Peaceable Walk with the Children of Men, Intent...

In Mormon's introduction to this sermon, (Mormon 7:2-4)  tells us that he is talking to the members of the church.  He said that his audience was composed of the "peaceable followers of Christ."  He also refers to the saints having a "...peaceable walk with the children of men."

What does the word "peaceable" mean?  It is not what we think the word means.  It is what Mormon meant when he used the word.  Remember, most all his life, he was trying to preach to the Nephites, get them to follow Christ, eliminate the prophesy that they were going to be destroyed.  Peaceable to Mormon must have meant those who were not warmongers, those who loved the Savior, those who loved peace.  For I am sure most did not.  But he expands this concept talking about intent.

Right after he talked about "peaceable" he mentions those who have good works.  If there works be good, then they are good also.  He says that a man being evil cannot do that which is good.  He also mentions that he who giveth a gift, except it be with real intent, it profiteth him nothing.

So, in my opinion, to begin the study of charity, hope, and faith, we need to consider if we are walking a peaceable walk, are we good?  Do we pray with real intent, or give gifts out of pure intent?  If not, then we are not on the road to charity.

Do we act with real intent?  Is our heart behind our actions?  Why do we serve?  Why do we give? What do we expect when we serve?  Do we have real intent?  If we do not, it is counted unto us evil before God.  If we do not pray with real intent, it profiteth us nothing.

I propose that "real intent" is what the main idea is behind this introduction of Charity. Intent refers to the purpose of why we do things.  What is our intent?  When we serve, why do we?  Where is our heart?  When we home teach or visit teach, do we do it with pure intent?  Do we do it so we can report it as being done.

When we help our neighbor, why do we do it?  Where is our heart?  When we give a gift, do we do it for what people will think, now people will feel toward us?  What is our intent?  What motivates us to serve, give, smile, visit, fill assignments? What is our reason for doing things?  "..except he shall do it with real intent,it profiteth him nothing."  We should evaluate our "intent."