Sunday Thoughts

It is tradition that the olympic torch is  lit in ancient Greece where the ancient olympics were held, and is then transferred to the location of the olympics that year by a series of runners, boats, planes, etc.  I looked it up this morning and currently, the Olympic torch is in Northern United Kingdom, with just over a month until it needs to be in London.  At the opening ceremonies, they light a large torch at the stadium that keep lit the entire duration of that years’ olympics.

They try to keep it lit the entire time. While carrying the torch, it has fuel in it to keep it going, but it only lasts about 15-20 minutes, so they have to constantly relight and refuel it to keep it burning.  When they are in boats or an airplane they put extra protection over it to keep it burning.  

Something that struck me as I was reading about the olympic torch was when it described its symbolism, saying that the flame represents purity and the endeavor for perfection.  Cool? And fitting, as the olympians are striving for perfection in their event.

I work with the young women in the church and this reminded me of something: the  Young Women logo... what is it?  

It is a picture of a torch (with the face of a young woman). Why a torch?--- maybe this flame represents the same thing as the olympic torch- purity and the endeavor for perfection?

What do we believe is our whole goal here on earth,? To strive to live with Heavenly Father again and to live with our families forever, and we believe that you do this by being pure, and striving to be more like Jesus Christ who was a perfect example.  We are on an endeavor for perfection.

Going to church, reading your scriptures, praying, working on your young women recognition award, going to seminary. Being kind to people, avoiding bad language and gossip, taking care care of your body, dressing appropriately...We are constantly “relighting” our light or “refueling” it so that it is constantly shining. This light is and needs to be an example to others.

“When you keep the commandments and follow the Savior’s example, it’s like holding up a light. Your good example helps others to find their way in a darkening world. It takes courage to do what you know to be right even when it is hard, very hard. (“Stand for Truth and Righteousness,” Ensign, Nov. 1988, p. 94).

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

The Parable of the Purse (click for link)

Being a quiet example, with you gone, what do you things say about you... Your room, your home, your backpack, your purse, your clothes, etc. Someone is always watching (not creepy;) But even in times when you don't even realize it.

 “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). 

(1) your behavior is decent and modest, and yet you are very fun to be with; 

(2) your language is never crude but happy and interesting; 

(3) you are well groomed, and that is appealing; 

(4) you are focused on developing your talents and achieving your goals, not on piercing and tattooing and flaunting your body;

(5) you play sports with gusto but never lose control; 

(6)you don't seem to care about what the latest pop star wears or does because you have a certain style of your own

Are you a 50 watt,
l00 watt, or one of the energy saving bulbs that are super bright and last forever?

Are you a flashlight – a bright light that leads others in moments of darkness,
A search light – that searches for those who may be lost or a

Maybe you're a stop light – you’ve stopped progressing.
A flashing yellow light – Proceed with caution – Testimony unstable.
Hopefully you are a green light – and are searching diligently in the light of Christ 

Christ taught many things while upon the earth. One of the last things he taught his apostles, was that He set the example – He left the light on so that we would not be lost in the dark….

"For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you" (John l3:l5)

Just like the olympic flame, Christ left his light burning as an example for us to look toward and live be.  Just as we should do all we can to keep our flame lit, whether it’s raining or windy, or we are at school or with our family, we need to keep striving for perfection and purity.... 

This is a brief version of my lesson given today on-- YW Manual 1, Lesson 21: "A Righteous Example"