Of all of man's senses, perhaps sight is the most versatile and informative. The ability to see touches each of us in many ways. We view the world through our eyes, our hearing and our other senses. But it is sight by which we view sunsets, enjoy the trappings of nature, keep ourselves in the right highway lane, obey traffic signals and greet and interact with family and friends.
We also view — in this visual environment — sights that are not as pleasant or shock us with their inherent cruelty or graphic intent. On the one hand, we sometimes end up shaking our heads and muttering, "I can't believe what I just witnessed."
On the other hand, historic and other timely events help shape our view of the world and our place in it.
Two months ago, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had the opportunity to sustain a new First Presidency at general conference. The sustaining was orderly, solemn and in accordance with past procedures used to allow each priesthood quorum and all members to individually stand and raise arms to the square to sustain President Thomas S. Monson as prophet and president of the Church.
Because of television, satellites, the Internet and other means, millions of Latter-day Saints as well as others were able to view and participate in the proceedings as they occurred or could view them within a short time afterward.
Contrast that occasion with just one event recorded in the scriptures as the Savior traveled about teaching and healing those with ailments, both physical and spiritual. "And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight" (Luke 7: 21).
We have only the accounts of witnesses to the Savior's miracles and His ministry, yet few can doubt His teachings and His Atonement. Some might choose to ignore the gospel message — that is their choice — but the reality is He did those things; His disciples witnessed Him doing them as He taught and ministered unto many.
We might choose to turn a blind eye to those testimonies, but the truth of the gospel and the mission of Jesus Christ for all mankind is our sure path to exaltation and happiness.
During the conference at which he was sustained as president of the Church, President Monson declared, "I testify that Jesus Christ is the head of this Church, which bears His name. I know that the sweetest experience in all this life is to feel His promptings as He directs us in the furtherance of His work" (Ensign, May 2008, p. 88).
As we go about in our Church assignments are we aware of the needs of others? We might see members and neighbors in our neighborhoods and at meetings or other community events and think they are all right but, in reality, they need our help.
The Lord counseled Samuel the prophet as he went out to search for Israel's king, "for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for men looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7).
How many times have we been quick to judge someone or people on appearances instead of what they truly are. Should we not look, as the Lord looks, on the heart? If we do, we would see their true potential as the Lord sees in each of us. We might fall short of that potential, but if we could see ourselves and others as the Lord sees us, we surely would not disappoint Him. For the Lord has declared:
"Hearken, O ye people of my church, saith the voice of him who swells on high, and whose eyes are upon all men. ... For verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men, and there is none to escape; and there is no eye that shall not see, neither ear that shall not hear, neither heart that shall not be penetrated. ... And the voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have chosen in these last days" (Doctrine and Covenants 1: 1-4).
As we serve and carry the gospel message to others, may we do so with our eyes open and our hearts full of love for one another.
