TA: LDS Audience

D&C 59:6 states, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Thou shalt not steal; neither commit adultery, nor kill, nor do anything like unto it.” It is important to note the last fragment of the section, “nor do anything like unto it.” This illustrates it is not enough to simply follow the letter of the law and, for example, refrain from killing people; there is a responsibility involved in this statement that requires an understanding to what God expects of his followers. Stephen R. Covey puts it aptly as he states, “What we are communicates far more eloquently than anything we say or do. We all know it. There are people we trust absolutely because we know their character.” As stated in the scriptures, “Every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit…Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them” (3 Nephi 14:17-18, 20). A tree will yield it’s own type of fruit; the nature of the tree determines the nature of the fruit. Hanging ornamental fruit on the tree (i.e. trying to change the fruit) will not alter the tree; the tree itself must change, and the fruit will change as a result. Our character is the origin for our works; therefore, by reforming our character, our works are also altered. Our actions are motivated by our founding principles, and so our characters must be such that the choices we make will advance the will of the Father.