Christ declares in the Sermon on the Mount that “whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment” (KJV Matt. In its scriptural teachings about anger, the Restoration clarifies the conflict about the morality of anger. Fourth, humans have a sacred stewardship to protect and preserve creation for themselves and for succeeding generations (D&C 104:11–17).Daniel K Judd was an associate professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University when this was published. The biblical injunction of Luke 12:15, 'Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth,' is repeated in Mormon scriptures where members are urged to seek first the kingdom of God and to trust not in the things of the world (see Jacob 2:18–19 D&C 121:35). Third, materialism and overconsumption are threats to environmental and spiritual well-being. Second, our use of resources should be guided by principles of equity, conservation, and minimal waste consumption that meets our needs and restraint that encourages spiritual values (D&C 49:19–20 70:14 104:14–17). All living things have a spiritual as well as an earthly dimension, and all were created spiritually before being placed on the earth physically (see Moses 3:5 D&C 59:18). The earth’s resources are to be used not just to meet human needs but also to elevate the human spirit. First, the earth and all creation belong to God they witness, bear record of, and reflect his power and love for humankind. "These principles have been well developed in the literature and are only summarized briefly here. As you are grateful and obedient, you can become all that God intends you to be." His intent is that your life be gloriously beautiful regardless of your circumstances. You are one of the noblest of God’s creations. When last did you observe a tiny rosebud form? Each day it develops new and impressive character, more promise of beauty until it becomes a majestic rose. With care it surely will become what it is destined to be: a lily, crowned with grace and beauty a fragrant spearmint plant a peach an avocado or a beautiful blossom with unique delicacy, hue, and fragrance. Patiently it begins to grow and develop its own character led by the genetic code the Lord has provided to guide its development. What of the wonder of a cloudless night when the Lord unveils the marvels of His heavens-the twinkling stars, the moonlight rays-to ignite our imagination with His greatness and glory? How captivating to watch a seed planted in fertile soil germinate, gather strength, and send forth a tiny, seemingly insignificant sprout. "Do you take time to discover each day how beautiful your life can be? How long has it been since you watched the sun set? The departing rays kissing the clouds, trees, hills, and lowlands good night, sometimes tranquilly, sometimes with exuberant bursts of color and form. What is man's wisdom in comparison to it? I could not help but believe there was a God, if there was no such thing as religion in the world." Whether you look at birds, beasts, or the human system, you see something exquisitely beautiful and harmonious, and worthy of the contemplation of all intelligence. There is nothing like that to be found in nature-everything is beautifully harmonious, and perfectly adapted to the position it occupies in the world. I can see something more than that mean jargon, those childish quibbles, this heaven beyond the bounds of time and space, where they have nothing to do but sit and sing themselves away to everlasting bliss, or go and roast on gridirons. I love to view the things around me to gaze upon the sun, moon, and stars to study the planetary system, and the world we inhabit to behold their beauty, order, harmony, and the operations of existence around me. "But as an intelligent being, if I have a mind capable of reflection, I wish to contemplate the works of nature, and to know something of nature's God, and my destiny.
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