8/27/2018 - Section 107:76-100

August 27, 2018

Section 107:76-100

Government of the Church, Callings How to Go About Them, Ministering, Diligence in the Lord’s Work, Mantle of Peace and Comfort,

V 76 continues on the government of the church, particularly in holding courts. It speaks courts for the rank and file of the church, and continues on to courts for any of the first presidency of the church. With Donald Trump (who I strongly view as a corrupt and unprincipled man) as the president of the USA, how I wish the laws and processes of our country were as clear as those of the church. Elder Widtsoe wrote about the process of a court brought together “…should it become to try a member of the First Presidency for crime or neglect of duty.” That’s when my thought shifted from Mr Trump to myself. I try hard not to commit crimes--which in this sense means to me that I should not to be disobedience to the Lord’s commandments—But then there’s that second phrase “neglect of duty” –that’s where it’s easy to fall into difficulties. That comes when I do just enough to take it off my to-do list. For example, do I throw a lesson together or do a work on a lesson thinking and praying about those who will be in the class? Do I drop by a plate of cookies to the sister I am to visiting teach, or do I accompany those cookies with a sincere note or visit?

In v 97 the lord speaks of his leaders as “ministers unto the Gentles first and also to the Jews.” I take that to mean that leaders of the church are to minister to us. And if I go further with that thought: I try to learn from my leaders, and so doesn’t that mean that in my position-whatever it might be-I should be ministering to those I come into contact with.

And finally, the Lord ends this section with v’s 99-100: “ Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence.    He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand” and I feel that means to stand in the presence of the Lord. That could mean in the eternities, or it could mean living with that mantle of comfort and peace (the peace that comes through our drawing close to the Lord) continually over our shoulders. And once again I come to this conclusion: draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you…..AND try every day to act upon the spiritual impressions we receive.