Scripture Insight: Mosiah 2:21

I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath...

Discussion
I think the use of the word "lending" here is interesting. King Benjamin could have said "giving" but he didn't. He went with "lending" which has connections with owing something in return. The Lord provides us our lives here (our "breath") so that we can carry out his work. He doesn't just give it to us. He wants us to pay him back via our faith and dedication in Him and His work.

Scripture Insight: Mosiah 2:6

And they pitched their tents round about the temple, every man having his tent with the door thereof towards the temple, that thereby they might remain in their tents and hear the words which king Benjamin should speak unto them.

Discussion
So basically they were watching #ldsconf from the comfort of their own home before it was cool....who knew there were hipsters in the Book of Mormon?

Scripture Insight: 1 Nephi 16:5

And it came to pass that they did humble themselves before the Lord; insomuch that I had joy and great hopes of them, that they would walk in the paths of righteousness.

Discussion
Here we have Nephi talking about his knucklehead brothers Laman and Lemuel. He has just spoken many hard truths to them until the point of them humbling themselves. I think the most interesting piece of this scripture is where Nephi says "...I had joy and great hopes of them, that they would walk in the paths of righteousness."

Despite all the hard hearts and stiffneckedness of his brothers, he still has faith in them. Time and time again they murmur against him and the Lord, heck, they go on to do 2-3 more times before the end of this chapter, even to the point of murderous intent. Yet Nephi is hopeful. I think this says a lot about him and his faith in the gospel's power to change the hearts of others.

The real question is, do we have that same faith as we work with those around us who appear to be struggling or even murmuring?

Scripture Insight: 4 Nephi 1: 1-2

1 And it came to pass that the thirty and fourth year passed away, and also the thirty and fifth, and behold the disciples of Jesus had formed a church of Christ in all the lands round about. And as many as did come unto them, and did truly repent of their sins, were baptized in the name of Jesus; and they did also receive the Holy Ghost.

2 And it came to pass in the thirty and sixth year, the people were all converted unto the Lord, upon all the face of the land, both Nephites and Lamanites, and there were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with another.

Discussion
This is taking place right after the Savior visited the Americas and the people there took hold of the message presented to them and believed in it. I think its interesting to see such a sharp contrast to how the people here responded compared to those in the New Testament because while there were many who believed and the church grew, there was also contention and persecution. Many of the Saints were killed because of their faith and yet here in the Americas everyone accepted it. I'm sure there are many factors to be considered in this, but its still interesting to note.

Scripture Insight: D&C 43:34

34 Hearken ye to these words. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Treasure these things up in your hearts, and let the solemnities of eternity rest upon your minds.

Discussion
I love that part at the end there: "let the solemnities of eternity rest upon your minds." I picture in my mind this vast unknown universe out in space and the sheer magnitude of it (the background image for OS X Mountain Lion comes to mind). It all seems so vast and overwhelming in magnitude, but this provides a calming feeling because everything is in order.

Knowledge of the gospel can be the same way. The amount of knowledge and learning to be had is extensive and seems daunting. But with every little nugget of truth we learn, it brings with it a calming influence of support and reassurance. I just want to lay back and let it all wash over me.

Scripture Insight: Alma 12:10-11

10 And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full.

11 And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell.

Discussion
As I look around and see the state of world affairs, this scripture comes to mind as many turn away from the truth provided by the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It seems that even some church members are included in this as they become more aligned to the philosophies of men and the reasoning of this world. It would appear that their spiritual senses are being dulled which can lead to a gradual hardening of the heart.

As indicated here in this scripture, this hardening of the heart can prevent light and knowledge from entering into them. Two people can sit and listen to the same sacrament talk or General Conference address, but if one of them have hardened their heart then they will be unable to fully receive the message intended and their ability to have their faith and testimony strengthened will be limited. We all need to exercise greater faith in our lives and put our full trust in the Lord and his servants here on the earth, particularly the prophet as he will not lead us astray.

Scripture Insight: 2 Nephi 32:3

3 Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.

Discussion
You know that hunger you feel at the end of the fast, where you are willing to anything in sight because it all sounds good. I think of that when I read this scripture and feasting upon the words of Christ. We are so hungry for truth and knowledge we want to gobble it all up. We want to read and learn as much as we can.

Then there re are other times where we feel only slightly hungry. We get more picky. We may want to eat this but not that. It can be like, yeah, I like that, but I'm not in the mood for it. There's something specific we have in mind. These are times where we are seeking something specific from the scriptures and become picky about what we read. This is not feasting. This is going back and forth to the kitchen every 5 minutes looking for something to eat but never getting anything (we think what we want will magically appear but it never does). We finally settle for something that sounds okay and walk away unsatisified.

We need to approach our scripture study like the first example and not the second. And lets hope we never get to the point where we're "full" and feel we don't need anymore nourishment from the good word of God.

The trick is to always remain "spiritually hungry" so we can feast like the scripture advises. Any thoughts on how to do this?

Scripture Insight: D&C 76: 75, 79

75 These are they who are honorable men of the earth, who were blinded by the craftiness of men.

79 These are they who are not valiant in the testimony of Jesus; wherefore, they obtain not the crown over the kingdom of our God.

Discussion
This scripture seems more applicable now than ever before. While Satan has always had his power to influence and deviate those away from the true principles of the gospel, it seems that there are more and more members that I come across that have views or beliefs that are in stark contrast to church teachings.

For example, a large movement in the US and in many countries around the world has made a push for adopting same-sex marriage for "equality." Even a casual reading of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," the scriptures, and other teachings of the prophets makes it clear that acting on same-sex desires is a grievous sin. It has been clarified more in recent years that having those desires is no different that the carnal desires one might have towards the opposite sex or to use illicit substances. The sin comes from acting on those impulses or allowing them place in our minds.

The church as a policy does not get involved in politics and allows members to support whatever political affiliation they choose. Civic duty is encouraged. It is interesting to note that one of the few and rare circumstances that the church did get involved with the political scene was when it encouraged members in California to oppose the adoption of same-sex marriage in that state. Again, the church's (and by the church we can also say the Lord's) position on this topic has been clear.

Yet there are many active church members who support same-sex marriage. I came across one person who stated that they did not believe that the Family Proclamation was true revelation by a prophet. My response, you had the First Presidency and the entire Quorum of the Twelve get together and sign a document of one accord and send it out to the entire world...there not going to do that unless it is revelation.

It's sad to see even faithful members of the church get caught up in the wiles of the devil and his craftiness. I know that they are good people, even "honorable" as the scripture above states. But we all need to look to the Prophet in all things and hold strong to the iron rod.

Scripture Insight: Helaman 12:3

3 And thus we see that except the Lord doth chasten his people with many afflictions, yea, except he doth visit them with death and with terror, and with famine and with all manner of pestilence, they will not remember him.

Discussion
This is very sad and yet very true. I also find it sad that there are many that when it situations like this, do not take that opportunity to exercise greater faith in the Lord but curse or revile Him instead for letting that happen to them.

Scripture Insight: D&C 58:27

27 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;

Discussion
I have mixed feelings about this particular passage. I love the insight and importance it conveys about autonomy and our responsibility when it comes to living the gospel. I also dislike the scripture because of the same reason. It makes me realize that I am not "anxiously engaged" and "do many things of [my] own free will." Indeed, I do many things because of my calling and its what I'm supposed to do. I don't murmur or complain about it and there is no resentment of any kind. I enjoy what I do. But I also know deep down I wouldn't do most of what I do without having the calling.

It makes me think of the scripture in 1 Nephi 16:2:

 "And it came to pass that I said unto them that I knew that I had spoken hard things against the wicked, according to the truth; and the righteous have I justified, and testified that they should be lifted up at the last day; wherefore, the guilty taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center."

 I'm the wicked man getting cut "to the very center." But the original scripture in D&C does give me hope though because it gives me a standard to follow so I can work towards that goal of being "anxiously engaged."

Scripture Insight: D&C 101:37

37 Therefore, care not for the body, neither the life of the body; but care for the soul, and for the life of the soul.

Discussion
This scripture throws me off some. I read it through and on the surface and it looks like it could mean that I don't have to worry about those second servings of ice cream or chocolate anymore, after all, it says "care not for the body, neither the life of the body." It talks about caring more for the soul. Which makes sense because our current physical bodies are just temporal in nature and in the resurrection they will be perfected regardless of who we are or what we did to them.

That covers the saved from physical death part. But there's also spiritual death which is more significant for our eternal outcome. This is also the main meaning behind this particular scripture as it advises us to focus our souls which brings the more spiritual matter into it. So I'm all good up until here. I'll eat that extra piece of fried chicken and then finish my wife's fries that she's not going to eat. As long as I'm in line with the commandments of God and repenting appropriately, I'm good to go.

But then I come back to the word soul, which is the combination of the body and the spirit. So if I am to worry about the soul, I still have to worry about my body. But is this referring to our current physical bodies (the temporal one) or the resurrected ones? Because I really would like that extra helping of mac n' cheese...

Scripture Insight: D&C 29:34-35

34 Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal; neither any man, nor the children of men; neither Adam, your father, whom I created.

35 Behold, I gave unto him that he should be an agent unto himself; and I gave unto him commandment, but no temporal commandment gave I unto him, for my commandments are spiritual; they are not natural nor temporal, neither carnal nor sensual.

From the Doctrine and Covenants and Church History: Gospel Doctrine Teacher's Manual: Lesson 14: The Law of Consecration:

Explain that the principles of the law of consecration have not changed since it was revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith. However, the application of those principles changes from time to time.  The current prophet helps us understand how to apply these principles in our day.

Discussion
I was studying the Sunday School one week in preparation for Sunday and came across the above scripture. I had to stop and take a step back for a moment to more fully comprehend it because something was not adding up for me. Now I know the scripture is true because it was revelation received for these latter days and is included in the canonical works of the church. I have a strong testimony of that. So I know if there is any discrepancy with these and other teachings, the fault is on me and my lack of understanding.

But I confess I was perplexed at first with the scripture. I understood the principle it was outlining perfect. My difficulty came in the history of its application which when looking at the surface level of the evidence seems to contradict it (i.e, changes with Blacks receiving the priesthood, the support and then non-support of polygamy, etc.). Again, because I know the scriptures to be true that this could not be the case.

I decided to return to the manual and continue studying so my mind could wrestle with that one in the background. No sooner do I return to studying the manual do I come across the second bit which is also included above. These made it abundantly clear where my lack of understanding was. What seemed like a contradiction in statement is perfectly explained in three simple sentences (one really if you look at the highlighted portion).

Scripture Insight: Moroni 10:22

22 And if ye have no hope ye must needs be in despair; and despair cometh because of iniquity.

Discussion
I came across this scripture while reading a talk recently on lds.org. It made me remember another talk I read many years ago while still on the mission. In that particular talk there was a story about a missionary who was complaining about his companion who took forever to get ready in the morning and they were never able to leave the house on time. What was happening is that the companion was praying for 30 or minutes each day when he awoke in the morning.

Well that doesn't sound too bad, right? I mean, come on, the guy is praying. But the Mission President still wanted to address the issue because it was causing problems within the companionship and while praying is nice and all, 30 minutes can excessive when you have a tight schedule like missionaries do. So the MP sits down with this young Elder and asks why he is praying for so long. His response was that he had to wait until he could feel the spirit in order prayer properly.

Now the MP immediate response was to ask about any immorality or sins that the Elder had not repented up. The Elder denied. But either through revelation or knowledge of the scripture above (probably both), the MP probed deeper with the young Elder who finally confessed to some serious transgressions that he had not repented of.

It stuck out to me then as it does now that sin impedes our ability to have hope and faith in the gospel. I recently interacted with someone who was struggling with their faith and testimony that the church was true and the President Monson was indeed a prophet. I thought then, but not mention it to the person, that perhaps there was some sin or transgression that they had not repented of that could have been holding them back. Although hard, sometime we have to take that first step into the darkness in order for the light to come.

Although we may feel hopeless and in despair in our iniquities, I know that if we take that first step of repentance by exercising even the smallest sliver of faith the Lord will bless us.

Scripture Insight: Alma 33: 19-22

Alma 33: 19-22
19 Behold, he was spoken of by Moses; yea, and behold a type was raised up in the wilderness, that whosoever would look upon it might live. And many did look and live.

20 But few understood the meaning of those things, and this because of the hardness of their hearts. But there were many who were so hardened that they would not look, therefore they perished. Now the reason they would not look is because they did not believe that it would heal them.

Discussion
I've always been familiar with this scripture and the story behind it. I understand its significance and the application it has. But what I just picked up on was what is being mentioned at the beginning of 20, "but few understood the meaning of those things."

Now this refers back to the previous verse where Moses was using the brass serpent as a "type" or similitude of the atonement. So it wasn't just that they didn't believe because of the easiness of the way (which was the main part), but ALSO because they didn't understand the symbolism behind it either. The hardness of their hearts preventing them from seeing the WHY of the matter. What seemed too simple to them had a purpose with a deeper meaning that they completely missed because they were too prideful and stubborn.

Now I recognize I'm judging them using 20/20 hindsight provided by the restoration of the gospel with more knowledge given to us than any other prior dispensation. Its easier for me to see the connection from the brass serpent to the atonement because both events have happened. They had to look forward with more faith in their time and trust in the prophet (Moses). I have just have to trust and have faith that what was written is true (which it is).

But is does make me think about the prophet we have today and the things he warns us about and the counsel he provides. How many of us are hardening out hearts today because of the "easiness of the way" and not understanding any deeper meaning? We don't have hindsight for the future. That's where faith comes in. Unfortunately it doesn't look like everyone is exercising that faith...

Scripture Insight: 2 Nephi 4: 27-28

2 Nephi 4:27-28
27 And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? Why am I angry because of mine enemy?

28 Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.

Discussion
I originally came across verse 28 and was intrigued by the phrase "no longer droop in sin." The initial thought was the fact that sin does bring us down, makes us feel lower and less of a person. Too often it seems that we develop a negative life view because of our sins and it creates this downward spiral that can lead to more sin and more feelings of sadness and "drooping."

It doesn't have to be that way of course. It's not what Heavenly Father wants for us. The only lowliness he wants for us is lowliness of heart because that leads to repentance. The first part of 28 is key here: Awake, my soul! Sometimes we need that jump start to our motivation to begin that process of seeking forgiveness and working ourselves back up that downward spiral we slid down.

What was really interesting to me though was looking back over verse 27. The first line refers to yielding to sin because of the flesh. Now we all know that there is a duality of man with his spirit and body. In order to truly progress in life, we have to subject the natural man (aka "flesh") so the spirit is in control. It's way we fast so we can learn to rely on that spirit.

Knowing that about sin and the "flesh," we can understand verse 28 better. Again, the first line there is "awake, my soul!" He said soul. Not spirit. Not Flesh. Soul. Which is the spirit and the body (flesh). The sentence is also written as a command and given that the next line is too, one can assume that he is also referring to the soul when he says "no longer droop."

So what I find interesting about this is that as we struggle with things of the flesh, it brings our soul down (drooping) which by the nature of cause and effect, means our spirits are being brought down too. This reinforces the notion that we are limited in our spiritual abilities as we sin and procrastinate our repentance.

Scripture Insight: Alma 34: 34-35

34 Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world.

35 For behold, if ye have procrastinated the day of your repentance even until death, behold, ye have become subjected to the spirit of the devil, and he doth seal you his; therefore, the Spirit of the Lord hath withdrawn from you, and hath no place in you, and the devil hath all power over you; and this is the final state of the wicked.

Discussion
I came across this scripture reference while reading a devotional given by Clayton M. Christensen (will be posted later) and this particular passage hit home with me. The whole talk resonated with me, but this particular scripture highlighted a key part of it for me given some of the things going in my life at this time. Funny how the Lord always knows what to place before us to help when He knows we're willing to study the matter out.

What I like about this scripture is how is stresses the importance of always living the gospel 100% of the time. We have to ensure our bodies are always possessed with the true spirit of righteousness, and not that of the devil. Eternal consequences hang in the balance.

But I think what most stood out to me is the beginning of verse 35 when it addresses procrastination, because hey, that's me. In school I always waited til the last minute to study or finish writing that paper. Sure, some work was done along the way, but the bulk was done in the last 24-48 hours. Things always seemed to work out though. And work out well I might add.

I remember when I had my comprehensive finals to study for in graduate school but I waited until the last minute. I put less than 10 total hours into it (maybe 5 or less). At the end of the test it asks you to indicate how much you studied and the lowest option was 25 hours or less. I didn't even come close to that! When I got the scores a few weeks later they included the stats for your testing group. Not only did I far exceed my expectations, I had the highest score in the group.

Instead of filling elated (which I did to a certain extent of course), I felt guilty. I felt like I didn't deserve that score when so many other people put more time and effort forth than I did. I recognized that being rewarded for procrastinating my studying was not healthy.

This scripture highlights that there is no "cramming" for repentance. Forgiveness of our sins doesn't work like that. The time to act is now and not tomorrow. Recently someone at church said that the Savior has promised forgiveness to those who repent but has NOT promised tomorrow for procrastination.

Scripture Insight: Matthew 6: 24-34

Matthew 6: 24-34
24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Discussion
My wife and I are at a transitional point in our family lives. We are trying the determine the direction we want to go in which could be a different career choice for me or possibly continued graduate schools to obtain my doctoral degree. There's also the question of when to have baby #3 to grow our family.

A source of great frustration for us has been waiting to hear back from the various grad programs I applied to. We should have heard something by now. We know that we will hear something either way so since we haven't received any rejection notices, no news is still good news at this point. But that doesn't change the fact that its frustrating and feels like we're just spinning out wheels waiting for something to happen.

That's when I remembered this particular passage of scripture and the counsel provided to the early apostles. It's comforting to know that Heavenly Father is aware of what is going on (verse 32) and we should trust in him. Focus on today. Focus on HIM. Indeed, it wasn't until I sat down to read the scripture again that I noted that verse 24 was a part of the passage. I don't recall ever associating the whole serving 2 masters as part of this topic and saw it as two separate items.

Upon further reflection though, the two do go hand-in-hand. My wife are so wrapped in our temporal endeavors and what to do they we lost sight of what's most important. We need to seek first the kingdom of God as suggested by verse 33. Everything will fall into place after that.

Scripture Insight: Mosiah 15:5

Mosiah 15: 5

5 And thus the flesh becoming subject to the Spirit, or the Son to the Father, being one God, suffereth temptation, and yieldeth not to the temptation, but suffereth himself to be mocked, and scourged, and cast out, and disowned by his people.

Discussion
I'm interested in particular with the highlighted portion above. I was listening to a podcast from the Mormon Channel where the above scripture was quoted. It struck me in that moment that here we have the Savior of all mankind, the one and only person who went through this entire life without sin, yet he still suffered temptations.

This gave a reassurance to me after reflecting on it because how often do we beat ourselves up for being tempted by something? We shouldn't though! Even Jesus Christ suffered temptations, so there is nothing inherently wrong with it. Indeed, one could say we are specifically to suffer these temptations as the trial of our faith before (hopefully) returning to live with our Heavenly Father.

I think the key thing to take out of this scripture apart from the comfort it can provide, is the second part of the phrase, "and yieldeth not to the temptation." When faced with these temptations, we cannot give in to them and should not let them have space in mind for even one moment longer than necessary. I was reminded via another podcast of the classic psychological experiment with children and marshmallows which illustrates this concept nicely:

Basically, a small child was left in a room by themselves with a large marshmallow. They were instructed that if they were able to wait until the researcher returned (~5mins) without eating the marshmallow, they would be given another of the same size. Now some children ate the marshmallow right away, before the researcher even reached the door. They yielded to temptations.

What's interesting are the two types of children who did not eat the marshmallow right away. One group of them remained fixated on the marshmallow the entire time. They picked it up. Examined it. Smelled it. Some placed it tentatively on their lips. Some of these kids eventually succumbed and their wonderfully delicious treat. They did not remove the temptation from their path and while strong at first, the persistent reminder was too much.

The other group of kids, though, actively engaged in some activity to avoid even thinking about the marshmallow, let alone touch it. They turned away from it. They hummed a song. They played a game with themselves. These kids successfully gained their well-earned reward. They suffered temptation, but did not yield to it.

Interesting side-note: follow-up studies were conducted with these children through the years and what they noted was that those children who did not eat the marshmallow (did not yield to temptation), on average had higher GPA's in high school, had fewer difficulties with emotional adjustment, and fewer problem behaviors at home or school. Very telling.

Scripture Insight: Alma 7: 11-13

Alma 7: 11-13
11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.


Here are the notes I made for the highlighted section:
What's interesting here is that this particular passage is talking about the purpose of the atonement which I have previously understood to have 3 main purposes:
1. Atone for our sins
2. Know our suffering in order to succor
3. Overcome death.

This particular portion though indicates that #2 could have been done without the atonement; the following phrase which is a connected thought with the word "nevertheless" puts forth that the Savior suffered to take upon our sins, or #1. There is no mention again of knowing how to succor us.

But I will also put forth this: does the spirit knoweth these things BECAUSE OF the atonement?