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Goals
If we concentrate too intently on our obvious earthly methods or
objectives, we can lose sight of our eternal goals, which the apostle
called “things…not seen.” If we do this, we can forget where we should be
headed and in eternal terms go nowhere. We do not improve our position in
eternity just by flying farther and faster in mortality, but only by moving
knowledgeably in the right direction…
We must not confuse means and ends. The vehicle is not the destination. If
we lose sight of our eternal goals, we might think the most important thing
is how fast we are moving and that any road will get us to our destination.
The Apostle Paul described this attitude as “hav[ing] a zeal of God, but
not according to knowledge” (Romans 10:2). Zeal is a method, not a goal.
Zeal–even a zeal toward God–needs to be “according to knowledge” of God’s
commandments and his plan for his children. In other words, the weightier
matter of the eternal goal must not be displaced by the mortal method,
however excellent in itself.
Dallin H. Oaks
“Weightier Matters”
BYU Devotional
February 9, 1999
http://advance.byu.edu/devo/98-99/OaksW99.html
How Strong Are We?
Do you know how strong you really are?
In an interesting experiment at Amherst College (Massachusetts) a band of steel
was secured around a young squash. As the squash grew, it exerted pressure on
the steel band. Researchers wanted to know just how strong a squash could be, so
they measured the force it brought to bear on its constraints. They initially
estimated that it might be able to exert as much as 500 pounds of pressure.
In one month, the squash was pressing 500 pounds. In two months it was applying
1,500 pounds and, when it reached 2,000 pounds, researchers had to strengthen
the steel band. The squash eventually brought 5,000 pounds of pressure to bear
on the band — when the rind split open.
They opened it up and found it to be inedible, as it was filled with tough,
course fibers that had grown to push against its constraints. The plant required
great amounts of nutrients to gain the strength needed to break its bonds, and
its roots extended great distances in all directions. This amazing squash had
single-handedly taken over the garden space.
We have no idea just how strong we really can be! If a squash can exert that
much physical pressure, how much more strength can human beings apply to a
situation?
Most of us are stronger than we realize. I am told that it was Eleanor Roosevelt
who observed, “A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong she is until
she gets into hot water.” (I suspect the same is true of men.)
Does an obstacle you are presently facing loom large before you? Does it seem
just too big? Perhaps overwhelming? If so, remember the squash. Its
single-minded purpose was to break the bonds which held it. If you patiently
focus your energy — what problem can stand against the great mental, spiritual
and physical strength you can bring to bear?
I Tried To Climb The Mountain Today
I tried to climb the mountain today. As I inched my
way up the path, I felt overwhelmed, so I had to turn back.
I tried to climb the mountain today. On my journey, darkness started to fall, and I was full of fear, so I
had to return to a safe place.
I was ready to climb the mountain today. But it
was so hot outside, I thought I better stay in my
nice air-conditioned house and rest up for tomorrow’s attempt.
I was about to climb the mountain today. But I had
so many other things to do, so instead of climbing the mountain I took care of much more important tasks.
I washed my car, mowed the grass and watched the
big game. Today the mountain will just have to wait.
I was going to climb the mountain today. But as I
stared at the mountain in its majestic beauty, I knew
I stood no chance of making it to the top, so I figured why even bother trying.
I have forgotten about climbing the mountain today; until a friend came by and asked me what I was up to lately. I told him I was thinking about climbing that mountain some day. I went on and on about how I
was going to accomplish this task.
Finally, he said, “I just got back from climbing the mountain. For the longest time I told myself I was
trying to climb the mountain but never made any progress. I almost let the dream of making it to the
top die. I came up with every excuse of why I could
not make it up the mountain, but never once did I
give myself a reason why I could. One day as I
stared at the mountain and pondered, I realized that
if I didn’t make an attempt at this dream all my dreams will eventually die.”
“The next morning, I started my climb.” He continued, “It was not easy, and at times I wanted to quit. But no matter what I faced, I placed one foot in front of the other, keeping a steady pace. When the wind tried to blow me over the edge, I kept walking. When the voices inside my head screamed “Stop!” I focused on my goal never letting it out of sight, and I kept moving forward. At times, I was ready to quit, but I knew I had come too far. Time and time again, I reassured myself that I was going to finish this journey. I struggled to make it to the top, but I climbed the mountain!”
“I have to be going,” my friend said. “Tomorrow is
a new day to accomplish more dreams. By the way, what are you going to do tomorrow?”
I looked at him, with intensity and confidence in my eyes, and said, “I have a mountain to climb.”
Gary Barnes
Copyright 1999