“You have
a great opportunity to be a powerful force for good in the Church and in the
world. There is truth in the old adage that “the pen is mightier than the
sword.” 1 In many cases it is
with words that you will accomplish the great things that you set out to do.
And it’s principally about ways to share those words that I want to talk to
you.” (M. Russell Ballard, “Sharing the Gospel Using the Internet,” Ensign, July 2008.)
Words
have been around since the beginning of time.
Swords were invented quite a bit later. J Words have the power to stir
emotion, change hearts, and save lives.
However, they also have the power to destroy, ruin, and tear apart. Swords only have the capability to kill. Words are incredibly powerful, and must be
used carefully. A single word in the
right place can make or break somebody’s day, build up or destroy someone’s
self esteem. We must choose how we are
to use these words-to further the work of the Lord and build up those around
us, or to hurt and tear down. It is our
choice, and we have the obligation to choose what we know to be right.
“Every
disciple of Christ will be most effective and do the most good by adopting a
demeanor worthy of a follower of the Savior. Discussions focused on
questioning, debating, and doubting gospel principles do little to build the
kingdom of God. The Apostle Paul has admonished us to not be “ashamed of the
gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation”” (M. Russell Ballard, “Sharing the Gospel
Using the Internet,” Ensign, July
2008.)
We have been taught that Bible bashing is useless, proves nothing, and drives away the spirit. We must be careful to avoid arguing with people (especially online, in forums or chat groups) and instead focus on bringing the gospel to others. Those that are willing to debate or fight over gospel principles just to prove that you are wrong are probably not going to want to listen to the spirit or accept the gospel. Rather than argue, we must learn to love. This is much more condusive to the Spirit and the Spirit converts people-not the missionary or teacher. When we learn to defend our faith with a firm resolve, yet avoid tearing down or arguing with others, we become truly effective missionaries and teachers.
The blog is awesome. You know how you said that you're wallet reflects your personality? You have cellos all over the place! :D Looks great.
ReplyDeleteInteresting thought that you helped me realize- isn't it interesting that God gave Adam words instead of a sword? The sword was made later when it was needed. And technology comes slowly as we learned to work and deal with it. The sword is used for bad too, just like words are, but words were necessary before the sword was. They were given to man first.
The history behind words and swords was an interesting addition. For many think war and conflict came first but with knowledge of the Garden of Eden language and writing is definitively the most important and preceded Cain and Able.
ReplyDeleteNice clip art!
I agree with you when you said that words can make or break someones day. Words are powerful and can hurt longer and more deeply than any weapon can.
ReplyDeleteWords are powerful. There is a really good talk by Jeffery R. Holland-The Tongue of Angels in the May 2007 Ensign. And in 2 Nephi 32:3 it says "Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost" It is so important to be like that Savior in what we do and say.
ReplyDelete