7/31/2017 - Section 58:8-29

July 31, 2017

Section 58:8-29

Holy Ghost Stayed Attuned, Agency Used for Good, Go Forward in Faith, Spiritual Growth,

The Lord instructs the saints that have come to Missouri. He speaks to Edward Partridge, the first Bishop called in this dispensation—and thus at this time the Bishop of the entire church. In v 20 He cautions His leaders: “Let no man think he is ruler; but let God rule him that judgeth, according to the counsel of his own will, or, in other words, him that counseleth or sitteth upon the judgment seat.” This is written to all who are called to a position of authority—we must stay attuned to His spirit. We must take our thoughts, our concerns, our action plans to Him and do our best to recognize His promptings and guidance. We cannot do this with one quick prayer, and then we’re off. It is best done by daily thought, daily scripture study, and daily talks with Him, and then going forward in faith. Prayer and faith are not a precise science, but humbly practicing them is what will bring us closer to the Lord. I have proved this too many times. It really is hard work, but oh so rewarding.  He will not direct our every step—for in that case where would be our growth? But we will know when we are walking in His ways for we will feel His peace and comfort. V 26-28: “For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.   Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness.   For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.”  And then the Lord adds the verse that lets teaches us the Do This and NOT This: V 29: “But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned.” This is why I pray for the gift of charity. If I can see others as the Lord sees them, and if I try to care for them as the Lord would, how can I go wrong?

In Apr 1965 Gen Conf Elder Ezra Taft Benson explained: “usually the Lord gives us the overall objectives to be accomplished and some guidelines to follow, but he expects us to work out most of the details and methods. The methods and procedures are usually developed through study and prayer and by living so that we can obtain and follow the promptings of the Spirit. Less spiritually advanced people, such as those in the days of Moses, had to be commanded in many things. Today those spiritually alert look at the objectives, check the guidelines laid down by the Lord and his prophets, and then prayerfully act—without having to be commanded ‘in all things’.”  This is how we, as spirit children of God, grow.