The Second Coming

 I have noticed, lately, (and maybe it's only me) that there has been some emphasis from the General Authorities about the Last Days and the Second Coming of the Lord. Two talks in the last conference, for instance, reiterated the need to have food/supply storage and personal spiritual preparedness as end times approach. 

I have been emphasizing our need to start using the storage we currently have, as we have had to toss out much of what we had stored due to its being outdated and/or just nasty smelling. I doubt we will ever use all the wheat we have stored, so we are back to grinding and baking (we being Olivia, of course). We need to reassess everything else and update some of the things we lack.

Because of the emphasis that I have perceived, I recently began listening to Gerald Lund's book The Second Coming of the Lord, which is an updated version of the one he wrote in 1971 entitled The Coming of the Lord. There is much to learn about, and much is missed just listening because of competing distractions, but I am enjoying the insights. One thing that struck me is that the Lord made it clear that we are supposed to be aware of the signs of the times; actually, we are commanded to do so, even though it has been 2000+ years since He said he would return in glory. The other thing that struck me is the myriad times the scriptures mention the Second Coming with either positive or negative connotations. Brother Lund is asked why talk about the negative aspects, as fear is not a great motivator. He answers with a quote by Elder Todd D. Christofferson stating that if we are aware of a danger and fail to warn, it would be negligent (such as warning a child about putting a hand into a fire). The positive things are mentioned more often in the scriptures, and he dwells more on the positive in his book, while not neglecting the warnings.

Can we calculate the date of His return? No. We live in a time of precise calculations. Olympic events are timed to the 1000th of a second. I am lost if there is not a clock in the room where I happen to be at any given time. That was certainly not the case in the days when Jesus told his disciples of his coming. It wasn't even the case in Joseph Smith's day. Even though clocks and pocket watches were available, they typically existed in the homes and vests of the wealthier class. People spoke in rounded times; approximations. Even now, if something happened 990 years ago, it would not be unusual to say it was a thousand years ago. We often state that certain things that occurred during the restoration, such as the first vision, the visitations in the Kirtland temple, the restoration of the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods happened about 200 years ago. Because we know the dates or approximate dates, we could be much more precise, we still round up or down. Is one earth day exactly equal to 1000 years to the Lord? We don't know, but likely it is an approximation. There has not been a generation since the resurrection of Christ that did not believe that the second coming of the Lord was at the door. Why should be believe it now? Because the prophet Joseph was told that this is the last dispensation, that the time is soon. As we see, 200 years have passed, so soon is relative. With signs of the times being fulfilled rather rapidly, it is unlikely that it will be another 1,000 years.  The important thing is to be prepared and to know the signes.

Attributes of a Temple

 Many look at the attributes of a temple as spelled out in Doctrine and Covenants 88:119 and apply them to a home. I think it is fine to do so, even though it is meant to apply to a holy temple that the Lord was commanding the saints to build in Kirtland, Ohio. Our homes should be temples and the attributes specified in this scripture should be those of a holy home, as well.

However, I was impressed during this last conference to determine if I am missing something in my personal temple worship by looking at these attributes as they apply to the temple. If the temple is a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, and a house of God, am I receiving all the attendant blessings? I think I am receiving only a small portion of them, so I want to look at them more closely.

Prayer

We are cautioned that we should not use the Celestial Room as a place for personal prayer, nor any other place in the temple for that matter. However, there are a couple of areas that are most appropriate. First, the prayer circle is where a temple ordinance worker offers a prayer on behalf of the company that is there for the endowment session, as well as those whose names are on the prayer roll. It is, or should be a prayer offered by listening to the promptings of the Spirit. The first few times I offered that prayer, I felt the promptings and there were new thoughts and words that came to me. I have used those phrases on several occasions since, but I have to be cautious not to make them vain repetitions and miss important promptings. Second, there is no more appropriate place to have a prayer always in my heart. I have had some very important promptings as I have prayed before, during and after a session of temple worship.

Fasting

We have been told not to fast excessively. The scripture seems to imply that every time we go to the temple, we should go there fasting. That could be excessive, depending upon how often we go to the temple and the time of the session(s) we attend. We are, however, invited to attend the temple when we seek answers to our challenges, seek relief from the hurts and inequities that life may bring, seek insight when making decisions or when we will be attempting to offer counsel or relief to others. There are, of course, a myriad of other special reasons for attending the temple. Any of those may receive more clarity if we attend the temple while fasting.

To me, though, it seems that we should always go to the temple fasting from worldly concerns, fasting from anger, from frivolity, from evil thoughts, from petty hurts, from anything that would take us from the promptings that are available while in a holy place. Those promptings are available, but if our worldly concerns are dominating our minds, those promptings are unavailable. So just like putting aside our concerns for  food and hydration can enhance our worship during a fast, other worldly concerns can be left behind to enhance our temple worship. We can fast from them.

Learning

All of the ordinances in the temple are rote. The words are the same with the exception of the prayers given in the prayer circle. Often, the sealers will convene a teaching session along with their performing the sealing ordinances, but there is no such opportunity in endowment, initiatory, baptism, confirmation, or any other ordinance performed there. The temple presidency give instruction for those receiving their own ordinances, which is usually the first time the patrons have been in a temple. So, when President McKay said that he attended the temple every week and learned something new each time, how did he do that? What was he learning? Are the ordinances so multifaceted, that I am missing the nuances available? Are there so many facets that I could learn a new one each week for over 80 years?

I think there are, in fact, many facets that I do miss. When I hear someone talk about something they just realized in a session, I wonder how I managed to miss that. I am certain that there is much to be learned from deeply listening to the words of the ordinances and pulling out the information there. I am also certain that the teacher is the Holy Ghost and that it is not just the meanings found within each ordinance, but much is learned just from being in a holy place, with a holy attitude, ready to hear what the Spirit would teach.

I have had glimpses of what I should do, where I should be, or who I should contact while attending a session in the temple. I suspect that many (probably most) who attend regularly, have had similar experiences. John A. Widstoe reported that he had a particularly troubling problem related to his professional life that was solved by revelation in the temple, though he had set that issue aside to attend the temple. He stated that the temple is the place where revelation may be expected. He stated that if we attend the temple these revelations will come to us in or out of the temple and provide solutions to the problems that vex our lives.

Glory

The literal meaning of glory is related to a great light. That is why Christ, Mary, the saints and other religious people in the medieval paintings are given a halo, or light around their heads. In the Bible and even now, it is a term used in a much broader sense. Glory and glorious now means a high degree of honor, reputation, resplendence, beauty, and so forth. 

In the beginning of this dispensation, the glory of the temple was literal in the case of the Kirtland Temple. Many of those in the community reported a great light coming from the temple during the dedication ceremonies. Angels and the Savior were seen in the interior, and the glory of the Lord was present. Today, the temple is a place of glory in many of its aspects. Certainly, the beauty is resplendent, from its architecture, landscaping, cleanliness, and care. There is great glory for those who enter to have their marriages sealed under the New and Everlasting Covenant. Glory is an appropriate term for those who receive their ordinances and perform ordinances for the deceased and are given a glimpse of the purpose and efficacy of those ordinances. It is also the appropriate term for those who are given additional light and truth from inspiration received there. 

The real promise of glory is found in a couple of sections of the Doctrine and Covenants, primarily in Section 97:15 - 16 Where the Lord promises that if no unclean thing is permitted to come into it, "...my glory shall rest upon it; ...my presence shall be there, for I will come into it, and all the pure in heart that shall come into it shall see God." 

Order

Early in Church history, following the revelations related to baptism for the dead, there was a lot of disorder. Women baptized for their deceased fathers, and men for their mothers, baptisms done without any record being made, and so forth. Quickly, the Lord revealed the need for accurate records, ordinances for the dead to be conducted in the temples, and other steps taken to insure that all was done in order. 

Today, order in the temple is paramount. Records are kept with great precision. Ordinances are performed verbatim. Those who are entering for their own ordinances are given instruction by the temple presidency and are given escorts to make sure order is maintained. 

The result of this degree of order assures that not only are the ordinances less likely to be duplicated or invalid, but it is a source for patrons' positive experience. Reverence is possible because orderliness allows them to focus on the Atonement, rather than chaos. Focus on prayers, language of the ordinances, sensitivity to the presence of the deceased, and internal peace are all magnified by the orderliness of the House of the Lord.

House of God    

This, according to the Doctrine and Covenants, is meant to be literal.  Sections 36,42, and 133 state that the Lord will come suddenly to his temple. Section 88 says that the temple is to be the house of God. Section 97says he will come into it. Section 110 says the Lord will manifest himself to his people in his house. I have not personally seen his face as promised in Sections 93 and 97. Has anyone? Of course, we know about the appearance of the Lord in the Kirtland temple. We know that Lorenzo Snow saw the Lord in the Salt Lake temple when he doubted his being prepared to assume the presidency. Others certainly have. Elder Boyd K. Packer said "Those who know don't tell and those who tell, don't know." That we can be in the presence of God in the temple is quite literal when you remember that the Holy Ghost is a god. While we look forward to the literal presence of Jesus Christ in the temple and have faith that we can, we do have the presence of the Holy Ghost any time we attend the temple worthy and prepared.

As I review this a little more closely, I realize that I have received many of the promised blessings that I had not thought of before. I also realize, however, that there are promised blessings of which I should be more aware as I enter the temple in the future. What a blessing for this generation!

Some Accidental Lessons from Alma and Amulek

Our Everyday Work is Sacred

A few Sundays ago our Elders' Quorum President commented that we sometimes forget our spiritual thoughts because all during the week we are involved with non-spiritual things like punching cows (he is a rancher) and doing our daily work. I thought at the time (and I should have said) when did punching cows stop being a spiritual activity?

The thought came up again when a couple of weeks ago, I  had the privilege of teaching one of our Pathway gatherings. The woman who was supposed to lead the discussion was not going to be in the class and much of the week we were in Reno for a doctor's appointment, so I didn't take the time to ask another student to take the class. The students had read and studied Alma 33 - 42. I have written about my thoughts on Alma 34:17-27 in the past, but because it was a good reminder, I will touch on it again.

Prior to verse 17, Amulek is teaching the atonement. He continues his discourse by saying "...call upon his holy name, that he would have mercy upon you; (18) Yea, cry unto him for mercy, for he is mighty to save." Then he writes a litany of items this prayer of mercy ought to contain:
19. ...continue in mighty prayer.
20. Cry unto him ...in your fields, yea, over all your flocks.
21. ...in your houses, yea, over all your household...
22. ...against your enemies.
23. ...against the Devil...
24. ...over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in them. (Emphasis added)
25. ...over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase. (Emphasis added)
26. ...pour out your souls in your closets and your secret places...
27. ...let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you. (Emphasis added)

To me this is saying that if we live every day to be worthy of the blessings of the atonement and draw out our souls in prayer, our daily attempts at making a success of our jobs and businesses can be realized.

In the holy temple, we committed ourselves to consecrate everything we are and have to the building up of the Kingdom of God on earth. Not 10%, but all we have and all our education, experience, health, and spirituality, as well. If we are serious about this, we live our lives in a consecrated manner. We do not have to segregate our Sunday selves from our rest-of-the-week selves.

Listening to the Holy Ghost Leads to Thanksgiving

It has been brought to my attention that I need to heed the promptings of the Holy Ghost better and more often. I think my life would be more blessed, if I did. Twice that I can think of in the last month, I have missed wonderful opportunities and realized it only after it was too late.

In one case, we were in Idaho picking out features for the house such as flooring and cabinets. During the conversation, the young woman we were working with mentioned her genealogy. She and her mother had sent in their kits for DNA testing and were a little surprised by the results. The thought came to me that I should pursue this further and turn it into a Gospel conversation. It was a fleeting thought that was lost in the conversation with all the other people in the room. Only after I left the store did it occur to me that I could have at least left a pass-along card.

Just this past Thursday I had to get some medication. When I arrived at the pharmacy, the lady at the counter took my name and birth date, but found nothing. I had to talk with the pharmacist and get some problems worked out. It was going to take some time, so we left the store and did some shopping for the week and returned an hour later. When I returned, this lady remembered my name and birth date, even though she had helped a least a score of patients in between. I realized that she had associated my missionary name badge with my information, but I didn't say anything about it. Only after leaving the store did it dawn on me that I could have turned the conversation to a brief discussion about the Church.

Alma 34:38 says in part, "...contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but...receive it, and ...humble yourselves...worship God in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you."

It had not occurred to me until I re-read this verse that accepting the promptings of the Holy Ghost not only brings blessings to us and those whom we serve, but it also allows us to live in thanksgiving. If there were no other blessing, I would want to pay heed to the promptings, just to live in thanksgiving daily. In my experience, this principle is very true.

Spiritual Murder

Do you want to experience inexpressible horror? You won't find it in the movies. Horror, yes - it is the  stuff of nightmares, but it is not inexpressible horror. I have seen the effects of deeply experienced horror when associating with combat soldiers and others who have lived through situations where they somehow survived a violent, life-threatening episode, or several. With counseling and over time, those horrific experiences can be put away and, if not forgotten, placed in a compartment of the brain where they need not bother them any more.

Alma tells his son Heleman of his conversion experience and states, "...I had murdered many of his [God's] children, or rather led them away unto destruction; yea, and in fine so great had been my iniquities, that the very thought of coming into the presence of my God did rack my soul with inexpressible horror." (Alma 36:14 Emphasis added)

Matthew 10: 28 states, "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather rear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."

That is horror I hope never to imagine, let alone experience.

The Purpose of Scripture

When Alma handed the plates over to Heleman to keep and to update, he stated that there was a sacred reason for doing so. In Alma 37:8 he gives four reasons for preserving a sacred record that is likely to become scripture. "And now, it has hitherto been wisdom in God that these things should be preserved; for behold, they have (1) enlarged the memory of this people, yea, and (2) convinced many of the error of their ways, and (3) brought them to the knowledge of their God unto (4) the salvation of their souls."

Our memories are limited to our experiences, and many of those we no longer retain. The advantage of the scriptures is that we now can relate the human experience we share with those who have gone before and learn from their successes, errors, and observations, without having to re-experience grief unnecessarily. We can stand on the shoulders of these giants and rise to greater heights, if we will.

The scriptures can convince those of us who are humbly willing to learn, of the error of our ways and take advantage of the healing power of the Atonement.

Bringing us to the knowledge of God, the scriptures, both ancient and modern, allow us to live a higher existence. It is truly the only way to experience progress. Progress is vain that only allows us to experience what millions of others before us experienced. While that is important and even necessary, real progress is made when our efforts lead us to greater achievements than those who have gone before us.  Today, it was announced that a group of scientists in Israel have discovered a cure for cancer. Immeasurable hours, money, education and research has gone into finding a cure. I hope it is true, but even if it is not, significant progress has been made.

I will not discover a cure for the common cold, or anything like it. My progression may look very similar to the progress of millions of others, but God knows there are things I have discovered that are unique to me. Some may not be easily shared, others I have shared in teaching, preaching and by example, others I need to share in these pages, even if they are read only by myself.

Why? Because if taken at their deepest level, the scriptures, both ancient and modern, will bring us unto the salvation of our souls.

No Excuses

An observation from C.S. Lewis that has pricked my conscience and is often brought to my mind is that when we ask for God's forgiveness, we are really asking Him to excuse us. Here is the quote from the section on forgiveness in his book The Weight of Glory:

I find that when I think I am asking God to forgive me I am often in reality (unless I watch myself very carefully) asking Him to do something quite different. I am asking Him not to forgive me but to excuse me. But there is all the difference in the world between forgiving and excusing. Forgiveness says “Yes, you have done this thing, but I accept your apology; I will never hold it against you and everything between us two will be exactly as it was before.” But excusing says “I see that you couldn’t help it or didn’t mean it; you weren’t really to blame.” If one was not really to blame then there is nothing to forgive. In that sense forgiveness and excusing are almost opposites. 

Alma points this out to his rebellious son, Corianton when he says, "...she [the harlot, Isabel] did steal away the hearts of many; but this was no excuse for thee, my son." (Alma 39:4) There are one or two more places when Corianton is told that his excuses are not valid.

I have to be careful in my conversations with others and, especially in my prayers. I have to think, "Do I want to be excused or do I want to be forgiven?" I know the answer. God will allow the true excuses, without my asking. I want forgiveness.

It's About Time

I was asked on two different occasions while serving in Sweden whether I believed the earth was only a few thousand years old. I responded by telling of a young boy who, in praying to God, told Him that he wanted to talk to Him face to face, because he had some questions. To his surprise, God appeared to him. The boy began by asking a question.

"Is it true that a minute to you is like a hundred years to us on earth?"
"That is true."
"Is it true that a crown to you (we would say a penny) is like ten million crowns to us?"
"That is also true."
"Could I have a crown?"
"Sure, in a minute."

We are stuck with marking time by the revolutions of this earth. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow are all in accordance with the rotation of the globe. The tilt and relationship of the earth to the sun determine the seasons. Not that long ago I was 40; today I am well over 70. I don't feel older because of my age - that is arbitrary because of the way we tell time here on this planet. I feel older because my body has gone beyond prime and will continue to do so until my time on this planet is ended.

Alma tells Corianton, "...all is as one day with God, and time only is measured unto men." (Alma 40:8).

That God literally sees the end from the beginning raises all kinds of terrestrial questions. How does that effect the agency or free will of men? That sounds like predestination. To quote poor Scrooge at the end of the visit with the Ghost of Christmases to come, "Men's courses will foreshadow certain ends, to which, if persevered in, they must lead," said Scrooge. "But if the courses be departed from, the ends will change. Say it is thus with what you show me."
"Spirit!" he cried, tight clutching at its robe, "hear me! I am not the man I was. I will not be the man I must have been but for this intercourse. Why show me this, if I am past all hope?"
For the first time the hand appeared to shake.
"Good Spirit," he pursued, as down upon the ground he fell before it: "Your nature intercedes for me, and pities me. Assure me that I yet may change these shadows you have shown me, by an altered life!"

That some understand, at least to a degree, the space/time continuum, which is well beyond my abilities at this point, none have the capacity to comprehend time, or the absence of it from God's perspective. For that, we will have to await a celestial sphere. Until then, we act in faith knowing that God holds our agency in the highest regard, for it is in our choices that we grow in every aspect of our lives, now and in eternity.

Pride and a Haughty Spirit

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.

It is a scripture with which most of us are familiar. Often it is shortened to "Pride goeth before a fall." Either way, it is a volume of wisdom expressed in a short sentence.

In reading Alma 39, again, I found a verse to which I had not paid much attention, before. The chapter concerns Corianton's leaving the ministry, going after a charming harlot, setting a bad example for the people who then cannot believe Alma, and Alma's invitation to him to listen to counsel from and follow the example of his older brothers.

What I had missed was the verse that describes the root of Corianton's fall from a powerful missionary to an adulterer.

It is found in verse 2. "... Now this is what I have against thee; thou didst go on  unto boasting in thy strength and thy wisdom."

C. S. Lewis in his Screwtape Letters has the demon Screwtape instructing his student imp. In one case, the imp explains that he is getting nowhere with his "patient" because of his humility. With humility, comes a heart willing to hear and obey God.

"I see only one thing to do at the moment. Your patient has become humble; have you drawn his attention to the fact? All virtues are less formidable to us once the man is aware that he has them, but this is especially true of humility. Catch him at the moment when he is really poor in spirit and smuggle into his mind the gratifying reflection, “By jove! I’m being humble”, and almost immediately pride—pride at his own humility—will appear. "

Obviously, Corianton had wisdom, strength and abilities to influence others. At first, he was a powerful missionary. At some point, he began to feel that it was all him; that is, he forgot that these were gifts that should be nourished and strengthened by humbly receiving counsel. Having focused on himself and his personal strength and wisdom, his pride led him to believe that his superiority exceeded the wisdom of his father and brothers. In fact, it exceeded what they taught and he, like so many others before and since, thought he was being a spiritual pioneer when, in fact, he was simply heading for destruction.

We get the feeling in reading the chapters dedicated to him that he had hit bottom, was prepared to humble himself and repent. Alma lets him know it will not be easy because Alma had to rehearse all the sinful acts and "harrow up" those difficult feelings. (v. 7) Also, Corianton would have to return to the Zoramites and admit his folly. (v. 13)

It is an easy trap to fall into. There is some emotional reward when we recognize that we have done a good thing, become a person of some repute, accomplished some spiritual feat or that we have gifts not possessed by others. It is a good thing to know, when it leads to gratitude. If it turns to pride, we are in danger. It requires vigilance.

The Innocent Adam and Eve

I gave the lesson in Sunday School yesterday about Adam, Eve, and the Fall. A couple of thoughts were developed from the scriptures I read.

First, there seems to be a struggle with the idea that the partaking of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil was a transgression and not a sin or that it was a necessary evil. We know it was necessary, because they were in a state of latent mortality. Bodies that were incorruptible, but also incapable of producing mortal children. Absent the Fall, they would have remained as such. 2Nephi 2:22-23 states: 

22 And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end.

23 And they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin. (Emphasis added)

It seems to me that we are missing an important concept: they were "...in a state of innocence." Have you known someone who was in a state of innocence? They will believe anyone. Until children have adequate experience, they are completely gullible. For example, we recently received an email letter from our grandson, Jacob. Here is an excerpt: "One time I had a CTR but then I lost it, I made a wrong choice because I didn't have my ring, then the Holy Ghost gave me back my ring, he was keeping it, forever. Then I made a right choice and I got my CTR ring."

It is so laughably cute that it is precious to us, because Jacob is only a young child. It would indicate serious problems if he wrote this at age 18, for instance. 

Adam and Eve were without experience. The whole idea of consequences for sin, or even sin, itself, were unfamiliar territory. Eve partook of the fruit innocently.  When the consequences became obvious, Adam apparently recognized that Eve was not going to be able to remain in the Garden and he partook of the fruit, also. 

I have heard some people state that Adam was trying to shift the blame to Eve with his response to God. I don't think so, because he was innocent and incapable of that kind of sophistry. Moses 4: 17-18  has the exchange. 

17 And I, the Lord God, said unto Adam: Who told thee thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldst not eat, if so thou shouldst surely die?

18 And the man said: The woman thou gavest me, and commandest that she should remain with me, she gave me of the fruit of the tree and I did eat. (Emphasis added)

My thought, as I expressed above, is that Adam was given Eve as his wife and commanded to multiply and replenish the earth. Without her, it would be impossible. He ate because he had been commanded to remain with her and would not have been able to do so if both had not partaken of the fruit. I suspect that after the Fall, innocence would go away rather quickly. As mankind advanced over the millennia, sophistry grew along with the loss of innocence. 

Maybe you have a different take and would like to share it. To me, it explains a lot.

My Time is not Your Time...

Alma 29: 8
8 For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have; therefore we see that the Lord doth counsel in wisdom, according to that which is just and true.

Another scripture I have read so many times and have not noticed. Perhaps it seemed appropriate this time because President Youngberg and I had a long conversation regarding what to do about the problem of immigrants and refugees in this country. Apparently, there are some who have discovered that being Christian is a way of not getting deported back to a Muslim country, so they fain interest in the Church. However, only one has requested a letter of good standing for that purpose. They are refused baptism if, after a close interview, they are determined to be in danger of returning to a country where being Christian is a dangerous status.

The problem that generated the conversation is that there are no Farsi or Arabic speaking missionaries in Europe, so interviews are conducted by Skype with missionaries in Los Angeles, CA rather late at night due to the time difference. I argued that there ought to be some of those missionaries appointed to Europe where they would be accessible to all missions in the same or a close time zone.

I have wondered for some time how the Gospel will go to the people of these Middle Eastern countries where it is a capital crime to change religions. The solution seems to be the refugees that receive the Gospel in adopted countries who then share with their families and friends. Over time, it seems to me, they will create enough political pressure to change things in their homelands. Maybe it is rose-colored glasses, because I have no real inkling how God will accomplish his purposes.

This scripture put me in my place by stating that not only will the Lord grant to all nations, in their own nation and tongue, but it will be done in wisdom, as he seeth fit.

I suppose we all, in some degree, want to see the signs of the end times and second coming of Christ. We know that it will come as a surprise, but we would like it to be obvious and in our own time. Time to let God do what he will as he wishes and in his time.

Short on Faith? Make a List

Alma 9:20+

Background: Alma has been instructed to return to the city of Ammonihah after having been unsuccessful in calling them to repentance. He meets Amulek and asks for shelter and food. Amulek had been prepared by an angel to receive Alma and complies with the angel's instructions. It seems that Amulek was not a religious man, but a man of integrity. Therefore, he enjoyed a good reputation in the community. While he had thoughts of religion, he was busy building his business and had little time for anything else, it seems. The visit from the angel and then from Alma allowed his spirit to be open to receiving the message of repentance and living the standards of the gospel.  Alma stays with him and teaches him for some time. He is a quick study and obviously has learned spiritual concepts deeply. He loves and teaches them as he accompanies the high priest of the Church.

Alma and Amulek step out to teach the people and to call them to repentance. Alma begins in an interesting way. He restates how many times God has blessed this people, provided spiritual gifts, prosperity, provided prophets, revelation, visions, healings, relief from famine, delivered them out of bondage, and preserved them in battle. It is quite a long list of only some of the blessings received by the people of Nephi as well as the others who joined them as recorded in Mosiah. Reading it, my thought was that if they were not touched by this recitation,  they would have predetermined that no matter what this prophet said, they would not hear, but would reject it out of hand. "...your hearts have been grossly hardened against the word of God..." (v. 30)

Many times I have thought about why in moments of weakness I have chosen to hold fast to faith. This time the thought occurred to me that I have had numerous spiritual blessings in my life when I was especially inspired, blessed, healed, provided blessings, received direction, was in the right place at a time when someone needed my insight, and other gifts of the Spirit.

If that is the case, maybe I should do like Alma and write them down. I hesitate to do so here, as it may appear prideful or it may expose sensitive spiritual blessings that should be kept sacred. I am fine with sharing them on a personal basis, so when we meet sometime, you may ask and I will do so.

As I think of something that is a direct blessing of the Spirit or an answer to a prayer or fulfillment of a blessing, I write it down in a notebook that I carry with me. So far, I have written 28 instances. I know there are many I have not yet remembered and more to come. It has been a blessing to me on so many levels. I know many who keep a gratitude journal, and this is similar because these are experiences for which I am profoundly grateful, but different in that I am not recording everything for which I am grateful (though I am glad that so many do), just about those instances where divine intervention of one kind or another has been evident in my personal life.

I recommend it. I don't know how long I will keep it up, but for now it is an amazing blessing of strength and joy.

Joy without Affliction and Sorrow

Alma 7: 5-6
5 And I trust, according to the Spirit of God which is in me, that I shall also have joy over you; nevertheless I do not desire that my joy over you should come by the cause of so much afflictions and sorrow which I have had for the brethren at Zarahemla, for behold, my joy cometh over them after wading through much affliction and sorrow.

6 But behold, I trust that ye are not in a state of so much unbelief as were your brethren; I trust that ye are not lifted up in the pride of your hearts; yea, I trust that ye have not set your hearts upon riches and the vain things of the world; yea, I trust that you do not worship idols, but that ye do worship the true and the living God, and that ye look forward for the remission of your sins, with an everlasting faith, which is to come. (Emphasis added)

The chapters of Alma comprising his leaving the office of Chief Judge and acting only as high priest over the church are filled with insights about the need for authority to administer ordinances and ordinations; the need for repentance, being born again, retaining the Spirit in our lives, and the power of testimony, among other important principles. As I re-read these chapters, I find my focus is not as sharp as it ought to be, because I have already read, highlighted and commented in the margins about those principles and concepts. I have tried to be alert to promptings as I read, now, because I have a good deal of experience that tells me that I will learn more that I missed in previous reading.

Yesterday, I read chapter 7 and was struck by the verses above. Again, experience has taught me that 2Nephi 2:11+ is true. Without opposition in all things, we would not appreciate the good, happy, building, strengthening experiences in life. I have wondered, however, if joy must always follow affliction. I remember distinctly a few years (now they seem like short years) when life was particularly abundant. I also remember being exceptionally grateful at that time. I knew it could not last forever, because life is meant to be a test and we have to struggle if we are to grow. But for that time I felt happy, content and very grateful.

Here, Alma expresses a similar feeling. The people in Gideon were open and receptive to his message. They were willing to listen and to repent. They were prepared to receive counsel, to establish the church with proper offices and the Spirit confirmed to Alma that they believed the words he taught.  and in v. 17 he concludes, "...great is my joy."

Alma had experienced joy in Zarahemla, but only after a good deal of contention, affliction and sorrow. He would experience persecution, affliction and sorrow again in spades as he entered Ammonihah, but for this brief period in Gideon, his joy was full.

We do have to experience affliction in order to appreciate joy; that is obvious. I am grateful for Alma's insights, however, that we do not have to always have affliction precede joy. Previous experience will sometimes suffice. The key, it seems to me, is to be constantly open to joy, whether it is fleeting or lasts for a longer period. We are open to joy, when we are constantly grateful. Being available to others with the love of Christ increases our opportunities for both the harsh and the joyful.

"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Psalm 126: 5-6

Gratitude, New Law, Consecration, Repentance

Reading through the Isaiah sections of 2Nephi, and Nephi's commentary has provided new insights that I should have been recording, but have neglected.

I have written in the margins some of the commentary on the passages I have thought important in the past, but in reading this time other thoughts came to mind.

First, in chapter 20 Isaiah sees that the people are gathering and hoarding wealth for the sake of wealth and then being prideful about it. He asks the rhetorical question: "Shall the ax boast itself...shall the saw magnify itself...? As if the rod should shake itself... or the staff should lift up itself." The Lord then tells Isaiah that there will be famine and fire to remind the people from whom the blessings come.

Sometimes I think we concentrate on our problems to the exclusion of remembering our blessings. We may not be guilty of the pride of accumulation, but may be guilty of the pride of our personal situations. We have healthy bodies, bright minds, pleasant personalities, families with all their quirkiness, assets sufficient for our needs and then some, shelter, food, and the list goes on. Our thoughts, however, seem to turn primarily to the problems, some of which are serious and demand our attention. Should then demand our attention, solely? Gratitude keeps us grounded. When we are grateful, the Holy Ghost is more available, we find solutions faster, and in a joyful context.

In the 25th chapter, Nephi begins his commentary and shares some of his vision regarding the coming of Christ, his teachings, suffering, death and resurrection.  It is here that he writes that it is by the grace of Christ that we are saved after all we can do. (v. 23) I have expounded on that elsewhere. Here he also states that we emphasize (talk, rejoice, preach, prophesy, write of) Christ so our children may know to whom they should look for a remission of their sins. (v. 26)

In Chapter 26, he points out that the law is fulfilled in Christ. Some have assumed that means there is no law; that we go on by our best judgment or by the promptings of the Spirit for our guide. Nephi disabuses us of that notion in a simple sentence: "And after Christ shall have risen from the dead...the words which he shall speak unto you shall be the law." (v. 1) A quick reading of 3Nephi 11 and the chapters that follow show that not only do we still look to the 10 Commandments, but that our obedience should be on a much higher plane.

In the same chapter he makes the following statement: "...the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion; for if they labor for money they shall perish." (v. 31 emphasis added) In context, he is talking about priestcraft, but it is striking that those who have accepted the ordinances of the temple have also become "the Lord's annointed" who have consecrated themselves for the building up of the Kingdom of God and the establishment of Zion.

I don't know of any priesthood officer who is guilty of preaching for gain, as the Levites  sometimes did, but if we consider ourselves a consecrated people (as we should) we look to our responsibilities, and our opportunities as stewards of the Lord's assets. We are laboring with our families, our wards and stakes, our jobs and professions, our lands and homes for the purpose of building up the Kingdom of God and establishing Zion.

It is, in the end, an invitation for us to repent. "None of these iniquities come of the Lord...he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him..."
A good reminder of where we are, who we are and whose we are.

Elements to the Eternal Plan of Deliverance from Death

2Nephi 11: 5

In the previous chapter, Nephi's brother Jacob ends with the admonition to choose eternal life or everlasting death. The chapter then states that we must reconcile ourselves to the will of God. It goes on to point out that even doing so still requires the grace of God to be saved. 2Nephi 10: 23-25 emphasis added.

The elements required for "...the eternal plan of deliverance from death" (i.e. salvation) that was received by covenant of the Lord (i.e. Christ see 3Nephi 15:5) to the fathers are His grace, justice, power, and mercy. All of these come by the mission of Christ.

The order in which Nephi arranges these elements is interesting. If I were writing this, I would have put "power" first and "grace" last. I, obviously, am not a prophet who is intimate with Christ, as Nephi and Jacob were. On reflection, none of the elements are either relevant or possible without the grace of Christ. It should come first.

Grace: His grace is the result of the atonement of Christ. Without the atoning sacrifice, justice could never be satisfied, His power would be limited; certainly not adequate to save, and mercy would not be brought to pass. The incomprehensible act brought to us the possibility of life eternal. Because of it justice, an immutable law requiring eternal consequences for every breach of God's laws, could be satisfied by proxy, that is by Christ's suffering for us, then dying and being resurrected.

Power: His power certainly included the power to lay down his life and to take it up again (John 10:18). It was even more, however, because, as is pointed out in 3Nephi 15: 5, for example, He states that He has the power to "...give eternal life."

Mercy: Mercy can now be extended to the faithful who accept the saving ordinances and abide by the associated covenants. Always? We will fall short, of course, but mercy allows for us to repent and by so doing return to the path that leads to eternal life.

Therefore, Nephi goes back to the first element in verse 6, and states that without Christ (implying His willingly accepting the atonement) all men must perish.

Elder Patrick Kearon in our recent Stockholm Stake Conference stated that Christ gives us opportunities for another chance again and again. Then he said, "We must claim them!"

I have heard the advice to claim blessings and have been somewhat uncomfortable with the idea. It seems to imply that because of some degree of personal righteousness we can demand some blessing from God. King Benjamin points out that no matter how righteous we become, we will still be indebted to God because of the blessings received without even qualifying for them.(Mosiah 2:21-25).

Elder Kearon's perspective rings true. There is no greater blessing than repentance because it allows us to obtain eternal life which is the greatest gift of God. I pray for that increased commitment to overcome the lazy, natural man that holds me back from all the promised blessings.

Magnifying our Probation

I have been thinking lately of what our expectations ought to be - of what God expects of us, more accurately.

It seems to me that if we are blessed with healthy bodies and minds that we are put here not only to survive and be good, but to use those blessings and magnify them. We should be doing so by exercising our spiritual abilities, because that is where we can achieve our highest potential even in our temporal lives.

As we travel in our mission, we have been listening to the Journal of Discourses of Brigham Young as edited by John A. Widstoe. In several of his lectures, he points out that to God, nothing is temporal; all is spiritual to Him. It is a completely logical conclusion, of course. All we do should be balanced among the physical, mental and spiritual in order to achieve our highest potential.

In 2Nephi 9, we read of the dangers and consequences of becoming out of balance. Most of the 54 verses talk about the atonement and how we must qualify ourselves to receive the great blessings of the atonement by repenting. Jacob then makes this observation:
v. 27 But wo unto him that has the law given, yea, that has all the commandments of God, like unto us, and that transgresseth them, and that wasteth the days of his probation, for awful is his state!

Then he elaborates further:
v.28 O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. and they shall perish.
v. 29 But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God.

He then goes on to say similar things about those who focus on their riches and don't listen to the counsels of God. Similarly, he points out the vanity of those who will not open their spiritual eyes and ears.

He concludes this line of thought with these verses:
v. 42 ...and the wise, and the learned, and they that are rich who are puffed up because of their learning and their wisdom, and their riches -- yea, they are they whom he despiseth; and save they shall cast these things away, and consider themselves fools before God, and come down in the depths of humility, he will not open unto them.
v. 43 But the things of the wise and the prudent shall be hid from them forever--yea, that happiness which is prepared for the saints.

Brigham Young states that even the atheist can receive the Holy Ghost as he or she devotes time and energy in efforts to accomplish things that will benefit mankind. What is missing is the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost that will allow that person to achieve the highest of their potential.

It also occurs to me that we cannot be lazy as to the things of this world and simply cloister ourselves  only in what we consider to be spiritual matters. We have an obligation to expand our minds, exercise our bodies, care for our family members, and make a success of our financial situations, but with spiritual purpose. With proper balance, we can achieve more of our potential; more of God's expectations for each of us, individually.

We must not become prideful of whatever it is that we achieve, but we must not sell ourselves short by making excuses for our failure to try. Will we ever be totally in balance? Probably not, we have to make constant course corrections, but we are only expected to stay on the path. Perfection comes only through the grace of Christ, but we magnify our gifts as we exercise them with proper focus.

Promise and Prosperity

As I read again the books of 1st and 2nd Nephi I wondered what it means when the Lord calls a certain place a land of promise and what it means to prosper in that land.

The land to which Moses led the children of Israel was a promised land. It was to be a land of milk and honey, implying a land of plenty. It does not compare, however, to the abundance of the promised land which we know as the Americas for fertile soil, varieties of edible and beautiful flora, abundant deposits of precious and useful minerals, or animals useful for milk, meat, or bearing burdens. The Americas, however, seem to have no more of these natural resources than the African continent. The term "promised land," or "land of promise" has to have a different meaning.

The problem with the term "prosper" is that it is relative. To modern society it would mean something entirely different from a tribal society in the distant past. A closer reading of the context in which these terms are expressed gives me a different meaning for each of them.

Lehi teaches that the land is "consecrated," or in other words, it is blessed and set apart to bring the prophecies and promises f the word of God to pass. Further, it will be a land of peace and liberty so long as the inhabitants are more willing to follow God than to hearken to Satan. The evidence that such is true is in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Societies enjoy peace and abundance until they love the lies of Satan more than the words of eternal life. Then societies fail, are lost in wars or are taken captive by an enemy who knows not the god of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Query whether all lands where the people are righteous are lands of promise. They will be blessed and their people favored by God, but their lands are not consecrated. No prophet will arise to open a dispensation, and no scriptural record will emanate from there. Those are evidences of a promised land, in my limited observation. A promised land is a land set apart for a chosen people. A chosen race is not distinguished by skin color, ethnicity or even by ancestors, rather it is a people which has the honor and the obligation of receiving and then sharing and spreading the word of God that comes through His prophets.

What of prosperity? If we prosper are we then prosperous? If so, what does that look like? What one person considers prosperous, another finds scant, and yet another may find fabulously wealthy. Few I have met would define their personal circumstances as prosperous, but consider other's to be so. That is because we equate wealth, money and other material acquisitions with prosperity. Some equate freedom from want of the basics of life and the ability to live independently from the largess of others as prosperity. Others would see prosperity as the ability to afford to do whatever they want or to do nothing at all. That is why we think of prosperity as a relative term

Is that what God promises those who dwell righteously in a promised land? It doesn't seem that He would use a relative term to make such a promise. Otherwise, we could assume that one who suffers a business failure is unrighteous and that the opposite is righteous.

2Nephi 1: 20 states that if we in a promised land keep His commandments, we will "prosper in the land." If we do not, we shall be "cut off" from His presence. Is  prosperity, then, to be in the presence of God? It seems to me that it is. It is also liberty. Verse 23: "...put on the armor of righteousness" and "shake off the chains" of captivity.

Satan makes no such promise; he cannot. Instead, he turns prosperity on its head. Freedom from the restraints of the commandments, as he and his minions would phrase it, always results in captivity in one form or another. When our goal to achieve prosperity is one of accumulation (of wealth, friends, followers, or whatever) the result is insatiable pride. What matters is not what we have, but only that we have more than others.

True prosperity is, no matter what your personal circumstances may be, to live in God's presence.

Is That a Commandment?

I have been adding to my study journal lately, though not as much as I thought I would be doing. Much of it is notes from meetings and General Conferences, but as I read something that makes me ask a question, study it out and draw conclusions, I have tried to put it into my study journal. I am now transferring them into this blog, again.

You will recall that Nephi inquires about the Tree of Life dream of his father, Lehi, and is given a vision that includes an interpretation of the various components of the dream, but many other revelations, as well. Following this awesome experience, he finds his brothers disputing among themselves. They report that they cannot understand the vision of their father.

Nephi asks if they have inquired of the Lord and they respond that they have not because He would not make such things known to them.

Nephi chastises them saying, "How is it that ye do not deep the commandments of the Lord?"

Query: Is it a commandment to ask God for revelation? I know of no such commandment, per se, but Nephi goes on to explain that if we keep the commandments with diligence, and approach the Lord in humility with faith, these things shall be made known unto us.

It occurs to me that keeping the commandments keeps us worthy, but if we do not remain humble and exercise our faith, we are 1. living below our privileges and 2. living below our Father's expectations of us, and his blessings for us.

If we are not living up to his expectations, our privileges, or our potential, how do we rectify our situation? The only possible answer is to repent and to let the atonement boost us forward.  If repentance is necessary it is because a commandment has been breached. At least that is what we are usually taught. What commandment has been breached? Perhaps it is, "Be ye, therefore, perfect..." a commandment that is impossible without the atonement of Christ.

I think it must mean that Christ, through the atonement will make up the difference, but we still must have the discipline to use time wisely.  For example, when does recreation (admittedly a good, even necessary activity) tilt to become a waste of time or even an addiction (admittedly not getting us to His expectations of us)? Attention to video games when the opportunity to have the Spirit teach us the words of eternal life, or wandering endlessly on the computer when opportunities for service are all about us are other examples.

If anyone still reads this blog, I would like to know what you think of my interpretation and what activities have you observed in yourself or others that keep us from enjoying all our privileges?

Lehi in the Mist - Tree of Life

Lehi was led into a mist of darkness by a "man dressed in a white robe," and then apparently abandoned there. He traveled many hours in darkness. He prayed for mercy "according to the multitude of his tender mercies." It was then that the darkness dissipated and he saw a large field, and then the tree of life.

Why didn't the man in white lead him at least to the iron rod, if not out of the mist of darkness entirely?

What tools did Lehi have to avoid discouragement and to press on to eventually arrive at the tree of life?

The man in the white robe is not identified and there is no interpretation in the vision Nephi saw as recorded in the later chapters. There are a number of comparisons, but I think of him as a missionary, friend or other member who introduces someone to the Gospel. When the person is baptized and confirmed, and receives the lessons again, the missionaries transfer, the member has his/her own life, the new member starts feeling abandoned. With ridicule, persecution or just loss of friends, a mist of darkness settles in. It is then that he/she needs to have adequate tools to come out of the mist and find their way to the Tree. Lehi could have just back tracked and gone back home to what was familiar, but he chose to keep pressing forward prayerfully. It is not just new members who can become discouraged. It happens to us all. It is then that we rely on the tools in our possession and keep pressing through the mist, prayerfully, until the tender mercies of the Lord allow us to see the Tree again.

The tools are our experience, testimony, commitment, scriptures, patriarchal blessing, and daily nourishment by the "good word of God." They must be earned, used frequently and available when needed. To neglect them gets us lost in the mist with no way out, but back. That must not happen.

Dumping our Excuses

We all have numerous excuses for not attending to our duties, attending church, or putting off what we have committed to do in taking upon us our ordinances with their associated covenants.  Discouragement due to unrealized expectations; nervous that we are not accepted because we are too old, too young, too poor, too whatever; perhaps there have been serious mistakes that are known to all and we feel uncomfortable; I may seem to have it all together, but God knows my dirty little secrets; I have a disagreement with another member or a leader in the Church.  I think you get the idea.  There are plenty of excuses to go around. So, why don't we take advantage of these excuses and drop out?  Unfortunately, some do.

We choose not to because we know that is not where the promised blessings will be found.  We sometimes wonder why our prayers are not answered right away or not at all. We discover that God is not our butler.  Sometimes we get tired of the search and take the attitude to God, "Just show me or tell me what you want and I will do it." We discover that God does not need us to be his butler.

In his talk in the April 2012 General Conference, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland spoke about the parable of the landowner and the workmen.  He pointed out that there was an area in the market place where men who needed work could go to find employment as day laborers.  Here the landowner or his agent came several times during the day to get men to perform the harvest. (See also Matthew 20)

Most would expect that the harvest would begin at the break of day, so they would be there early.  The householder chose from among the men who were there and agreed to pay them the appropriate wage for a day's work.  I suspect that there were those who came late, saw that the workers had been chosen and left in discouragement.  Others, who were there on time may have thought, "I have done all I can to make myself available, but the lord of the harvest has chosen someone else.  Isn't that just the story of my life," and in discouragement also left to beg or find some less profitable work.  Others, however, stayed on in the hope that some other grower will need their help or that the householder will return as the day wears on to acquire more laborers.

Some of those were rewarded for their patience and faith as the agent returned again at 9:00, at noon and even at 3:00 in the afternoon.  Incredibly, he returned again at 5:00.  These other shifts were only told that they would receive a fair wage for the time they worked.  When they were all paid at 6:00PM, they all received the same wage as the first laborers. All were incredulous for one reason or another.  The first, because they had born the heat of the day and had labored 12 hours and yet received no more than the last who had worked only one hour.  Those who came later in the day because they only expected a fraction of the wage those before them had earned.

To the early arrivals the lord of the harvest said, "I have paid you a good wage and one to which you agreed. As to the others, am I not free to spend my own money has I see fit?  These others were there when I needed them and I was glad of the assistance.  Otherwise, the harvest may have been lost."

Envy and its close cousin covetousness rob some of the blessings God has in store for us.  I recall that early in our married life another couple with whom we were close could not have children.  The wife was sad and disappointed, but never envious.  We were with them when another of our acquaintance announced that she was pregnant with their second child. Quietly, our friend said to my wife, "I truly am happy for her." 

This young couple continued faithful in the Church and did all they could despite their unfulfilled desire to enlarge their family.  Sometime after the fall of the Iron Curtain, the plight of the Romanian orphans came to light.  This couple had been very successful in business, so they had the means to travel to Romania and adopt a child.  When they arrived, they discovered that the child had a sibling just a year older, so they arranged to adopt them both.  Because of the unrest in the country, they were not able to fly out and had to travel across the continent in the famous Orient Express.  Now I became envious.

We are not diminished because someone else has good fortune.  In the end, we are promised that those who receive the Priesthood (follow the inspired counsel of the brethren) receive Christ and that all who receive Christ receive the Father.  All those who receive the Father receive all that the Father has. (D&C 84:36-38)  If you receive all that the Father has, what is left for me? Put that way, we see how ridiculous the notion of envy is.

We cannot allow discouragement to destroy our lives any more than envy.  In the end they have the same root.  They are used masterfully by the same being.  Neither leads to an increase in faith, patience to endure, serving the needs of others or finding the will of God in our lives.

On the other hand we are promised that when we forsake our sins, call on Christ's name, obey His voice and keep his commandments will see his face and know that he is and that it is his light that gives us our light. It is that light that allows us to grow from grace to more grace (the enabling power) until we achieve the fullness. Like the workers who chose to become agents to the wrong master, our agency can be our condemnation.  We will receive some wages, but they will not be the fullness. (D&C 93:1,2,12,13,19,20,31).  "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord." (Romans 6:23)

That is why we dump our excuses.

When Principles Colide

Many years ago, I heard Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone talk about the problem of what he called “hobby horses.”  He said, in effect, that then people get involved in a particular issue to a point that it dominates their thoughts it becomes their hobby horse.  Too often, they will saddle their particular hobby horse and ride it out of the Church.  I cannot find the reference, unfortunately, but I wanted to give him proper credit. 

     I have seen this pattern over and over again; sometimes in situations very close to me, personally.  It varies in scope, but can include some of the current issues in which the Church is at the center of controversy such as gay marriage, today; the Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970s; the “liquor by the drink” issue in Utah when I attended BYU; and other issues of the type.

     It can also involve issues in the doctrine or practices of the Church that are held to in a fanatical manner.  These might include food storage and self reliance; preparation for the last days; genealogy; the fact that we no longer practice polygamy; the fact that we ever did practice polygamy; historical documents and differences from today’s practices; the priesthood being denied to black people, etc.  A former district leader of mine, met up with a former assistant to the president when they were both at BYU. They started looking at the Semitic writing style called chiasmus and finding it in all the scriptures, not just the Old and New Testaments.  After a lot of time spent on this project, they concluded that chiasmus was the mind of God, that is, God thinks in chiasmus.  They published a paper to that effect which almost no one in the academic community or the Church took seriously.  They could not leave it alone, however, and eventually both either left the Church or were excommunicated.  I saw my old district leader in the supermarket at that time and engaged him in conversation.  I only wanted to catch up with an old friend; he could only talk about how narrow minded the Church leaders were.

     

     The pattern is always the same, with minor differences. The focus turns from what is fundamentally true to what is perceived to be a gap in doctrine or policy.  Next it is assumed that the brethren (whom all the uninformed masses of the Church ignorantly sustain) are either ignorant as well or that they are evilly forcing a conformist agenda for their own self interest. These conclusions now justify finding camaraderie with other like-minded people who may favor the same issue or a different one, in criticizing the leaders of the Church. Eventually, the fault finding justifies violating consciences, breaking covenants, and eventually leaving the fellowship of the Church.  Because these justifications never fully soothe the conscience, they embrace the failings that others have found, seek the companionship of those others who are even more invested in their opinions and grow more and more bitter. It can even (and often does) get to the point where godly, pure-hearted men like Thomas S. Monson, Spencer W. Kimball and Gordon B. Hinckley are accused of being uninformed, or even calculating and evil.

    What is the approach of the truly pure in heart when they are faced with the dilemma in their own lives?  I have heard the advice to just “put it on the shelf” until there is greater clarification from sources we do not yet know.  That is good advice, but it sounds like a cop out to some. There is only one reason that this would be appropriate for anyone.  They must be truly striving to become pure in heart; to love God and serve Him with all their hearts.

     We know that what we nourish, tend and cultivate grows and what we starve and ignore eventually dies. Some things do not die easily, I know.  I recall losing some fruit trees to Texas Root Rot in Arizona.  In every case, the year they died they gave off a bumper crop of fruit; they did not go out with a whimper. The person who dwells on their low self esteem, their emotionally stingy mate; their physical disability, their sexuality, their lack of opportunity or whatever unfairness with which they have been born or later acquired is nourishing the bitter seed that will grow into an unsightly tree. That tree will eventually bear bitter fruit.

     The person who acknowledges his weakness or the unfairness of the circumstances he has been given, but builds on his strengths, will see the weaknesses become less important and his strengths compensate, and then grow. He will come to realize that he has been blessed beyond his dreams.

I may be quadriplegic, but I have a bright mind.  How can I use this gift to serve God, build the Kingdom of God and improve the circumstances of those around me?  I may be in an unhappy marriage, but dwelling on that will lead to adultery, destroy the family and damage the children.  I still have the capacity to love and show affection.  What can I do to more deeply understand my mate, support my children in their positive endeavors, and serve the Lord, his Church and those around me? I may be homosexual, so I may never qualify to serve a mission, marry or have children in the sealing covenant.  If those limitations are what I dwell on, I will grow bitter, eventually violate my covenants, fight against God and lose the promises that, deep inside, I desire above all those issues.  On the other hand, I have the ability so serve wherever I am called, so I will do so with all my heart.  I have talents, intelligence and empathy that can be turned to serve the God I love and trust.  I can be turned to serve God and I can bless the lives of his children and build his kingdom.

     I take compliments with a grain of salt, but I cannot let go of criticism.  If I allow myself to dwell on my lack of self esteem, I will never exceed my current, pathetic achievements.  On the other hand I know I have gifts.  I have a bright mind (others’ are brighter, but I can use what I have got), I have the ability to listen deeply to others, I can receive promptings and, with a little courage, I can act on them.  I have talents (others’ may be greater, but I can apply what I have) so I will use those talents, my ability to see the needs of those around me and bless the lives of others.  Most of all , I know that I have a loving Father and a Savior who has experienced these feelings to a greater depth than I, so I will always have a friend who understands where I am and will support my efforts to improve.

     Nourish strengths and virtues; starve unhealthy appetites, and spiritual weaknesses.

     We know life was never intended to be fair, but that God, our loving Father, is ultimately fair.  Maintain an eternal perspective.  The person who, despite exceptional challenges, remains true to his testimony, keeps his covenants and constantly nourishes his spirituality will receive all that God has. 

     The person who uses his challenges as justification to violate his covenants and nourishes his perceived misfortune will not grow what is starved and will receive less than all God has.  While it may seem that our situation is hopeless if we only get what we deserve, because we are constantly falling short, that is true only if we cave; if we fail to keep trying and to keep improving.  As long as we discipline our bodies, control what we allow to remain in our minds, act on promptings to love and serve others and constantly repent, we will not get what we deserve, we will get what Christ suffered, died and atoned for.  We will get all that the Father has.

     We have a choice or a series of choices that lead us to an end.  Compare Cain with Spencer W. Kimball (or anyone you know of who has had serious challenges).  Cain observed the prosperity of Abel, his brother.  As Abel’s flocks increased and his life seemed blessed, Cain bristled at the fact that he got crops instead of herds.  The obvious unfairness worked on him until he drew away from God, listened more to Satan and eventually took his brother’s life.  In his mind he would now receive his brother’s wealth; or, if not his wealth, at least the satisfaction of knowing that his brother would no longer be able to flaunt his wealth and his piety in Cain’s face. Seeing his brother dead, Cain exultantly exclaimed, “I am free!”

     Such rebellion always turns out badly, and its adverse effects seldom affect only the rebellious individual.  It usually destroys families, keeps children from fully embracing the full benefits of the Gospel and breaks the hearts of loved ones.

     Spencer W. Kimball was a short, somewhat frail boy whose father, while faithful to the Church was usually absent from the home.  He desired to serve his country in World War I, so he enlisted in the Army.  Within a short time he “washed out” because of physical limitations.  Such men in those days were all painted with the same broad brush as “slackers.” He was not handsome, even as a young man.  He had every opportunity to nourish these weaknesses and eventually die as a less than ordinary man.  Instead, he determined to nourish what he had.  He determined to work beyond his being exhausted, a trait the Lord used in building the Kingdom.  He determined at a young age that he would never receive promised blessings if he never nourished his testimony, so he began what would become a lifetime habit of reading and memorizing scriptures.  Putting scriptures on small cards, the boy, Spencer, would review and memorize them while milking the cow.

     While serving as an apostle, he suffered throat cancer and virtually lost his voice.  Because he lacked volume, even with a special microphone, he maximized his ability to tell stories that illustrated his points.  The stories were not only compelling, but written and delivered in the most beautiful prose.  Read the story of the mistletoe, for example.

     Because he nourished his strengths, he never exclaimed, “why me?”  Instead, as he stated in a general conference, that we may have enormous challenges to meet in these times, “…but I am want to say, ‘Lord, give me this mountain.’”  He died as a man who was truly free.  

     What we will become will depend upon what it is that we choose to focus on.  What we choose to nourish is what will grow.  Who we become will be determined by whose we become.

Open Your Mouth

Is there a principle of the Gospel that you wish they (whoever "they" is) would stop talking so much about? This is the one for me. I have, however, been praying for missionary opportunities and the privilege of seeing someone receive baptism before the end of the year, so I guess reading these passages (D&C 29-32) is, at least in part, an answer to my  prayers.

Working with the young single adults in my calling has also been a partial answer as they are anxious to have more missionary experiences and are aggressively pursuing them. We have many in the ward who are ward missionaries; I have been meeting with the elders quorum presidency for training and have seen many others in the ward who raise the issue of missionary work quite often.

In Section 29, Joseph Smith is given a revelation in the presence of some of the elders of the Church. Verses 4-6 tells us that we "...are chosen out of the world to declare my gospel with the sound of rejoicing." We are then informed that Christ will be in our midst to plead our cause (be our advocate - another evidence that he is a lawyer) that we may inherit the kingdom. We accomplish all this by being united in asking in faith. The word "united" indicates that we need not approach this responsibility alone, but seek others to assist and bring their wisdom and inspiration into the mix.

Primary among those for whom we have responsibility to teach the Gospel with rejoicing is our own children. (v. 46) For a time we have them when they cannot be tempted by Satan. (v. 47) During that time we can teach them right from wrong and help them develop a strong sense of their own conscience. I have often wondered about the proposition that they cannot be tempted prior to age 8 because it is obvious that they are perfectly capable of choosing to do wrong. Show me a three-year old and I will show you an accomplished liar. I have come to realize, however, that it is during this time that they are using their logical abilities to test their surroundings, including their parents. It is during this time that they must be lovingly and patiently taught the difference between right and wrong and the consequences of each.

An interesting insight is found in Section 30 where the Lord says not to fear man more than God and the ministry to which God has called us. "[Y]ou have not given heed unto my Spirit, and to those who were set over you, but have been persuaded by those whom I have not commanded." The Lord concludes with the admonition , "You shall ever open your mouth in my cause, not fearing what man can do, for I am with you."
I sometimes fear what man can say or the reactions of others when I speak because I fear that I may offend or cause them to be prejudiced against the Gospel. I fear that my explanation of spiritual matters will be inadequate to bring their faith to a level where they can accept the principles of the Gospel. I know my faith has been developed beyond the elementary aspects of the Gospel, so it is sometimes difficult to give a simple explanation.  Fear is always the reason for failing to act on the Lord's injunction to open my mouth.

Section 31 gives us even more reasons to open our mouths. "Therefore," the Lord says, "thrust in your sickles with all your soul, and your sins are forgiven you." That  is a result I can relate to and live with. Section 32 tells us to teach from the scriptures and not pretended revelation. To my mind this means that we should not put words into God's mouth. If it is in the scriptures, we should feel free to teach it, if it is not, but in our minds it should be, we should keep it to ourselves. The promise is that our audience, whoever that may be, will give heed to the scriptures and the Lord will bless them.

So what do I do, now? I must open my mouth about the wonderful blessings the Gospel has brought to me and not worry about trying to explain everything.  I am to be prepared to answer questions and to gauge interest and, to the extent that I follow this counsel, I am finding that it is much easier.

Inspired Leadership

One of my favorite quotes comes from Thomas Watson, the founder of IBM. I don't remember where I first heard it, but I have had it on my desk at home and at the office at various times throughout my life since college.  It states: "Nothing so conclusively proves a man's ability to lead others as what he does from day to day to lead himself." To me, leadership principles fall into two categories, as this quote and the scriptures almost always point out when discussing the matter.

Probably, the most complete list of leadership principles comes from Section 121, which is the most inspired treatise on leadership I have ever read. I suspect I have read at least 40  - 50 books on the subject of leadership; some of them several times. Nothing compares with D&C 121. These sections also cover some of the principles of leadership.

1. What we do to properly lead others.

In D&C 26 we learn that what is accomplished in the Church is done by common consent. Common consent is only accomplished by much prayer and faith. In other words, leaders should be led themselves by the promptings of the Spirit after proper preparation. When the people know that the leadership is inspired, they will follow in faith.

We also learn, in D&C 27 that there is to be order in priesthood. Joseph and Oliver were given the "first" priesthood at the hands of John the Baptist in the same manner as Aaron received the lesser priesthood. They received the sealing power and the charge to seek out and be a blessing to their "fathers" from Adam to the present time. They witnessed "Joseph and Jacob, and Isaac, and Abraham, your fathers, by whom the promises remain. And also ... Michael, or Adam, the ancient of days: And also ... Peter, and James, and John, whom I have sent unto you, by whom I have ordained you and confirmed you to be apostles, and especial witnesses of my name, and bear the keys of your ministry..." (v. 10-12) What Joseph Smith received on those occasions are also the keys of Christ's kingdom and this final dispensation of the fullness of times when all things shall be gathered together in one, both in heaven and on earth.

We also learn that the sacrament (the common term then and now for the sacrament of the Lord's last supper) is the responsibility of those who hold the priesthood. It is in Section 27 that we learn that water should be used in the place of wine. We are told that the act of partaking of the water and the bread should be done with an eye single to the glory of God "...remembering unto the Father my body which was laid down for you and my blood which was shed for the remission of your sins."

2. What we must do to lead ourselves.

Elder Robert D. Hales, in the most recent General Conference gave us some keys for remembering Him during the sacrament. "I testify that the sacrament gives us an opportunity to come to ourselves and experience 'a mighty change' of heart—to remember who we are and what we most desire. As we renew the covenant to keep the commandments, we obtain the companionship of the Holy Ghost to lead us back into our Heavenly Father’s presence. No wonder we are commanded to 'meet together oft to partake of [the] bread and [water]' and to partake of the sacrament to our souls."

We are commanded to put on the whole armor of God in order to withstand the evil day.  Leaders in the Church and in our homes must protect themselves with truth, righteousness, faith and the preparation of the Gospel of Peace. They must be armed with the Spirit which will be their weapon of choice. As a sword, the Spirit is also a protection. When we enter into battle with less than the whole armor, we leave ourselves vulnerable. By ourselves, we are not that good, or that smart or that strong.

Endure to the End

The more I read about Oliver Cowdery, the more I realize that my challenges are nothing in comparison. Obviously, we receive tests of our faith in accordance with and on the level we need to secure what we need to know for ourselves about ourselves. Of Abraham's commandment to sacrifice Isaac, Truman Madsen stated, "Abraham needed to learn something about Abraham." James Allen in his famous book As a Man Thinketh, states, "Our challenges do not make our character, but rather reveal our character."

As we endure and prove our mettle, our character grows. If we merely get through it and hope that we never have to face another challenge, we set ourselves up for the time when the challenge will just be more than God should ask of us and we cave, blaming God for our circumstances. Deep within we know that it was not God's plan that we should fail, but our own weakness that allowed us to be in the place where we find ourselves. Pride and fear keep us from gaining our place with Him, if we do not repent and apply ourselves to the task of rebuilding our faith.

In Section 23, Oliver is told, "Behold, thou art blessed and art under no condemnation. But beware of pride, lest thou should enter into temptation." The Lord obviously knew the weakness of the man and gave him the key to enduring to the end. In the end, however, it was pride that Oliver allowed to keep him from his greatest potential.

In Section 25, Emma Smith is told, "...[T]he office of thy calling shall be for a comfort unto my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., thy husband, in his afflictions, with consoling words, in the spirit of meekness." Later in that section she is told that she should lay aside the things of this world and seek for a better. Then she is reminded that she should rejoice and cleave unto the covenants into which she has entered. As did Oliver, she suffered untold persecution and tragedy. What she suffered and what her attitude was that kept her from joining with the saints in the trek west, we don't fully know. Much has been written that excuses her and much has been written and spoken that condemns her. What we do know is that she did not keep her covenants and allowed her pride to keep her children from receiving the blessings of being raised in the Gospel. Only now are their descendants beginning to return to the restored Gospel.

What can we learn from these examples? Obviously, we can determine a couple of principles. First, endure to the end includes every trial of our faith. Perhaps, like Oliver and Emma, the trial of our faith seems more than we can endure and we leave the faith. Often, however, it means we lose the fire that we once had to love and serve the Lord and we simply go through the motions. We ignore the promptings of the Spirit to visit the widow and the fatherless in their afflictions and find something else to do. I don't know if the condemnation of one is any worse than the other. We must work through these trials of our faith, no matter what the genesis of the trial might be, whether it comes from inside ourselves in the form of discouragement or pride, inside the Church in the form of perceived unfairness or offense from a leader or co-worker or from its detractors who somehow manage to strike a chord with one of their accusations. It may take some time, but if we remain as faithful as we can, pray without ceasing, and try to hear and obey the voice of the Lord, that trial will, after a time, become a distant memory. Our faith will grow and our blessings will increase.

The other lesson, in my experience, is that the Lord's servants are called to positions of responsibility and some of those have prominence to one degree or another. We must keep in mind that the position has the prominence, not us. Whether our calling puts us in front of a class, a congregation, a stake or the entire Church, we are not prominent, the office is. We do not punish the Church or punish God with our absence, our breach of covenants, or our loafing. The Church and God will thrive without our presence, but without the devout fire within us we do not thrive. They can get by without us, but we cannot succeed to any comparable or significant degree without them. I believe both Oliver and Emma learned this lesson. Oliver returned to the Church in humility. Emma never did, perhaps because of the circumstances in which she placed herself. Her posterity have paid the price, but mercifully, they are starting to return and the ordinance work is being done for those who have passed on since that difficult time. We can learn from them, if we will.