One's actions - something to ponder

As I've been reading in the end of Mosiah and the beginning of the book of Alma, I've had one thought that has strongly impressed me.

I think that we often fail to see the impact that one mortal person has upon their own individual sphere, as well as upon generations, and thousands of others. I know that I often feel microscopic, and that my personal contributions may amount to nothing.

Then I remember a quote that says, "The hand that rocks the cradle, rocks the world" or something to that effect and I think about the impact that I can have upon the world as a mother... I think we forget how much we can touch and influence others.

As I've been studying, I've been thinking about and contrasting these impacts. I know that I previously commented on Abinadi's impact upon generations. Likewise, in Alma 3, chronicles that more than 19,000 were slain in one battle, and later, the number of the slain was not taken because of the greatness of the number. Thousands and tens of thousands or souls were lost all because ONE man wanted to be the king.

Think about that. Thousands and tens of thousands. All for ONE man. Who, by the way, was wicked. Absolutely Astonishing.

So, as I've had this observation simmering in the back of my head, this morning I began to think of contrasting people who had changed the world. I thought of Lehi and Abinadi whom I've mentioned previously. Then I thought about Joseph Smith. I realized that because of his simple prayer, he changed the world. Currently there are over 12 million members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the world today. Over 12 million lives have been touched by a young farm boy and his simple prayer. Not to mention the millions who were affected and who have since passed away. On a greater scale, I think of Jesus Christ. I think about the impact which He has had upon the world. Wars have been fought for Christianity's sake. Men and women have become better people because of Christ's teachings. Most importantly though, through Christ, we gain hope of a better world. We obtain forgiveness and mercy, and eternal life through Him.

I read the following quote, written in 1917 by Joseph F. Smith which really caused me to pause and consider.

"The voice of the pessimistic agitator is heard in the land today. He is loud in denunciation of existing systems and vigorous in demand for new laws and governmental reforms. Progressive legislation is undoubtedly necessary, and abuse of power, neglect of duty, or other evils in national or local administration, should be promptly corrected; but the crying need of mankind is individual reformation. The thorough purification and effective regulation of society as a system through repressive legislation is a stupendous and well-nigh hopeless undertaking. The natural and rational plan of improvement must deal largely with the education of the society unit, the individual citizen." (Joseph F. Smith, "Unchastity, the Dominant Evil of the Age, " Improvement Era, June 1917, p. 738.)