Do not touch fire
Recently I was with a group of Cub Scouts that was learning safety guidelines. They were told “do not touch fire.”
When they turn twelve and go on their first scout camp they’ll be told again.
When they take home economics in 7th grade they’ll be told again.
When they take Chemistry in 10th grade they’ll be told again.
Wouldn’t it be silly if these same boys turn 18 and decide, “Well now I’m an adult so I can touch fire legally. May as well try it.”
After so many warnings, I’d hope that they would prefer to avoid the pain.
Dr Suess put it in a way that only he could:
“With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you’re too smart to go down any not-so-good street.”
I woke this morning to news that Thomas S Monson, the 16the President of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints had passed away. I regard him as a prophet and appreciated his observation skills and the way he relayed his stories. I will miss him.
For over fifty years he shared wisdom from pulpits and pens. My personal quote book is filled with insight from him. One of my favorite quotes was shared with me in a small group by a visiting authority and I’ve remembered it again and again
This brother mentioned that in a recent council with the First Presidency, President Monson had shared his prepared training and remarks and then in a lamenting fashion admitted:
“I don’t understand why men and women don’t do what the Lord asks them to do.” – President Monson
When a watchman sees a fire in the distance, it must be heart breaking to watch people walk toward it despite warnings. President Monson taught this often:
Obedience is a hallmark of prophets; it has provided strength and knowledge to them throughout the ages. It is essential for us to realize that we, as well, are entitled to this source of strength and knowledge. It is readily available to each of us today as we obey God’s commandments.
As I remember President Monson today and all the prophets throughout history, I’m grateful for clear guidelines that teach me how I should act before God. I hope to do better in following the warnings and receiving the promised safety.
