Religion is Meant to Give Us Hope

Today I read Galatians 1 where Paul condemns all those who preach things other than the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This reminds me a lot of in the Book of Mormon when those who are anti-Christ show up and start preaching against Jesus Christ. Now, there is nothing against not believing in Jesus Christ, but as Alma tells Nehor in Alma 1 there is a real problem with Priestcraft, which is the preaching of false religions for money.

Now, religion is there to give hope to man and give them a reason to do that which is right and to become better men and women. I have often wondered why people get so bent out of shape when people don't believe in the same religion they do. All religions teach people to be good people and to do what is right, what does it matter if they worship Ala, or Jesus Christ or another deity? We should all try and help each other be better men and women. That is the ultimate goal of this life, to be better than we currently are.

When we preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we have a hope in Jesus and what will happen after this life. It reminds me of both Nehor and Korihor who accused Alma of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the sole purpose of keeping the people in bondage. And yet as Alma pointed out they were not paid for their labors so why would they do it if not to bring happiness into the lives of others? Likewise why do our missionaries serve missions where they pay for all their expenses themselves if not for the joy that spreading the good word of God can bring? There is no other reason unless they believe that they are doing what is right. Few people are that altruistic unless they feel that they are doing what is right. And even then most people insist on being compensated.

We can do much good in this life if we do not care about getting compensated or care about who gets the credit for doing it. When we become truly converted and work towards the good of others ahead of our own good, we will see some wonderful things happen in this life. We just need to overcome our own sense of self and cultivate a desire to help others for the sake of their welfare. When we do that, we will see them as Jesus sees them and we will have a truly wonderful life. Until tomorrow.