This dialogue between us and God was written by Hugh Nibley. I have taken the liberty to make a few changes.
He: Willingly. But tell me first, what will you do with it?
We: Well...ah...we will go on doing pretty much what we have been doing; after all, isn't that why we are asking for an extension?
He: And isn't that exactly why I want to end it soon--because you show no inclination to change? Why should I reverse the order of things so that you can go on doing the very things I want to put an end to?
We: But is what we are doing so terribly wrong? The church is growing. We spend time with our families. We attend our meetings and fulfill our religious duties. We are pursuing our careers and becoming self-reliant. Why shouldn't we go on doing the things our parents and grandparents did?
He: Haven't I made it clear enough to you what kind of greatness I expect of my offspring? Forget the statistics; you are capable of better things--your religious and daily activities don't impress me in the least.
We: But why should we quit when all we are doing is what each considers to be the best for himself and his family?
He: Because it is not you but I who decides what that shall be, and I have told you a hundred times what is best for you individually and collectively--and that is repentance, not matter who you are.
We: We find your inference objectionable, Sir -- quite unacceptable.
He: I know
3 posts ago I talked about words that came to my mind, and here they are. I heard two sentences at different sections when reading the post.
ReplyDelete“If you want mercy, you must be merciful.”
“You must make the choice to get off the vessel (thought behind the word vessel was institution), and come to Me, it (the vessel) can only take you so far.”
Both of those came with an interesting feeling.
At the beginning of each I felt as if a weight was placed on my shoulders, pushing down on me, some anguish in my mind, but not negative, but a realization of this statement is true, changes need to occur, then warmth towards the end and after, the weight came off and and I felt lighter and lighter, and then peace.
It was clear. He didn’t need to clarify or state it differently. Our time spent is our treasure, I can’t deny that, and have a lot more to change.
Nibley was so sharp -- I remember reading once, "On the Wasatch Front the Saints no longer speak about making the land blossom as the rose, but of making a quick buck in rapid turnover real estate." I love that kind of wit laced with truth, and think of him when I'm driving along I-15 and see all the horrendous billboards that blight the mountains. Thanks for sharing this, Clark!
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