A Very Simple Conection

I noticed a very simple connection in Moroni 7:12-13 & 17 that I believe is worth pointing out because of its simplicity. The words GOD and DEVIL appear in these verses along with the words GOOD and EVIL. I understand that most of you reading this will be impressed with my scriptural skills and ability to mine those little nuggets of truth, but stay with me. GOD=GOOD and EVIL=DEVIL. So far, so good!

The DEVIL invites and entices us to do EVIL (vs. 12, 14, & 17), but GOD also invites and entices us to do GOOD (vs. 13 & 16). This opposition is a major part of the Plan of Happiness, as is the law of agency, which is at work here as well. The real question is, can we know how to know if something is of GOD or GOOD or of the DEVIL or EVIL. The answer in verses 15-17 is a resounding yes! WE can know with "a perfect knowledge" whether a choice is of GOD or of the DEVIL. That sounds like an absolute.

As Latter-day Saints we sometimes will rationalize our behavior by putting a choice we make into what many call the "grey area". It seems that according to these verses there is no such thing. It is either of God/GOOD or it is of the DEVIL/EVIL. WE can run a spiritual diagnostics test on a decision we make to see if it brings us closer to Christ and GOD or if our decision leads us to deny GOD and Christ and therefore serve the DEVIL.

If we are totally honest with ourselves and are striving to be worthy of the influence of the Holy Ghost we can know with a perfect knowledge if a choice is GOOD or not. As we use the Light of Christ (our conscience) and the gift of the Holy Ghost we may "be a child of Christ" (v. 19). Now, go and do what E.T. said, "BE GOOD".