Come, Follow Me: Book of Mormon 2024 (April 22—28)

I’m going to show my age when I talk about an old television show where unsuspecting people were placed in funny situations and their reactions were recorded on a hidden camera. Some of you may remember it, Candid Camera. It was a corny show, but curiously something I think about quite often. 

If a camera followed me around for a week or so (with my permission), what would I discover about myself? Would my actions be aligned with my highest values? Would my time spent reflect my priorities? As I listened to my conversations, would my words convey the true value I have for the other person? What would my spending say about me? Would I see small steps of being better every day? 

In Mosiah 1-3, I read King Benjamin reflecting on his life and answering these same questions to his listeners:

• “…I have been chosen by this people…to serve you with all the might, mind and strength which the Lord hath granted unto me” (Mosiah 2:11).

• “I say unto you that as I have been suffered to spend my day in your service, even up to this time, and have not sought gold nor silver nor any manner of riches of you” (Mosiah 2:14).

• “...I have labored with mine own hands that I might serve you, and that ye should not be laden with taxes…” (Mosiah 2:14).

• “…I have not done these things that I might boast, but I tell you these things that ye may know that I can answer a clear conscience before God this day…” (Mosiah 2:15).

Try having a “candid camera” experience by taking time to be still and look at the evidence of your existence. Review where you’re spending your resources and examine your interactions with others. Ask trusted family and friends for their observations of your values and priorities. 

Is all of this fuss worth it? Evaluating, adjusting, trying again and again? It is if you want what King Benjamin described, “I can answer a clear conscience before God this day.” 

Do Hard Divinely Better Lesson #16:  Schedule time to reflect and evaluate candidly how you’re moving toward where you want to be.