THE FLOATING AXE: Are we missing the message of the miracle?

Most of the record we have of Elisha speaks of the many miracles he performed. One such occurred when he encouraged a young man to reach for the broken axe. While the miracle is fascinating it would not have happened if Elisha had not been a humble follower.

The sons of the prophets explained to Elisha that his way was too restrictive and told him they would go to Jordan to create a more relaxed space where they could live. Elisha told them to go ahead and go. What happens next is the most important part of the miracle of the floating axe. 

The best leaders know when to follow and when Elijah was invited to go with these young men he answered, “I will go.” If Elijah had allowed the authority of his position to get the best of him, if he had not been humble, he would not have been with the sons of the prophets when they needed his help.

Elisha was known to be gentle and affectionate. His heart was open and he was able to recognize that the sons of the prophets needed a different style of teaching/living. We are not all created equal but rather possess different qualities which require a unique set of circumstances. The miracle of floating axed occurred only because the performer of the miracle was humble enough to be where he was needed most.

2 Kings 6
1 And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us.
2 Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, and take thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. And he answered, Go ye.
3 And one said, Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants. And he answered, I will go.
4 So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood.
5 But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed.
6 And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim.
7 Therefore said he, Take it up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it.

HE KNOWS OUR THOUGHTS: It's not a cliche

It is often said that Heavenly Father knows our thoughts and is in the details of our lives. We may think of this as a cliche’ but it was never more real to me than last Sunday morning.

There have been times in my life when I have made a dedicated effort in a daily study routine. Lately I have been slack on my scripture study and gaining greater knowledge and insight into gospel truths.

Last Saturday night I made a conscious choice to watch Netflix instead of spending my leisure time preparing for the Sabbath Day. Just before turning on the TV I said to myself, “I could study and become spiritually prepared for tomorrow or I can sit and watch a mindless movie.” I chose the later. The next morning I woke earlier than usual and faced another decision, “I could read and ponder the scriptures or I could not.” I lay in my bed thinking that I had spent so many years studying and had a firm grip on the scriptures, the lessons, my testimony etc. I choose to take some sense of comfort in my lackadaisical behavior, yet deep in my soul I did not feel confident about my choice.

I was ready for church a few minutes before Ra. While I waited I decided to pick up my bible with the hope of read something quick that would prepare me to take the Sacrament. I literally had minutes before leaving the house. I sat down and, as we do so often, let the scriptures open at will. I read the first five verses of Hebrews 2. Clearly I was being reprimanded for choosing less important activities. The advice was to give “more earnest heed” to the directive to study with the intent to gain greater knowledge and connect more deeply to truth.

I have carried this brief but pointed experience with me through the week. I have examined inspiration during prayer and been cognisant of my time. I am keenly aware that I must use my time more wisely by balancing moments of work, leisure and study. Verse four helped me to realize that I have been gifted with capabilities and I have a responsibility to share the inspiration I have received. Thus, I will also make a greater effort to respond to promptings that implore me to reach out and share with others.

This experience has solidified for me the cliche that is constantly spoken, “He knows our thoughts.” I had heard the words so often and thought I knew the truth of the statement. But it was never more real to me than it was last Sunday morning. The love I have for Heavenly Father and my Savior must be the guiding force which prompts me to action.

1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.

The things we think we know will slip away when we choose a less committed lifestyle.

2 For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

How shall I escape if I neglect the word of God or the experience of Prophets and Apostles and written in scripture? Salvation comes by practical application of knowledge. How do I gain useful knowledge if I do not study truth?

4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

Heavenly Father has chosen people to speak on His behalf. He has performed miracles and opened their hearts and minds to eternal laws, principles and truths. He has done this through the power of the Holy Ghost and done so at His own will. Heavenly Father uses His children for the purpose of growth. Not only the growth of the individual who received the knowledge, but also the growth of others as that knowledge is shared in spoken and/or written word. It is not our place to judge the messenger. Instead we must feel the truth which lies in the message.

5 For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.

We are subject to angels who once lived and sacrificed their lives for the truths that were shared. They had the courage to speak and then to write, we must have the courage to exercise faith and a willingness to “heed the things we have heard”

A JOURNEY ON SELF RELIANCE

I've recently completed a 12-week course of Self Reliance: Starting and Growing a Business. Most of my classmates either had a business or had a solid idea for a business. I've been on the fence with the a business idea. Mostly all I know about my business is that it should be called EarthRest. That's a story for another post.

Coming to the end of the class we are all required to give a short presentation on how the class has helped. This is the presentation I have prepared:


Final presentation for Self Reliance class

The final words of Steve Jobs -
“I have come to the pinnacle of success in business. In the eyes of others, my life has been the symbol of success. However, apart from work, I have little joy. Finally, my wealth is simply a fact to which I am accustomed. At this time, lying on the hospital bed and remembering all my life, I realize that all the accolades and riches of which I was once so proud, have become insignificant with my imminent death. In the dark, when I look at the green lights of the equipment for artificial respiration and feel the buzz of their mechanical sounds, I can feel the breath of my approaching death looming over me. Only now do I understand that once you accumulate enough money for the rest of your life, you have to pursue objectives that are not related to wealth. It should be something more important: For example, stories of love, art, dreams of my childhood. No, stop pursuing wealth, it can only make a person into a twisted being, just like me. God has made us one way, we can feel the love in the heart of each of us, and not illusions built by fame or money, like I made in my life, I cannot take them with me. I can only take with me the memories that were strengthened by love. This is the true wealth that will follow you; will accompany you, He will give strength and light to go ahead. Love can travel thousands of miles and so life has no limits. Move to where you want to go. Strive to reach the goals you want to achieve. Everything is in your heart and in your hands. What is the world's most expensive bed? The hospital bed. If you have money, you can hire someone to drive your car, but you cannot hire someone to take the illness that is killing you. Material things lost can be found. But one thing you can never find when you lose: life. Whatever stage of life where we are right now, at the end we will have to face the day when the curtain falls. Please treasure your family love, love for your spouse, love for your friends...Treat everyone well and stay friendly with your neighbors.”

I have appreciated so much the journey of this Self-Reliant Class: Starting and Growing a Business. The foundation principles have been the best part of the study and are the principles upon which Steve Jobs did not build his Apple empire. We can avoid the regretful statement: “Only now do I understand that once you accumulate enough money for the rest of your life, you have to pursue objectives that are not related to wealth” by partnering the spiritual and practical principles we have learned in this class.

Care for Self and Others - An abundant life means we can take care of ourselves and our neighbors. This gives new meaning to “love thy neighbor as thyself.”

Faith - Having faith to take the first step creates power and self-confidence.

Money Management - Paying tithing helps us to be mindful of a budget that is strictly adhered to.

Repentance and Obedience - In order to receive blessings we need to recognize what we must change and how we should obey so that the Lord can give us the righteous desire of our hearts.

Wise use of time - means creating a task list inspired by the Lord. What we accomplish each day can be determined in our morning prayer.

Persistent, hard work - Elder Christofferson said, “Work builds and refines character, creates beauty, and is the instrument of our service to one another and to God.”

Problem Solving - The Lord’s house is a house of order. Problems can be solved when things are clear and precise.

Seek learning and then convert that knowledge to wisdom and remember that inspiration from God is an expression of total wisdom.

Show integrity - By living with integrity we are choosing to be Godlike. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin explained that “the consummate reward of integrity is the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.”

Careful communication builds lasting relationships.

Temple Covenants give us the strength to keep going. Knowing their time in Nauvoo was short the early latter day saints built a temple and made temple covenants. It was these covenants which gave them the strength to endure the challenges of the trek.

At the end of his life the money didn’t matter. His final words of advice were not based on principles of business, they were based on principles of love.

“God has made us one way, we can feel the love in the heart of each of us, and not illusions built by fame or money, like I made in my life, I cannot take them with me. I can only take with me the memories that were strengthened by love. This is the true wealth that will follow you; will accompany you, He will give strength and light to go ahead.”