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That Stings!

by Brad McBride | Posted on

There are two reasons behind this post today:

1) It is going to be a hot weekend for much of the USA, and the heatwave reminded me of this story about the scorpion in the desert.

2) Many of the discussions and comments I have seen on social media lately have caused me to think about this conference address. Mostly because of one specific concept:

“As members of the Church of Jesus Christ and as bearers of the priesthood, we know the commandments and standards we have covenanted to uphold. When we choose another path from the one we know to be right, as taught by our parents and leaders and as confirmed to our own hearts by the Holy Ghost, it is like stepping onto the desert sand in flip-flops instead of shoes. We then seek to justify our lazy or rebellious behavior. We tell ourselves we’re not really doing anything that wrong, that it doesn’t really matter, and that nothing all that bad will result from letting go just a little from the iron rod. Perhaps we console ourselves with the thought that everyone else is doing it—or doing worse—and we won’t be negatively affected anyway. We somehow convince ourselves that we are the exception to the rule and therefore immune to the consequences of breaking it. We refuse, sometimes willfully, to be “exactly obedient” —as it says in Preach My Gospel—and we hold back a portion of our hearts from the Lord. And then we get stung.”


Oh, yeah. That stings. (At least it stings ME.)

Who said it?

Elder Patrick Kearon the October, 2010 Priesthood Session of General Conference. Since it was in Priesthood Session, there is a possibility that some of you sisters (and brethren) never heard it.  You really should listen to it, because it is awesome, and wise. And kinda creepy.  (Yes, I just described a General Conference address as kinda creepy.) Creepy or not, it is one of my favorite Conference talks in many years.

Also, Elder Kearon has a SWEET English accent, so I recommend you watch the video rather than read it. The talk is only 11 minutes – so I encourage you to find the time.

“Come Unto Me With Full Purpose of Heart, and I will Heal You.”

Enjoy, and let me know what you think.






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Comments

  1. I really like that last sentence of the quote above. “we hold back a portion of our hearts from the Lord”. That’s really what disobedience is about, isn’t it?

    Reply

    1. “Holding back a portion of our hearts from the Lord” is exactly what happened to Ananias and Sapphira . . . except they “merely” held back a portion of their money from the Lord and when Peter confronted them, they both fell to the ground – DEAD. Good lesson.

      Reply

  3. Thank you for sharing! I loved this talk so much, though it reminded me of my moments of rebellion, as well as the feeling that I’ve used up my last chance. But the BEST part was the reminder that I have since buried my weapons of war and no longer carry those burdens. I hope someone who takes the time to listen will feel prompted to bury theirs.

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  4. Quick correction: Elder Kearon is English, not Australian. I met him last year at a stake conference. He is one of the kindest, most caring people I’ve ever met.

    Reply

    2. My family and I took some pictures with him, and he gave me his email address, so that I could send it to him. I’d share the pictures on your facebook wall, but they would reveal my secret identity.

      Reply

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