Best in the world, but not of the world

Best in the world, but not of the world. This is a combination of the common say in the LDS Church that "we should be in the world but not of it" and the talk that I couldn't find that talks about how members of the Church will one day rise to the top of their respective fields. If a mentality that I felt like was a pressure in my life (which usually just means it is a temptation from Satan and no one really cares in general) has been around with everyone else, then there is something slowing us down from living up to this potential. Too often blogs by members of the church is written to members of the church, ironically like this post.

The command "to be in the world but not of the world" comes from Christ's Intercessory prayer in St John 17. Christ is blessing the apostles and disciples to help not be of the world while they are in the world. This is usually taught with strict emphasis in not having a summer home in Babylon and keeping the commandments. It might be just me, but it seems like the large part about being in the world is forgotten or taken at face value- of literally being on this planet. I do know people do a great job in work and other community activities to do this, but I feel like we need to direct our important  thoughts, talents, and knowledge to people outside of our Mormon Community. 

I will quote an awesome quote by Elder Perry that I found in my research for this post about what could happen if we reached our talents, thoughts, and knowledge outside out. Well, maybe a couple paragraphs and a recommendation to read the entire talk.

"The spheres of influence we can radiate from our associations can make worthwhile contributions in the world. A righteous example can attract others to living a standard which has been established by the Lord, for the conduct of His children here in mortality. It can be a source of bringing souls to the light of the gospel, causing some to join the Church, while others do not. Embracing the gospel is a personal decision, and we always respect and understand the rights of individuals, but how can we ever expect the world to embrace the righteous principles the Lord has declared to govern His children here if we do not extend our influence outward?

How our governments need standards of integrity! How our communities need yardsticks to measure decency! How our neighborhoods need models of beauty and cleanliness! How our schools need continued encouragement and assistance to maintain high educational standards! Rather than spend time complaining about the direction in which these institutions are going, we need to exert our influence in shaping the right direction. A small effort by a few can result in so much good for all of mankind."
                                                                               -Elder L. Tom Perry


I did like his story about the social hours at his work and the comparison to Daniel. I think that is very true because as we live the Gospel of Jesus Christ we draw closer to Him. As He is the source of all knowledge and power, we learn from Him while learning here on earth and since He knows everything His help rises us to the top.