Which Wolf Wins? The One You Feed.....

President Dallin H. Oaks’ talk about becoming hit me hard this week. He said, “In contrast to the institution of the world, which teach us to know something, the gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to become something.” I have always tried to better myself and to correct my mistakes. Sometimes I wonder if my efforts are good enough for God and for the Celestial Kingdom. Pres Oaks’ goes on to talk about how in the scriptures it says that we will be judged by the desires of our hearts, but he says, “Other scriptures enlarge upon this by referring to our being judged by the condition we have achieved.” So, we aren’t only going to be judged by the desires of our hearts, but also by the condition we are in. Meaning what kind of person have we become? He continues, “The pure love of Christ is not an act, but a condition or state of being…Charity is something one becomes.” This was so profound to read. It is basically saying that we must become charity itself. We must become the pure love of Christ. No judgments, no anger, no backbiting etc. We must look at everyone with a heart of service and love.

This goes along with what Jim Ritchie was teaching in his lesson this week. He told the story of 2 wolves; one was good, and one was bad. The first wolf had anger, envy, jealousy, lies, ego, etc. The second wolf had joy, peace, love, hope, truth, faith, etc. He asked the question, “Which one wins?...The one you feed.” I had heard this story before, but never put it in context with business. It goes with what we have been talking about integrity and honesty. Jeff Sandefer met Jeff Skilling when he first graduated with his MBA, he was offered a job by Skilling but turned it down to start his own company. Jeff Sandefer watched Jeff Skilling found Enron and knew what was happening to the company and wasn’t surprised when Jeff Skilling was arrested and sent to federal prison. Jeff Sandefer knew that Jeff Skilling had crossed the ethical guardrails into shady territory that led to his downfall. Jeff Sandefer warned us to set ethical guardrails and to never cross them. Ever. Jeff Skilling fed the first wolf, and it cost him a life in prison. It is always good to remember which wolf we are feeding.