How our governments need standards of integrity! How our communities need yardsticks to measure decency! How our neighborhoods need models of beauty and cleanliness! How our schools need continued encouragement and assistance to maintain high educational standards! Rather than spend time complaining about the direction in which these institutions are going, we need to exert our influence in shaping the right direction. A small effort by a few can result in so much good for all of mankind.
Elder L. Tom Perry, "In The World", General Conference, April 1988
The light that we give off to anyone around us is so much more needed today than in 1988. Well, at least today I'm paying more attention.
My negativity was pointed out to me by my wonderful Elle about certain things. I'm negative about where this world is going. I'm negative about the lack of standards we find in society. Not that I complain but I do think about how wicked this world is going to become before the Lord returns. And, I do let that influence me. And... I just did it again. 😬
But, thank you Elle, for reminding me about what's important....being the light, the positive influence to others that need it so desperately.
Ours is the unique opportunity to show others the happiness, the strength, the peace, and the hope that comes by following Jesus Christ and not focus on why others do what they do.
It is important to open our mouths and share the truth, that hope, to others. But...if we can't verbally express that hope, we can be a force by living that hope, living those standards, living the truth ourselves, in our own lives. That will influence those around us, whether they see it or not.
That influence is what our world needs now. That influence is what our community needs now. That influence is what our neighborhood needs now. That influence is what our neighbor needs now.
Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven. - 3 Ne 12:16