Motives For Obedience 1 Nephi 2

I believe that Chapter 2 of 1^st Nephi is a pivotal chapter in understanding the rest of the Book of Mormon. For me, it is actually more like the “preface” of everything else that will follow.

The first thing that I noticed about Chapter 2 is that it is a great illustration of the principle of obedience. It primarily shows the different levels of obedience, or motivating factors there are to prompt one to be obedient. Each of the family members shows a different level of obedience.

Why did Lehi obey the Lord?

Look for the reason Lehi left Jerusalem:

1 Nephi 2:1 For behold, it came to pass that the Lord spake unto my father, yea, even in a dream, and said unto him: Blessed art thou Lehi, because of the things which thou hast done; and because thou hast been faithful and declared unto this people the things which I commanded thee, behold, they seek to take away thy life.

2 And it came to pass that the Lord commanded my father, even in a dream, that he should take his family and depart into the wilderness.

3 And it came to pass that he was obedient unto the word of the Lord, wherefore he did as the Lord commanded him.

Perhaps it may seem like he left to preserve his life, but in actuality we are told that he left because he was “obedient unto the word of the Lord.” In this case, the blessing for being obedient was the preservation of his life, literally and figuratively.

Taking only his family and the provisions needed to sustain their lives, (which is another lesson in itself) Lehi left his home behind and ventured out into the “wilderness.” It is interesting to note that after traveling three days, the required time from an authorized sanctuary before one could offer sacrifices, his first acts were to “pitch his tent” and “build an altar of stones.”

(Another interesting side note here might be to notice that the tabernacle was also considered the “tent” of the congregation. I always think of this when I read “and my father dwelt in a tent” from the account of Nephi. In any case, it is evident that Lehi was a very righteous man who knew the importance of sacrificial offerings.)

Lehi was showing his obedience to a command to offer sacrifices to the Lord, but look for the reason we are told he offers them:

1 Nephi 2:7 And it came to pass that he built an altar of stones, and made an offering unto the Lord, and gave thanks unto the Lord our God.

When we are grateful our thoughts are turned to the giver of our gifts. I believe that Lehi’s obedience was motivated by his great gratitude and love for his Savior. This level of obedience is the greatest level one can attain.

In my mind, I can picture this event as a “Sacrament Meeting” of sorts, wherein after the Sacramental offering was given, Lehi, the Priesthood leader, gave a talk.

Look for the subject of his talk:

1 Nephi 2:9 And when my father saw that the waters of the river emptied into the fountain of the Red Sea, he spake unto Laman, saying: O that thou mightest be like unto this river, continually running into the fountain of all righteousness!

10 And he also spake unto Lemuel: O that thou mightest be like unto this valley, firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord!

His focus on obedience, admonishing them to not only be “steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandment” but also “continually running into the fountain of all righteousness” required commitment on the part of the hearers. It taught them through their visual surroundings the example of the principle of obedience. (I love how the Savior used His surroundings to teach his followers too!)

After this great sermon, we are shown two other examples of levels of obedience by the course of Laman and Lemuel, and that of Nephi.

With further reading we learn some interesting things about the character of Laman and Lemuel:

1 Nephi 2:11 Now this he spake because of the stiffneckedness of Laman and Lemuel; for behold they did murmur in many things against their father, because he was a visionary man, and had led them out of the land of Jerusalem, to leave the land of their inheritance, and their gold, and their silver, and their precious things, to perish in the wilderness. And this they said he had done because of the foolish imaginations of his heart.

12 And thus Laman and Lemuel, being the eldest, did murmur against their father. And they did murmur because they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them.

13 Neither did they believe that Jerusalem, that great city, could be destroyed according to the words of the prophets. And they were like unto the Jews who were at Jerusalem, who sought to take away the life of my father.

Although these two are described as being stiffnecked, murmuring, valuing temporal things, unbelieving, not believing the prophets, prideful like the Jews who were at Jerusalem, and knowing not the dealings of God, nevertheless, we are also told that they were obedient.

Look for the REASON that they obeyed:

1 Nephi 2:14 And it came to pass that my father did speak unto them in the valley of Lemuel, with power, being filled with the Spirit, until their frames did shake before him. And he did confound them, that they durst not utter against him; wherefore, they did as he commanded them.

Contrary to the obedience that Lehi showed out of love, these two obeyed out of fear. I love the word that Nephi uses when he describes that they did “shake” before their father, it allows me to totally see their fear and confusion.

Elder Oaks illustrated the concept of motivation levels which lead to action in a talk he gave called, “Why Do We Serve.” Although he uses service as the principle, I believe we can substitute the word obey in the same spot.

He stated, "People serve one another (are obedient) for different reasons, and some reasons are better than others. Perhaps none of us serves (is obedient) in every capacity all the time for only a single reason. Since we are imperfect beings, most of us probably serve (show obedience) for a combination of reasons, and the combinations may be different from time to time as we grow spiritually. But we should all strive to serve (be obedient) for the reasons that are highest and best.”

Nephi had a desire to be obedient like his father.

My next post will discuss the process that Nephi followed because he chose to become like his father.

What motivates us to obey certain commandments? By recognizing what is motivating us, can we then, if necessary, elevate our level of obedience to the Lord? By learning to love the Lord more fully, can we become more obedient to His commands?

Since obedience and sacrifice were the first laws given to Adam and Eve, isn’t it interesting they are some of the first principles taught in the Book of Mormon as well?

So much to think about... and it is just chapter 2!

The New and Everlasting Covenant- Section 132

The “New and Everlasting Covenant” of the gospel of Jesus Christ is the way that we gain our exaltation. Section 132 of the Doctrine and Covenants explains this concept really beautifully. Understanding exactly what the “New and Everlasting Covenant” is is fundamental to our progression in this life and in the life to come. Contrary to popular belief it encompasses much more than the marriage covenant itself. Perhaps the marriage covenant could be viewed as a crowning ordinance required as part of the New and Everlasting Covenant.

One definition of the New and Everlasting Covenant can be found in the guide to the scriptures, as follows:

The fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is new every time it is revealed anew following a period of apostasy. It is everlasting in the sense that it is God’s covenant and has been enjoyed in every gospel dispensation where people have been willing to receive it. The new and everlasting covenant was revealed again to men on earth by Jesus Christ through the prophet Joseph Smith. It contains sacred ordinances administered by priesthood authority—such as baptism and temple marriage—that provide for man’s salvation, immortality, and eternal life. When people accept the gospel and promise to keep God’s commandments, God covenants to give them the blessings of his new and everlasting covenant.

Another definition is also given in Doctrine and Covenants Section 66:

2 Verily I say unto you, blessed are you for receiving mine everlasting covenant, even the fulness of my gospel, sent forth unto the children of men, that they might have life and be made partakers of the glories which are to be revealed in the last days, as it was written by the prophets and apostles in days of old.

To speak in terms of the Old Testament, it could be defined as the Abrahamic Covenant renewed once again in this dispensation. It is the order (order being the root word for ordinances) by which we receive all that the Father hath.

To more fully understand the information given in Section 132 regarding the New and Everlasting Covenant, I believe it is important to realize the time period in which the revelation was given. The section heading explains that a written recording of the revelation happened on July 12, 1843, but that the principles taught in the revelation had been known by the prophet Joseph Smith since 1831. That means that this revelation remained in the mind and heart of Joseph Smith for about twelve years.

The written revelation was given at the request of Hyrum Smith, who intended to take it to Emma to persuade her that the direction given in it was from the Lord. This was Hyrum’s attempt to alleviate the friction that the information contained therein caused, between her and Joseph. William Clayton was called to be the scribe, and with Hyrum Smith, in the brick store in Nauvoo, listened as Joseph Smith dictated Section 132 sentence by sentence. Although Hyrum asked if the Urim and Thummim was needed Joseph replied that he could recite it by memory. Given the time period allowed for this revelation to percolate, it is no wonder Joseph knew it so completely, unaided by any means of translation, other than the spirit and his memory. He had received it and it was inscribed in both his mind and heart.

When the revelation was received and recorded, Bishop Newel K Whitney was given permission to copy it in its entirety. He used the resource of his clerk, Joseph C Kingbury, to copy the document, and after proofreading it together, made sure it was exactly like the original. This copy was the one that Brigham Young received in March of 1847, and was adopted as official revelation at a general conference in Salt Lake in August of 1852. The original copy was taken by Hyrum Smith to Emma Smith, who, when she read it, promptly threw it into the fire, and it was destroyed.

Similar to the layout of Section 130, in that it is a compilation of thoughts, Section 132 can easily be divided into at least five different areas of instruction. The first division can be seen to include verses 1 through 40. It is in these verses that the “New and Everlasting Covenant” is really defined. It must be remembered that this portion was, more than likely, received in the early years of the establishment of the Church, way before temple covenants were received or clearly understood and practiced. It could be surmised that while Joseph was involved in the translation of the Old Testament, which later became known as the JST, he formulated the following question:

Section 132: 1 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you my servant Joseph, that inasmuch as you have inquired of my hand to know and understand wherein I, the Lord, justified my servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as also Moses, David and Solomon, my servants, as touching the principle and doctrine of their having many wives and concubines—

2 Behold, and lo, I am the Lord thy God, and will answer thee as touching this matter.

(Some believe that the question could have been asked as early as during the translation of the Book of Mormon, when Joseph came upon Jacob, Chapter 2. I believe that only the mention of David and Solomon alone in that chapter give a greater chance that the inquiry actually occurred during the Old Testament translation as Joseph inquired of the patriarchal fathers’ practice of multiple wives.)

This early inquiry can be likened to someone asking for information contained on page 1001 of the book when they haven’t even read page 1 yet. I believe that is why the Lord required Joseph to teach the basics first before he taught the more comprehensive doctrines contained in Section 132. These basic teachings took over twelve years to accomplish.

The Lord warned:

132: 3 Therefore, prepare thy heart to receive and obey the instructions which I am about to give unto you; for all those who have this law revealed unto them must obey the same.

This warning is actually the first step in the progression on the path of the “New and Everlasting Covenant”. One must prepare their heart to receive and then be ready to obey. This preparation of the heart is the sacrifice of individual will to conform to that of the will of the Father. We term this preparation as one of “obedience and sacrifice” also known as the first law of Heaven.

The Lord further explained that He was about to do something for this new fledgling Church, just recently established when He stated:

132: 4 For behold, I reveal unto you a new and an everlasting covenant; and if ye abide not that covenant, then are ye damned; for no one can reject this covenant and be permitted to enter into my glory.

This “damming” was simply the act of non-progression. Each step, or covenant, that one is required to enter into as they receive the New and Everlasting Covenant allows for progression to the next level of commitment. By not receiving the law, the gift or blessing attached to that law is forfeited, thus progression is halted, and one is damned.

132:5 For all who will have a blessing at my hands shall abide the law which was appointed for that blessing, and the conditions thereof, as were instituted from before the foundation of the world.

Also stated:

Section 130: 20 There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—

21 And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.

In Section 132 we also learn exactly why the New and Everlasting Covenant was given:

6 And as pertaining to the new and everlasting covenant, it was instituted for the fulness of my glory; and he that receiveth a fulness thereof must and shall abide the law, or he shall be damned, saith the Lord God.

This “New and Everlasting Covenant” is the means by which the Father is glorified. It is the way he is able to accomplish his greatest work. It is the process by which the immortality and eternal life of man is gained.

Moses 1:39 For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

More to come....

From Kirtland to San Diego- LDS Temple Dedicatory Prayers

My last post was a comparison of the dedicatory prayers that were offered at the dedication of both the Temple built during the reign of King Solomon, and the one which was given by Joseph Smith in dedication of the Kirtland Temple built by the Latter Day Saints in Ohio. In my study I decided to look at another dedicatory prayer to see if I could find any similarities to either of the previously mentioned prayers. I chose to look at the San Diego Temple dedicatory prayer simply because of the proximity of this beautiful temple. I believe that you could compare any dedicatory prayer offered and find similarities of interest... try it on the temple location nearest you.

I focused primarily on Kirtland and San Diego.

It is interesting to note that the Kirtland Temple dedicatory prayer was a prayer of “asking”. In contrast, the majority of the San Diego Temple dedicatory prayer was offered by way of “thanking”. When I noticed this, I decided to see if any of the thanking going on in San Diego was a direct result of the asking that took place at Kirtland. The results are stunning.

Some “asks” that were requested in Kirtland are as follows:

-to accept the Temple

-that glory might rest upon the Temple continually

-that all who enter might feel of thy power, and acknowledge it as a place of holiness

-that all who worship may be taught words of wisdom

-that all may “grow up in thee”, receive a fulness of the Holy Ghost, become organized according to thy laws, and become prepared to obtain every needful thing

-that those who transgress will speedily repent and return to thy House

-that servants may go forth from this House armed with power, with thy name put upon them, bearing glorious tidings, in truth, unto the ends of the earth

-that a people might be established to honorably hold a name and standing in this House, for all generations and eternity

-that no weapon can be formed against this people and all lying reports against them be given shame and confusion

-to bless those nations who uphold the constitution

-to soften the hearts of the rulers of the world that they may allow the message of the gospel to be preached in their lands

-to appoint other stakes for the gathering of the Saints

-to have mercy upon Jerusalem, and return Judah to his lands of inheritance and become converted to the gospel

-Bless the prophet, leaders of the Church, and families of the Church individually.

It is apparent to me that many of the requested blessings that were asked for in Kirtland at the opening of this great outpouring of the Spirit, have been granted by the Lord. By observing this simple pattern it is easy for me to see the “hand of the Lord” in all things.

Some of the “thanks” given at the San Diego dedication are as follows:

-for the consecrated tithes of the saints across the earth that have made this Temple possible

-for the “fullness of the priesthood” which will be exercised therein

-for the eternal plan, including the ordinances that will be performed in the holy house, for the living and the dead of all generations

-for the spread of thy work across the world and the power to open the doors of nations to thine ordained messengers

-for remembering the ancient covenant made with Father Lehi and for the faithfulness of his posterity from whose eyes the shackles of darkness are now falling

-for the work moving forward to dedicate more temples across the earth

-for this nation under whose inspired Constitution we enjoy the freedom to worship

-for the Atonement of Jesus Christ making all these blessing possible

I believe that these blessings are a direct result of the obedience and sacrifice given by those who offered their consecrated efforts by building the Kirtland Temple as directed by the Lord. They are a gift to us as their posterity. When I then looked at the "asks" given in the San Diego Temple dedicatory prayer, I could not help but wonder if 100 years from now my posterity would be thanking the Lord for the blessing given them as a direct result of the requests made in my generation.

It is with great humility that I desire to concentrate on the final request given at the San Diego Temple dedication:

“In accepting thy gospel we have become a covenant people. We have taken upon ourselves the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and have promised to keep His commandments. Strengthen us in our resolutions and guard us against failure in observing the obligations we have accepted. In thy sacred temples we make further covenants with thee. Give us the will to live above sin and selfishness. Save us from pride and arrogance. Smile with favor upon us we humbly pray thee. Bless us with a spirit of benevolence toward all who are in distress wherever they may be or whatever their circumstances... On this day of dedication may a new spirit of consecration come into our hearts that we may serve thee more acceptably through service to they sons and daughters- those who dwell upon the earth and those who have gone before.”

I hope that my grandchildren will be able to see the realization of the blessings given, that are attached to these requests because of my obedience and sacrifice, like I now enjoy the blessings given as a result of those who consecrated themselves in Kirtland.

Pride and Wickedness

I have been pondering the meaning of wickedness lately. While I was studying Section 3, and also Section 10, I found the Lord refers to Martin Harris as a “wicked” man.

• D&C 3:12 And when thou deliveredst up that which God had given thee sight and power to translate, thou deliveredst up that which was sacred into the hands of a wicked man.
• D&C 10:1 Now, behold, I say unto you, that because you delivered up those writings which you had power given unto you to translate by the means of the Urim and Thummim, into the hands of a wicked man, you have lost them.

After having learned more about Martin Harris and the many sacrifices he made to move the work of the Lord forward, I had to wonder why the Lord decided to label Martin as wicked man at this point in his life.

What might have caused me to focus on “wicked” could be my recent study of the scripture in Malachi 4:1 which states, “For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.” The only two sins that are specifically mentioned are pride and wickedness.

First, let me explain my understanding of pride. Pride is putting your will ahead of the will of the Father. It is the supreme act of selfishness, and the unwillingness to sacrifice. It is in direct conflict with the first law of Heaven, obedience and sacrifice.

That got me thinking about wickedness, and what that actually means. In Section 3 the Lord explains some characteristics of wickedness in verse 13. He explains that one who is wicked “sets at naught the counsels of God”, “brakes sacred promises”, “depends on his own judgment”, and “boasts in his own strength.” Again, I feel that these can be a description of pride as well.

Could it be that pride and wickedness are synonymous?

It is interesting to me that wickedness and pride are the antithesis of obedience and sacrifice. It is also interesting to see that the protection we need from being found in the Telestial sphere, which will not abide the day of His coming and will be burned by His presence, is simply to live the first law that we covenant to live, that of obedience and sacrifice. The Law of Obedience and Sacrifice elevates us to a state that we can have claim on the promises made to the Fathers. We will be connected by the roots of our heritage, and the branches of our posterity as we instill righteous principles in the lives of those who follow after us.

After all, wickedness never was happiness. What do you think?