Give each a Warheads Extreme Sour candy.
A great new fruit flavored candy.
Try it at the same time.
Will realize it is super sour.
Sometimes evil will give you a situation, but not tell you the whole truth.
It sounds good.
It looks good.
It smells good.
So it must be good.
But once you partake, you find out something was left out of the description.
It’s not as great as it was described.
It does have a fruit flavor.
But it is covered in a very sour powder.
It does finally taste fruity AFTER you get through the sour coating.
Sin is a lot like this, you don’t get the whole picture until it is too late.
You can spit it out, but the sour remains in your mouth until you drink water (repent).
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Satan & his followers that were kicked out lived with us.
They know us like a brother or sister know us.
They know exactly how to tempt us.
They know exactly what will get us to stumble.
We have to be prepared so we won’t be tricked.
What are some ways we can prepare ourselves?
Get your guard up so those evil spirits have a harder time trying to knock you down.
We are all fighting a war.
It’s a constant battle.
Every single choice, no matter how insignificant or big, matters.
*The music you listen to,
*The gossip you hear & don’t walk away from or stop.
*The school you choose to go to.
*Even down to the food you eat.
Why does the food you eat matter?
You have to keep yourself PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY prepared for battle.
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CONFERENCE TALK (I gave them a copy of the talk & had them highlight parts that stood out to them while they were listening to the talk online)
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/beware-of-the-evil-behind-the-smiling-eyes?lang=eng
“BEWARE OF THE EVIL BEHIND THE SMILING EYES” BY NEIL L ANDERSEN”
I’d like to tell you of an experience of a faithful Latter-day Saint who is a good friend of mine. I’ll refer to him only as “my friend” for reasons you will understand.
Working as a special agent for the FBI, my friend investigated organized crime groups transporting illegal drugs into the United States.
On one occasion, he and another agent approached an apartment where they believed a known drug dealer was distributing cocaine. My friend describes what happened:
“We knocked on the door of the drug dealer. The suspect opened the door, and upon seeing us, tried to block our view. But it was too late; we could see the cocaine on his table.
“A man and a woman who were at the table immediately began removing the cocaine. We had to prevent them from destroying the evidence, so I quickly pushed the drug suspect who was blocking the door to the side. As I pushed him, my eyes met his. Strangely, he did not appear angry or afraid. He was smiling at me.
“His eyes and disarming smile gave me the impression that he was harmless, so I quickly left him and started to move toward the table. The suspect was now behind me. At that instant, I had the distinct, powerful impression come into my mind: ‘Beware of the evil behind the smiling eyes.’
“I immediately turned back toward the suspect. His hand was in his large front pocket. Instinctively I grabbed his hand and pulled it from his pocket. Only then did I see, clutched in his hand, the semiautomatic pistol ready to fire. A flurry of activity followed, and I disarmed the man.”
Later, in another case, the drug dealer was convicted of murder and boasted that he would have also killed my friend had he not turned around at that very moment.
I have often thought of the communication that came into his mind: “Beware of the evil behind the smiling eyes.” This is what I want to talk to you about tonight.
Let’s begin with what we know. Good comes from God; evil comes from the devil. They are not, however, equal forces that are fighting each other in the universe. At the head of all that is good is the Christ—He who is the Only Begotten of the Father, who created our world and numerous others. Our Redeemer is a resurrected and perfect being. I know He lives.
The devil, on the other hand, “persuadeth men to do evil.” “He [has] fallen from heaven, … [has] become miserable forever,” and now works “that all men might be miserable like unto himself.” He is a liar and a loser.
The power of the Savior and the power of the devil are not truly comparable. On this planet, however, evil has been allowed a position of influence to give us the chance to choose between good and evil. The scripture says: “God gave unto man that he should act for himself. [And] man could not act for himself … [unless] he was enticed by … one or the other.”
The choice between good and evil is at the very heart of our experience on earth. In the final review of our lives, it will not really matter if we were rich or poor, if we were athletic or not, if we had friends or were often forgotten.
We can work, study, laugh and have fun, dance, sing, and enjoy many different experiences. These are a wonderful part of life, but they are not central to why we are here. The opportunity to choose good over evil is precisely why we are here.
Not one of us would say, “I want to choose evil.” We all want to choose the right. However, the choice of good over evil is not always easy, because evil frequently lurks behind smiling eyes. Listen to these warnings:
“Take heed … that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God.”
“Ye must watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation; for Satan desireth to have you.”
“Satan hath sought to deceive you, that he might overthrow you.”
The message is: Beware of the evil behind the smiling eyes!
I have known a few young men who began with every intention to stay firm in their loyalty to the Savior but who slipped from the path because they did not see the evil behind eyes that appeared quite harmless. They saw the fun, the pleasure, the acceptance, but they did not see the other consequences.
How, then, can we discern the evil behind something that doesn’t appear evil?
You already know the answers, but here are a few thoughts:
First, talk to your parents. Does that sound like a revolutionary idea? We fathers know we are far from perfect, but we love you, and along with your mothers, have a deep interest in your choosing the right.
Next, follow the prophet. These 15 men we sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators are given divine power to see what we sometimes do not see. President Hinckley has given us clear and specific counsel about the evil behind the smiling eyes. And you have the inspired guidance in the booklet For the Strength of Youth. As you apply President Hinckley’s counsel, the Lord has promised that He “will disperse the powers of darkness from before you.” You will see the evil behind the smiling eyes, and its appeal will leave you.
Very importantly, let the Holy Ghost be your guide. The Lord has promised us that as we live righteously, the still, small voice will come into our mind and into our heart. You have felt this influence. You know this voice.
The gift of the Holy Ghost is a spiritual gift. It is sensitive and will not be associated with unworthiness. You cannot offend or ignore it one day and expect it to strengthen you the next day. But as you heed its promptings and remain righteous, it will grow stronger within you. The Holy Ghost warned my friend of physical danger; the Holy Ghost will also warn you of spiritual danger.
Finally, gain your own testimony of the Savior. Pray passionately. Read the Book of Mormon when no one is watching. Take time alone to think about who Jesus really is and how His life and sacrifice are important to you.
Remember the example of the young Joseph Smith. When he lit the candle at night to read the Bible, it was because he wanted to. When he went into the grove to pray, he went alone.
As we increase our understanding and love for the Savior, His light will illuminate everything around us. We then will see evil for what it is.
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Elder Andersen uses Moroni 7:12 in his talk.
Satan is very subtle in his traps.
He makes things seem grey instead of black & white.
He makes good things seem bad & bad things seem good.
Search Moroni 7:12-19 for ways to tell the difference between good & evil.
Make a list of choices youth face today & use the list to guide each decision.
12 Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.
13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.
14 Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil.
15 For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night.
16 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.
17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.
18 And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully; for with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged.
19 Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ.
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I was in the 9th grade & in seminary. After the opening prayer & devotional, our teacher stood up & said, “well, I have a huge church-related announcement. The church has asked that we, as seminary teachers, announce this and address any questions you have. The announcement is this; the dating age has been changed from 16 to 18”
There was a violent reaction to this announcement.
Everyone started yelling & flailing arms around. Yelling things like “WHAAAATT???” and “YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!!”
One girl named Jen- cried in despair, “I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR ALL THESE YEARS, AND NOW I HAVE TO WAIT FOR TWO MORE???”
Our teacher spent the rest of the class period calming us down & talking to us about the blessings of obedience.
And then, the last 5 minutes of class, he said, “Um psych. The dating age has NOT been changed from 16 to 18.”
So, yet again, another violent reaction. “WHAAAAT?” “WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS TO US?”
“I wanted to teach you something you’d never forget- if the church changes any of their policies or guidelines, it will be from the pulpit at General Conference, or it will be announced from the pulpit by the Bishop in your ward. Seminary teachers don’t have the authority to tell you about changes in policy or guidelines. This is how people apostatize. They get their information from wrong sources.”
(story found online)
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Some of the following are scripture & some are famous sayings. See if you can tell which are which.
Everything happens for a reason- (Not Scripture)
This phrase, also sometimes quoted as “God works in mysterious ways”, is commonly shared by LDS in times of trial & uncertainty. However, it actually has no scriptural equivalent. It has most likely evolved from the idea that God oversees everything & that there are things we can learn from both our blessings & trials.
With great power comes great responsibility- (Not Scripture)
This spiderman hybrid scripture was a fake quote intended to portray the idea in D&C 82:3 where it starts out saying “For of him whom much is given much is required…” Although similar in theory, it fails to portray the true meaning in the scriptures. There are 2 very different ideas being suggested, & one is straight out of the scriptures, the other is in a Hollywood production.
Do unto others as you would have others do unto you- (Scriptures)
Also referred to as the “Golden Rule,” a more scriptural version is found in Matt 7:12. “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law & the prophets.”
I never said it would be easy; I only said it would be worth it- (Not Scripture)
This quote, usually attributed to Christ, might sound inspiring when someone in your Sunday School class shares it, but it is not actually found in the scriptures. It is possible, however, that it has some connection to Matt 11:29-30, which says “Take my yoke upon you, & learn of me; for I am meek & lowly in heart; & ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, & my burden is light.”
Ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith- (Scripture)
This comes from a scripture found in Ether 12:6, which says “And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.” A more commonly shared version of this phrase is “Faith precedes the miracle.”
And there must needs be moderation in all things- (Not Scripture)
It would be surprising if you haven’t heard some version of this phrase at lest once in your lifetime. Interestingly enough, however, this “scripture’ is not only missing from the standard works, but it is actually incorrect. As Elder Dallin H Oaks said in a 1992 BYU address: “The Savior said that if we are lukewarm, he will spur us out of his mouth (Rev 3:16). Moderation in all things is not a virtue because it would seem to justify moderation in commitment. That is not moderation but indifference. That kind of ‘moderation’ funs counter to the divine commands to serve with all of our ‘heart, might & strength’ (D&C 4:2), to ‘seek… earnestly the riches of eternity’ (D&C 68:31), & to be ‘valiant in the testimony of Jesus’ (D&C 76:79)”
The Lord will provide a way- (Scripture)
This is one phrase that is both well-recognized & founding the scriptures! Taken from 1Nephi 3:7, anyone who has completed their scripture mastery will recognize Nephi’s courageous words: “I will go & do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commanded them.”
Bridle all your passions- (Scripture)
Okay, so we might not be talking about a horse bridle. But this phrase does come from a scripture in Alma 38:12, when Alma is counseling his son Shiblon; “Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness.”
God helps those who help themselves- (Not Scripture)
This popular phrase has been attributed to everyone from Aesop to Benjamin Franklin, but nowhere is it found in the scriptures. Though it’s used as a way to motivate someone to do their part & work to become better, I wouldn’t quote it as scripture in your next Sunday School lesson.
If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, nothing shall be impossible unto you- (Scripture)
This phrase, in all its variations, has its roots in Matthew 17:20, which says “And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”
Love the sinner, but hate the sin.- (Not Scripture)
This phrase has been cropping up a lot in the LDS community recently, particularly during discussions of how to love like the Savior without condoning what LDS consider morally wrong actions. Though not found in scripture, the origins of the quote are most commonly attributed to a rough translation of Christian theologian St. Augustine’s phrase, Cum direction hominem et audio vitiorum, or “With love for mankind and hatred of sins.” It was also later popularized by Gandhi.
God never gives you more than you can handle- (Not Scripture)
This phrase, often spoken to an overwhelmed friend or relative, is not found in any scripture. It may, however, have evolved over time from a vaguely similar scripture in 1 Cor 10:13, which says “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
It was one of God’s tender mercies- (Scripture)
Though this phrase has become more popular in LDS culture because of Elder Bender’s 2012 conference talk, it does also exist in scripture. One instance includes 1 Nephi 8:8, which says “And after I had traveled for the space of many hours in darkness, I began to pray unto the Lord that he would have mercy on me, according to the multitude of his tender mercies.”
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Who said it? Dumbledore or Uchtdorf
“(Light) can illuminate the path before us and lead us through the darkest night into the promise of a new dawn.” Uchtdorf- “The Hope of God’s Light” 4/13
“Although I grew up in modest circumstances, my parents wanted Christmas to be a time of joy & wonderment for their children.” Uchtdorf “The Good & Grateful Receiver” 2012 Christmas Devotional
“It is the unknown we fear when we look upon death & darkness, nothing more.” Dumbledore “Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince”
“Never give up on anyone. And that includes not giving up on yourself.” Uchtdorf “Continue in Patience” 4/10
“We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.” Dumbledore “Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire”.
“Those who are best suited to power are those who have never sought it.” Dumbledore “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”
“It is important to fight and fight again, and keep fighting, for only then can evil be kept at bay through never quite eradicated.” Dumbledore “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”
“Every gift that is offered to us- especially a gift that comes from the heart- is an opportunity to build or strengthen a bond of love.” Uchtdorf “The Hope of God’s Light” 4/13
“When we are young, it seems that we will live forever. We thing there is a limitless supply of sunrises…” Uchtdorf “Of Regrets & Resolutions” 10/12
“I’m not exactly sure why this tiny flower has meant so much to me over the years. It does not attract immediate attention.” Uchtdorf “Forget me not” 10/11
“Dark times lie ahead of us & there will be a time when we must choose between what is easy & what is right.” Dumbledore Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
“Isn’t that what we all desire: to be the heroes & heroines of our own stories?” Uchtdorf “Your Happily Ever After” 4/2010
“Curiosity is not a sin… but we should exercise caution with our curiosity.” Dumbledore “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”
“Too often we notice the needs around us, hoping that someone from far away will magically appear to meet those needs.” Uchtdorf “Providing in the Lord’s way” 10/11
“Accidental rudeness occurs alarmingly often.” Dumbledore “Harry Potter & the half blood prince”
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It is really easy to fall for Satan’s tricks.
All of the above quotes & sayings are good... not all of them are scripture.
It is easy to see how even things that are good could easily be passed off as scripture or as coming from a prophet or an apostle.
We need to always be aware of who & where our information is coming from.
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Moroni 10:5
5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
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Our greatest gift here in mortality is the gift of the Holy Ghost.
He is our guide.
He will tell us when things are true or false.
He will warn us.
He will protect us.
What would of happened to Elder Andersens friend if he hadn’t had the Holy Ghost with him that day whispering to him to “Beware of the evil behind the smiling eyes?”
What if he had been too distracted to hear the whispering
or chosen to just ignore it?
We must
*be worth to have the Holy Ghost with us
*learn to recognize when the Holy Ghost is speaking to us
*be willing to accept what the Holy Ghost is saying to us
*be willing to act on it IMMEDIATELY!
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Satan is tricky & has caused a lot of people to apostatize.
He has done this by getting people to get & trust their information from the wrong sources.
We must follow the prophets & apostles.
If we do, we will never, ever be led astray.
Handouts:
Above is a template for 3"x3" post-it notes for students to put in their scriptures on Moroni 7:12
Above is a handout for the lesson. I attached a pair of "disguise glasses". The black glasses with the plastic noses attached.
