Tuesday, November 8, 2011

D&C Section One Hundred Eight

Lyman Sherman is one of the seven presidents of the Quorum of Seventy and he has come to Joseph Smith in hopes of receiving a revelation through the prophet that will tell him if he is in good standing with the Lord.  I think we all would like to receive our own personal revelation through the prophet from the Lord telling us that things are fine, that the Lord is pleased with us and to just continue on the path we are on.  Unless we had a major unconfessed sin, and we were going about things as we should, I think the Lord would tell us that he's pleased with us and we're doing just fine.  I think he is tell us that through the Spirit but we let too many things interfere with the message, especially our own needless guilt that we're not perfect.  That is what the Lord has been telling Lyman through the Holy Ghost and Lyman wasn't accepting it. The Lord says, "Therefore, let your soul be at rest concerning your spiritual standing and resist no more my voice."  The Lord then instructs Lyman on some things he can do:  1) be more careful in observing his vows, 2) be patient. 3) continue faithful, 4) strengthen your brethren through your conversations, prayers, prayers, preaching, and in everything you do. Isn't that interesting?  It isn't go out and convert the world, or be the most spiritual person on the block, or repent because you're really falling short.  It's a simple message that says be more concerned for those around you.

It reminds me of the counsel Alma gave his son Helaman in Alma 37, "Teach them to to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly of heart; for such shall find rest to their souls... Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings and he will direct thee for good."

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