Teach Me to Walk

 This is such a beautiful video. 

"Teach Me to Walk in the Light," by Tadpole River
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImmRvNnF2ng

Doctrine and Covenants 41-44 - Assemble Yourselves Together

Sometimes when I teach adult Sunday School, we have a great conversation with a lot of participation. Sometimes, and I'm grateful to say this is more rare, very few people participate. I can talk for the entire length of the lesson, and I believe, people will walk away edified. Yet, if the collective group brings to the room their spirit, their thoughts, what inspired as they met and studied at home, we can all walk away that much more edified. 

Visually, I think of it as a rainbow. I can bring blue. And to most, the blue will be vibrant and beautiful, and fun to look at, so some will enjoy looking at that color of the rainbow. However, maybe someone's entire house is blue. So when they come, and stare at more blue, they don't really get much out of it. Now imagine someone brings with them the red. And someone else brings the orange. And someone else brings yellow, etc. Now everyone benefits, no matter what color is dominant in their home. 

Why do I share this analogy? By the time we reach Doctrine and Covenants 41, the church has many new members, and the Lord has given the guidance that they need to move to Ohio. There is now a great gathering of new members in Ohio that are trying to live the way Christ would have them live. However, at the heart of all this, is a group of religious God-loving people who came from a number of other religions, trying to find God, and trying to figure out their interpretations of the Bible and how best to follow His example. 

In Doctrine and Covenants 41:1-6, the Lord provides guidance around this. He says, 

"Hearken, O ye elders of my church whom I have called, behold I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall assemble yourselves together to agree upon my word; And by the prayer of your faith ye shall receive my law, that ye may know how to govern my church and have all things right before me. And I will be your ruler when I come; and behold, I come quickly." (Doctrine and Covenants 41:2-4).

One of the principles here is assembly.

Why do we assemble, and how does that help us? 

We are reminded in Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

We learned from last week's study that gathering today looks different than gathering back then. We can gather in our different countries, and in our homes. For families separated by distance and for other reasons, we can gather via Internet chat rooms or by telephone. The point is though, that we can bring our collective thoughts and inspirations and edify one another.

In General Conference, Jan E. Newman said, "I invite leaders and teachers in every organization of the Church to counsel together with parents and youth in order to dramatically improve teaching at every level—in stakes, in wards, and in homes. This will be achieved by teaching the doctrine and inviting Spirit-filled discussion about the truths the Holy Ghost has taught us in the quiet moments of our personal study." "Teaching in the Savior's Way," Jan E. Newman, April 2021 General Conference

There is a lot to "unpack" in that statement but one of the things I love is that we can dramatical improve teaching at every level. We do this as we teach and share what we learned in our own personal study. How powerful are those words! 

What it means to "be one" (Doctrine and Covenants 37-40)

In December 1830, the Lord asked the members of the church to move to Ohio. This was a big deal. They would be leaving behind their farms and all they had done to build up their livelihoods. It took a great act of faith to do this, and many suffered from significant financial loss for their great show of faith. Yet, they did it because they trusted the Lord and his greater knowledge. 

And, in fact, learn in "Gathered In Saints: The Story of The Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days, Volume 1, The Standard of Truth, 1815-1846," that “I hold forth and deign to give unto you greater riches, even a land of promise,” the Lord declared, “and I will give it unto you for the land of your inheritance, if you seek it with all your hearts.” 

The Lord was gathering his saints to protect them from the wicked, and as he did so, he asked them to "be one."

In Doctrine and Covenants 38:26, the Savior asks, "For what man among you having twelve sons, and is no respecter of them, and they serve him obediently, and he saith unto the one: Be thou clothed in robes and sit thou here; and to the other: Be though clothed in rags and sit thou there - and looketh upon his sons and saith I am just?" 

Or, in other words, what kind of father treats one son like a king and another so poorly, and can call himself a fair man?

He then says, in verse 27, "Behold, this I have given unto you as a parable, and it is even as I am. I say unto you, be one, and if ye are not one ye are not mine." 

We are all children of a loving Heavenly Father. That means we are all brothers are sisters. We are HIS. So if we are one, we are treating each other as if we are not HIS, and therefore, acting as though Jesus Christ is not our brother. 

I love the way that William K. Jackson says it, in his October 2020 talk, "The Culture of Christ:"

This culture is grounded in the testimony that our Heavenly Father exists, that He is real and loves each one of us individually. We are His “work and [His] glory.”¹ This culture espouses the concept of equal worth. There is no recognition of caste or class. We are, after all, brothers and sisters, spirit children of our heavenly parents—literally. There is no prejudice or “us versus them” mentality in the greatest of all cultures. We are all “us.” We are all “them.” We believe that we are responsible and accountable for ourselves, one another, the Church, and our world. Responsibility and accountability are important factors in our growth.

Charity, true Christlike caring, is the bedrock of this culture. We feel real concern for the needs of our fellowman, temporal and spiritual, and act on those feelings. This dispels prejudice and hatred.

President Russell N. Nelson said it very profoundly way back in 1978, in a talk called, "Building Bridges" that was re-shared in 2018 at the "Be One" celebration as shared here.

Ultimately, we realize that only the comprehension of the true Fatherhood of God can bring full appreciation of the true brotherhood of men and the true sisterhood of women. That understanding inspires us with passionate desire to build bridges of cooperation instead of walls of segregation.

It is my prayer and blessing that I leave upon all who are listening that we may overcome any burdens of prejudice and walk uprightly with God — and with one another — in perfect peace and harmony. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

How do we live "in perfect peace and harmony?" In his talk, "All Nations, Kindreds, Tongues," from October 2020 General Conference, Gerrit W. Gong explains:

In the household of faith there are to be no strangers, no foreigners,⁷ no rich and poor,⁸ no outside “others.” As “fellowcitizens with the saints,”⁹ we are invited to change the world for the better, from the inside out, one person, one family, one neighborhood at a time.

We can do this as we support each other, learn about each other, show compassion and mercy for each other. In "By Union of Feeling We Obtain Power with God," Sharon Eubank says, 

Jacob 2:17 reads, “Think of your [brothers and sisters] like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you.” Let’s replace the word substance with mercy—be free with your mercy that they may be rich like unto you.

We often think of substance in terms of food or money, but perhaps what we all need more of in our ministering is mercy.

And finally, in April 2021 General Conference, in the talk, "Hearts Knit Together," Gary E. Stevenson says, "

We have a primary responsibility to set a tone and be role models of kindness, inclusion, and civility—to teach Christlike behavior to the rising generation in what we say and how we act. It is especially important as we observe a marked societal shift toward division in politics, social class, and nearly every other man-made distinction.

... The Lord expects us to teach that inclusion is a positive means toward unity and that exclusion leads to division.

... As we look through a gospel lens, we recognize that we too are under the watchcare of a compassionate caregiver, who extends Himself in kindness and a nurturing spirit. 

The Good Shepherd knows each one of us by name and has a personal interest in us.¹⁹ The Lord Jesus Christ Himself said: “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep. … And I [will] lay down my life for the sheep.”²⁰

Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ - (Come Follow Me Study: Doctrine and Covenants 30-36)

Our last Come Follow Me study covers Doctrine and Covenants 30-36. During these six sections, the Lord delivered messages to twelve different men through Joseph Smith (including Joseph Smith). The most dominant theme was the title of this study, "Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ," as all of these men were called to teach the gospel.

I researched a little bit about each of the eleven men (excluded Joseph Smith) as it helped to learn about the revelations given in context of the men to whom they were given. I made a little overview chart (click to expand) but I will highlight some of the things I recorded in the chart in more detail below.

Some of these individuals that received revelations through Joseph Smith, like David Whitmer, were chastised and later excommunicated, so it is important to remember that the Lord chastises because he loves them. David Whitmer had the opportunity to choose differently. Others were reminded, like Edward Partridge in Section 36 that "you shall receive my Spirit." I have chosen not to focus on Thomas B. Marsh this time, as he gets another revelation later in the Doctrine and Covenants, but I will say, his story shows how willing the Lord is to forgive. He stepped so far away from the gospel of Jesus Christ that he helped get 15,000 Saints evicted from the state of Missouri. Some died. Yet Thomas B. Marsh was welcomed back into the church when he repented 19 years later.

As I was studying these individuals, some passages struck me, like this one:

Saints then, like Saints now, came in all sorts. Some knew from the beginning the dimension of the commitment that they were making, others recognized only the sweet, strong taste of the truth and, hungering for more, followed where the search led them, step by step. (Challenge to Greatness: The Nineteenth-Century Saints in New York, by Lavina Fielding Andersen) 

Some of these twelve men were faithful throughout their live though, like Joseph, they often faced great sacrifice. Some of them left for a time and then were re-baptized, and some were excommunicated and never returned, often after having made great contributions to the furthering of the gospel, like Sidney Rigdon.

One of the things that really struck me as I studied was a realization of how angry and divided the world around them was at the time over religion, and how hard it must have been to hold to their beliefs in the face of so much anger and mob mentality. Take the many signifiant and angry issues that are affecting us today, and then remember that this is what they were facing at the time, over religion. We have a small inkling of what the climate was at the time. And, while the bullying done via social media today can be pretty terrible, back then, many faithful followers of God literally died when they were kicked out of their homes by a massive extermination order of 15,000 Saints from Missouri, as they traveled to new places to build a new home.

I couldn't help but compare the anger of that time period to the fear that Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf's family faced when he was a young boy living in World War II, and having to flee their homes twice before he was twelve. He shared in our last General Conference session, on Easter weekend:

Back then .. I often wondered, 'Is there any hope left in the world?' As I pondered this question, I thought about our young American missionaries who served among us during those years. They had left the safety of their homes half a world away and traveled to Germany - land of their recent enemies - to offer divine hope to our people. They came not to blame, lecture, or shame. They willingly gave of their young lives without thought of earthly gain, wanting only to help others to find the joy and peace they had experienced. 

To me, these young men and women were perfect. I am sure they had flaws, but not to me. I will always think of them as being bigger than life - angels of light and glory, ministers of compassion, goodness, and truth.

While the world was drowning in cynicism, bitterness, hatred, and fear, the example and teachings of these young people filled me with hope. The gospel message they offered transcended politics, history, grudges, grievances, and personal agendas. It gave divine answers to important questions we had during those difficult times. 

("God among Us,"  Dieter F. Uchtdorf,  General Conference April 2021)

The missionaries during the time period immediately following World War II, were to Elder Uchtdorf, angels. Think about that. I have quoted Carlos A. Godoy several times already so I won't repeat again from my last few posts but, we can be angels on earth. That is the importance of missionary work, especially when you realize the incredible sacrifice of many of the missionaries.

One incident that shows what life was like for the early saints was shared about the faithful man, Edward Partridge, to which Section 36 was written. Emily and Eliza were some of Partridge's children:

Emily and her thirteen-year-old sister, Eliza, had just gone to a nearby spring for water, when a large body of armed men came and took her father away on 20 July 1833. She remembered anxiously listening to the yelling and shouts from the village square. Then, frightened, she saw an acquaintance, Albert Jackman, carrying a hat, coat, and vest, accompanied by a grotesque looking individual. Fearful, Emily ran upstairs to hide. It was actually her father, covered with tar and feathers. (See “Incidents,” pp. 25–26.) ("Steadfastness and Patient Endurance": The Legacy of Edward Partridge," by Dean Jessee) 

While these stories are upsetting, it's powerful to realize that Edward, once he had the true gospel of Christ in his life, was unwilling to turn away from God. 

He had been a successful hatter with five children to feed, but he and his wife willingly gave up their wealth, home, were rejected by some of their family, were imprisoned, and were separated as Partridge went years without seeing his wife and children as he faithfully obeyed the instruction from the Lord to serve a mission. ("Steadfastness and Patient Endurance": The Legacy of Edward Partridge," by Dean Jessee). Yet, while his life was full of trials, in Doctrine and Covenants 36:1, "thus saith the Lord God, the Mighty One of Israel: Behold, I say unto you, my servant Edward, that you are blessed." In church history, we also have this accounting:

    “Behold, I am well pleased with my servant Isaac Morley [Edward’s last companion] and my servant Edward Partridge, because of the integrity of their hearts. … Verily I say unto you their sins are forgiven them; therefore say unto them in my name, that it is my will that they should tarry for a little season, and attend the school, and also the solemn assembly, for a wise purpose in me.” (History of the Church, 2:302–3.)

Another great men, who was faithful to the gospel of his days, was Orson Pratt, who, at age 19, heard the gospel from his older brother, Parley P. Pratt. Orson was key to the conversion of many people, and also to many of the changes to the Book of Mormon text that makes it easier to read, including adding cross-references to the Book of Mormon. 

Orson Pratt held a lifelong conviction that the Book of Mormon was one of mankind’s greatest treasures. “And yet,” he lamented, “how many there are of the Latter-day Saints who suffer this book to remain upon their shelves, week after week, without ever reading a page of these precious things.” (Orson Pratt: Early Advocate of the Book of Mormon)

In Doctrine and Covenants 34:4, the Lord revealed to Pratt, "And blessed are you because you have believed; And more blessed are you because you are called of me to preach my gospel."

Ezra Thayre was extremely skeptical of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, as Joseph Smith and his brother and father had worked for Thayre, and Thayre knew the extent to which Joseph Smith was uneducated. Yet, when he was finally convinced to go hear the Smiths speak, he knew that what he was hearing was true. Of Thayre, it is said:

Because of the deeply spiritual experiences that led to his conversion, Thayer acted on the revelation’s call to share his belief in spite of risks to his reputation and livelihood. He later wrote, “When God shows a man such a thing by the power of the Holy Ghost he knows it is true. He cannot doubt it.” ("Ezra Thayer: From Skeptic to Believer," by Matthew McBride)

Thayre was true to the gospel to the end of his life, heading the revelation given to him in Doctrine and Covenants 33:17-18: "Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom. For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that I come quickly. Even so. Amen."

I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ, for these men and women who came before us and sacrificed so greatly to carry the work of the Lord forward, I talked about the men and their missionary work but their wives supported them in making these great sacrifices, in particularly, Joseph's wife, Emma Smith, Edward Partridge's wife, Lydia Partridge.

Reading these scriptures this week made me more appreciate of all of the "knights in shining armor" that contributed in these latter-days to making this book available to us. It makes me think about the reminder from the Lord that we need to "harken and hear ... the Lord God" (Doctrine and Covenants 34:1) and be faithful because, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, I come quickly." (Doctrine and Covenants 34:12). 

Easter Sunday

Happy Easter. I'm so grateful for the Savior Jesus Christ. Last week and leading up to Easter on my instagram account @iliketocreatestuff, I've been sharing some background and relevant quotes each day. I'd like to share some of them here, as an accompaniment to all of the beautiful scriptures that Come Follow Me recommends for Easter study. I shared too many quotes to put them all into one post so I've chosen the "intro" I used for each day and tried to stick to only one or two quotes for each day I highlighted.

I also want to share my Easter Sunday message that I posted on my Instagram feed:

Happy Easter! These little juncos have become some of my favorite local birds. They have an inquisitive, gentle nature and prefer to look for their food on the ground, unlike some birds that prefer to work their way up the trunk of a tree looking for insects, or nibbling along on tender branches. I thought it would be appropriate to share my recent painting of them today as I have been pondering the week leading up to Easter Sunday.

In Christianity, we believe in the Godhead, Heavenly Father, his Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. That's one set of three, but there are also many other references that come in threes. In the Bible, in 1 Corinthians 13:13, it talks about the importance of faith, hope, and charity. Dieter F. Uchtdorf called this the three-legged stool that "stabilize our lives regardless of the rough or uneven surfaces we might encounter at the time." He said, "Hope has the power to fill our lives with happiness. ... Hope is the gift of the Spirit. It is hope that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the power of His Resurrection, we shall be raised unto life eternal and this because of our faith in in the Savior." ("The Infinite Power of Hope," Dieter F. Uchtdorf, October 2008).

This Easter Sunday, and every day, I'm grateful for Jesus Christ. He taught, died, and rose again, all for each and every one of us.

My thoughts with some of the accompanying quotes I used to express my thoughts about Easter this week:

The Sunday before Easter

The Monday before Easter

The Tuesday/Wednesday before Easter

The Thursday before Easter

The Friday before Easter

The day before Easter

Easter