You know those inspirational story posts or videos that go viral on social media?
Years ago, I was reading the comments on one of these posts.
I think it was about an old man who had given a candy to some lady’s son, and it was an answer to her prayer.
Something like that.
Many of the comments on this post said essentially the same thing:
“If only everyone was a little more like this old man!”
“The world would be so much better if everyone did something like this!”
“Wow, I remember when people were actually kind like this!”
But one comment stood out to me:
“There is no use in hoping everyone else would be nicer unless we all decide to be a little nicer. And that starts with you. When you see these types of stories, use them to reflect on how YOU can change, how YOU can be a better person, or be more like the person in the story. Don’t use them as chances to wallow in pity that everyone else isn’t more like them.”
I’m not exaggerating when I say this random Facebook comment completely changed my perspective.
It’s easy to look at scriptures about how the Nephites’ near-perfect civilization was broken apart by pride and see how harmful their habits were:
“Some were lifted up unto pride and boastings because of their exceedingly great riches, yea, even unto great persecutions.” (3 Nephi 6:10)
But while it’s easy to point out what they did wrong, it takes a lot more spiritual maturity to see how WE can improve based on the stories we read.
Let’s start looking inside more!
Instead of wishing the world was less prideful, we as individuals can try to become less prideful, more loving, more meek, and ultimately more Christlike.
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Ghandi
Unless your life is completely devoid of pride or selfishness or rebelliousness, then there’s no use in hoping everyone else was better.
And… if we were completely devoid of those vices, we probably wouldn’t have a desire to criticize anyone else anyway.
“Lord, is it I?”
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
