2 Nephi 9:30

[pam]

Reference Search: 2 Nephi 9:30

30 But wo unto the rich, who are rich as to the things of the world. For because they are rich they despise the poor, and they persecute the meek, and their hearts are upon their treasures; wherefore, their treasure is their god. And behold, their treasure shall perish with them also.

Quote for Discussion

Saints must keep the covenant of consecration. The Lord has blessed us as a people with a prosperity unequaled in times past. The resources that have been placed in our power are good, and necessary to our work here on the earth. But I am afraid that many of us have been surfeited with flocks and herds and acres and barns and wealth and have begun to worship them as false gods, and they have power over us. Do we have more of these good things than our faith can stand? Many people spend most of their time working in the service of a self-image that includes sufficient money, stocks, bonds, investment portfolios, property, credit cards, furnishings, automobiles, and the like to guarantee carnal security throughout, it is hoped, a long and happy life. Forgotten is the fact that our assignment is to use these many resources in our families and quorums to build up the kingdom of God-to further the missionary effort and the genealogical and temple work; to raise our children up as fruitful servants unto the Lord; to bless others in every way, that they may also be fruitful. Instead, we expend these blessings on our own desires, and as Moroni said, "Ye adorn yourselves with that which hath no life, and yet suffer the hungry, and the needy, and the naked, and the sick and the afflicted to pass by you, and notice them not." (Mormon 8:39.)

Spencer W. Kimball, The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, edited by Edward L. Kimball, p.357

[Dove]

I really appreciate this topic and quotes......

My husband and I have severe financial trials. I find myself praying for more money. I feel if we were more careful, we'd have enough to meet our needs.

One thing I have realized in these strugglings is it is not so much what I have that God is concerned about, so much as it is who I am.

One thing the Book of Mormon cautions us to do in association with giving of our substance, is to not run faster than we have strength. To give what we are able to, and to feel in our hearts that if we had more, we would give more. I think of the widow's mite, and how the Lord praised her as giving more than all the people who had given out of the abundance of their wealth......She gave more because she gave all that she had. To me, this is a profound tribute.

Truly, the gospel asks that we commit all that we have to the building up of His kingdom. Are we truly willing to do this?

I believe that I need to give more in the sense of managing my finances better so that my husband and I can be truly self sufficient/reliant, and able to give more from that point....