7 February 2023

 I have had the opportunity/misfortune to read a historical account someone brought to my attention. I want to say some forced it on me, but I chose to read it. It brought to mind this area of scripture. There is to much to include here but one part of a section of Doctrine & Covenants came to mind. The rest is amazingly important as well. I suggest you reread it. 

Doctrine & Covenants 121

 35 Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—

36 That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.

37 That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.

38 Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints, and to fight against God.

I seriously wonder about some accounts I read or have read from the1800s. 

I dare not try and apply 21st century sensibility to judge 19th century thinking and understanding. 

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are the Ones who have the ultimate say. Everyone that came before or after is just a place holder for them. 

I do not know or understand everything about the Gospel or Christ’s church. I do not need to understand everything. 

I know God the Father and Jesus love me. I love them. 

I can do my best to love and tolerate everything my brothers and sisters, my neighbors, do. (I’m not fond of garbage bags left haphazardly all over my apartment complex, waiting for someone else to clean everything up)

Personally I think some people, except life to be lemonade and lemon cake. Any lemons or yucky, less gratifying happening, and maybe they think God doesn’t love them. 

Looking at life, thinking that God only loves you if you are “prosperous” is a very narrow way to look at God and this life he has blessed you with.