…Let a Man Examine Himself – Sunday, February 04, 1945
There are many forces these days, which, for their own convenience and purposes, seek to deal with men en masse—as groups rather than as individuals—to type them and to classify them. But, quite apart from this, we ourselves have a way of classifying ourselves more definitely than any artificial classification that may be imposed upon us. It is a common human characteristic for men to seek their own element, to associate with the type of people they themselves are. Granted freedom, humankind gravitates to congenial surroundings and to congenial associations. We find those of common interests gathering together to speak their common language.
Thieves associate with thieves. The high minded seek others of high-mindedness. People of kindred tastes and hobbies and likes and dislikes tend to patronize the same events and to frequent the same atmosphere. When we have our choice, we judge ourselves every day we live, without waiting for the judgments of heaven and the hereafter. We judge ourselves by the company we seek voluntarily, by the places we choose to frequent, by the thoughts we permit ourselves to think, by the surroundings we reach for and enjoy—and those who are concerned about heaven and their place in it, who worry about justice and judgment, may find part of their answer in their own voluntary pursuits, here and now. It is as one philosopher expressed it: “I don’t know whether this one or that one will go. But whoever would be likely to feel at home in heaven would be found there when the time comes.”*
Knowing the constancy of human nature, it would not seem likely that people would be any more comfortable in uncongenial places or with incompatible people out of this world than they would be in this world. And so, perhaps the thing each man should decide for himself is what kind of company he wants to live with, and then so conduct his life as to be comfortable in that kind of company. And for members of a family who would strengthen their bonds and perpetuate their association together, it would seem to be wisdom for them to adhere to common ideals and standards and to live in accordance with those standards, looking both to the present and the eternal future.
In other words, decide where you want to be and with whom you would like to be, then obey the rules, pay the price, and earn the right to be there. If you don’t, you probably won’t be, and if you were, you probably wouldn’t be comfortable. And to this end, as Paul advised, “. . .let a man examine himself.” (I Cor. 11:28).
*Mark Hopkins.
“The Spoken Word,” heard over Radio Station KSL and the nationwide Columbia Broadcasting System, from the Tabernacle, Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Sunday, Feb. 4, 1945. Copyright -1945.
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February 04, 1945
Broadcast Number 0,807