Title:
Ostler, Craig J. “Real Covenants and Real People.” Doctrine and Covenants, A Book of Answers: 123-135.
Summary:
In this article, Brother Craig Ostler illustrates the importance of reading and understanding the lesser-known sections of the Doctrine and Covenants. He also shows the added benefit that can come from understanding the lives of the people to whom these revelations were given. Brother Ostler discusses three missionary calls for Jared Carter, Stephen Burnett, and John Murdock recorded in sections 79, 80, and 99 respectively. He points out that these calls show us that in some circumstances it matters a great deal where and how we serve while at other times it is only important that we serve. Additionally, John Murdock’s call shows us that the Lord will bless us for sacrificing to serve Him.
Brother Ostler continues by giving the examples of sections 96 and 108 in the Doctrine and Covenants. Section 96 was given to John Johnson and instructed him to join the United Firm, which led to the purchase of the land where the Kirtland temple was built. Brother Ostler points out that this section of the Doctrine and Covenants shows that those who consecrate their worldly goods will have the promise of eternal life if they continue to keep the commandments. Section 108 was given to Lyman Sherman and Brother Ostler shows how this section illustrates the power and peace that can come from speaking with our priesthood leaders regarding our standing before God.
Brother Ostler also highlights sections 88 and 117 which both further illustrate the importance of consecrating our service to the Lord and obeying His commandments. Overall, this article showed the importance of understanding the lesser-known sections of the Doctrine and Covenants. By using these examples Brother Ostler was able to show how the Doctrine and Covenants is a book of answers given by the Lord.
Insight:
Brother Ostler points out that the lesser-known sections of the Doctrine and Covenants are rich with examples of real people and the real answers they get from the Lord. He points out that these sections can show us that the Lord works with us each individually and responds to our individual needs. This seems important because it can give new meaning to sections that on the surface may seem inapplicable to us because they are directed at specific people. Brother Ostler shows that in some of these sections it is the principle of the Lord acting in their lives that is important, not the exact answers contained in the revelations. He also talks about how reading and knowing the stories of these saints can strengthen our own desires to live the gospel.
Quote:
“Therefore, an obscure commandment in the Doctrine and Covenants to an individual not commonly known shows the importance of the covenants made by real people of the 1830s. Further, the implication is that members today who keep their covenant of consecrating their worldly wealth and time may someday be given the same promise the Lord gave to John Johnson, "Unto whom I give a promise of eternal life inasmuch as he keepeth my commandments from henceforth" (D&C 96:6).
I chose this quote because it encapsulates one of the main points of the article, which is that sections of the Doctrine and Covenants that seem obscure can actually illustrate profound gospel principles.
Response:
This article provided me with historical information which helped me have a much deeper understanding of the sections Brother Ostler chose to highlight. More importantly, it gave me a new lens to use when reading the Doctrine and Covenants. When I read the scriptures I usually focus verse by verse on what exactly is being said. However, this article showed me the value of looking at a whole story in context and extracting principles that can be applied to my life. This article made me consider the unknown implications of choosing to follow or not follow individual commandments from the Lord.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Monday, January 28, 2013
Source Report--by Kimaree Walker
Title:
Maxell, Neal A. “Swallowed Up in the Will of the Father” October 1995
Christofferson Todd, D. “Come to Zion” October 2008
Summary:
In Neal A. Maxwell’s talk, he discusses the various ways members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints disobey God’s will. He explains how dangerous sins of omission may be. Generally faithful members can avoid major sin, but failing to think beyond themselves is potentially harmful to their souls. What a person may desire, changes their relationship with God either for the better or it may cause more harm. Members must align their desires to what God would have us do. Members do not need to worry that aligning our will to Gods makes them loose individuality. Believing this could keep them from the wonderful principle of consecration. Maxwell reassures those who have doubts when saying they would not be losing their identity but rather finding their true identity.
He goes on to testify that consecration isn’t mindlessly accepting, but an “expansion outward.” Little by little members can overcome sins of omission, align and follow God’s will. When we are one with God’s will, inspiration and revelation is received. By doing so, we are able to trust in God and be directed in our lives. He promises us that we become filled with happiness when we have faithful desires.
In Todd D Christofferson’s talk, he defines Zion as a people and a place. He quotes Doctrine and Covenants 133:9 “…go ye forth unto the land of Zion… and that Zion may go forth unto the regions round about.” He reminds us of a particular moment in church history where early members attempted to establish Zion in Missouri. They were unable to because they weren’t obedient in all things. He points out that we can learn from past experiences, to improve ourselves.
Christofferson gives us three characteristics we must have to establish our own Zion within our homes, branches, wards and stakes. First, become unified in one heart and one mind. He talks of the importance of forgiving everyone, and how placing the lord at the center of our lives is crucial to unity. Second, become a holy people. We aren’t striving to become less wicked than others, but rather becoming completely holy. Third, care for the poor and needy. Through these principles we are able to build a Zion in our own lives.
Insight:
Christofferson’s challenge to look at church history and try to learn from the member’s mistakes is important so we can evaluate our own personal lives. Becoming completely one with God may seem frightening for various reasons, but this is a slow process done step by step. Possibly in our Doctrine and Covenants class, we can take a few steps forward in that process as we read of the history of this wonderful church and evaluate our own lives.
Quotes:
Elder Maxwell said in his talk: “Actually, everything depends—initially and finally—on our desires. These shape our thought patterns. Our desires thus precede our deeds and lie at the very cores of our souls, tilting us toward or away from God. God can ‘educate our desires.’ Others seek to manipulate our desires. But it is we who form the desires, the ‘thoughts and intents of [our] hearts’.”
Elder Christofferson said, “Zion is Zion because of the character, attributes, and faithfulness of her citizens. Remember, ‘the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them’ (Moses 7:18). If we would establish Zion in our homes, branches, wards, and stakes, we must rise to this standard... We cannot wait until Zion comes for these things to happen—Zion will come only as they happen.”
Response:
Elder Christofferson talked about creating Zion in our homes and lives through three key characteristics. If we are lacking any of those three important characteristics, we will not be able to create a Zion in our homes, and would be sinning by omission. Maxwell’s talk was a good reminder to look at my life and evaluate if I am lacking in any principle, because sin of omission could be as harmful as sin of commission. Our main purpose in this life is to return with God. Therefore it is crucial to create a place of Zion while on this Earth, and be actively striving to be one with God’s will. Consecration is a delicate principle. It can be hard for members to fully comprehend, but once we have righteous desires, God will bless and direct us in our lives.
Maxell, Neal A. “Swallowed Up in the Will of the Father” October 1995
Christofferson Todd, D. “Come to Zion” October 2008
Summary:
In Neal A. Maxwell’s talk, he discusses the various ways members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints disobey God’s will. He explains how dangerous sins of omission may be. Generally faithful members can avoid major sin, but failing to think beyond themselves is potentially harmful to their souls. What a person may desire, changes their relationship with God either for the better or it may cause more harm. Members must align their desires to what God would have us do. Members do not need to worry that aligning our will to Gods makes them loose individuality. Believing this could keep them from the wonderful principle of consecration. Maxwell reassures those who have doubts when saying they would not be losing their identity but rather finding their true identity.
He goes on to testify that consecration isn’t mindlessly accepting, but an “expansion outward.” Little by little members can overcome sins of omission, align and follow God’s will. When we are one with God’s will, inspiration and revelation is received. By doing so, we are able to trust in God and be directed in our lives. He promises us that we become filled with happiness when we have faithful desires.
In Todd D Christofferson’s talk, he defines Zion as a people and a place. He quotes Doctrine and Covenants 133:9 “…go ye forth unto the land of Zion… and that Zion may go forth unto the regions round about.” He reminds us of a particular moment in church history where early members attempted to establish Zion in Missouri. They were unable to because they weren’t obedient in all things. He points out that we can learn from past experiences, to improve ourselves.
Christofferson gives us three characteristics we must have to establish our own Zion within our homes, branches, wards and stakes. First, become unified in one heart and one mind. He talks of the importance of forgiving everyone, and how placing the lord at the center of our lives is crucial to unity. Second, become a holy people. We aren’t striving to become less wicked than others, but rather becoming completely holy. Third, care for the poor and needy. Through these principles we are able to build a Zion in our own lives.
Insight:
Christofferson’s challenge to look at church history and try to learn from the member’s mistakes is important so we can evaluate our own personal lives. Becoming completely one with God may seem frightening for various reasons, but this is a slow process done step by step. Possibly in our Doctrine and Covenants class, we can take a few steps forward in that process as we read of the history of this wonderful church and evaluate our own lives.
Quotes:
Elder Maxwell said in his talk: “Actually, everything depends—initially and finally—on our desires. These shape our thought patterns. Our desires thus precede our deeds and lie at the very cores of our souls, tilting us toward or away from God. God can ‘educate our desires.’ Others seek to manipulate our desires. But it is we who form the desires, the ‘thoughts and intents of [our] hearts’.”
Elder Christofferson said, “Zion is Zion because of the character, attributes, and faithfulness of her citizens. Remember, ‘the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them’ (Moses 7:18). If we would establish Zion in our homes, branches, wards, and stakes, we must rise to this standard... We cannot wait until Zion comes for these things to happen—Zion will come only as they happen.”
Response:
Elder Christofferson talked about creating Zion in our homes and lives through three key characteristics. If we are lacking any of those three important characteristics, we will not be able to create a Zion in our homes, and would be sinning by omission. Maxwell’s talk was a good reminder to look at my life and evaluate if I am lacking in any principle, because sin of omission could be as harmful as sin of commission. Our main purpose in this life is to return with God. Therefore it is crucial to create a place of Zion while on this Earth, and be actively striving to be one with God’s will. Consecration is a delicate principle. It can be hard for members to fully comprehend, but once we have righteous desires, God will bless and direct us in our lives.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Source Report--by Devon Stern
Title:
Harper, Steven C. “‘All Things Are the Lord’s’: The Law of Consecration in the Doctrine and Covenants.” The Doctrine and Covenants Revelations in Context: The 37th Annual Sidney B. Sperry Symposium: 212-27.
Summary:
This article was about the law of consecration, not just in the 1830s, but today. Harper explained that the law of consecration is still in effect. The Lord does not compel any of us to live it, but it is an eternal law, the law of the celestial kingdom, that was revealed in this dispensation and will never be revoked.
It’s not about money, but rather about our hearts. We could give all the money we can, but if we don’t give our heart then we are holding back the most important part. If we give all our heart, we will receive all the Father has, the “riches of eternity” (D&C 38:39).
The law of consecration is based on agency, stewardship, and accountability. We freely give all that we have, and the Lord gives it back to us. In the early days of the latter-day church, members would write deeds giving their possessions to the church and then Bishop Partridge would write a deed giving it back to them. It may seem pointless, but there was an important acknowledgement made in this act: that we are not owners of our possessions, but stewards. We give the Lord all that is already His and He gives us stewardship over it. As stewards we are then accountable to Him for how we use His gifts. This goes not only for material means, but for our time, talents, and anything with which the Lord blesses us.
Today we can still live the law of consecration as we choose to freely give of our surplus to the Lord and then act as wise stewards with all that He has blessed us, recognizing our accountability before Him for what we do with it.
Insight:
As we study the sections of the Doctrine and Covenants that teach us of the law of consecration, we should keep in mind that this is not something that existed in the early days of the church, was done away with for a time, and will be brought back some day when Zion comes. It is an eternal law, a law of the celestial kingdom, and if we desire to live there then we had better start learning to live it. We also need to remember that it is not just about money. The Lord doesn’t need our money–it’s already His. What He needs is our hearts, because our agency is the one thing that is truly ours to give.
Quote:
“The express purpose of the law of consecration is the building up of Zion. . . . We do not wait until Zion is here to observe it; it is rather the means of bringing us nearer to Zion.” (Quoting Hugh Nibley, Approaching Zion, 390)
I chose this quote because the main point of the article is that we should be living the law of consecration today. Many people are waiting for Zion to come before committing themselves fully to the law of consecration and the building of the kingdom, when the very purpose of the law is that of the building of the kingdom. Zion will not bring us the return of the law of consecration; the law of consecration will bring Zion into our hearts.
Response:
This article got me thinking about what I’m doing with my stewardship. The Lord has blessed me with many good things, including material possessions, talents, friends, family, time, and a testimony. Am I being a “faithful and wise steward” (D&C 78:22)? What good am I doing with them? How am I using my agency to “do many [good] things of [my] own free will, and to bring to pass much righteousness” (D&C 58:27)? What more could I give?
C. S. Lewis said, “the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare....If our charities do not at all pinch or hamper us, I should say they are too small. There ought to be things we should like to do and cannot do because our charities expenditure excludes them” (Mere Christianity, San Francisco: HarperCollins, 2001, 86). Perhaps giving of our surplus means giving enough that we don’t get everything we would get otherwise. Surrendering our wills to our Father in this way changes us and prepares us to receive the kingdom of God on earth and in heaven, and to receive all He has.
Harper, Steven C. “‘All Things Are the Lord’s’: The Law of Consecration in the Doctrine and Covenants.” The Doctrine and Covenants Revelations in Context: The 37th Annual Sidney B. Sperry Symposium: 212-27.
Summary:
This article was about the law of consecration, not just in the 1830s, but today. Harper explained that the law of consecration is still in effect. The Lord does not compel any of us to live it, but it is an eternal law, the law of the celestial kingdom, that was revealed in this dispensation and will never be revoked.
It’s not about money, but rather about our hearts. We could give all the money we can, but if we don’t give our heart then we are holding back the most important part. If we give all our heart, we will receive all the Father has, the “riches of eternity” (D&C 38:39).
The law of consecration is based on agency, stewardship, and accountability. We freely give all that we have, and the Lord gives it back to us. In the early days of the latter-day church, members would write deeds giving their possessions to the church and then Bishop Partridge would write a deed giving it back to them. It may seem pointless, but there was an important acknowledgement made in this act: that we are not owners of our possessions, but stewards. We give the Lord all that is already His and He gives us stewardship over it. As stewards we are then accountable to Him for how we use His gifts. This goes not only for material means, but for our time, talents, and anything with which the Lord blesses us.
Today we can still live the law of consecration as we choose to freely give of our surplus to the Lord and then act as wise stewards with all that He has blessed us, recognizing our accountability before Him for what we do with it.
Insight:
As we study the sections of the Doctrine and Covenants that teach us of the law of consecration, we should keep in mind that this is not something that existed in the early days of the church, was done away with for a time, and will be brought back some day when Zion comes. It is an eternal law, a law of the celestial kingdom, and if we desire to live there then we had better start learning to live it. We also need to remember that it is not just about money. The Lord doesn’t need our money–it’s already His. What He needs is our hearts, because our agency is the one thing that is truly ours to give.
Quote:
“The express purpose of the law of consecration is the building up of Zion. . . . We do not wait until Zion is here to observe it; it is rather the means of bringing us nearer to Zion.” (Quoting Hugh Nibley, Approaching Zion, 390)
I chose this quote because the main point of the article is that we should be living the law of consecration today. Many people are waiting for Zion to come before committing themselves fully to the law of consecration and the building of the kingdom, when the very purpose of the law is that of the building of the kingdom. Zion will not bring us the return of the law of consecration; the law of consecration will bring Zion into our hearts.
Response:
This article got me thinking about what I’m doing with my stewardship. The Lord has blessed me with many good things, including material possessions, talents, friends, family, time, and a testimony. Am I being a “faithful and wise steward” (D&C 78:22)? What good am I doing with them? How am I using my agency to “do many [good] things of [my] own free will, and to bring to pass much righteousness” (D&C 58:27)? What more could I give?
C. S. Lewis said, “the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare....If our charities do not at all pinch or hamper us, I should say they are too small. There ought to be things we should like to do and cannot do because our charities expenditure excludes them” (Mere Christianity, San Francisco: HarperCollins, 2001, 86). Perhaps giving of our surplus means giving enough that we don’t get everything we would get otherwise. Surrendering our wills to our Father in this way changes us and prepares us to receive the kingdom of God on earth and in heaven, and to receive all He has.
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