...With Tablets

The other day I was doing a study of 2 Nephi 14 (Isaiah 3). I read about how as the world approaches the time that Christ will return to the earth the "daughters of Zion," or the woman of God, will be "haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go..." (Isaiah 3:16)

Then, as I continued to read, Isaiah talks of all the accessories and riches that woman will flaunt which the Lord will take away from them. I tried to imagine what each one was and reflect on my own use of jewelry and accessories. Then I came to one particular object that surprised me: "the tablets" (Isaiah 3:20)

The tablets. I could only think of one thing: the actual tablets we see so many people using today. I thought of how great of a tool it is, but yet, how excessive use could ruin our relationships, our opportunities, our very lives. Are we "mincing" as we go? Walking with "wanton eyes," tablet always in hand?

There are so many good things in life! Think of all the goodness of the reality of life we miss as we spend countless hours facebooking, twittering, or cutting ropes! Or as some of the other verses mention, obsessing over our "crisping pins" or our many "suits of apparel." (Isaiah 3:22) I hope we can each reflect on what we value and remember to be keeping the greatest commandment of putting God first.

...With Sharing

I recently watched as a group of little girls played together. One little girl had brought with her five Pretty Ponies, another had brought only her doll. I watched as all the Pretty Ponies were handed out so each little girl could play with one -- all but little Sydney and her doll.

Whenever a girl wanted to play with a different pony she'd yell "trade!" and snag one of the other girl's pony, swapping it for her own. I watched as on occasion a girl would want to trade Sydney a pony for her doll. Sydney would yell and run away. Slowly inching back she watched as the girls played with the ponies and continued to ask for a pony to play with. Sydney didn't understand why the girls wouldn't share the ponies, yet she guarded her doll closely so that no one else could play with it.

The doll turned into the most coveted toy, and the group of girls grew increasingly agitated as Sydney tried to snatch at their toys, but not even let them see the doll she held. Eventually Sydney was convinced to join the group by working with them, using her doll to in turn stroke the mane of each little girl's pony.

I see similar complications as many religions try to work together. We need to be open with sharing our beliefs and willing to lovingly care and understand the religion of others. Sydney was worried the group of girls would ruin her doll, as I think many of us worry that others will misunderstand and mock our testimonies.

The less Sydney wanted to show her doll the less the girls wanted to be nice and play with her. We shouldn't be ashamed of the beliefs we have. We need to be open in sharing our convictions and as we work with others, respecting their beliefs as well we can each grow closer as predominately Christian society.