Spider-Man has a classic line that is attributed to his uncle in the original comic books.
That line is: “With great power comes great responsibility.”
Spider-Man could have discovered his powers, realized what he could do, and then chosen to sweep it under the rug.
I mean, does he really have to stop what he’s doing everytime there’s a distress call in his neighborhood? (Or the galaxy?!)
He’s got stuff to do, too!
It could be easy to ignore what he had to blend in with everyone else and try to live a normal life.
Life without his powers would be much simpler for young Peter.
But instead, he was reminded that with this great power, he can choose to take great responsibility, too.
Because other people’s lives would be much worse off if he chose to do nothing.
If he could save people’s lives, then his morals, guided by his uncle’s advice, led him to believe that he needed to help.
In D&C 82:3, the Lord gently reminds Joseph and the other leaders in Missouri that:
“Unto whom much is given much is required.”
If you have a testimony of Jesus Christ.
If you’ve made covenants in the holy temple
If you know of prophets and scriptures that have made your life easier…
Then you have been given a whole lot.
It can be tempting to want to hide away from any consequences of that, though.
Can’t I just have an awesome, comfortable life, and everyone else can go on their own journey?
The Lord teaches us that that’s not the way He’d like it to go.
If we’ve been given a lot, then there is a lot required of us.
Now, I don’t think we have to physically risk our lives every day.
But we are asked to risk our comfortable environments to repent, to share the good news with others, and to serve as He would serve.
With great power, comes great responsibility.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
2 Responses
I used to think “live & let live” was a good motto to live by. I’ve since been corrected to “live & help live”, being a more appropriate one.
I love this! Thanks for sharing!