7/20/2018 - Section 104:11-52


July 20, 2018
Section 104:11-52
Earth’s Resources, Population Explosion, United Order, Progress Both Physical and Spiritual,

V 14 resolves the debates over population explosion: “For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves.” There ARE problems all over the world of distribution. The Lord solves this problem very easily. Those who have, help those who have not. Then we all work together to create the most wonderful environment we can. This can be accomplished only when we act in compassion, charity, unselfishness, and in response to spiritual promptings. It’s a role the Lord has told us that we can surely grow into—in fact, that’s one of our important assignments to complete before heading back home to him.

As the Lord assigns properties in his reorganization of the United Order “Specific directions are given for stewardships. Sidney Rigdon is given charge of the tannery (v20). He had, at one time, been engaged in the vey useful business of a tanner and was competent in this stewardship. Martin Harris, who was a successful farmer, is given charge of a piece of land (v 24). He was also to manage a publication business, under the direction of the Prophet (v 26)….Joseph Smith is given charge of the Temple lot (v 43). He is also to ake care of his father (v 45); for the Lord recognizes the duty of children to provide for their parents as well as the duty of parents to care for their children.” Smith and Sjodahl. But the other thing that is so neat, is that even though the Lord is taking into considerations of their skills and abilities, he is also considering their spiritual strengths and/or needs, and challenges them in those ways. To Sidney Rigdon: “And I will multiply blessings upon him, inasmuch as he will be humble before me” v 23. “ To Martin Harris: “And inasmuch as he is faithful, I will multiply blessings upon him and his seed after him.” V 25. He does this for many families, and then he explains: “And this is the beginning of the stewardship which I have appointed unto him, for a blessing unto him and his seed after him” v 37 The Lord gives us assignments, commandments, and/or stewardships to help us grow and develop, to help us flourish, to help our families.

In v 52 the Lord restates what caused the downfall of so many in their first attempts at the United Order: “The covenants being broken through transgression, by covetousness and feigned words.” I need to not only need to watch the ‘what’s’ of my behavior, but I also must to examine the ‘why’s” of what my behavior and my thoughts…and then make any corrections that are needed.

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