Pride Prevents You From Acquiring The Three Greatest Personal Attributes

The Teachings of Joseph Smith

The parable of the Sower is found in Mathew chapter 13. A sower went forth to sow seeds and many seeds fell by the wayside in various types of conditions. Fowls snatched some of the seeds and others fell among rocky soil, thus preventing it from growing. Other seeds fell on good ground allowing it to grow and bear much fruit.

Joseph Smith said those who receive the seed by the wayside are, “Men who have no principle of righteousness in themselves, and whose hearts are full of iniquity, and have no desire for the principles of truth, do not understand the word of truth when they hear it. The devil taketh away the word of truth out of their hearts, because there is no desire for righteousness in them.”

Joseph said those who receive the seed in stony places are people who receive the word of God with joy but let it die off. Consequently, their ability to endure hard times is severely compromised. They have a lot of long restless nights.

Elder Holland taught anyone could be a good leader when the conditions are right, when you are feeling good.

The test of the best leaders are those who show charity during tough and trying times, when you are not on a spiritual high and especially when you don’t feel like it.

Good leaders love and do the right thing even when they are in a spiritual low and feel discouraged. That is why faith is not a feeling.

Jesus Christ is the perfect example in this. He certainly didn’t feel good in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross when He atoned for our sins, and while He faced the darkest evil Satan could throw at Him, but He loved and healed His aggressors anyway.

Joseph said the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches chokes the word.

The seeds that fell on good ground are those who receive the word of God in humility and treasure it. These are the people who use the word of God to change and perfect their lives. They become a tree that bears much delicious fruit. These are the people who obtain the gifts of God that can greatly bless the lives of their family, friends and associates; and become a great benefit to God and mankind.

The yield of fruit you produce depends on the diligence and earnestness you give to the word of God.

Chapel Address and contact information: 1928 E. South Campus Drive, Salt Lake City; (University of Utah, next to the institute) 801-562-8089. My Singles branch meets at 0900 hours or 9:00 A.M. if you want to join us at this address (1928 E. South Campus Drive, SLC.) You can also call 801-259-6709 for the mission home in Midvale if you want to talk to someone.