Looking Good VS. Being Good

I've been putting a lot of thought lately into the difference between looking good and being good. The world would tell us that the most important thing in life is to look good, to impress, to always show forth a good face. While the concept of putting your best foot forward has many righteous and proper applications, it is important to remember that what is really important is actually being a good person--on the inside.
As Christians there are many things that we do that can be done either to look good or to actually be good. One example of this is serving the poor, many church congregations, including Latter Day Saints, make great efforts to serve the poor an the needy in their community. But when we do such service are we doing it because we have a sincere desire to serve those in need? Or are we doing it because we want to look good to our Bishop (or pasture), and our fellow church members? If the latter is the case I think we need to reconsider our actions, for the savior tells us
" 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly."
So next time we go out in do service, let us remember whom we are serving, an let us serve in the way that He did. Out of love and charity for His fellow man.

Modern Prophets

This past weekend was general conference, and i fealt very strongly the spirit as i heard the modern prophet and apostles speak. I was amazed at how up with the times these men are, evan at 70, 80, and 90 years of age, they are as in touch with world events as much, or even more, than most political leaders of our day. But in addition to that, they are able to see the moral hazards beggining to build up in our time, and the struggles that people are going through. Perhaps even more miraculously, they are able to give practial solutions to these problems, and ways to avoid the pitfalls that are comming ahead. If any a time in history needed a prophet of go so desperatly, it is our time. I am greatfull that we have modern prophets living on the Earth today, and I am greatful for the inspired council they give us.