Jacob 5
This is probably THE hardest chapter in the entire Book of Mormon for me. Every time I re-read, I try something new to understand it and keep things making sense. I have several different scripture journals with different attempts. I cannot claim that I yet understand it fully, but I do know the basics. This chapter is essentially the history of the world in 77 verses from a gospel point of view.
Looking at my notes, I think I gave up keeping track after verse 27.
And like Lehi's vision, this is all very metaphorical. Everything means something.
The Master of the Vineyard: Jesus Christ
Servant: -- not sure. Maybe the Master is Heavenly Father and the Servant is Christ?
Tame Olive Tree: House of Israel
Vineyard: The World
Decay: Wicked/Corrupt
Digging & Pruning: battles, invasions, fights, famine, etc. These are the trials.
Nourishing: Prophets, scriptures, good examples
Young and tender branches: New Life, the youth of the church being taught correct principles that then strengthen the rest of the "tree" and bring forth good fruit.
Wild Olive Tree #1:
vs 3&4: The tame olive tree waxes old and begins to decay. So the master decides to prune, dig, and nourish it to shoot forth young and tender branches.
vs 6-11: the main top of the tame tree begins to perish, which grieves the master. So, to save the tree the master and servant do the following:
* Cut off dying branches from the tree and burn them -- this would be all the people who didn't listen to the prophets and died in the siege of Jerusalem when the Babylonians came and killed everyone and carried off the rest for slaves.
* Grafted in healthy branches from a wild olive tree - Part of the scattering of Israel. The "gentiles" are now intermixed with the base of the tree, which keeps the tree and roots alive, but does not necessarily produce good fruit.
* Grafted the new young branches into various trees throughout the garden -- representing the scattering of Israel.
vs 12: The servant is sent to watch the tree and nourish it. -- continuing words of prophets and direction to the main house of Israel. Which at this point is mostly the house of Judah and the remaining house of Ephraim.
vs 13: the young branches will be placed all over the vineyard to preserve the fruit and tree. -- What this says to me is that when the ten tribes left, they scattered everywhere. Like Lehi, they were guided and directed where to go, but I'm thinking that not all ten ended up in the same place. I think they ended up everywhere, intermixed and interspersed throughout all of the world.
vs 17-18: The Tame tree with the wild branches grafted in is producing good fruit because the roots of the tree are healthy. So the Lord of the Vineyard gathered the fruit to lay up for the season.
vs 19-27 - the Walk through the Vineyard. The Lord and Servant walk through the vineyard to inspect the various branches that had been grafted onto other trees to see how they were faring. What they find is interesting:
vs 20-22: the first tree: - much good fruit even though it was planted in the poorest spot of the vineyard. It was nourished well, and therefore flourished even though the soil was not so great.
vs23: the 2nd tree: -Planted in even poorer soil that the 1st tree, but it still also produces great fruit after a long time of being nourished.
vs 24: the 3rd tree: not much information is given except that it has also brought forth fruit.
vs 25-8: The 4th tree: planted in the best section of ground, nourished a long time, but only part of the tree has brought forth good fruit. (I think this is Nephites/Lamanites) The other half of the tree is still producing wild fruit. The servant is told to pluck off the branches that have not produced good fruit and throw them into the fire, but the servant says "No, let's prune it, dig it, and nourish it a little longer, and maybe it will do better." So the Lord agrees, and they work and dig and nourish the trees for a long time.
vs 30-37: Visiting the tame tree. When the Lord of Vineyard comes back to see how his favorite tame tree is growing, he tastes the fruit from all the branches on the tree, and now none of the fruit is good. He asks his servant what more they could have done, and the servant says "Not much, but hey, don't worry, you have all those other branches that you replanted. There is probably good fruit elsewhere in the vineyard."
vs 35: "The tree profiteth me nothing, and the roots thereof profit me nothing so long as it shall bring forth evil fruit." -- just in case you were wondering, the fruit represents your actions. My actions. What we do and the choices we make. That is the fruit of our labor.
However, the Lord of the vineyard loves this tame old tree, knows that the root stalk is still good, have brought forth good fruit in the past, it can bring forth good fruit again. However, the wild branches that were grafted in have taken overcome the roots to the point that if the Lord doesn't intervene, it will die.
To fix/heal the Tame Olive Tree:
vs 38-47 First, they have to check out the other branches and see if they are still bearing good fruit as well. But no, it appears that all of the natural branches are now yeilding wild and bitter fruit. In fact, vs 40, the wild fruit of the fourth tree completely overcame the part of the tree that was yeilding good fruit, so much so to the point that the originally good branches had withered and died. (Lamanites ultimately killing off the Nephits) This causes the Lord to weep and again ask the servant what more they could have done.
vs 44 is interesting: The Lord of vineyard had cut down a different tree in order to plant that the tree that killed off half of it's own branches. Give his love for his trees, that tree really must have been in a sad condition for that to happen. (Would that be the remnant of the Jaredites, who had also occupied the Promised Land??)
vs 47: who is it that has corrupted my vineyard??
vs 48 - the answer: Pride. "have not the branches overcome the roots? They grew faster than the strength of the roots."
49 - 51 - the Lord is ready to cut down all of the trees out of frustration. But the servant convinces him to wait a little longer.
Grafting the original branches back in
vs 52-62 - The Lord of the Vineyard's plan at this point is to take the wild branches and put them back into their original trees and bring back the original tame branches and put them back on the tame tree.
Now, I might be misunderstanding. It's possible that what they're doing in verses 55 and 56 is grafting everything into the main tree... I'm not sure. But I THINK they're putting everyone into their own families. now this bit here, I know represents the gathering of the ten tribes of Israel. It hasn't happened yet, but it will.
So all the branches are put back, and now the servant is told to get a bunch of servants to nourish, dig, and prune so that all the trees will bring forth good fruit.
63: graft in the branches; begin at the last that they may be first, and that the first may be last. (interesting symbology there, considering all the other scriptural references to that very subject.
65: Clear away branches which bring forth bitter fruit, but not all at once, do it according to the size and strength of the good fruit. Now I don't know enough about botany or how Olive / Fruit tree grafts work to understand this. But from a gospel perspective, I can see that if you removed all of the wicked all at once, the Good wouldn't know what to do with themselves at first... And the Lord is worried that they would die, meaning that we might lose our testimonies if we didn't have to test them against anything all of a sudden.
In the allegory, it will kill off the good branches, and the Lord doesn't want to lose his tree before the season is over.
vs 67-69: The branches of the natural tree will be grafted back into their original tree, (all righteous will be reunited together/gathered/united) And the bad shall be cast away out of all the vineyard -- only this once will the vineyard be pruned.
I think this is referring to the last days (according to the footnote references) before the 2nd coming. When the righteous are gathered together to fight against the wicked.
vs 70-74: the Lord of vineyard sends servants (there were only a few) to labor in the garden to prune, dig, and nourish and store the good fruit. And it worked, and natural fruit began to grow again in the vineyard, and as the natural branches thrived, the bad began to be plucked out and thrown away, keeping the root and the top of the tree equal. And after all diligence of labor, the trees had become again the natural fruit: becoming like one body, and the fruits were equal. -- this would be the milennium, I believe? Or, well, according to the footnotes, it's at least preparing the people for the milennium.
vs 77: When the time cometh that evil fruit shall again come into the vineyard, then will the good and bad fruits be gathered, the good preserved, the bad cast away into its own place, and then the vineyard will be burned with fire. -- End of the World, basically. Judgement day.
What did I learn from this? That it's the fruit of my labors that matter most to God. Not my intentions, not my hopes or dreams, but what I actually DO. So when I receive a calling to go and work in the vineyard (i.e. visiting teaching, helping the missionaries, serving in the Young Women, writing a Road Show play...) I should go and work in the vineyard. Who knows what my small attempts at digging and pruning will do?
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
The Importance of Journals - BoM pb 123-125
Jacob 4
As I was skimming over this chapter looking for a "theme" it was the concern that Jacob had for his far far distant posterity that stuck out to me the most. Not only that, but how he is always referring back to the scriptures, to how his people study the scriptures, they follow the law of Moses --which is practically impossible to do if you don't have the books of Exodus and Leviticus with you -- and they search the words of the prophets.
I have in my possession a journal of one of my great-grandfathers. I also have life stories of several other grand and great-grandparents. As crazy as it might sound, I find these records so very helpful and comforting at times. I had a grandmother who had to live with her in-laws for a time, and it was so nice to know that I was not the only person on the planet who struggled with that.
So, as I practice likening the scriptures, this chapter says to me "Hey, keep your records up to date! Some day your grandkids and great-grandkids are going to need your story!!"
Jacob starts out by saying that he can only write a few of his words because of the difficulty of engraving on the plates. How interesting is that. If Nephi ever found it difficult, he never mentions it. And he kept two sets of records. Jacob is also keeping two sets of records. In fact, I think most of the Book of Mormon prophets/leaders keep two sets if they're doing it right. Of course, as we'll see in upcoming chapters, not all leaders bothered to write anything in this set of records.
But I find it interesting that Jacob notes that engraving on plates, no matter how malleable gold is, is no easy feat. He's keeping it real.
He also notes that he's very aware that anything they record on other materials - paper, cloth, whatever, will perish and vanish away. So they write on the plates so the words will be kept for their children, to share knowledge.
vs 3: Now in this thing we do rejoice; and we labor diligently to engraven these words upon plates, hoping that our beloved brethren and our children will receive them with thankful hearts..."
I hope that I remember to be thankful for the Book of Mormon. Not just for the men who took the time to engrave the plates, but also for the men (and woman) who took the time to translate and transcribe it. Oliver Cowdery wrote the entire Book of Mormon out by hand. Twice. Emma Smith wrote some of it as she was acting as scribe. But the whole thing by hand, twice. A - he must have had incredible penmanship. B - that's dedication. Am I thankful??
Why are we to write:
vs 4: That they may know that we knew of Christ, That we had a hope of his glory, That we worship the Father in his name.
vs 5: That they keep the law of Moses to keep their souls pointed toward God. That they knew that the sacrifice that Abraham was asked to make of Isaac was a similitude of God and his Only Begotten Son.
Why do Jacob and the Nephites love their records?
vs 6: To search the prophets, to have revelation, to receive the spirit of prophecy, to obtain a hope, to keep their faith unshaken, to be able to command in the name of Jesus.
Those are pretty powerful reasons to not only keep our own records and journals - including our spiritual experiences, thoughts - but to also search the records we have access to. Family journals, yes, but most importantly scripture.
vs 8: - A warning? A Plea? -- "great and marvelous are the works of the Lord. How unsearchable are the depths of the mysteries of him; and it is impossible that man should find out all his ways. And no man knoweth of his ways save it be revealed unto him; wherefore, brethren, despise not the revelations of God."
This for those of us who think we know everything. Or those who have read the scriptures over and over and think we're done, and there is nothing more to learn. Or those who refuse to read the scripture because "it's just a folktale handed down from generation to generation until someone wrote it down." Given the limited capacity of our brains, there is ALWAYS something more to learn.
vs 9: For behold, by the power of his word (Word is another name for Jesus) man came upon the face of the earth... Wherefore, if God being able to speak and the world was, and to speak and man was created, O then, why not able to command the earth, or the workmanship of his hands upon the face of it according to his will and pleasure.
Basically: If you believe in God, believe that he is powerful enough to do anything. Anything. More powerful than people. More powerful than evil men or good men. More powerful than laws. He can do anything. He will not intervene in something that removes agency from men. Which means yes, bad things happen. But if we have faith enough, miracles will happen, because God IS capable of creating and doing anything.
vs 10: Seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. --this is hard for me. I know what I want, and I probably spend more time counseling the lord about why i'm not getting what I want when I want it. Instead, I need to stop, listen, and let things happen in his time. He does know far better than I do what I need.-- For behold, he counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy over all his works.
vs 11: Be reconciled to him through the atonement of Christ. -- Use the atonement so you (me) can talk to God and be worthy to feel the spirit, know what needs to be done, and also be comforted. When we're reconciled to God, we surrender our lives into his control. It doesn't take away our agency at all, it just means we wish to be and do what God would wish us to be and do. Which is happy.
Attributes of the Holy Ghost:
vs 13: The Spirit speaketh truth, and lieth not.
It speaketh of things as they really are and really will be.
Manifests plainly for the salvation of our souls.
A Warning:
vs 14: The Jews despised words of plainness, killed prophets, and sought for things they could not understand. -- Jacob is speaking of a recent history, people he knew. A whole country of people he had descended from and heard about from his brothers and his parents. This is history he is describing. Not people today. Please keep that in mind before judging people. Jacob is telling us WHY the plainness was taken from scripture and turned into harder to understand concepts. Like the writings of Isaiah. Because the people as a whole looked beyond the mark. They stopped feeling the spirit while studying, and went after details and crazy things, and boxed themselves into pigeonholes and rules and stuff. It gets worse in history after this. By the time Christ comes, they only allow themselves to take x amount of steps on the sabbath as well as other rules that limit function, agency, and livability. And because God knows this, he is giving them what they want, while still giving them a way to understand the words of the prophets if they really want to.
vs 18: Jacob is going to try to explain how the Jews can still be saved after stumbling over the rock, who shall be their redeemer. And that will lead us into Jacob chapter 5... I will do some thinking on how to blog about that chapter...
As I was skimming over this chapter looking for a "theme" it was the concern that Jacob had for his far far distant posterity that stuck out to me the most. Not only that, but how he is always referring back to the scriptures, to how his people study the scriptures, they follow the law of Moses --which is practically impossible to do if you don't have the books of Exodus and Leviticus with you -- and they search the words of the prophets.
I have in my possession a journal of one of my great-grandfathers. I also have life stories of several other grand and great-grandparents. As crazy as it might sound, I find these records so very helpful and comforting at times. I had a grandmother who had to live with her in-laws for a time, and it was so nice to know that I was not the only person on the planet who struggled with that.
So, as I practice likening the scriptures, this chapter says to me "Hey, keep your records up to date! Some day your grandkids and great-grandkids are going to need your story!!"
Jacob starts out by saying that he can only write a few of his words because of the difficulty of engraving on the plates. How interesting is that. If Nephi ever found it difficult, he never mentions it. And he kept two sets of records. Jacob is also keeping two sets of records. In fact, I think most of the Book of Mormon prophets/leaders keep two sets if they're doing it right. Of course, as we'll see in upcoming chapters, not all leaders bothered to write anything in this set of records.
But I find it interesting that Jacob notes that engraving on plates, no matter how malleable gold is, is no easy feat. He's keeping it real.
He also notes that he's very aware that anything they record on other materials - paper, cloth, whatever, will perish and vanish away. So they write on the plates so the words will be kept for their children, to share knowledge.
vs 3: Now in this thing we do rejoice; and we labor diligently to engraven these words upon plates, hoping that our beloved brethren and our children will receive them with thankful hearts..."
I hope that I remember to be thankful for the Book of Mormon. Not just for the men who took the time to engrave the plates, but also for the men (and woman) who took the time to translate and transcribe it. Oliver Cowdery wrote the entire Book of Mormon out by hand. Twice. Emma Smith wrote some of it as she was acting as scribe. But the whole thing by hand, twice. A - he must have had incredible penmanship. B - that's dedication. Am I thankful??
Why are we to write:
vs 4: That they may know that we knew of Christ, That we had a hope of his glory, That we worship the Father in his name.
vs 5: That they keep the law of Moses to keep their souls pointed toward God. That they knew that the sacrifice that Abraham was asked to make of Isaac was a similitude of God and his Only Begotten Son.
Why do Jacob and the Nephites love their records?
vs 6: To search the prophets, to have revelation, to receive the spirit of prophecy, to obtain a hope, to keep their faith unshaken, to be able to command in the name of Jesus.
Those are pretty powerful reasons to not only keep our own records and journals - including our spiritual experiences, thoughts - but to also search the records we have access to. Family journals, yes, but most importantly scripture.
vs 8: - A warning? A Plea? -- "great and marvelous are the works of the Lord. How unsearchable are the depths of the mysteries of him; and it is impossible that man should find out all his ways. And no man knoweth of his ways save it be revealed unto him; wherefore, brethren, despise not the revelations of God."
This for those of us who think we know everything. Or those who have read the scriptures over and over and think we're done, and there is nothing more to learn. Or those who refuse to read the scripture because "it's just a folktale handed down from generation to generation until someone wrote it down." Given the limited capacity of our brains, there is ALWAYS something more to learn.
vs 9: For behold, by the power of his word (Word is another name for Jesus) man came upon the face of the earth... Wherefore, if God being able to speak and the world was, and to speak and man was created, O then, why not able to command the earth, or the workmanship of his hands upon the face of it according to his will and pleasure.
Basically: If you believe in God, believe that he is powerful enough to do anything. Anything. More powerful than people. More powerful than evil men or good men. More powerful than laws. He can do anything. He will not intervene in something that removes agency from men. Which means yes, bad things happen. But if we have faith enough, miracles will happen, because God IS capable of creating and doing anything.
vs 10: Seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. --this is hard for me. I know what I want, and I probably spend more time counseling the lord about why i'm not getting what I want when I want it. Instead, I need to stop, listen, and let things happen in his time. He does know far better than I do what I need.-- For behold, he counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy over all his works.
vs 11: Be reconciled to him through the atonement of Christ. -- Use the atonement so you (me) can talk to God and be worthy to feel the spirit, know what needs to be done, and also be comforted. When we're reconciled to God, we surrender our lives into his control. It doesn't take away our agency at all, it just means we wish to be and do what God would wish us to be and do. Which is happy.
Attributes of the Holy Ghost:
vs 13: The Spirit speaketh truth, and lieth not.
It speaketh of things as they really are and really will be.
Manifests plainly for the salvation of our souls.
A Warning:
vs 14: The Jews despised words of plainness, killed prophets, and sought for things they could not understand. -- Jacob is speaking of a recent history, people he knew. A whole country of people he had descended from and heard about from his brothers and his parents. This is history he is describing. Not people today. Please keep that in mind before judging people. Jacob is telling us WHY the plainness was taken from scripture and turned into harder to understand concepts. Like the writings of Isaiah. Because the people as a whole looked beyond the mark. They stopped feeling the spirit while studying, and went after details and crazy things, and boxed themselves into pigeonholes and rules and stuff. It gets worse in history after this. By the time Christ comes, they only allow themselves to take x amount of steps on the sabbath as well as other rules that limit function, agency, and livability. And because God knows this, he is giving them what they want, while still giving them a way to understand the words of the prophets if they really want to.
vs 18: Jacob is going to try to explain how the Jews can still be saved after stumbling over the rock, who shall be their redeemer. And that will lead us into Jacob chapter 5... I will do some thinking on how to blog about that chapter...
Monday, March 5, 2012
A Letter to the Pure In Heart - BoM pg 122-123
Jacob 3
In Chapter 2, Jacob spent most of the time warning the dads about transgressions and sin and setting their sights on worldly treasures instead of putting God first. In Chapter 3, he takes some time to talk to the pure in heart, to lift them and console them. There are still warnings here, but it's nice to know that not all discourses are fire and brimstone.
vs 1: Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions -- I love this verse. Especially when I am having a bad day. It reminds me that especially on days when I'm feeling down, I need to pray and find the good in things.
vs 2: Lift up your heart, lift up your heads, and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever. -- feast upon his love. That's such an odd image in my head, but here's such hope there, too. God's love is perfect. And he loves me in spite of me. And that is why we have the atonement, which I am so very grateful for.
vs 3: Wo unto the filthy, because the land is cursed in that if you stay filthy, you'll lose everything. You know, it's funny. There are a lot of bad people in this world who have everything. And a lot of good people with nothing in terms of worldly things. And while we're living here in this linear timeline, day to day, it's hard to understand why bad people get good rewards. What we don't see is what's going on under their skin, in their hearts and minds. We don't see or hear their thought processes. And we don't know the consequences that God has in store for them. We can only know what we know. Which is how WE feel about things. We have no idea what's going on in someone else's mind, but we sure can extrapolate and imagine a lot of things that may or may not be correct. Therefore it's best not to judge someone else, even if they were horrible to you. Or do stupid things. Or whatever. Looking back on my childhood, and all those kids that teased and taunted and hurt me because I was a mormon kid, or because I was poor, or because I looked funny... I grew up and judged a whole people based on that experience. And it wasn't fair to them or me, and because of that, in high school, I missed out on a lot of opportunities to make some good friends. Or maybe it saved them from having me as a friend, I don't know... but my own judgements stopped me from looking at people fairly. Does that make me filthy? I don't know. Maybe. It certainly doesn't make me an example of love, does it?
vs 5: a small bit about judging others: "the Lamanites your brethren, whom ye hate because of their filthiness, are more righteous than you." (because they are keeping to the one wife commandment instead of following their lusts after every woman they can get their hands on.) And in verse six is this promise: "because of this observance, in keeping this commandment, the Lord God will not destroy them, but will be merciful unto them, and one day they shall become a blessed people."
So there it is, judge not, folks. Judge not. If someone doesn't live the lifestyle you like, that has no bearing on whether or not God has plans for them. As Jacob says, "How much better are you than they, in the sight of your Creator?" you're not. No one is. I'm not better than my neighbor, my sister-in-law, or some random person on the street. In the eyes of the world, sure, someone might be deemed "better than" based on income or charitable deeds or service hours or whatever. But in the eyes of God there isn't one person who is better than another. Not one.
So when it comes down to it, when we're feeling bad, or not good enough, or sorrowful for mistakes made, or whatever it is that's bugging us, comparing ourselves to someone else isn't going to fix the feeling, or heal the wound, or erase the mistake. God doesn't care how we compare to someone else. He only cares about what we're doing. He wants us to enjoy the journey. Have fun, feel the sorrows, but keep going, keep moving, and not give up. Keep striving for righteousness and keep using the gift of the atonement for repentance as needed.
vs 9: Revile no more against them because of the darkness of their skins; neither shall ye revile against them because of their filthiness; but ye shall remember your own filthiness.
Racism = bad.
Religious contentions = bad.
Self Control & Humility = Good.
There are people who come to church in our ward who struggle with addictions like smoking or drinking or whatever. And I am glad to see them at church! I am trying really hard to separate the actions from the individual. "Smoking is bad for my body, I don't believe in doing it. That person smokes, they are a good person struggling with an addiction. I am sure glad to see them today." That is what I am trying to teach my children. Somehow they've translated "smoking is bad for you" to "people who smoke are bad." That makes me sad, and I hope that I can teach them correct principles instead of warped judgemental ones.
the rest of the next few verses are reminders to set good examples for our children, to remember our own sins instead of pointing out the sins of those around us, and to curb our appetites. For the sins we teach to our children will be held accountable to us. Whereas, if we remain pure, we will have love and peace and comfort.
In Chapter 2, Jacob spent most of the time warning the dads about transgressions and sin and setting their sights on worldly treasures instead of putting God first. In Chapter 3, he takes some time to talk to the pure in heart, to lift them and console them. There are still warnings here, but it's nice to know that not all discourses are fire and brimstone.
vs 1: Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions -- I love this verse. Especially when I am having a bad day. It reminds me that especially on days when I'm feeling down, I need to pray and find the good in things.
vs 2: Lift up your heart, lift up your heads, and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever. -- feast upon his love. That's such an odd image in my head, but here's such hope there, too. God's love is perfect. And he loves me in spite of me. And that is why we have the atonement, which I am so very grateful for.
vs 3: Wo unto the filthy, because the land is cursed in that if you stay filthy, you'll lose everything. You know, it's funny. There are a lot of bad people in this world who have everything. And a lot of good people with nothing in terms of worldly things. And while we're living here in this linear timeline, day to day, it's hard to understand why bad people get good rewards. What we don't see is what's going on under their skin, in their hearts and minds. We don't see or hear their thought processes. And we don't know the consequences that God has in store for them. We can only know what we know. Which is how WE feel about things. We have no idea what's going on in someone else's mind, but we sure can extrapolate and imagine a lot of things that may or may not be correct. Therefore it's best not to judge someone else, even if they were horrible to you. Or do stupid things. Or whatever. Looking back on my childhood, and all those kids that teased and taunted and hurt me because I was a mormon kid, or because I was poor, or because I looked funny... I grew up and judged a whole people based on that experience. And it wasn't fair to them or me, and because of that, in high school, I missed out on a lot of opportunities to make some good friends. Or maybe it saved them from having me as a friend, I don't know... but my own judgements stopped me from looking at people fairly. Does that make me filthy? I don't know. Maybe. It certainly doesn't make me an example of love, does it?
vs 5: a small bit about judging others: "the Lamanites your brethren, whom ye hate because of their filthiness, are more righteous than you." (because they are keeping to the one wife commandment instead of following their lusts after every woman they can get their hands on.) And in verse six is this promise: "because of this observance, in keeping this commandment, the Lord God will not destroy them, but will be merciful unto them, and one day they shall become a blessed people."
So there it is, judge not, folks. Judge not. If someone doesn't live the lifestyle you like, that has no bearing on whether or not God has plans for them. As Jacob says, "How much better are you than they, in the sight of your Creator?" you're not. No one is. I'm not better than my neighbor, my sister-in-law, or some random person on the street. In the eyes of the world, sure, someone might be deemed "better than" based on income or charitable deeds or service hours or whatever. But in the eyes of God there isn't one person who is better than another. Not one.
So when it comes down to it, when we're feeling bad, or not good enough, or sorrowful for mistakes made, or whatever it is that's bugging us, comparing ourselves to someone else isn't going to fix the feeling, or heal the wound, or erase the mistake. God doesn't care how we compare to someone else. He only cares about what we're doing. He wants us to enjoy the journey. Have fun, feel the sorrows, but keep going, keep moving, and not give up. Keep striving for righteousness and keep using the gift of the atonement for repentance as needed.
vs 9: Revile no more against them because of the darkness of their skins; neither shall ye revile against them because of their filthiness; but ye shall remember your own filthiness.
Racism = bad.
Religious contentions = bad.
Self Control & Humility = Good.
There are people who come to church in our ward who struggle with addictions like smoking or drinking or whatever. And I am glad to see them at church! I am trying really hard to separate the actions from the individual. "Smoking is bad for my body, I don't believe in doing it. That person smokes, they are a good person struggling with an addiction. I am sure glad to see them today." That is what I am trying to teach my children. Somehow they've translated "smoking is bad for you" to "people who smoke are bad." That makes me sad, and I hope that I can teach them correct principles instead of warped judgemental ones.
the rest of the next few verses are reminders to set good examples for our children, to remember our own sins instead of pointing out the sins of those around us, and to curb our appetites. For the sins we teach to our children will be held accountable to us. Whereas, if we remain pure, we will have love and peace and comfort.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Tempations to Avoid - BoM pg 119 - 121
Jacob 2
I have to give a lesson today on honoring parents, and I was hoping that todays chapter would give me some insight into how to teach my lesson. I'm not sure it does, but perhaps instead, by studying it, I will be inspired and be able to listen to the spirit to know what I need to say and do and make for a handout. On that note, here we go.
After Nephi dies, Jacob takes over declaring the word of God to his people. Mostly because he's weighed down with anxiety for them. -- much like parents worry about their children -- vs 4: they've been obedient up to this point, but in vs 5: by the help of the creator, he can tell them regarding their thoughts. And Jacob knows from his experience with Laman and Lemuel how thoughts will eventually turn into actions, and how dangerous that can be when left unchecked. In fact, looking at my own life, when thoughts are left to run unchecked, standards get dropped, moral and ethical issues become less of a concern, choices are made to go along with thought patterns.
vs 6: It grieves his soul that he must testify concerning the wickedness of their hearts. -- now, crazy as it seems, parents can usually tell when something is up with their child. They may not know what, they may not be able to discern specifics, but they can tell. When something is up with the parents, usually kids can tell, too. And when people start making the wrong choices, or their thought patterns change, then their actions generally change as well.
vs 7: Jacob acknowledges that most of the people listening to him speak are chaste and tender and delicate, but yet he must address what is going on in the hearts of those who are NOT chaste and he's trying to stop them before they get caught up in their thoughts and desires. So while the righteous have come up to hear the word of God which healeth the wounded soul, instead they have to hear strict commandments and admonishments which may enlarge wounds instead of healing them.
I love that Jacob is aware of this. I love that he loves his people so much that he acknowledges to them that some are not going to find this speech consoling or comforting, but asks them to hear it anyway. I think there's a reason for that. Because the children are learning from their parents. They are learning thought patterns and behaviors. And if one parent is acting selfishly, chances are a child will learn that behavior and act that way, too. Therefore I think it was wise for Jacob to give the speech to everyone there, even though he knew some didn't need to hear it at that time.
Now we get to the temptations/enticements to watch for:
vs 12: Searching for gold, silver, and precious ores. Yes, the land is plentiful in all kinds of ore. And yes, the people are well provided for with riches. But "being lifted up in the pride of your hearts and persecuting your brethren because ye suppose that ye are better than they." That's where the problem comes in. If you're searching for ore so you can make a living, use a talent and craft, or exploring the bounties of the earth, that's one thing. If you're using said riches to lift yourself up above others, there's a problem.
vs 16: O that ye would listen unto the word of his commands, and let not this pride of your hearts destroy your souls!
vs 17: Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you. -- in other words, love your neighbors, care about them, and share the wealth.
vs 18: Before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. If you're searching for the right kind of treasure, you'll be rewarded accordingly because ye will seek them for the intent to do good: to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, liberate the captive, and administer relief.
vs 21: one being is as precious in his sight as the other. -- god loves everyone, every single person is just as precious to him as anyone else. There are none set above others.
vs 23: Next on the list to be addressed: excusing themselves in committing whoredoms, using the example of David and Solomon as reasons to be able to have multiple wives and concubines. If it's not a commandment, don't do it. vs 28: for I the lord delight in the chastity of women.
vs 30: "For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things." Meaning, yes, there will be times that polygamy is commanded and called for. But unless you're called to do it, don't. There was a time that we mormons practiced polygamy. And it was necessary at the time, but not every man who wanted to be a polygamist could. They had to be called. And then the commandment came down to end it. Which is where the fundamentalists broke off and became their own little mini-society. But the current commandment and most commandments are to NOT practice this.
vs 35: the moral iniquities are greater sins than the Lamanites have commited. "Ye have broken the hearts of your tender wives, and lost the confidence of your children, because of your bad examples before them;" --the family is central to the creator's plan for the eternal welfare of his children. When we destroy our families, we are committing greater iniquity. Therefore it is greatly important how we treat each other, how we think, and the kinds of examples we are setting.
As stated earlier, when we seek for God first, everything else will fall into place. But when we get our priorities out of whack, everything else falls apart.
I have to give a lesson today on honoring parents, and I was hoping that todays chapter would give me some insight into how to teach my lesson. I'm not sure it does, but perhaps instead, by studying it, I will be inspired and be able to listen to the spirit to know what I need to say and do and make for a handout. On that note, here we go.
After Nephi dies, Jacob takes over declaring the word of God to his people. Mostly because he's weighed down with anxiety for them. -- much like parents worry about their children -- vs 4: they've been obedient up to this point, but in vs 5: by the help of the creator, he can tell them regarding their thoughts. And Jacob knows from his experience with Laman and Lemuel how thoughts will eventually turn into actions, and how dangerous that can be when left unchecked. In fact, looking at my own life, when thoughts are left to run unchecked, standards get dropped, moral and ethical issues become less of a concern, choices are made to go along with thought patterns.
vs 6: It grieves his soul that he must testify concerning the wickedness of their hearts. -- now, crazy as it seems, parents can usually tell when something is up with their child. They may not know what, they may not be able to discern specifics, but they can tell. When something is up with the parents, usually kids can tell, too. And when people start making the wrong choices, or their thought patterns change, then their actions generally change as well.
vs 7: Jacob acknowledges that most of the people listening to him speak are chaste and tender and delicate, but yet he must address what is going on in the hearts of those who are NOT chaste and he's trying to stop them before they get caught up in their thoughts and desires. So while the righteous have come up to hear the word of God which healeth the wounded soul, instead they have to hear strict commandments and admonishments which may enlarge wounds instead of healing them.
I love that Jacob is aware of this. I love that he loves his people so much that he acknowledges to them that some are not going to find this speech consoling or comforting, but asks them to hear it anyway. I think there's a reason for that. Because the children are learning from their parents. They are learning thought patterns and behaviors. And if one parent is acting selfishly, chances are a child will learn that behavior and act that way, too. Therefore I think it was wise for Jacob to give the speech to everyone there, even though he knew some didn't need to hear it at that time.
Now we get to the temptations/enticements to watch for:
vs 12: Searching for gold, silver, and precious ores. Yes, the land is plentiful in all kinds of ore. And yes, the people are well provided for with riches. But "being lifted up in the pride of your hearts and persecuting your brethren because ye suppose that ye are better than they." That's where the problem comes in. If you're searching for ore so you can make a living, use a talent and craft, or exploring the bounties of the earth, that's one thing. If you're using said riches to lift yourself up above others, there's a problem.
vs 16: O that ye would listen unto the word of his commands, and let not this pride of your hearts destroy your souls!
vs 17: Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you. -- in other words, love your neighbors, care about them, and share the wealth.
vs 18: Before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. If you're searching for the right kind of treasure, you'll be rewarded accordingly because ye will seek them for the intent to do good: to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, liberate the captive, and administer relief.
vs 21: one being is as precious in his sight as the other. -- god loves everyone, every single person is just as precious to him as anyone else. There are none set above others.
vs 23: Next on the list to be addressed: excusing themselves in committing whoredoms, using the example of David and Solomon as reasons to be able to have multiple wives and concubines. If it's not a commandment, don't do it. vs 28: for I the lord delight in the chastity of women.
vs 30: "For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things." Meaning, yes, there will be times that polygamy is commanded and called for. But unless you're called to do it, don't. There was a time that we mormons practiced polygamy. And it was necessary at the time, but not every man who wanted to be a polygamist could. They had to be called. And then the commandment came down to end it. Which is where the fundamentalists broke off and became their own little mini-society. But the current commandment and most commandments are to NOT practice this.
vs 35: the moral iniquities are greater sins than the Lamanites have commited. "Ye have broken the hearts of your tender wives, and lost the confidence of your children, because of your bad examples before them;" --the family is central to the creator's plan for the eternal welfare of his children. When we destroy our families, we are committing greater iniquity. Therefore it is greatly important how we treat each other, how we think, and the kinds of examples we are setting.
As stated earlier, when we seek for God first, everything else will fall into place. But when we get our priorities out of whack, everything else falls apart.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
The Book of Jacob - BoM pb 117-119
Jacob 1
Well, firstly, congratulations, we successfully have made it through 1st and 2nd Nephi!! Whoo!! Our next big hurdle is coming up soon, and I promise I'll throw a parade right here when I get that chapter finished. For now, though, I am going to enjoy the words of Jacob, who was obviously well trained by his older brother, Nephi.
In verse 1, we learn that 55 years have passed since Lehi left Jerusalem, at which time Nephi hands down his plates to his little brother, and they're already called the small plates. You know, if these were the small plates, I am wondering how heavy the rest of the record was after fifty five years of wars, city building, etc. To be honest, I'm glad I only have the small plates. I don't know how spiritual I'd find the complete record. Interesting, yes. Very. Spiritual? I don't know. "Today we harvested x amount of fruit, x amount of grain, and x amount of young from our flocks. The sons of Laman attacked from the north today, but our spears were sharp and my grandson's fought well." No, not really.
vs 2: Jacob is commanded what to write on the small plates: "a few of the things which I considered to be most precious; not to touch on the history of the people, except for lightly." I wonder if that is along the same reason we can't really find Noah's ark? There's this issue of faith. If Jacob recorded the history of his people, we'd not only know exactly where to look for civilizations, but what areas belonged to which people. This way, there's the ability to choose to believe based on faith instead of logic. There's wisdom in them there commandments.
vs 3: well, ok, and the fact that the history is to be engraved on the large plates. Which we do not have a copy of. So the above suppositions are still in play.
vs 4: If there were preaching which was sacred or revelation which was great, or prophesying, that I (Jacob) should engraven the *heads* -- the key points/essence -- upon these plates, and touch upon them as much as possible, for Christ's sake, and for the sake of our people.
So, these small plates (which we today are reading) are specifically for revelation, sacred words, and prophesy. Now, to go back to what Nephi said a few chapters back about likening the scriptures... In our own journals, diaries, etc, do we take note of the sacred, the revelations given to us, and prophesy that pricks our hearts? Or do we just note the mundane crazy details of our day? Do we bear our testimony to encourage and help the testimonies of our progeny? or do we save it in our minds only because we consider it too sacred to share? I think Nephi has a point about writing the important bits down. Our own journals are a version of the small plates for our own families, children, and grandchildren. WRITE STUFF DOWN!!!
vs 5-6 Because of faith an anxiety, many things were made known to Nephi and Jacob concerning their people and what would come to pass. They knew of Christ and his kingdom which was to come. They were tasked with preparing their people, of whom many many many would be saved. And unfortunately many would also be wiped out and killed because of lack of testimony. But I think they worked so hard because they knew that every few they could save would be worth it.
vs 7: we labored diligently among our people that we might persuade them to come unto Christ and partake of the goodness of God. That they might enter into his rest. I'm stopping there, because that phrase, enter into his rest, means a lot to me today. I know that's crazy, but some days I just want a rest from the worry, the anxiety, the fear, and the cares of this world. Within my stewardship is a van that is in need of repair. Also within my stewardship is the means to cover the cost of repairing said van. I was hoping to be able to use some of that funding for souvenirs and things from Disneyland, but a safer vehicle is more important. And while I spent most of the day stressing about how to break the news to my husband about the cost of repairs, I knew that it was the right thing to do, and I knew that in the end all would be well. I know God loves us, and I know he was there waiting to help me feel peace and calm about the situation. I just hate breaking financial news to my husband. He freaks out about money. So do I, but I'm getting better about it. I think.
ANYWAY, this whole finding Christ's rest hit home with me today, because really, no matter what the worries or the stresses of the day are, that's the only true way to survive the storm. Which is very good for my stomach. It tends to have issues when I'm worried and stressed.
vs 8 is all about the atonement: "Believe in Christ, and view his death, and suffer his cross and bear the shame of the world." Basically if we understand what Christ went through, we will help bear his cross. I don't know how else to explain it here, but when we have a decent understanding of how the atonement works, we can make his burden lighter by bringing our joys and accomplishments and good deeds and good choices to him, as well as repenting of our mistakes and our sorrows. He wants to hear both, don't ever doubt that.
vs 9: Nephi anoints Jacob as the next king and leader. I always hear and see religious leaders anointing the new king. Meaning this sets them apart to do their job for and in behalf of the people they are ruling? I wonder what that's all about, really.
vs 10: great description of Nephi: The people having loved Nephi exceedingly, he having been a great protector for them, having wielded the sword of Laban (Ok, really, this sounds like a mythical elven or dwarvish sword. seriously) in their defense, and having labored in all his days for their welfare. So Nephi was so very awesome that the people loved him so very much that they insisted that all of their rulers bear his name.
vs 13 explains that the various peoples had their own names, but for simplicity if they were righteous they were called Nephites in this small record, whereas if they were wicked, they were called Lamanites.
vs 15: people start to get wicked and want to practice polygamy or not even that and just have lots of concubines.
vs 19 - Jacob and Joseph did magnify their callings given to them by Nephi, and set about teaching the people so that their sins would not be counted against them. They taught with all dilligence, laboring with all of their might. They took their job seriously. Which is great, because a people cannot repent and do better if no one stops them when the train starts to go off course.
Do we listen to our own prophets who are trying to steer us in the right direction??
Well, firstly, congratulations, we successfully have made it through 1st and 2nd Nephi!! Whoo!! Our next big hurdle is coming up soon, and I promise I'll throw a parade right here when I get that chapter finished. For now, though, I am going to enjoy the words of Jacob, who was obviously well trained by his older brother, Nephi.
In verse 1, we learn that 55 years have passed since Lehi left Jerusalem, at which time Nephi hands down his plates to his little brother, and they're already called the small plates. You know, if these were the small plates, I am wondering how heavy the rest of the record was after fifty five years of wars, city building, etc. To be honest, I'm glad I only have the small plates. I don't know how spiritual I'd find the complete record. Interesting, yes. Very. Spiritual? I don't know. "Today we harvested x amount of fruit, x amount of grain, and x amount of young from our flocks. The sons of Laman attacked from the north today, but our spears were sharp and my grandson's fought well." No, not really.
vs 2: Jacob is commanded what to write on the small plates: "a few of the things which I considered to be most precious; not to touch on the history of the people, except for lightly." I wonder if that is along the same reason we can't really find Noah's ark? There's this issue of faith. If Jacob recorded the history of his people, we'd not only know exactly where to look for civilizations, but what areas belonged to which people. This way, there's the ability to choose to believe based on faith instead of logic. There's wisdom in them there commandments.
vs 3: well, ok, and the fact that the history is to be engraved on the large plates. Which we do not have a copy of. So the above suppositions are still in play.
vs 4: If there were preaching which was sacred or revelation which was great, or prophesying, that I (Jacob) should engraven the *heads* -- the key points/essence -- upon these plates, and touch upon them as much as possible, for Christ's sake, and for the sake of our people.
So, these small plates (which we today are reading) are specifically for revelation, sacred words, and prophesy. Now, to go back to what Nephi said a few chapters back about likening the scriptures... In our own journals, diaries, etc, do we take note of the sacred, the revelations given to us, and prophesy that pricks our hearts? Or do we just note the mundane crazy details of our day? Do we bear our testimony to encourage and help the testimonies of our progeny? or do we save it in our minds only because we consider it too sacred to share? I think Nephi has a point about writing the important bits down. Our own journals are a version of the small plates for our own families, children, and grandchildren. WRITE STUFF DOWN!!!
vs 5-6 Because of faith an anxiety, many things were made known to Nephi and Jacob concerning their people and what would come to pass. They knew of Christ and his kingdom which was to come. They were tasked with preparing their people, of whom many many many would be saved. And unfortunately many would also be wiped out and killed because of lack of testimony. But I think they worked so hard because they knew that every few they could save would be worth it.
vs 7: we labored diligently among our people that we might persuade them to come unto Christ and partake of the goodness of God. That they might enter into his rest. I'm stopping there, because that phrase, enter into his rest, means a lot to me today. I know that's crazy, but some days I just want a rest from the worry, the anxiety, the fear, and the cares of this world. Within my stewardship is a van that is in need of repair. Also within my stewardship is the means to cover the cost of repairing said van. I was hoping to be able to use some of that funding for souvenirs and things from Disneyland, but a safer vehicle is more important. And while I spent most of the day stressing about how to break the news to my husband about the cost of repairs, I knew that it was the right thing to do, and I knew that in the end all would be well. I know God loves us, and I know he was there waiting to help me feel peace and calm about the situation. I just hate breaking financial news to my husband. He freaks out about money. So do I, but I'm getting better about it. I think.
ANYWAY, this whole finding Christ's rest hit home with me today, because really, no matter what the worries or the stresses of the day are, that's the only true way to survive the storm. Which is very good for my stomach. It tends to have issues when I'm worried and stressed.
vs 8 is all about the atonement: "Believe in Christ, and view his death, and suffer his cross and bear the shame of the world." Basically if we understand what Christ went through, we will help bear his cross. I don't know how else to explain it here, but when we have a decent understanding of how the atonement works, we can make his burden lighter by bringing our joys and accomplishments and good deeds and good choices to him, as well as repenting of our mistakes and our sorrows. He wants to hear both, don't ever doubt that.
vs 9: Nephi anoints Jacob as the next king and leader. I always hear and see religious leaders anointing the new king. Meaning this sets them apart to do their job for and in behalf of the people they are ruling? I wonder what that's all about, really.
vs 10: great description of Nephi: The people having loved Nephi exceedingly, he having been a great protector for them, having wielded the sword of Laban (Ok, really, this sounds like a mythical elven or dwarvish sword. seriously) in their defense, and having labored in all his days for their welfare. So Nephi was so very awesome that the people loved him so very much that they insisted that all of their rulers bear his name.
vs 13 explains that the various peoples had their own names, but for simplicity if they were righteous they were called Nephites in this small record, whereas if they were wicked, they were called Lamanites.
vs 15: people start to get wicked and want to practice polygamy or not even that and just have lots of concubines.
vs 19 - Jacob and Joseph did magnify their callings given to them by Nephi, and set about teaching the people so that their sins would not be counted against them. They taught with all dilligence, laboring with all of their might. They took their job seriously. Which is great, because a people cannot repent and do better if no one stops them when the train starts to go off course.
Do we listen to our own prophets who are trying to steer us in the right direction??
Friday, March 2, 2012
Testify of Christ - BoM pg 116-117
2 Nephi 33
Nephi ends his discourses and his testimony with that which is most important to him: his testimony of Christ. That is, after all, the point of the Book of Mormon. It's a second witness of Jesus Christ, and it's entire purpose to complement the Bible in the convincing of people all around the world of the divinity and atonement of Jesus Christ. Therefore, it doesn't matter that Nephi feels he was weak in writing (which he wasn't), nor does it matter the human frailties of the real people whose lives we get a glimpse of. Just as I believe in Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Peter, Paul, John the Baptist, and John the Beloved, so do I also believe in Nephi, Lehi, Alma, Mormon, Moroni, Captain Moroni, Teancum, and Ammon. Every one of them had a strong testimony of Christ, every one of them gave all that they had for their testimonies and their belief.
With that being said, let's look at Nephi's final words.
vs 1: When a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men.
It's not us who does the converting, it's the Spirit. We may say the words, but understanding and feeling come from the Spirit. Not from man.
vs 2: There are many who harden their hearts against the Holy Spirit -- they won't let him in, won't let him touch their hearts, and therefore esteem things like scripture as laughable and worthless traditions and trivialities.
vs 3: Nephi values what he has written as of great worth for not only himself, but for his people, who he prays continually for. And he knows that God will hear and consecrate his prayers for the gain of his people.
vs 4: "what I have written... will persuadeth them to do good; it maketh known unto them of their fathers; and it speaketh of Jesus, and persuadeth them to believe in him, and to endure to the end."
not only that, BUT, vs 5: it speaketh harshly against sin, wherefore no man will be angry at the words which I have written save he shall be of the spirit of the devil.
It takes courage to not only declare a believe in Christ, but to also denounce sin. Our world is a very accepting world. We accept sin readily. We live in a "non judgemental" world... "don't judge thy neighbor, their actions aren't hurting you." And yet we do judge anyway. But everyone is so worried about taking a stand, that we're changing all of our values from what is set forth by God as acceptable behavior to what the devil would have us doing. "Life is a Cabaret..." I saw that play in the theatre. And a lot of people left after the first half, which was the decadence and depravity of the Cabaret of life. Had they stayed for the second half of the play, they'd have seen the results of said actions. The consequences.
I bring this up here because if you look at the news, the crap on television, truly life is a Cabaret right now. It's all one big party. Until someone wakes up and realizes they have been kicked out of the party and have to live with the consequences of a life full of sin. And then the question becomes: will they humble themselves and come to Christ so he can heal them? Or will they stay hardened and bitter and reap those other rewards that come from said life?
And in which camp do I want to be in? Well, frankly, I'd rather not be in the party camp at all. I do believe in loving my neighbors. I do believe in loving someone despite their actions. But I don't believe in supporting sin legally or otherwise. However, our government here in the U.S. has pretty much legalized everything already. So I am out voted. When it comes down to it, though, the judgement that matters to me is the judgement of my God. And I want him judging me as fairly as I judge those around me.
Anyway, back to Nephi. Verse 6: "I glory in plainness, truth, and in Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell."
and because of said glory, verse 7: "I have charity for my people and great faith in Christ that I shall meet many souls spotless at the judgement seat."
He also has charity for the Jews and the Gentiles, but he cannot have hope for any of them unless they reconcile themselves to Christ.
vs 10: And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, (he can say this because he's seen us. All of us.) hearken unto these words and believe in Christ. And if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all me that they should do good.
Ok, really. If I learn nothing else, please, let me learn that. Believe in Christ and do good. If I struggle with saying my daily prayers or reading scriptures daily. If I struggle with having Family Home Evening or getting to all of church every week or getting to church on time... whatever I struggle with - you know, like doing the dishes, and keeping a clean house, and getting the laundry put away, and organizing - let me at least have the works that I do be good. Let what I do be a testament to my God, to my belief in his love. If nothing else, that I should be able to do. Loving my children, loving others. That is more important than anything else.
vs 12: And I pray the Father in the name of Christ that many of us, if not all, may be saved in his kingdom at that great and last day.
vs 15: For what I seal on earth shall be brought against you at the judgement bar; for thus hath the lord commanded me and I must obey. Amen.
So Nephi leaves us with a choice between Good and Evil. Black and White. Believe or don't believe. Try his test and feel the spirit, or ignore it, laugh it off, and be judged by these words at the last day. There is no fence sitting. Those found on the fence will be found in opposition of God.
I don't want to be on the fence. I know my purpose. I know what I need to focus on. Everything else will fall into place.
Nephi ends his discourses and his testimony with that which is most important to him: his testimony of Christ. That is, after all, the point of the Book of Mormon. It's a second witness of Jesus Christ, and it's entire purpose to complement the Bible in the convincing of people all around the world of the divinity and atonement of Jesus Christ. Therefore, it doesn't matter that Nephi feels he was weak in writing (which he wasn't), nor does it matter the human frailties of the real people whose lives we get a glimpse of. Just as I believe in Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Peter, Paul, John the Baptist, and John the Beloved, so do I also believe in Nephi, Lehi, Alma, Mormon, Moroni, Captain Moroni, Teancum, and Ammon. Every one of them had a strong testimony of Christ, every one of them gave all that they had for their testimonies and their belief.
With that being said, let's look at Nephi's final words.
vs 1: When a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men.
It's not us who does the converting, it's the Spirit. We may say the words, but understanding and feeling come from the Spirit. Not from man.
vs 2: There are many who harden their hearts against the Holy Spirit -- they won't let him in, won't let him touch their hearts, and therefore esteem things like scripture as laughable and worthless traditions and trivialities.
vs 3: Nephi values what he has written as of great worth for not only himself, but for his people, who he prays continually for. And he knows that God will hear and consecrate his prayers for the gain of his people.
vs 4: "what I have written... will persuadeth them to do good; it maketh known unto them of their fathers; and it speaketh of Jesus, and persuadeth them to believe in him, and to endure to the end."
not only that, BUT, vs 5: it speaketh harshly against sin, wherefore no man will be angry at the words which I have written save he shall be of the spirit of the devil.
It takes courage to not only declare a believe in Christ, but to also denounce sin. Our world is a very accepting world. We accept sin readily. We live in a "non judgemental" world... "don't judge thy neighbor, their actions aren't hurting you." And yet we do judge anyway. But everyone is so worried about taking a stand, that we're changing all of our values from what is set forth by God as acceptable behavior to what the devil would have us doing. "Life is a Cabaret..." I saw that play in the theatre. And a lot of people left after the first half, which was the decadence and depravity of the Cabaret of life. Had they stayed for the second half of the play, they'd have seen the results of said actions. The consequences.
I bring this up here because if you look at the news, the crap on television, truly life is a Cabaret right now. It's all one big party. Until someone wakes up and realizes they have been kicked out of the party and have to live with the consequences of a life full of sin. And then the question becomes: will they humble themselves and come to Christ so he can heal them? Or will they stay hardened and bitter and reap those other rewards that come from said life?
And in which camp do I want to be in? Well, frankly, I'd rather not be in the party camp at all. I do believe in loving my neighbors. I do believe in loving someone despite their actions. But I don't believe in supporting sin legally or otherwise. However, our government here in the U.S. has pretty much legalized everything already. So I am out voted. When it comes down to it, though, the judgement that matters to me is the judgement of my God. And I want him judging me as fairly as I judge those around me.
Anyway, back to Nephi. Verse 6: "I glory in plainness, truth, and in Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell."
and because of said glory, verse 7: "I have charity for my people and great faith in Christ that I shall meet many souls spotless at the judgement seat."
He also has charity for the Jews and the Gentiles, but he cannot have hope for any of them unless they reconcile themselves to Christ.
vs 10: And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, (he can say this because he's seen us. All of us.) hearken unto these words and believe in Christ. And if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all me that they should do good.
Ok, really. If I learn nothing else, please, let me learn that. Believe in Christ and do good. If I struggle with saying my daily prayers or reading scriptures daily. If I struggle with having Family Home Evening or getting to all of church every week or getting to church on time... whatever I struggle with - you know, like doing the dishes, and keeping a clean house, and getting the laundry put away, and organizing - let me at least have the works that I do be good. Let what I do be a testament to my God, to my belief in his love. If nothing else, that I should be able to do. Loving my children, loving others. That is more important than anything else.
vs 12: And I pray the Father in the name of Christ that many of us, if not all, may be saved in his kingdom at that great and last day.
vs 15: For what I seal on earth shall be brought against you at the judgement bar; for thus hath the lord commanded me and I must obey. Amen.
So Nephi leaves us with a choice between Good and Evil. Black and White. Believe or don't believe. Try his test and feel the spirit, or ignore it, laugh it off, and be judged by these words at the last day. There is no fence sitting. Those found on the fence will be found in opposition of God.
I don't want to be on the fence. I know my purpose. I know what I need to focus on. Everything else will fall into place.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Properties of the Holy Ghost - BoM pg 115
2 Nephi chapter 32
In the previous chapter, Nephi talked about speaking with the tongues of angels. And he notes that it confuses some people, in verse one of this chapter he asks "Behold, why do ye ponder these things in your hearts?" And then proceeds to further expound on this in the rest of the chapter.
vs 2: After ye receive the Holy Ghost, ye can speak with the tongue of angels. -- that doesn't really answer the question, except to say that you *can't* speak with the tongue of angels without the gift of the Holy Ghost. The ability comes after the gift.
vs 3: Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore they speak the words of Christ. -- aaah, we're getting somewhere. Speaking with the tongue of angels has a lot to do with speaking the words of Christ. Since one of the properties of the Holy Ghost is that he testifies of Truth, then it makes sense that after you have the ability to have his constant companionship, you will be able to speak the words of Christ. Now, this is further clarified later in this verse, because how can you speak the words of Christ if you don't know them? So the admonition is to Feast upon the words of Christ, for behold, the words of Christ will TELL you all things what ye should do.
So, all the instruction we need to survive and get through life is right here in scripture. All we need to do is feast upon his words. And the Holy Ghost will TELL us what is right for us. I know that when I read the scriptures today, I am getting different messages and different things are highlighted in my mind than when I read them a year ago or twenty years ago. Things that I still struggle with twenty years later are still highlighted. But it is very interesting how this works. Because the spirit really does testify and tell me what I should do when I am listening.
vs 4: After I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock; wherefore ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark.
In other words, Nephi has done all he can to instruct and teach. After that, it's up to us to ask God for help and instruction. It's up to us to open our hearts, listen, and try to find our way using the guide that has been given to us. And we will perish in the dark if we don't extend some sort of effort.
vs 5: If ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will SHOW unto you all things what ye should do.
Ever see something in your mind before you did it? I have. It's an amazing experience. Like when I was learning to foot zone. Or massaging a friend that was sick. I didn't know what I was doing before hand, but I was shown what to do. And that's kind of a non-related example of how the Holy Ghost shows us what to do. It also shows us in word and deed by highlighting the actions of others, etc.
vs 7: now I Nephi cannot say more; the Spirit stoppeth mine utterance, and I am left to mourn because of the unbelief, and the wickedness, and the ignorance, and the stiffneckedness of men; for they will not search knowledge, nor understand great knowledge, when it is given unto them in plainness, even as plain as word can be.
I read this verse, and I wonder how much of this applies to me. Unbelief. Wickedness. Ignorance. Stiffneckedness. You know, at times, all of it does. I have to work every day on my belief. On choosing a righteous happy path instead of a wicked ungrateful path. On choosing to read and enlighten myself, and on being teachable, flexible, and willing to be a tool in the hands of the Lord instead of deciding I know the way myself. It's a daily choice. A minute by minute choice. I cannot say that I am always searching the scriptures. Nor can I say that I always try to understand it. The Isaiah chapters are frustrating to me, and I know Jacob chapter 5 is looming ahead, and I am not looking forward to diving into it. However, that being said, just taking the time to pull these verses apart, study and ponder them, and listen to Nephi as if he were here in my living room instead of three thousand years ago, it makes a difference. I can't even begin to describe the difference that I feel in my day when I take the time to write this blog and feast upon these scriptures. It really does make a difference to do these things. Even if it's just one verse on a page or in a chapter that stands out.
vs 8: For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray, ye would know that ye must pray.
Pray always. Have I said my prayers yet today? You know, I think I didn't... I should remedy that. It is hard to feel the spirit when you don't pray. When we're not making an effort to talk to God, why then would He make an effort to talk to us? Not that He leaves us alone, but he certainly isn't going to impose his presence upon us if we don't want it or ask for it. Good point Nephi, good point.
vs 9: ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the father in the name of Christ that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that they performance may be for the welfare of thy soul.
--pray about preparing lessons for my Young Women, for my Girl Scouts, for my children. Anything I do that I want his help with, or to do well, regardless of what it's for, I should be praying about. I can't give a talk in Sacrament Meeting and say it's for the Lord if I didn't pray to him about it in the first place before preparing it. And once prepared, pray again for direction while doing it. I know my Girl Scouts are a non-demoninational bunch of girls, and I love them dearly. And we do not talk about religion there at all, unless we're talking about tolerance and understanding different people's beliefs. But that doesn't mean that I can't pray about my lessons before I do them, so that whatever I'm doing to help these girls is what God would want me to be teaching them. Air quality, serving others around us, taking care of our planet, being a sister to all other girls we come in contact with, learning to budget, to problem solve... all of these things are of God, and have Godly qualities. By remembering God in my daily life, it doesn't mean that I am forcing religion down anyone's throat. It doesn't mean I even talk of God a lot when doing these things. It simply means that I keep him in my heart and remember Him while I do all these things, that way they will be consecrated unto him and unto me, and that way I'll know what lessons to teach the girls and how to have more success.
Total light just went on in my head!! Thank you, Nephi, for writing this chapter :)
In the previous chapter, Nephi talked about speaking with the tongues of angels. And he notes that it confuses some people, in verse one of this chapter he asks "Behold, why do ye ponder these things in your hearts?" And then proceeds to further expound on this in the rest of the chapter.
vs 2: After ye receive the Holy Ghost, ye can speak with the tongue of angels. -- that doesn't really answer the question, except to say that you *can't* speak with the tongue of angels without the gift of the Holy Ghost. The ability comes after the gift.
vs 3: Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore they speak the words of Christ. -- aaah, we're getting somewhere. Speaking with the tongue of angels has a lot to do with speaking the words of Christ. Since one of the properties of the Holy Ghost is that he testifies of Truth, then it makes sense that after you have the ability to have his constant companionship, you will be able to speak the words of Christ. Now, this is further clarified later in this verse, because how can you speak the words of Christ if you don't know them? So the admonition is to Feast upon the words of Christ, for behold, the words of Christ will TELL you all things what ye should do.
So, all the instruction we need to survive and get through life is right here in scripture. All we need to do is feast upon his words. And the Holy Ghost will TELL us what is right for us. I know that when I read the scriptures today, I am getting different messages and different things are highlighted in my mind than when I read them a year ago or twenty years ago. Things that I still struggle with twenty years later are still highlighted. But it is very interesting how this works. Because the spirit really does testify and tell me what I should do when I am listening.
vs 4: After I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock; wherefore ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark.
In other words, Nephi has done all he can to instruct and teach. After that, it's up to us to ask God for help and instruction. It's up to us to open our hearts, listen, and try to find our way using the guide that has been given to us. And we will perish in the dark if we don't extend some sort of effort.
vs 5: If ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will SHOW unto you all things what ye should do.
Ever see something in your mind before you did it? I have. It's an amazing experience. Like when I was learning to foot zone. Or massaging a friend that was sick. I didn't know what I was doing before hand, but I was shown what to do. And that's kind of a non-related example of how the Holy Ghost shows us what to do. It also shows us in word and deed by highlighting the actions of others, etc.
vs 7: now I Nephi cannot say more; the Spirit stoppeth mine utterance, and I am left to mourn because of the unbelief, and the wickedness, and the ignorance, and the stiffneckedness of men; for they will not search knowledge, nor understand great knowledge, when it is given unto them in plainness, even as plain as word can be.
I read this verse, and I wonder how much of this applies to me. Unbelief. Wickedness. Ignorance. Stiffneckedness. You know, at times, all of it does. I have to work every day on my belief. On choosing a righteous happy path instead of a wicked ungrateful path. On choosing to read and enlighten myself, and on being teachable, flexible, and willing to be a tool in the hands of the Lord instead of deciding I know the way myself. It's a daily choice. A minute by minute choice. I cannot say that I am always searching the scriptures. Nor can I say that I always try to understand it. The Isaiah chapters are frustrating to me, and I know Jacob chapter 5 is looming ahead, and I am not looking forward to diving into it. However, that being said, just taking the time to pull these verses apart, study and ponder them, and listen to Nephi as if he were here in my living room instead of three thousand years ago, it makes a difference. I can't even begin to describe the difference that I feel in my day when I take the time to write this blog and feast upon these scriptures. It really does make a difference to do these things. Even if it's just one verse on a page or in a chapter that stands out.
vs 8: For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray, ye would know that ye must pray.
Pray always. Have I said my prayers yet today? You know, I think I didn't... I should remedy that. It is hard to feel the spirit when you don't pray. When we're not making an effort to talk to God, why then would He make an effort to talk to us? Not that He leaves us alone, but he certainly isn't going to impose his presence upon us if we don't want it or ask for it. Good point Nephi, good point.
vs 9: ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the father in the name of Christ that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that they performance may be for the welfare of thy soul.
--pray about preparing lessons for my Young Women, for my Girl Scouts, for my children. Anything I do that I want his help with, or to do well, regardless of what it's for, I should be praying about. I can't give a talk in Sacrament Meeting and say it's for the Lord if I didn't pray to him about it in the first place before preparing it. And once prepared, pray again for direction while doing it. I know my Girl Scouts are a non-demoninational bunch of girls, and I love them dearly. And we do not talk about religion there at all, unless we're talking about tolerance and understanding different people's beliefs. But that doesn't mean that I can't pray about my lessons before I do them, so that whatever I'm doing to help these girls is what God would want me to be teaching them. Air quality, serving others around us, taking care of our planet, being a sister to all other girls we come in contact with, learning to budget, to problem solve... all of these things are of God, and have Godly qualities. By remembering God in my daily life, it doesn't mean that I am forcing religion down anyone's throat. It doesn't mean I even talk of God a lot when doing these things. It simply means that I keep him in my heart and remember Him while I do all these things, that way they will be consecrated unto him and unto me, and that way I'll know what lessons to teach the girls and how to have more success.
Total light just went on in my head!! Thank you, Nephi, for writing this chapter :)
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