Don’t Believe Everything You Think — Mosiah 11–17

Come, Follow Me: Book of Mormon 2024 (May 13—19)

When I was young, I was cooking in the kitchen when my mom made the comment, “You’re such a messy cook.” And today, a hundred years later, when I’m in the kitchen, I still think, “Terri, you’re such a messy cook!” I’ve allowed a few words, most likely said in momentary frustration, influence my cooking behavior for a lifetime.

Messages from our past are often recorded in our minds as truth, without any examination for accuracy. A perfect example is in Mosiah 10:12,13: “They (the Lamanites) were a wild, and ferocious, and a blood-thirsty people believing in the tradition of their fathers, which is this–Believing that that they were driven out of the land of Jerusalem because of the iniquities of their fathers, and that they were wronged in the wilderness by their brethren, and they were also wronged while crossing the sea; and again, that they were wronged while in the land of their first inheritance…”

The source of prejudice, intolerance, and discrimination are stories created long ago, passed down by generations, often becoming self-fulfilling realities. These stories can be changed, however, with intentional inspection and a humble heart. President Howard W. Hunter teaches: “Measure whatever anyone else asks you to do, whether it be from your family, loved ones, your cultural heritage, or traditions you have inherited–measure everything against the teachings of the Savior. Where you find a variance from those teachings, set that matter aside and do not pursue it. It will not bring you happiness.” 

Be willing to challenge your thinking and consider that everything you think is not true or useful today. Be willing to learn more and let go of old thoughts, replacing them with new and improved truths that help you love God, others, and yourself. 

“Terri, you can be messy when you cook. But you’re the one who cleans it up, so who cares!” 

Do Hard Divinely Better Lesson #19: Pay attention to the stories you play in your mind. Measure everything against the teachings of the Savior. Be willing to change what you think.