"But if all the sick were healed, if all the righteous were protected and the wicked destroyed, the whole program of the Father would be annulled and the basic principle of the gospel, free agency, would be ended.

"If pain and sorrow and total punishment immediately followed the doing of evil, no soul would repeat a misdeed. If joy and peace and rewards were instantaneously given the doer of good, there would be no evil - all would do good and not because of the rightness of doing good.  There would be no test of strength, no development of character, no growth of powers, no free agency, no Satanic controls.

"Should all prayers be immediately answered according to our selfish desires and our limited understanding, then there would be little or no suffering, sorrow, disappointment, or even death; and if these were not, there would also be an absence of joy, success, resurrection, eternal life, and godhood"

 

From Book of Mormon Student Manual Religion 121 and 122, p79 (1989, 1996 edition)

Quote by Spencer W. Kimball, "Tragedy or Destiny" 1966;

( When trying to find that manual online, I see that there is a 2009 edition of that manual and this quote is found on p196, and also in "Faith Precedes the Miracle" 

That newer manual is online, here, and looks great.  My old book has the last item listed in the Contents page, Subject Index on page 170 and the new book has that same item on page 417, so there must be much more added to the book.  I think I'll finish my study with my old manual but then buy the new manual and start over.  I love good study helps.)

 

 

Direction

Ponder this:

"If we don't change direction,

we will arrive at where we're going"

-Richard L. Evans
 

(found on p77 of Book of Mormon Student Manual Religion 121 and 122) 

 

Craving Praise and Popularity

"... craving for praise and popularity too often controls actions, and as they succumb they find themselves bending their character when they think they are only taking a bow."

"If individuals are more concerned with pleasing men than pleasing God, then they suffer from the same virus Satan had, for there are many situations where seeking the praise of men will clearly result in their hurting, not helping, mankind for they will do expedient and temporary things instead of those which are lasting and beneficial.
"How much more satisfying it is when we receive the praise of God, knowing that it is fully justified and that his love and respect for us will persist, when usually the praise of men is fleeting and most disappointing."

(Quote by N. Eldon Tanner, found on p45 of the Book of Mormon Student Manual Religion 121 and 122)

Helaman 5 (esp. vs 40-47) = Liken unto Depression

I love this promise!   Consider the "cloud of darkness" as ones inner feelings during times of depression.   I know this works - I have put it to the test more than once.

 

 

"What shall we do, that this cloud of darkness may be removed from over-shadowing us?" (v40)

 

"You must repent, and cry unto the [Lord], even until ye shall have faith in Christ, who was taught unto you..., and when ye shall do this, the cloud of darkness shall be removed from overshadowing you." (v41)

 

"... they did ..." (v42)

 

"the cloud of darkness was dispersed from overshadowing them ..." (v43)

 

"... and they were filled with that joy which is unspeakable and full of glory." (v44)

 

"And the Holy Spirit of God did come down from heaven, and did enter into their hearts, and they were filled ...." (v45)

 

"Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in [Him]."  (v47)

Scripture Study and Triumph Over Evil Influences.

"I think that people who study the scriptures get a dimension to their life that nobody else gets and that can't be gained in any way except by studying the scriptures.
There's an increase in faith and a desire to do what's right and feeling of inspiration and understanding that comes to people who study the gospel - meaning particularly the Standard Works - and who ponder the principles, that can't come in any other way".  Bruce R. McConkie



Image from HERE

President Gordon B. Hinckley taught that we can triumph over evil influences in life by disciplining ourselves to avoid them.

From the Book of Momon Student Manual Religion 121 and 122, p27

"If you treat an individual as he is, he will stay as he is. But if you treat him as if he were what he could be and ought to be, he will become what he ought to be." - Goethe

In 1 Nephi 16: 18-32 we read that Nephi's bow broke, and that was the cause of much complaining by several family members, including their father Lehi.  This may have been the first time Lehi complained, but certainly his faith was wavering at this moment of hunger and pain.

Nephi was a righteous son, who had been prepared to lead the family. He had seen angels, had talked with the spirit of the Lord, and had marvelous experiences. This could have been his time to take over and begin to lead the family of his own accord.  But, remember, he was righteous, he had a better plan.

Nephi made a bow and arrow and got a sling and stones. (Even this alone shows Nephi's faith, and how he was a leader and a doer instead of a slacker and a complainer.) Then he went to his father to ask where to go for food.  Certainly Nephi was smart enough to have knelt and prayed for direction, but he had strength enough, and humility enough, and manliness enough to go to his wavering superior and say, "You ask God," because somehow he knows this is how you make men strong, that wise confidence in men builds them.

Lehi did ask God and God told him, and Lehi's leadership was restored.

(Book of Mormon Student Manual  Religion 121and 122 p16)

... we will prevail ... and ... due reward of our deeds ...

It is not the conditions people are in that produce happiness, but how they respond to those conditions.

Even though we may be required to experience great hardship, we will prevail over any difficulty by exercising faith and trust in the Lord.

From the Book of Mormon Student Manual Religion 121and 122. Chapter 5 Introduction

and ...


President Spencer W. Kimball made it clear that people cannot escape the consequences of unworthy acts: “Every soul must stand trial and pay the uttermost farthing in one way or another. Escape from the consequences of acts of free agency is an impossibility. No one, however clever, bypasses the ‘due reward of our deeds.’ There are dark, deep corners, locked rooms, isolated spots, but no act, good or bad; no thought, ugly or beautiful, ever escapes being seen or heard. Every one will make the imprint on the individual and be recorded, to be met and paid for. Hence, one only deceives himself to think he is ‘getting by’ with anything improper” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 155).

Found in the same manual as above, Chapter 5;  1 Nephi 15:32–35, “Judged of Their Works”