If I Were a Rich Man

Scripture of the Day:  "But the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion; for if they labor for money they shall perish." 2 Nephi 26:31 -The Book of Mormon

First I have to start by saying, I hope I'm rich someday!  Does that sound totally snobby?  As soon as I read this verse I was reminded of an experience I had long ago.

I was traveling a long distance with a friend and he told me that he wanted to be rich.  As soon as I heard him say that I thought he was a total jerk.  Thankfully, he quickly put me in my place.  I can't remember the exact verse he shared with me, but these will suffice:

"And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish." (Mosiah 4:16 -The Book of Mormon)

"...I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants." (Mosiah 4:26 -The Book of Mormon)

Doesn't seem so snobby to want to be rich does it?  After this friend helped me to realize why it might be helpful to have money, I've been of the same mindset.  I've always found great joy in serving others, but it wasn't till I served a full-time 18 month mission for my church that I realized what an impact I could have on others.  It's since been my dream to have money to do good.  I've imagined the many missions I would be able to go on with my sweetheart, the financial support we would provide to a young person who had a desire to serve a mission, but not the means, etc.

There's so much good that can come from having money.  It's all a matter of what we do with it. Are we laboring to build Zion, or for our own personal gain?

In the meantime while we are still poor college students, I take comfort in this:

"...I mean all you who deny the beggar, because ye have not; I would that ye say in your hearts that: I give not because I have not, but if I had I would give." (Mosiah 4:24 -The Book of Mormon)

What a great opportunity to expand our vision and find other means by which we can give until that day when we are able to give financially.

Grace

Scripiture of the day:  "For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do." -2 Nephi 25:23

I think I want to take this scripture one bit at a time.

First the idea of laboring diligently.  This scripture is specifically talking about being diligent in keeping a record that man may be persuaded to believe in Christ.  I believe that the idea of laboring diligently at anything good will inevitably bring about these same results.  If we labor diligently to keep the commandments our children will be persuaded to believe in Christ the same as we do.  See what I mean?

This verse also reminds me how important it is that we bring our children, friends, family, neighbors etc to God, in other words missionary work.  In the particular area that I live it would seem that everyone already knows and believes in God and doesn't need me to tell them.  Even if that truly is the case, I think the most positive influence I can have on people around me is simply by acting as the Savior would.  Someone may not be gravely estranged from Him, but they may have lost sight of who they are and what they have the potential to become.  In those cases my actions and kind deeds will help them be reminded, and re-connected to the Savior and His loving guidance.

Finally, I've been thinking about grace.  What is it really?

Sources about grace:  This and this.

Here is a great explanation: (this source is also a really good read)

“It is through the grace of the Lord Jesus, made possible by his atoning sacrifice, that mankind will be raised in immortality, every person receiving his body from the grave in a condition of everlasting life. It is likewise through the grace of the Lord that individuals, through faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means. This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts.”

"Grace is the divine assistance or heavenly help each of us desperately needs to qualify for the celestial kingdom. Thus, the enabling power of the Atonement strengthens us to do and be good and to serve beyond "our own individual desire and natural capacity."

Grace is an enabling power.

Grace is something that can easily be misunderstood in the scriptures.  The Bible especially makes references that make it seems as if all we have to do is believe in Christ and we are saved.  The above links will give insight on that.

I like to think of it this way:  Grace is a gift, and sometimes a gift requires more than just a grateful heart.  It requires action on our part.  To me action shows true appreciation.  Actions that show we are grateful for the grace of God include- prayer, keeping the commandments, treating others as you would like to be treated, strengthening your brother, and so much more.

Sometimes these actions can seem impossible to do, but I find that when I am anxiously engaged in good works I am happy with who I am and see others and the Savior does.  His grace enables me to do my very best!

HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT