones. Just as if we know something is poisonous, we will go out of our way not to eat it; we likewise need to make the conscious decision to resist the temptation to take even that first look at we know to be evil. Seeing what it is all about is never worth the risk. When exposed to inappropriate materials through no fault of our own, we must resist the temptation to go back for a second look. Dr. Cline also said, We have the agency to choose not to indulge in explicit images that might eventually hook us. These will be times when no parent, bishop, or stake president will be present. We will be on our own; the decision will be totally ours to make. It s up to us to act in our own self-interest. 2 The last line in the ninth warning from Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount states, If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! (Matthew 6:23). The key here is not to let any darkness into our life by not allowing our eyes to take in evil images. When darkness does happen, we need to have the discipline not to go back for that next look. When we do, it darkens our souls the more we look at it. When we don't, the light returns and we save ourselves from living in darkness. The good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is we can replace the pull of evil images on our souls through the process of repentance. Application Exercise Another exercise to appreciate the importance of dismissing unclean thoughts that have entered our minds uninvited that is similar to the comparison of the mind being like a stage that was discussed with the fourth warning on lust involves a strand of thread that represents a single thought. To illustrate this have a volunteer hold out his or her hands forward. Tie a strand of thread loosely around their wrists. Explain that this one thread represents an unclean thought. Then have them break the thread by pulling his or her hands sharply outward. The point is that when an unclean thought enters our mind, we should dismiss it immediately. If we do this quickly, the single thought can easily be broken free from similar to a single strand of thread.

19 Have your volunteer hold out their hands again. This time, wrap their wrists with a few strands of thread enough to make it impossible to break them. Then ask them to try to break the strands of thread. By wrapping enough strands of the same thread that was easily broken when it was a single strand, it doesn t take much to make it impossible to break free. While their hands are still bound, ask what happens when we allow unclean thoughts to stay in our mind? Free the volunteer s hands by cutting the thread with the scissors. Explain that multiple wraps from a single strand of thread represent the consequences that come to us from dwelling on unclean thoughts. Discuss how it is only when we dismiss the unclean thought that we can free ourselves. To better appreciate what you allow into your mind, identify the following for yourself: 1. What were the ratings for the last three movies you watched? 2. What was the core message from the last TV show you sat through? 3. Does music you listen to calm you, bring you joy or make you agitated or angry? 4. Are the literature and magazines you read available in your local public or church library or would they not carry it? Now confirm to yourself what you should avoid? What entertainment should you participate more with? Lastly ask yourself whether you would be comfortable do any of the above with your spouse, children, and your mother or are you only comfortable watching, listening, or reading when you are alone? 1 Dallin H. Oaks, Desire, April 2011 General Conference 2 Victor B. Cline, Obscenity How It Affects Us, How We Can Deal with It. Ensign, April 1984

20 Tenth Warning from Our Savior In this tenth warning, Jesus is telling us that we cannot serve two masters at one time through the symbolism of materialism. Mammon is an Aramaic word meaning riches. In the eighth warning from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us what we should value most and how we are to lay up treasures in heaven while warning us that where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Matthew 6:20-21). For example, if you follow the philosophy of he who dies with the most toys wins your time is consumed with earning the money to acquire the toys with whatever free time spent trying to play with or upkeep your toys. The pursuit of worldly possessions makes it impossible to serve both God and mammon, or worldliness. The best test for which master you chose to love and which one you despise is reflected in how you observe the Sabbath day. The fourth commandment found in Exodus states, Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it (Exodus 20:8-11).

21 The Bible dictionary defines the Sabbath as follows: The importance of a sacred day for man to rest from his temporal labors, contemplate the word of the Lord, and assemble for public worship is a major item in a person s spiritual development. Furthermore, a decay in the national religious life always follows any tendency toward carelessness in the matter of Sabbath observance. The existence of a weekly holy day is a most important safeguard; it leaves a constant reminder to the individual of his need for spiritual sustenance and his duty before God, and serves as a witness to the world that there is such a thing as revealed religion. 1 We show our love for God when we keep the Sabbath day holy. When the Sabbath is set aside as your play day with your toys than you have clearly identified mammon as your master and it is God who you despise. It is impossible to be on the water in your boat or on the dirt with your dirtbike and be at church worshiping God. We have been given six days to labor and play with God hallowing the seventh day as His day for us to worship Him and rest from our labors. In thinking about God vs. mammon, I love the statement from Patrick Henry, a great American patriot who lived a long, useful, and successful life that was said by him just before his death, I have now finished distributing all of my property to my children. However, there is one more thing that I wish I could give them, and that is the Christian religion. If I could give them that, though I had not given them a single shilling, they would be rich. And if they did not have that, though I had given them the whole world, they would be poor." 1 What I appreciate about this thought from Patrick Henry as he neared death is that Patrick Henry also said, Give me liberty or give me death. Who we choose to serve does matter because when we choose to hold onto God, this is the surest way to obtain liberty in this live and exaltation in the life to come. Application Exercise We avoid succumbing to the pitfalls of this tenth warning from the Savior by following the words of the Old Testament Prophet Joshua choose you this day whom ye will serve; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15). The choice to serve the Lord or not is one we make multiple times each day. The choice we make is made easier when we are living true, steadfast, and firm on the doctrines of Christ. The choice to serve becomes harder to make when we drift into periods of worldliness that leads to disobedience. Someone has said: If we were to be arrested for being Christians, I wonder if there would be enough evidence to convict us? There are many questions we can ask ourselves to gauge who we are serving yet the Savior showed us the key to avoiding the pitfalls of this tenth warning in His response to the question by a lawyer who was trying to trip Him up. Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matthew 22:35-40) If you find yourself being true to the two great commandments, then you can have confidence that you are serving God. If you find yourself struggling in your love for God and your fellowman than it is time to repent so you can course correct back to serving God with all your heart, soul and mind.

22 Your ability to live the two great commandments is a clean gauge to confirming to yourself whether you serve God or mammon: Response Key: 1 = Never 2 = Sometimes 3 = Often 4 = Almost Always 5 = Always I love God and strive to show my love for Him by keeping His commandments. I show my love for others by being honest, true, chaste, and benevolent; not backbiting, gossiping, lying or stealing. When we serve God and not mammon, it gives us in every moment a dominant direction to guide our choices by. We put ourselves at risk of making unwise decisions when we chose mammon over God. In the days ahead pay attention to the choices you make to confirm the direction you are heading. Another gauge to consider is your attitude to the Sabbath Day. Do you find it a burden or a blessing to keep the Sabbath Day holy? 1 Bible Dictionary, Sabbath ; scriptures.lds.org 2 Source unknown

23 Eighth Invitation from Our Savior In the tenth warning found in Matthew 6:24, Jesus tells us that we cannot serve two masters at one time. In this eighth invitation, He is telling us to Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? (Matthew 6:25). Our Savior is concerned about the welfare of our souls as He teaches us in modern-day scripture, Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him. And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance. And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth! (Doctrine and Covenants 18:10-13). His joy in us is full when we repent and put aside the things of the world to follow Him. In this eighth invitation to a more excellent way, everyday Jesus is showing us how He cares for us and watches over us by admonishing us to Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of these things (Matthew 6:31-32). Our Heavenly Father knows all things that we need, yet where would our growth and development come from if we were given everything we asked for? We walk by faith when we ask for help.

24 We move beyond being O ye of little faith (Matthew 6:30) when we stop thinking about or worry about those things outside of our control. My favorite Proverb is, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6) This is an often quoted scripture, yet how we trust in the Lord with all our heart is often skipped by failing to study the balance of Proverbs 3 (see Proverbs 3:7-35). Our Heavenly Father does know all things that we need; it is up to us to trust in Him if we are to receive of His glory. Application Exercise It is of no small consequence that in Matthew 6:29, Jesus references Solomon in all his glory. The book of Proverbs in the Old Testament is frequently quoted in the New Testament and contains many parables, sayings, and poems, some of which were written by Solomon. The verses listed in the balance of Proverbs 3 help us better appreciate what we should trust in the Lord for with all of our heart. Response Key: 1 = Never 2 = Sometimes 3 = Often 4 = Almost Always 5 = Always I avoid evil and strive to honor the Lord in humility (see Proverbs 3:7-8). I am generous to others with my substance, and with the first fruits of all my increase (see Proverbs 3:9-10). I do not despise my trials neither am I weary of His correction because I know the Lord loveth whom He correcteth (see Proverbs 3:11-12). I experience joy in learning and in developing a greater understanding of eternal truths (see Proverbs 3:13-22). I am not afraid when I lie down at night, and my sleep is sweet because of my confidence in the Lord (see Proverbs 3:23-26). I do not withhold from others that which is due them nor do I delay helping my neighbor when I have what they need (see Proverbs 3:27-29). I am kind to my neighbor and strive to do no harm (see Proverbs 3:29-30). I do not envy my oppressor(s) nor do unto others as they do (see Proverbs 3:31). I am as righteous as I can be in private as I appear to be in public (see Proverbs 3:32-35). Our ability to trust in the Lord with all of our heart and lean not unto our own understanding is easier when we are living with the above qualities in our lives. Review your responses and where you rated yourself the lowest study what is holding you back then develop a personal improvement plan to turn an area of weakness into a strength. (see Ether 12:27 to be reminded of how the Lord gives us weaknesses that they may become strengths.)

25 Ninth Invitation from Our Savior Just as in the eighth invitation where Jesus tells us, Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of these things (Matthew 6:31-32). In this ninth invitation, He is inviting us to seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). This invitation has a promise and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33). If we put aside the things of the world that turn our loyalty and service away from God and seek first the Kingdom of God, we are blessed with the quality of righteousness being just, holy, virtuous, upright; acting in obedience to God s commands; avoiding sin. 1 In May of 1829, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, a revelation was given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to his brother Hyrum Smith that applies to us, Seek not for riches but for wisdom; and, behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich (Doctrine and Covenants 11:7). When we have righteous desires and seek for the wisdom of God, we are seeking for the Kingdom of God. This is how the promise to the ninth invitation is fulfilled.

26 The second part of this invitation is, Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof (Matthew 6:34). For me, evil is such a loaded word that connotes in my mind horrible things. Because of this limited view, this verse hasn t had the meaning it should have for me since I don t worry about evil things happening to me, yet when you consider that the Greek translation of the word evil can also mean problems or troubles this verse has new meaning for me. Read Matthew 6:34, with the alternate translation for the word evil. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the problem or troubles thereof. While I don t worry about evil for the morrow, I do face problems that weigh me down and experience potential troubles that I fret over before they happen. The invitation is to deal with the problems or troubles of the day and not occupy our minds with the possibility of a problem or trouble that may happen in the future. Our Heavenly Father wants us to have faith in Him. To have faith is to have confidence in something or someone. Faith is a principle of action and power, and by it, one can command the elements, heal the sick, and influence any number of circumstances when occasion warrants. All true faith must be based upon correct knowledge, or it cannot produce the desired results. Faith in Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel and is more than belief since true faith always moves its possessor to some physical and mental action; it carries an assurance of the fulfillment of the things hoped for. A lack of faith leads one to despair. 2 When we have faith, we have confidence. When we are confident, we are less likely to worry about tomorrow. Why is this true? It is true because we have faith in ourselves. It is even truer when we have faith in the Lord and the belief that with His help we can make it through whatever comes our way. It is when we worry about the things that may happen on the morrow is when we lose faith which leads to despair. By focusing in the moment on the problems of today and taking no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself (Matthew 6:34) we free ourselves from burdens our Heavenly Father doesn't want us to carry. Application Exercise How you spend your time relative to your priorities and what you worry about is the key to unlocking the promise associated with this ninth invitation from the Savior s Sermon on the Mount. Remember the promise is that all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33). For us to receive the promise, we must first seek the Kingdom of God. What we seek for in our lives is reflected back to us from what and where we spend our time. The second part of the ninth invitation is to take " no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil (problems or troubles) thereof (Matthew 6:34). Here we are being invited to deal with the problems or troubles of the day and not occupy our minds with the possibility of a problem or trouble that may happen in the future.