1/12/2018 - Section 76:81-118

January 12, 2018

Section 76:81-118

Three Degrees of Glory, Resurrection, Holy Ghost Personal Tutor,

This last part of section 76 describes the sequence of the resurrection. It describes the three degrees of glory, and those who will inhabit each kingdom of heaven. It speaks of the great glory of each one of these places. It speaks of the fairness of the Father, and of His great love for all. But for me, during this--my time on earth-- the most important verse was 116 which describes the Holy Ghost—His assignments, His power, and His ability to help us if only we apply for that help—in living, in understanding, in decision making, in goal making, and in making progress here on the earth: “…for they [revelations] are only to be seen and understood by the power of the Holy Spirit, which God bestows on those who love him, and purify themselves before him.” This verse tells me how I can qualify for the presence of the Holy Ghost and for his help. And I am comforted knowing that I don’t have to wait to do this until I am purified---it is his job to assist me in that quest of becoming more pure. And to me that means trying to be a little better today than I was yesterday. This earth life is our education, and we have a magnificent tutor always available to us—every minute of every day.

Joseph Smith said: “Could we read and comprehend all that has been written from the days of Adam, on the relation of man to God and angels in a future state, we should know very little about it. Reading the experience of others, or the revelation given to them, can never give us a comprehensive view of our condition and true relations to God. Knowledge of these things can only be obtained by experience through the ordinances of God set forth for that purpose.” (History of the Church 6:50)

7/8/2021 – D&C 76:90-119

I found the study manual comments on v’s 98-101 very interesting: “Some who will inherit the telestial kingdom are those who profess to follow Jesus Christ or particular prophets yet who willfully reject the Savior and refuse to accept His gospel or follow His prophets. To condemn disunity among the Saints in his day, the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, … that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:11–13).The similar wording in Doctrine and Covenants 76:99–101 refers to those who are not in harmony with Jesus Christ or His prophets.”

I guess that’s what Jesus was saying in Matthew 7:21: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” So my part is to determine what the ‘will of my Father’ is for me for this day. That comes from morning and evening prayer, from scripture study, from asking for, and working to hear, and feel, and follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost. That requires active work on my part every single day.  And then I came to v 116 when we are told that these things “are only to be seen and understood by the power of the Holy Spirit, which God bestows on those who love him, and purify themselves before him.” I can only think that ‘purifying ourselves before him’ is to thoughtfully work each day to be just a little better than we were yesterday. 

I remember when we moved to Singapore, I decided to go to the Lord for help in recognizing, and overcoming, my weaknesses. I prayed for that each day, and I truly felt his help and his guidance. My first experience happened almost as soon as I had asked. Early in the morning, I woke from a vivid dream where I had seen myself in a parking lot, having a conversation with Sister Blom from my ward in the Hague. I saw and heard myself in this conversation with Sister Blom while her husband was off to the side—and not really happy. It was a scene that had really happened. All I was doing was passing on some clothes that my children had grown out of. It hadn’t seemed important at all when it had happened. But now, as I looked and listened to our conversation that day, I realized I could have been more selective of my words, and more tender in my feelings. Was I was offending Brother Blom with the idea that he couldn’t take care of his own family? The Lord taught me much from letting me see that moment that, without His help, I would never have thought of that short conversation again. But now I DID think of it, and I started to pay more attention to my common conversations. Our time in Singapore was so special because I learned so much about truly loving, and helping, others.  It was close to the end of our time in Singapore when I was riding in the back seat of a taxi, simply looking out the window, and a thought flooded through my head: it was the next weakness I could work on. I actually spoke out loud, and said: “Oh, that’s a good one to work on!” He will always lovingly help us along, if only we ask, and invite him, and then act on the help he so gently gives to us. And now, remembering that time, reminds me that I should have been continuing to do the very same thing every day of my life. I think I’ll try to start again today!