Edward Partridge is the bishop in Kirtland and many saints from the eastern states are coming to Kirtland so he wants to know how he is to provide for their needs. Many of these people have given up everything to come to Kirtland and are in need of help. In this revelation, the Lord explains how the law of consecration is supposed to work. Notice that while a person consecrates everything they own to the church, the person receives "according to his circumstances, and his wants and needs." Then the Lord asks that each person be honest, likeminded and united. If they are, everyone will be provided for as well as having what they want and need. The Lord describes living this law as a privilege. We pretty much do this with tithing and fast offerings today and I believe it is a privilege to participate in such a great work where the church is able to do so much for its members, for the poor, and all of the humanitarian work it does around the world.
There is one last interesting teaching. The Lord explains that they will live in this area temporarily. And even though it isn't permanent, they are to live as if they were never going to move. I think that is a good lesson for not only where we live, but callings we have, and assignments. If we live and act in such a way that we always try to do our best, live our best, and take care of our possessions in the best way possible, then we will not only prosper more and bless the lives of others more, we will receive the promise the Lord makes in verse 19. "And whoso is found a faithful, a just, and a wise steward shall enter into the joy of his Lord and shall inherit eternal life." With our actions, eternal life is as much practical as it is religious.
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