Good, Better, Best

Good, Better, Best

This is a reoccurring theme of Elder Oaks. It is one he considers of great importance. A number of years ago he spoke of choices as a law student and how to know when he had studied for a term paper that he had done enough research.

In this case, his counsel is as timely for us now as it was then.

He introduces this them by telling us the story of Martha and Mary. Remember when the Savior taught this principle in the home of Martha "while she was cumbered about much serving."(Luke 10:40) Her sister Mary, "sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word." When Martha complained that her sister had left her to serve alone, Jesus commended Martha for what she was doing, but taught her that "one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part which shall not be taken away from her." (verses 39-42). It was good for Martha to be "careful and troubled about many things" but it was better to learn the gospel from the Master. It was more "needful" as verse 41 says.

Consider the picture of Grandma Robison's pillows shown above. The bottom pillow is quite good, the middle pillow is better, but the top pillow is "down" and is best. In fact Grandma takes it on the plane in our suitcase whenever we travel because she needs it to get a good night's sleep. It costs more than other pillows, but for Grandma it is best because she gets a better rest.

Those people in sales are frequently plotting on graphs the comparison between good, better, and best. They know, as Elder Oaks taught, that it is not enough that something is good. Other products are better and still others are best. The most expensive ones often have great "features and capability" that make them the best selection.

Robison Family Vacation Memories
I remember a series of family vacations we took when the J's were growning up. We went to San Diego and saw Sea World, we went to Maui and swam in the ocean, we went to Florida and collected sea shells, we went to Petoskey in Northern Michigan and went water skiing. And we even went in a cramped motor home from Independence Missouri to Palmyra, New York. After those 5 wonderful trips, we asked each of the children what their favorite trip was. Each one of them answered that it was the trip in the cramped motor home. Super family trips are good for the family, but best is the family bonding on sacred sites.

Elder Oaks reminded us about a very important principle from a recent study. The number of families who report that the whole family usually eats dinner together has declined by 33%. This is alarming because studies also show that the time a family spends together eating meals at home is the strongest predictor of children's academic achievement and psychological adjustment. (Anderson and Dohert, Family Relations, 54:655). So there may be some important school activities or tennis, or golf events at the club, but the best thing we can do at dinner time is eat together.

Now, how does this apply to our Church service? First, remember that some uses of individual and family time are better, and others are best. We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families. (Elder Oaks)

Applications.

It is good to be a member of the Church, to keep all the commandments, and to fulfill all our assignments.
It is better to do things without being asked and anonymously.
It is best to do things with love and without any arrogance.

It is good to visit families to whom we have been assigned.
It is better to leave them with a message where you teach doctrine and principle during a brief visit.
It is best to make a difference in the lives of those we visit.

It is good to hold a meeting in the Church.
It is better to teach a principle.
It is best to actually improve lives as a result of the meeting.

Can you think of some good, better and best applications?

What about giving a talk?

It is good to prepare it yourself.
It is better to prepare it and include scriptures and quotes from living prophets.
It is best to teach it from the heart with very few notes.

What about teaching a lesson?

It is good to work on the lesson ahead of time.
It is better to have an outline and prepare much more material than you can cover.
It is best to think of the question that will improve lives and prepare to involve the student in the learning process.

Doctrine:

Heavenly Father, whose children everyone of us are, designed a plan for us to qualify for eternal life...the greatest of all the gifts of God. (D&C 14:7). Critical to this test are the choices we make between good, better, and best. As Elder Oaks once taught...it is not enough to be good, we must be good for something. We do that by making best choices.