Unwearyingness

George W. Bush at a 2005 Press Conference

UNWEARYINGNESS: I came upon this word while reading the Book of Mormon recently and it kind of jumped out at me. The word could arguably be considered a heavenly equivalent of a Bushism. However, one has to be a little careful in being too critical of God's linguistic style. Actually, I looked it up and it is a legitimate word.  But it's certainly not one you encounter in the scriptures every day.

In God's estimation, it must have been the first thing that came to mind in describing Nephi, the son of Helaman. I'm doubtful he just blurted it out, but it made it into the scriptures twice.  Since the Lord is known for meaning what he says, that's enough for me. Here's the quote: 

Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou has done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments.

And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will.  Helaman 10:4-5

Nephi and Lehi Encircled by a Pillar of Fire
Ronald K. Crosby

In the October 2012 General Conference, Elder David Bednar described unwearied diligence as one of the attributes of one that had been converted.

. . . the key characteristics associated with conversion are experiencing a mighty change in our hearts, having a disposition to do good continually, going forward in the path of duty, walking circumspectly before God, keeping the commandments, and serving with unwearied diligence.

I was astounded to find these truths also echoed in the words of President George W. Bush. With a little "analyzation", we can all agree that Nephi's unwearyingness in doing God's work is an attribute that we could all use to "embetter" ourselves and our children. After all, "families is where our nation finds hope, where our wings take dream." Think about it for a minute. Nephi's devotion was so great that he was granted whatever he asked, because God knew he would never abuse the privilege.  That is some deep trust! 

Lest we forget, "this is still a dangerous world. It's a world of madmen and uncertainty, and potential mental losses." If ever there was "a pit bull on the pantleg of opportunity" it was Nephi. If we all had a little of Nephi's brand of unwearied devotion to God, how much easier would it be to "put food on your family", to truly "knock down the tollbooth".  This kind of unwearyingness would quite literally "vulcanize society" and "make the pie higher". That is "Major League."

Although we generally look to the scriptures and words of the prophets for direction, once in a while a secular leader has sage counsel for us as well. Indeed, the 43rd President of the United States left us words to live by:

"Let us never misunderestimate the importance of unwearyingness in God's work."*

__________

* Actually George W. Bush never said this but is credited for coining 'misunderestimate' along with the other words and phrases above. But, since he's known to be a God-fearing man, and has the ability to laugh at himself, I'm confident he would heartily endorse the statement. 

Malapropisms and spoonerisms notwithstanding, I've never missed W more (for real). 

Richard Thompson's Richard's Poor Almanac: "Make the Pie Higher" (January 2001).
A compilation of quotes of George W. Bush rearranged as prose by a fellow with a great sense of humor.

The Lights of Thessalonica

The lights of Thessalonica from afar

There are many sad stories in scripture, but one that has ever haunted me is that of Demas.  We know almost nothing about him. Paul described him in favorable terms to the saints as Colossae (Colossians 4:14), and referred to him as a fellow-laborer to Philemon (Philemon 1:24). He undoubtedly spent significant time with Paul, since he was mentioned in epistles from both first and second imprisonments at Rome. We presume him to have been a missionary and faithful member of the Roman church leadership. Most significantly, we assume him to have been Paul's trusted friend. But in the end, it seems to have gone terribly wrong. 

The sad footnote on Demas is made all the more tragic by nature of it's juxtaposition with some of Paul's most inspiring writings. Paul's last farewell to Timothy opens a window into Paul's soul where we see and feel his unshakable strength and resolve; we understand his confidence in the reality of his Savior. 

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:6-8)

Parenthetically, we feel Paul's bitter disappointment in his footnote about his friend Demas . . . 

Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me.    (2 Timothy 4:9-11)

The Greek word translated as present (G3568 - nyn) implies the here and now world. Demas' love of the here and now was in stark contrast to Paul's love of a better world that was promised to the faithful. It is one thing to love life, it is another to love the world so much that it crowds out God and our chances of worlds without end.

Behold, I, the Lord, who was crucified for the sins of the world, give unto you a commandment that you shall forsake the world.  (D&C 53:2)

And verily I say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better.  (D&C 25:10)

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1 John 2:15)

What the draw of Thessalonica was to Demas, we will never know.  But each us have our own Thessalonica. It's bright lights and magnetism are dazzling and distracting. In each of us there is a little bit of Demas that needs to be focused and restrained.  It is so easy to make a trip 'into the city' under false pretenses to gratify our obsessions with the present world.  In the process, we find ourselves forsaking something far more important in the eternal perspective. 

Though the story of Demas is tragic, it is instructive. In every instance in scripture wherein we find the name of Demas, we also find the name of Luke.  We cannot sorrow for Demas without rejoicing for Luke:  "Luke is with me."  He did not wander off to Thessalonica; he did not abandon Paul; he did not love the present world more than the Lord. He stands with Paul as an example of one who has fought a good fight, and kept the faith. Though I sorrow for Demas, it is my hope that I can fight a good fight, keep the faith and stand to the end with Luke and Paul and Christ.