“Controversy and contention are weakening habits. If Satan can succeed in creating in us the pastime of arguing, quarreling, and contention, it is easier for him to bind us with heavier sins which can destroy our eternal lives. Anger is a poor substitute for self-mastery and compassionate service.”
In this quote, Marvin J. Ashton cautions against the detrimental effects of controversy, contention, and anger on one's spiritual well-being. He suggests that engaging in arguments and quarrels can lead to bigger sins, ultimately jeopardizing one's eternal life. By emphasizing the importance of self-mastery and compassionate service over anger, Ashton highlights the significance of maintaining inner peace and acting with love and understanding towards others. This quote serves as a reminder to prioritize virtues such as patience and empathy in order to live a fulfilling and spiritually rich life.
In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, the words of Marvin J. Ashton on avoiding controversy and contention hold more relevance than ever. With the rise of social media and online debates, it is easy to get caught up in arguments and quarrels that only serve to divide us further. This quote reminds us of the importance of maintaining peace, self-mastery, and compassionate service in order to build stronger, more harmonious communities and ultimately secure our eternal well-being.
Marvin J. Ashton's quote emphasizes the negative impact of controversy and contention on our habits and actions. He warns against falling into a cycle of arguing, quarreling, and contention that can lead to more destructive behaviors. Instead, he advocates for self-mastery and compassionate service as healthier alternatives.
As we consider Marvin J. Ashton's words on the negative effects of controversy and anger in our lives, it is important to reflect on how these negative emotions can impact our relationships and spiritual well-being. Here are some questions to ponder:
How often do I find myself engaging in arguments and quarrels with others? What triggers my anger and contention?
In what ways does anger and contention hinder my ability to develop self-mastery and show compassion towards others?
What steps can I take to cultivate habits of peace, understanding, and kindness in my interactions with others?
How can I navigate disagreements and differing opinions in a constructive and respectful manner, without resorting to anger or contention?
In what ways can I work towards developing a mindset of forgiveness and reconciliation, rather than holding onto grudges and fostering negativity in my heart?
By reflecting on these questions, we can better understand the negative impacts of controversy and anger in our lives and strive towards cultivating a more positive and fulfilling way of relating to others.
“If he could have his way, Satan would distract us from our heritage. He would have us become involved in a million and one things in this life–probably none of which is very important in the long run–to keep us from concentrating on the things that are really important, particularly the reality that we are God’s children. He would like us to forget about home and family values. He’d like to keep us so busy with comparatively insignificant things that we don’t have time to make the effort to understand where we came from, whose children we are, and how glorious our ultimate homecoming can be!”
“Over the years I have learned that when I need answers to deal with crises, people, and issues, I must go to God. God will help us in everything we do if we stay in tune and if we will call on him. We must each plan our future with him in our homes, our families, and our relationships with others. If we make him our senior partner, our lives can be successful.”
“As children of God we are somebody. He will build us, mold us, and magnify us if we will but hold our heads up, our arms out, and walk with him.”
“What a spiritual comfort and blessing it is to know that, if we look to our Savior Jesus Christ and endure to the end, eternal life and exaltation can be ours. Our capacity to see and comprehend is increased only in proportion to our willingness to look. God becomes more approachable as we look to him.”
“WE CAN'T ALWAYS CONTROL OUR CIRCUMSTANCES BUT WE CAN CONTROL OUR ATTITUDE.WE MUST BE MORE CONCERNED WITH WHAT WE DO WITH WHAT HAPPENS TO US THAN WHAT HAPPENS TO US.HAPPINESS DOES NOT DEPEND ON WHAT HAPPENS OUTSIDE OF YOU BUT ON WHAT HAPPENS INSIDE OF YOU.”
“God knows the feelings in every human heart. He can soften sorrow and lead when there seems to be no light. Prayer can give guidance and confidence. It reminds us that no one need be alone in this world. If all else fails, remember, God and one other person can be a family.”