I

The gifts and abilities that people are born with are bestowed by God. They were predetermined by God long ago. If God made you foolish, then there is meaning in your foolishness; if He made you bright, then there is meaning in your brightness. Whatever talents God gives you, whatever your strengths, however high your IQ, they all have a purpose for God. All these things were preordained by God. The role you play in your life and the duty you do were ordained by God long ago.

II

Some people see that others possess strengths that they don't and are discontent. They want to change things by learning more, seeing more, and being more diligent. But regardless of their diligence, they cannot surpass those with gifts and expertise. No matter how much you fight, it's useless. God has ordained what you'll be, and there's nothing anyone can do to change it. Whatever you are good at, that's where you should make an effort. Do not try to force yourself into areas outside your skillset and do not envy others.

III

Everyone has their function. Don't think that you can do everything well, or that you are more perfect or better than others, always desiring to replace others and put yourself on display. This is a corrupt disposition. There are those who think that they cannot do anything well, and that they have no skills at all. If that is the case, you should just be a person who listens and submits in a down-to-earth manner. Do what you can and do it well, with all your strength. That is enough. God will be satisfied.

IV

You're always trying to keep others down, always trying to get ahead of them, always jockeying, always trying to take from people. You are highly envious, you don't yield to anyone, and you're always trying to distinguish yourself from the crowd. If that's the case, this spells trouble; this is how Satan acts. If you truly wish to be an acceptable created being, then do not pursue your own dreams. Trying to be superior and more capable than you are in order to achieve your aims is bad. You should learn to submit to God's orchestrations and arrangements, and you should stand fast in the place that a human being should occupy; only this is a demonstration of reason.

from The Word, Vol. 3. The Discourses of Christ of the Last Days. The Principles That Should Guide One's Conduct