I reached to turn on my hair straightener one morning.
As my hand got close to the metal plates, I could feel extreme heat near my fingertips.
I had forgotten I had already turned it on a few minutes previously and it was already completely warmed up.
I was grateful at that moment for the warning that the heat from the straightener gave me.
And I was able to avoid burning my fingers.
I love that the Lord gives us so many positive words of encouragement.
But it is also so important to look at the direct warnings He extends to us.
The Lord gave some of the Saints in 1831 this warning:
“Now, I, the Lord, am not well pleased with the inhabitants of Zion, for there are idlers among them; and their children are also growing up in wickedness; they also seek not earnestly the riches of eternity, but their eyes are full of greediness.” (D&C 68:31)
Did you notice those four specific warnings?
Don’t be idle, teach your children, be earnest in good things, and don’t be greedy.
Well, don’t those seem pretty appropriate for those of us who, today, are still trying to build up Zion?
Don’t be idle—
Our time on earth was meant to be for more than being entertained.
Teach your children—
We can’t control their choices, but that doesn’t mean we can drop the ball on teaching them like their lives depend on it.
Be earnest in doing good things—
We can’t wait to be commanded or be put in an organization that will force us to do good things. We’ve gotta be proactive, just like our Savior is.
Don’t be greedy—
Thinking that we deserve more than others is a manifestation of pride that brings us away from God.
SUCH great warnings that the Lord gives.
Warnings don’t have to be rough, mean, or heavy.
In fact, I feel enlightened when I read about truths that I need to work on and fix.
Correcting loved ones and hearing correction from the Lord doesn’t have to be harsh or rude.
I am grateful that the Lord gives me warnings, and invites me to be better.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
