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Stubborn selfishness leads otherwise good people to fight…

“Stubborn selfishness leads otherwise good people to fight over herds, patches of sand, and strippings of milk. All this results from what the Lord calls coveting "the drop," while neglecting the "more weighty matters." (D&C 117:8) Myopic selfishness magnifies a mess of pottage and makes thirty…” quote by Neal A. Maxwell
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“Stubborn selfishness leads otherwise good people to fight over herds, patches of sand, and strippings of milk. All this results from what the Lord calls coveting "the drop," while neglecting the "more weighty matters." (D&C 117:8) Myopic selfishness magnifies a mess of pottage and makes thirty pieces of silver look like a treasure trove. In our intense acquisitiveness, we forget Him who once said, "What is property unto me?"”

Neal A. Maxwell

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Selfish desire for trivial gains blinds people to deeper spiritual priorities, turning modest resources into false treasures.

In simple terms: Coveting small things distracts from greater spiritual matters.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize lasting values over fleeting gains.

Themes

spirituality selfishness materialism priorities faith

Mood

thoughtful inspirational serious

Type

scriptural ethical

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • sermon preparation
  • faith counseling
  • ethical decision making
  • community study

Key Concepts

coveting myopia acquisitiveness prophetic teaching moral focus

Questions to Reflect On

  • What truly matters beyond material wealth?
  • How can we balance personal needs with spiritual growth?
A Different Perspective

The passage may not address systemic causes of inequality beyond individual behavior.

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