“A Spirit of
Interest”
cji (Charles J.
Ingerson)
2/3/13
(Author’s
note: There are many quotes and references which can/could be provided –
however, I’d rather not take away the journey of another in trying to seek pure
truth and knowledge. As each must understand there is nothing easy about doing
so – and while one could be prompted by the various references – it might seem
too easy and nothing of great value should be too easy. c/ork)
Knowledge: One of the attributes of God (Isa.
46:9–10; Acts
15:18; 2
Ne. 9:20).
Knowledge of divine and spiritual things is absolutely essential for one’s
salvation; hence the gospel is to be taught to every soul. “How shall they
believe in him of whom they have not heard?” (Rom.
10:14).
Knowledge is not obtained all at once, even by revelation, but line upon line,
precept upon precept (Isa.
28:9–10).
The scriptures, and also living prophets, are given so that the people might
have knowledge of things of God and “know how to worship, and know what you
worship” (cf. D&C 93:19). Knowledge is one of the endowments of the
Holy Ghost (John
14:26; 16:13; D&C 34:10; 121:26–33) and one of the gifts of the Spirit (1
Cor. 12:8; Moro.
10:10; D&C 46:18). Peter lists knowledge along with faith,
patience, kindness, and virtue as necessary acquisitions for one who would seek
for a divine nature (2
Pet. 1:3–9).
Since no one can be saved in ignorance of the gospel (D&C 131:6), and one progresses only as fast as he
gains knowledge (HC 4:588), it follows that the person who gains knowledge will
have “the advantage in the world to come” (D&C 130:18–19).
Somewhere
long ago a bug came by and bit me and in the intense pain thoughts came which
have never ended. The bug was called curiosity! The cure was only found
in research and seeking the understanding of truth. Since I was very
young initially in my observations of those around me they made this seem
rather obsolete as the things and illusions of the world/worldly were much more
important.
Torn
between the two – a quest for knowledge and the quest for the worldly was very
painful. To be ridiculed by those around me for wanting to read everything I
could get my hands on – or the desire to have friends and be accepted was most
profound. It made me question why one couldn’t have both. (Note: Much
later in my life I’ve learned that President Spencer W. Kimball had said, “One
can study to learn anything they want to learn – however nothing is easy – and
one must apply themselves.” (paraphrased.)
Thus,
to have a desire to read and also having acceptance within my peer group was
one of the first goals I wondered about. Unlike the laws of natural science
which say that opposites attract one another and those alike repel one another
– could in some situations they repel and/or attract one another differently?
This premise allowed me many experiences in life and continues to do so. The
quest for knowledge of truth – and that of acceptance within a circle of
friends has merit and commitment have always been the cornerstones of my
thinking and doing.
The
quest for education is multi-folded in that what the traditional school systems
offer is greatly lacking and only fills the primitive needs of socialization
(for good or evil) and then becomes repetitive over the years. In only the
areas of specialization is there the continuing merit of ‘lock-step’ to the
notes of the various teachers one encounters. Sometimes this can be excellent –
and at others boring, political, gender neutered, with the understanding of
garbage in and garbage out.
"the Lord requires humility, not ignorance." Joseph
F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1970), 206.
However
there is another way of looking at education and that is from the point of view
of the student pursuing their needs within and without of the traditional
educational systems. Here the student sets up his or her own reading and
research objectives – knowing that within the libraries and now the Internet
the potentials for information are almost unlimited. There is a caveat which is
most important and that has to be the inner motivation and self-discipline of
the individual. Whereas our society has endeavored to instill fear and
incentive motivations with great success – this has to be the motivation of
one’s own attitude and how they think within.
Thomas
Lawrence said, “There’s two types of people in the world – those who act and
those who react. Those who act control their own lives – while those who react
allow others to control their lives.” Which are we to be found?
Well if you only know about Thomas Lawrence from the movies and not having read
the in-depth books about him – most likely you don’t even know who he is – and
therefore as a reaction dismiss whatever he has to say and why it might be
important.
Winston
Churchill was known to give anyone 30 seconds maximum to see if he was of value
to engage in conversation. Most failed to meet his expectations of preparedness
in conversation or intelligence for his time to be used. Many would call this
lacking tact, while in reality it was maximizing Sir Winston’s ability to
discern and thus to act to what was best for both himself and the other person.
Many will record in their books about him how mostly those in his company would
be subject to his talking and their listening – some learning and some
bored.
Many
times in the workplace people have asked me, “Why don’t you even say ‘good
morning’ before you start into working?” My reply was mostly in my mind – why
are you asking such a question? However, in answering them I would indicate
that while working on something I prefer not to be distracted. Similarly,
when answering the phone I simply say, “Chuck!” and the person calling knows
their talking with me and can get to the point – and/or figure they’ve a wrong
number. In either case it expedites the conversation.
Flowers,
bright lights, bands and other such things are not for the work place – while
it would appear these are now the norms – what some call simple courtesies
actually are time wasters. Simple courtesies used to be someone who knew they
job – knew what they were supposed to know (and hopefully more) – and were
ready to utilize another’s time wisely.
An
example a very successful salesman (both professionally and within his personal
life – family) would interrupt what he was doing when someone came into his
office or professional space. If this was not a client he would start a
stop watch – and when the person was done he would stop it. At this point he
would then bill the person for the time taken based on his hourly value
(translated from his commissions per hour) and expect to be paid
accordingly. Those he worked learned quickly and if they did interrupt
him it was not to talk about sports or other non-business related issues.
There
are many such examples one could provide to show the reasons for both social
interchanges – and professional interchanges. Almost all of them are a
direct result from our educational experiences. Let me give one more example;
during the Vietnam Conflict (being politically correct) – many of us veterans
were returning to the colleges and universities to complete our required
educations (i.e. the degree). Of course in almost every class there were
those who opposed the conflict and our presence in their classes (both students
and instructors). It would seem many did not have good class control and
one day some of these detractors were talking while the instructor was trying
to teach. After one warning for them to be quiet – all of sudden there was a
scream – a crash – and the message was relayed to the instructor he wouldn’t be
interrupted anymore. Actions speak louder than words for those who need to
react to stimuli.
The
difference is that when one is paying for their education then they are
responsible for this education and its quality! Many forget the
sacrifices some make to meet the worldly requirements because they’re on the
dole either from their parents, business or a scholarship without any strings
attached. Yes they do have to pass – and yes to graduate would be good –
but in either case the fear of the punishment isn’t all that motivating. It has
been my experience many students could pass any class taught in any school
without much internal effort (note: this would not apply to the medical/sciences/math
or other highly technical forums). Externally most instructors ‘tap’ the
board or other such signal to indicate a test question is coming up. Most
educational classes in the general studies seldom present other than multiple
choice exams. For those paying for their own educations this is almost an
insult to their striving to learn all they can learn for their investment made.
(Note: with one exception in all of my college teaching – I only ever gave one
Multiple Guess test – all of the others were ‘take home’ essay questions. When
turned in I would grade them and then return them to the students of their
revisions and corrections – and then place a final grade on them. I cannot
imagine what there could’ve been I didn’t want the students to learn or understand.)
Frustration
is always an internal part of the two divisions of education. The first being
those who are going because it is expected and if they want a high paying job –
or promotion it is almost mandatory. The second for the student who really
wants to learn and understand the material internally while meeting the outside
requirements involved in providing for themselves and their families. These two
separations are those who are investing in themselves and their family to learn
and grow; and those who others are investing in to be a better human resource
within the structured business environment seeking for the further initials
after their names.
The
frustrations are in several areas - first, the instructor trying to meet the
needs of both and second, the full participation of the students to make for a
positive learning experience for all in the classes. When an instructor
is confronted with the two divergent students – trying to give value to the one
and satisfaction to the other is in conflict with good teaching. Skills
and knowledge important for the one who wants to learn – are separate from the
student only seeking to keep score and mark off one more class. Secondly, it is
found that with the divergence it is much like a team sport in opposition to an
individual sport. When one has to deal with a ‘prima donna’ the team will not
function well – while the prima donna in an individual sports hinders no
one.
Going
back to the desire for learning more truth and knowledge which will lead to
truth to me is the most important reason for gaining an education. Within
the system of the US schools and many within the world of literacy the idea of
seeking for truth and knowledge that leads to truth is usually a prescription
for drinking the hemlock. The idea of one continuing in their integrity,
honesty, virtue, worthiness, moral values and a firm belief system is ‘Old
fashioned’ and therefore obsolete in today’s educational environment.
Thus whenever approaching this line of pursuit one has to be self-sustaining as
in an individual sport – but being a team player in that with those few others
of the same direction there must be interaction.
(Pausing
for a moment:
Let
it not be misunderstood – one’s relationship with the Father and Son are paramount
in each person’s life. Thus this is implying the importance of family, home and
understanding fully in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let none forget or even
ponder that there is even anything more important! And in the Gospel of Jesus
Christ – education, the learning and discerning of truth is most important.
Thus education is mandatory for eternal salvation and becoming perfect even as
the Father is perfect (see Sermon on the Mount).
Education
is both a team sport and an individual sport of choice by those who seek really
to learn and discern both spiritually and professionally. The two are
intertwined for all of the laws of nature are so not by chance but by
design! The statistical odds of finding a world organized such as this
world in which we live – by pure chance is infinitely beyond our minds to
comprehend. As an example take 20 decks of cards (52 in each) – with different
markings – open them – ruffle each a couple of times – and then drop them from
a twenty story building – and expect to see them all lined up by the
appropriate deck – and in the order in which you took them out of their boxes
when you get to the ground where they landed. One might do this several billion
times and never get the desired condition and at that not even close to the
desired condition. It could be then suggested that the truth of this
matter will never once occur ever. Yet the earth is here – we’re here – the
matter in which we live is perfectly organized for life to survive and the only
alterations have been by man’s inhumanity to man and the earth.
Doctrine
and Covenants 131:6 “It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance.”
Thus
the pursuit of truth is both real and achievable if one seeks to go forth and
attempt this goal or series of goals (as no goals exist separate and apart from
other goals). However, one must start on the journey knowing that success
is in the journey and not just the destination. Since this part and
parcel of my two pronged set of objectives at a very young age it has required an
unending search. My life has consisted of reading, researching, asking
thousands if not millions of questions, praying (a lot), and listening to the
message as a result of each stimulus encountered.
The
reading has to be directed yet not counter-productive. It implies reading the
best of the books available – which can be discerned by experience and
prayer. Some are recommended – others by a glance at a shelf of books –
still others by having an interest in the subject matter provided in the title.
The basics of all reading material are in the Scriptures. Yes these have been
translated by some with personal and political motivations and today they’ve
been revised to meet the criteria of those seeking more and more
justifications. However, even good has come out of the revisions in that
some have gone back to the original languages and without the ‘personal’
editing – have presented something similar to what was written either at the
time of the Savior or before. While there are also books of Scripture
unedited and in the original translation by a Prophet of God. That the
worldly do not accept these makes them no less true – and they are found in
companionship with the multitude of records being found all around the earth
today.
Proverbs 15:28-33:
28 The
heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but
the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
29 The Lord is far from
the wicked: but
he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
30 The
light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a
good report maketh the bones fat.
31 The ear
that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
32 He that
refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth
reproof getteth understanding.
Secondarily
to the Scriptures are the everyday books one encounters especially within the
schools – i.e. required reading. When one has an assignment to read
something it becomes a task – while if one gets the next year’s reading list
and reads them because they want to read them the experience is much more
valuable. I can remember reading Shane for the reading of Shane much more than
when required the following year in school. Being an un-satiable reader
everything I could get my hands on when I was young I read. Fortunately a
librarian saw me struggling trying to find more books to read – so she started
picking them out for me. Each day after school she would have 3-5 new books for
me and on weekend six or more. By the end of my Junior year in school we had to
submit a list of books we read – I turned in a list of over 100! The
teacher called me a liar in front of the class – and we marched down to the
library. The Librarian initially agreed with the teacher that the list was not
accurate – and then produced her own which had over 150 titles of which she
knew I’d read. (Don’t think the teacher ever apologized.) Thus I learned
the value of record keeping – while yet understanding the need to reread and
reread certain books for the rest of my life.
Reading
for 80% or more retention requires at least six repetitions. This may seem like
a lot but try it sometimes with just one book of the Bible and see how more you
learn and discern with each reading. The excitement grows with each new reading
when you discover how much you’ve missed on the previous readings.
Once
a year if not more I re-listen to various talks or reread books/talks of great
interest to me - each time I gain more insight to it and the context in which
it was given. Noted that when one listens or reads anything the first time much
is missed as our minds try to evaluate and correlate what we are hearing or
reading. Comprehension and understanding or what we read or hear comes
somewhere after the 6th time of listening or reading material especially as
important as what is being taught as truth.
This
would be no different from reading Scriptures - my wife and I are somewhere
between the 17th time or more reading the Old Testament together – the 30th
time of reading the New Testament and somewhere around the 70th time of
re-reading the Book of Mormon.
Over
and over we go through the books of Scripture - following the various
references - reading additional material for clarification and discussing with
each other what we understand.
Truth
as doctrine is hard for many to grasp - when I was growing up I was not a
member and would run away often - while having long walks between rides
hitchhiking (1959) I had long discussions with my Elder Brother - these were
not prayers - but I needed someone to talk with and I figured he was more
likely to listen than Father in that I just needed to talk.
Understand
there is a lot of true doctrine most in the world won’t accept - it doesn't
mean it isn't true - the same as many deny the Savior's resurrection - it is
still true - it did happen. Remember also that there is nothing easy in the
understanding of truth if one desires. Each must remember on this quest that
the world/worldly will do anything to beguile, distract or tempt one to lose
their way.
Researching
is different from reading – as it requires one to have points of reference –
knowing where to go for several divergent points of view on the same subject
matter. It also requires having read everything that deals with the subject
prior to the research. Someone should always research a subject which they
enjoy and seek to know more. To want to know more – requires that one must know
something to begin with.
The
only way to know what something means is that one has paid attention to the
stimulus all around them. One has to pay attention to the gifts which are free
and then to seek the knowledge which requires effort and a sincere desire to
accumulate resources for one’s whole life! The mind is a tremendous research
library with files upon files all organized and easy to access. Can you feel
the joy found in this simple observation?
Sadly
all too many violate their birthright to capture and preserve all of the
knowledge of which they’ve been exposed to and sought after. Rather than
order is found absolute clutter! There is no excuse for this but plenty of
justifications. Even those who do retain and facilitate their storage bins
often forget the sources of their education. Taking the credit unto them and
forgetting their teachers – yet even more so forgetting the Father! The Father
from where all things come. Too many reject the source of all wisdom and
knowledge – while pretending that men/women have audacity to deny these gifts
of learning.
A
spirit of interest might address this issue of the pride of men and women – in
contrast to the blessings so freely available from the Father. Over the
decades of my life I’ve pondered this for to acknowledge humbly the achievement
of goals set so early in my life. Always seeking to find Father’s home where I
could join Him and His Son our Lord and Savior as it spoke to me when reading
the Bible at age eleven. Never once did I ever deviate from the desire to know
more and more about my Heavenly Father. Many long nights on lonely highways
when hitch-hiking around the East Coast of our nation I’ve had long talks with
Him. Mostly with the Son as I felt it easier to speak with my Elder Brother.
Thus,
over time I tried to discern what keeps everyone from seeking pure knowledge
and truth. Especially today when there’s so much available free to anyone for
the grasping. Think of it this way years ago on the merry-go-round ever once in
a while the brass ring would be available. It was strictly chance for one to
grab one. Yet today those seeking the brass ring are all looking in the wrong
places. Minds are being destroyed before even having a chance to blossom.
Why?
Think about what our youth and adults do today – and have been since the early
sixties. Created was a culture of self-satisfaction indulging themselves
in the momentary needs? When is the last time one saw someone sincerely pray on
TV, in the Movies or in video games? Even worse can you imagine a book without
profanity? One cannot even walk in a store without being confronted by the
profane and lewd. The dress or undress of people today is appalling and yet
totally accepted by those who’ve turned to this alternative lifestyle without
the Father or the Son.
Violence,
noise, pornography, profanity and any other distraction one can imagine – is it
not understandable that the pursuit of truth has been abandoned? Indeed,
all of the potential which is available to those alive today – is wasted by the
distractions of the world. Thus creating a class within our culture of those
considered mentally deficient to the understanding of truth and morals which
build a society.
How much of our population is now considered mentally
deficient - when one answers or inquires on about their education - that one
cannot be inclusive of all that is encompassed in their thoughts in seeking for
brevity. We’ve become a nation of ‘cute’ ‘curt’ answers and innuendoes, rather
than seeking positive replies. Most are today ignorant to what is going on
outside of their small primitive worlds.
The usage of the word ‘primitive’ is not made without
thought – think back to the times before the Internet, Cell Phones, Portable
Games and for some the fear of going outside their small safe zone. The
isolation of many in our population is very similar to the isolation of the
primitive tribes and cultures one can read about as ancient history.
In the future when one writes or tries to teach new ideas and or plans of actions
for interactions to try to be more clear assuming that those who are on the
other side of the conversation do not understand what is being said or why. It
is not part of their safe zone – and they question the validity of actually
seeking for truth or correct answers in a work environment which is only
worried about the bottom line and not how they get there.
Thus those attempting the educating others in this way (seeking truth and what
is right) would seem a waste of their time in doing so - as many attending
classes feel they know all that stuff and it is not important to the
performance of their assignments in the work force, indeed it is almost
counter-productive.
Our nation is being set up by experts in guile and
political correctness. Over the past three to four generations the apparent
push is to the belief system of non-caring, non-sharing, and everyone deserves
the credit for their accomplishments no matter how they achieved them and who
they stepped on to get there.
The leaders of our educational systems and tycoons in the business world – have
created their own form of religion. Because the formal definition of religion
or an 'ism' is 'a way of life' - thus they can refer to their way of doing
business (and education is a business) as 'a way of life' and thus continue the
circle to being a religion. They’ve replaced traditional religions which are
found confusing and not really in tune with the mores of those alive today,
i.e. antiquated. It is okay to believe in God – but don’t overdo it because He
doesn’t really care! They will then reference the creeds of the various
churches and say, “I told you so!”
One must always do their own homework - and in this nation today we’ve
generations of those who are mentally challenged due to the decay of the
education system and the drugging of those who make waves – (as noted
above) the distractions of video games - noise in the form of music/etc. and
the violence on TV - Movies and finally the total lack of virtue and/or morals
needed within a society to mature and grow positively.
That some show self-initiative has allowed them to
overcome our societal norms and rise above the pettiness of the streets is a
great deterrent to the establishment of the norm – i.e. the average is okay –
being the best of the worst or the worst of the best – is to be average or
normal. The preference is to teach that no self-initiative is better – and no
one wants to rock the boat!
However, it is the boat rockers – those who can learn to
think and act for the correct reasons – doing the right thing every time – in
every situation who will and can lead this nation out of the problems which
have occurred. It is an uphill fight we must never forget this didn’t occur
over night and has been both staged and carried out by experts in illusion and
deception.
Can those who’re found to be mentally deficient overcome
this condition? Yes! However, the fear and incentives of our current society
have to be overcome by their personal and internal attitudes. This is where the
good teachers and leaders have to step in teaching correct principles and stop
worrying about political correctness.
Will attitude motivation replace fear and incentives in
our society? Most likely change would come very slowly if at all. Since a
teacher in business or industry is dependent on another for their salary – the
teacher in the school system has to teach the correct school (government)
mandated lesson plans – and higher education teachers are dependent upon the
number of students who attend their classes (and the student reviews).
The avarice and greed of our current society at all
levels – from the mentally poor to the entitled rich are very reluctant to
change the status quo. There is change only within an individual if there is
much to gain and nothing or very little to lose. Risk is not into today’s
vocabulary for those who feel they’ve much to lose and little to gain in the
way of physical or tangible wants. Thus the truth and associated relationships
to the Scriptures have little to do in their lives other than appearances to
others. And certainly none want to look different within their peer
relationships or foolish. Apparently mocking truth and Father are not as
much a concern.
Thus the mentally deficient (whether rich or poor) will
maintain using as little of their internal potential as needed to sustain their
lifestyles. Returning to the frustrations paragraph earlier in this text – one
must remember there are excellent teachers who want to teach and have their
students be internally motivated to learn – but the restraints of apathy which
embraces our nation today almost forbids this from happening.
Albert
Einstein said (or is quoted as saying), “On a clear day when I could see
forever – maybe I was using 10% of the talent that I had been given.” If
that is the case with Albert Einstein then where do we stand in the talents and
resources given to us?
Mostly
I’ve spoken to the education, reading and research – and why some do and some
don’t apply themselves. The next part is the ability to ask questions with
merit! A question without merit is not a question – but a rhetorical imitation
of a question. Each question has to be asked with the anticipation of an answer
based on sound knowledge from one who should have such knowledge. Sadly it has
been my experience many of the answers to my thousands and even millions of
questions (which I still ask everyday) have been left wanting. Too many have
the ‘pat’ answer or the correct answer – or the one they’ve been taught in the
schools (or they’ve taught) which have neither substance nor relationship to
reality or the literalness of what you are asking about.
Whenever
I think of questions and the asking of them – the song, “Don’t Rain on My
Parade” and the idea of when asking questions I want people to rain on my
parade so can acquire new wisdom and understanding. When I’ve unsolvable
situations I share the situation with others – having a note pad in hand to
write down what others say as it might contain something I’ve overlooked when
they tell my situation cannot be addressed. Never once in my life have I
regretted asking too many questions. However, I have regretted in not asking
some when I should have.
One
last point on my asking questions. For over twenty plus years I had searched
for a Church which measured up literally the Bible I had read at age eleven.
Time and time again I was dismissed or asked not to return to various
congregations due to my asking of questions. What I would do was take the
answers given – go home and double check them against the knowledge I had
acquired about the Scriptures and also double check the passages of Scripture
to which accompanied the question and the answer. Then I’d go back and explain
why the answer given was a good answer it was not literally in companionship
with the Scriptures. Indeed many were not even in tune with the existing laws
which applied at the time of the Book under consideration. Soon as I grew older
my wife would be told she could come back but to leave me at home.
The
next step was to discover a piece of truth – and then to pray about it to get
the insight of the spirit to which we’re all entitled. As some would say I
wearied the Lord with my prayers. Pondering – presenting my conclusions to see
if they met with Father’s approval or I needed to start over again or somewhere
in the middle. Prayer is the most powerful resource one has in this life – the
Book of James if full of reasons why we should not only pray but to expect
answers if the prayer sincere and worthy. All of my life I’ve struggled with prayer
in that Father has so met my needs that I’m worried I spent too much time being
thankful without addressing things which I should.
Each
piece of truth fits into the puzzle of having Faith and Hope – until one takes
these two items and transfers them to knowing! This is important – we’ve a
trillion items of Faith and Hope we need to transfer to knowing in this
lifetime. As children it is easy to accomplish – therefore I totally endorse
the idea of becoming like little children to ease this process from the
distractions of the world.
Listening
the Spirit or promptings presented after sincere prayer is like having a
heavenly choir making a presentation and you’re the only audience. Learning to
recognize and not ignore the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost is the
most valuable gift from Father.
Thus
I’ve accomplished explaining the first part of my goals to seek after knowledge
and wisdom leading to pure truths. What of the second to be accepted by my
peers and or friends throughout this life? This is much more difficult to
accomplish because one has to be a master of everything – contrary to the
voices of the world – wherein one can be a master only of one thing – or good
at many but a master of none. I’ve always felt this was hogwash! Who was to say
what the potential of a human being – a child of God could or couldn’t
accomplish?
Therefore
my life had to have value which lifted others and at the same time – kept me
humble and grateful. When I was young I doubt there was anything I was very
good at other than never quitting anything I started. I was good at getting
beat up by bullies (smile), but that didn’t last for long.
Thus
I decided to tackle sports. Whatever I did I did on guts and practice. I would
spend hours shooting baskets in our backyard. Or I’d watch baseball and
determine I could play one position better than anyone else – mainly 2nd
base. My hitting was abominable – but I could get hit with pitches and I could
run like the wind (out running the bullies). If I could get on first base – I
could steal 2nd and 3rd. In basketball I refused to give
up – and eventually was making all-star teams. Tennis, soccer, and other sports
would follow. Sailing was my best sport for some reason the communications
between myself and the sailboats was like a oneness.
Did
any of this make me liked by my peers – no! Yet I had one characteristic which
did – no one could be bullied in my presence. I was the one who would intercede
on behalf of anyone in trouble anywhere and at any time. It became known even
though I was a loner – that everyone was safe when I was around. This began a
responsibility which I could be accountable for and has lasted me throughout my
lifetime. I’ve still very few close friends (mostly in the cadre of brotherhood
found within the military).
However,
even this has some drawbacks – as I’m thought to be social as I speak to
everyone, including total strangers and have as long as I can remember. I trust
very few – trust means to me allowing someone to have my six or to be
responsible for my family when I’m unable. Most know me as a person of
integrity while thinking I’m somewhat off base in my belief in the restoration
of the Gospel of Jesus Christ which I cannot deny!
Joseph
Smith, Jr. talked about this idea of being liked or having friends in
relationship to his seeing the Father and the Son. He indicated that both
the Father and Son knew he had seen them – so why were the worldly trying to
tell him he hadn’t and to deny his testimony. He said something like this, “I
know I had a vision, the Father and Son know I had a vision – so how can or
would I ever deny this.” His integrity depended upon his acknowledging what he
had seen and heard – while the world would not accept the word of a fourteen
year old boy – who was then persecuted and hounded the remainder of his life –
almost every single day! This was done not just by the layman but by the clergy
most of all.
If
Joseph Smith, Jr. could withstand the attacks against him for seeking truth –
why can’t I or others? Indeed if he was attacked for acknowledging truth – why
shouldn’t we be? Abandoned by friends – he never wavered – why can’t we be the
same? Thus, in my life friendship is general while at the same time extremely
limited. One must also appreciate my best friends are within my own family,
i.e. my spouse, our children and their immediate families. Reaching out most
likely I could list by name those who both consider me a friend and I them.
Changing
subject some, over the years I’ve learned to respect those who know what
they’re supposed to know – those who honor their vows in marriage – who teach
correct principles and live them! Paul J. Meyers said, “Is what you’re doing
re-teachable and is it what you want others to learn how to do?”
Everyone
is an example of one kind or another – one can be a good example of a good
example or a good example of a bad example – but somehow each will be observed
by others. What one does is far more important than often what they say.
We’ve all something to measure up to in our lives and if we fail – we allow
others to fail also. However, if we succeed many others will as well by our example.
We cannot determine the success or failure of anyone but by our example many
will try harder or less based on their observations.
What
really then is the difference between my quest for knowledge and another’s?
Many have achieved great academic successes where as I’ve not – except in
achieving the information for which I sought to know more. Many have multiple
degrees and letters after their names – which are recognized by the world and
worldly – which I have not nor really desired in lieu of what I did seek to
accomplish.
Yet
most important are two overriding concerns – have I helped anyone to be lifted
up each day and secondly have I kept myself unspotted from the world? Each is
difficult to discern the first more than the second. Mostly you will never know
what affect you will have on another – but to see a child smile is worth all of
the blessings in the world. The second in that inside each of us is a harder
judge than anyone else about how we’ve survived the temptations of the day. In
each or our lives I would suspect we’ve slipped from time to time – so the
answer would be more have we repented – made restitutions – and tried to slip
no more?
Lastly
there are two more concerns – are we human beings or human chattel? For those
who are human beings are we of the royal birthright or just run of the mill
mistakes of chance in evolution? One has to be either one or the other.
If we are of the first and have a royal lineage to the Father and the Son – are
we living worthy of such a foundation? And if we’re the latter do we even care
what or why we do what we do? One must appreciate that it takes more faith to
be in the second group than the first. However, being in the first requires
obedience and self-discipline within all aspects of their life.
The
choice when we attend to business matters or personal matters each require
certain behaviors if one is found as a child of God – while being chattel
nothing really is required except not to be caught in doing wrong or telling
lies to further one’s accomplishments. When we attend classes to learn are we a
team player or a prima donna? Do we give value added to all we encounter or are
we a parasite taking and destroying the host?
Do
we understand the simplifications of the Gospel of Jesus Christ on our own actions,
reading, research, questions, prayer and the promptings of the Spirit or do we
depend on others to tell us how to react? Do we understand what the Savior has
taught literally – or do we take the teachings of men/women and the schools
presented as logismoi without question or caring?
Someday
depending on how you answer the questions of which you are – where you came
from – why you are here and where you might be going it will matter. If you
profess the belief of creatio ex nihilo – then you believe the creeds of
men/women and the school and the teachings of Darwin/Spencer and nothing really
matters. The Gnosis of this life as taught by the Prophets and the Apostles as
directed by the Father and the Son require serious considerations by each of us
in all the aspects of our life!
These
truths need to be addressed in our Professional, Social, Ethical, Family,
Mental and Physical areas – with both a study of the tangible and intangible
aspects. Each is able to discern what is needed whether it be to enjoy the
company of peers – or the seeking of truths. I’ve learned that if one decides
on the seeking of truths you may never really enjoy the company of peers either
in the workplace or in other areas of social human conduct.
Partly
the reason is that everyone is found at a different level of accomplishment and
therefore their needs are different from all others. Yet we are to be social
and interacting with others in all of the aspects of our lives. This requires a
special almost sacred balance day to day and even hour to hour in what we
think, say or do. One might also say, in what others think, say or do affects
us as well.
When
my older son was on his mission – many told him he was very naive. I expressed
to him to say thank you to those persons because that was a very strong
complement! How else can one be found unspotted from the world? For to be
accused of being without guile it the world today is surely a blessing to be
sought for within one’s inner self.
May
we all so seek to be found naïve and in the search of pure truth. Lest any
think it a mistake that I’ve omitted Charity from those pursuits – it has been
my experience that one seeks for this gift most of all – and cherishes the
attainment of it. However, only Father can measure us to understand whether we
have it or not – but without it none will ever enter back into the presence of
our Father and our Savior His Son Jesus Christ.
Thus
in the pursuit of education – to seek for the truth of all things where are we
found? As a spirit of interest questing for more and more – or as the passerby
seeking only what will benefit themselves in and of the world and worldly?
Questions we need each to answer in this mortal probation.
(Note:
some clarifications need to be added. First, let no one mistake my relationship
to the Father and the Son – I fully understand what the Savior has said that we
worship the Father!
Second,
my relationship to the Son our Savior and Redeemer is one of a younger sibling
who can someday be like him. I reverence Him second only to the Father – and
when I speak to the Father in prayer it is through Him as he has commanded.
Third,
when I was young all I had was my understandings of having read the Bible once
all the way through and then to study upon it from time to time as any youth
might do. Therefore when I used to run away from home – and I indicated I spoke
with my older brother this was as a child or youth would do. There was no more
or less of a relationship other than he was someone I felt I could talk with.
Fourth,
my quest for truth is unending – for as I learn and glean some – I find that
much more to learn and discern – and I expect this to be unending.
Fifth,
my friends are few and far between – this does not mean I do not have many
acquaintances with who I interact. There are many I hunt with, golf with, those
I used to sail with, and those I’ve gone to school with over the years. Indeed
there are many who I’ve attended church with. Yet these have their lives and I
have mine – away from our social encounters.
Sixth
and lastly, I love being alive and having the opportunity to stretch and grow
moment to moment every day. Happiness and joy are found in my life – looking
forward to the trials and tribulations of the refiner’s fire.
My
Testimony: I know The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the church
spoken of as the restoration of all things prior to the Second Coming of our
Savior and our Lord Jesus Christ. That Joseph Smith, Jr. is the Ben Joseph
spoken of in the Scriptures and Hebrew Texts. That Thomas S. Monson is the
Prophet of the Lord on this earth at this time – and we should each give heed
to his council.
Brigham
Young said, “There is a great work for the Saints to do. Progress and improve
upon, and make beautiful everything around you. Cultivate the earth and
cultivate your minds.” Hopefully, we’ll each use the resources provided to
accomplish this direction from a Prophet of God. Please understand we’re all a
work in progress – some of us a little more difficult to define and get it
right.
In
the name of Jesus Christ – amen – c/ork
“A Desire to Learn”
cji
2/20/13
Questing as an old
knight
seeking the windmills
lost
charging into howling
gales
retreating never to
be found
ever forward and
onward
libraries to conquer
fully
books upon books to
read
so much wisdom to
heed
going faster and not
slowly
looking always
outward
traditions never to
bound
crossing dangerous
straits
paying each and every
cost
today an old rusty
knight;
A desire to learn so
deep
wanting so much to
know
wearying day to the
night
staying strong in the
fight
striving to achieve
it right
my mind possibly to
grow
with no time even to
sleep;
Shall intelligence
ever come
will my quest ever be
done
windmills old and
supreme
winds and blowing
rains
enduring the piercing
pains
when learning to
glean
literacy having to be
won
coming so slowly to
some;
Each year to become a
me
still so much I’ve to
see
in my learning to be
free
all doubt willingly
to flee
molding and forming
me!
Copyright © 2013 –
cji
.jpg)
here 
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