What good would it do?

What good would it do?

Years ago when I was serving as the stake president I had some one come to me to confess a previous transgression. It happened before the individual was married and they asked me if they should tell their spouse. I did not know what to tell them, so I called the church office and asked to speak to a general authority. They put me through to Elder Boyd K. Packer. I explained the situation to him and his response was,"What good would it do?"

That response has been stuck in my mind ever since. 

We sometimes forget the teachings of the scriptures and rely on our own wisdom or seek opinions from other people. 

Elder Packer did not explain the reason for his reply, but the spirit gave me the answer as I was reading the scriptures. 

Once we have repented and the Lord has forgiven us we do not need to involve any other person other than the person/s involved. As President Spencer Kimball explained in "The Miracle of Forgiveness" the bandage only needs to be big enough to cover the wound. 

We do not need to post all our feelings on social media for all our friends and those who are privy to our accounts to see. "What good will it do?" Does it bring any one closer to Christ or build up anyone?

There is so much negativity in the world that we who are in possession of the truth need to be a light shining in the darkness. 

It is said of Christ that he went about doing good. Can we not follow his example and lift up the hands that hang down and strengthen the feeble knees? 

Another quote that I like is from the movie "Bridge of Spies". The Russian spy says on a couple of occasions, "Would it help?"  

We are to be a light unto the world. If we cannot be helpful to others and lighten their burdens and show them the way to eternal life, what good is our earthly existence? Will we help?

Now my beloved grandchildren, before you post all your thoughts, tweets and troubles on social media think of what you can do to be of service to someone. Seek out someone to lift. It will help you to feel better about yourself. 

"For inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these thy brethren, ye have done it unto me(Christ)"

 

Love,

 

Grandpa