- This topic is empty.
-
Posts
-
Quote:
“We have earthly debts and heavenly debts. Let us be wise in dealing with each of them and ever keep in mind the words of the Savior. The scriptures tell us, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” The riches of this world are as dust compared to the riches that await the faithful in the mansions of our Heavenly Father. How foolish is he who spends his days in the pursuit of things that rust and fade away. How wise is he who spends his days in the pursuit of eternal life.”
This was a quote from President Joseph B. Wirthlin’s talk, Earthly Debts, Heavenly Debts.
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2004/04/earthly-debts-heavenly-debts?lang=eng I liked how he broke down different financial steps that are useful. I also found it interesting what he included in the “heavenly debts” section. When I read this part of his talk, I was taken back to different conversations my father had with me about agency, and how people are going to take this scripture differently – and how he used this scripture to define some of his priorities. The older I get, the more I realize that money is not the end all, be all – but it sure is helpful.
What financial advice would you/have you passed onto the next generation? What spiritual advice would you/have you passed onto the next generation? Do they come in conflict with each other?
Earthly Debts and heavenly debts. Elder Wirthlin says to avoid earthly debt. It is a form of bondage. If you do get into debt be honorable in paying it off that you may be honest and independent of any claims against you.
However, there is also heavenly debt. Elder Wirthlin includes in this category our parents that gave us life and a home, a childhood and upbringing. He also includes the sacrifices of our ancestors and those that have gone before – delivering a heritage and a legacy. I believe this principle also extends towards all those that have contributed to build the privileges that we so enjoy (and often take for granted). This would be inventors and scientists, statesman and civil rights activists, pastors, painters, poets, and so many many more.
This second category of debt cannot be repaid, but it can be remembered, honored, and respected with a life of humble gratitude and appreciation.
None of us are “self-made” men and women in this regard. All of us have heavenly debts that can be honored but never repaid.
Roy wrote:
Elder Wirthlin says to avoid earthly debt. It is a form of bondage. If you do get into debt be honorable in paying it off that you may be honest and independent of any claims against you.
I would agree and disagree. In some scenarios, bondage is an aggressive term, especially when debt taken on is done so in a responsible manner. However, there are many ways to be bonded in debt, and there are many people who find it morally acceptable to assist in putting people in those positions.
Roy wrote:
However, there is also heavenly debt. Elder Wirthlin includes in this category our parents that gave us life and a home, a childhood and upbringing. He also includes the sacrifices of our ancestors and those that have gone before – delivering a heritage and a legacy. I believe this principle also extends towards all those that have contributed to build the privileges that we so enjoy (and often take for granted). This would be inventors and scientists, statesman and civil rights activists, pastors, painters, poets, and so many many more.This second category of debt cannot be repaid, but it can be remembered, honored, and respected with a life of humble gratitude and appreciation.
None of us are “self-made” men and women in this regard. All of us have heavenly debts that can be honored but never repaid.
Love this part, especially the focus on honoring the “payments” of others, the benefits of which we sow. What a wonderful topic to bring up the week of Thanksgiving. Thanks, AmyJ and Roy!
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.