“How To, Want To; Need To … Will To Do”
Charles J. Ingerson
3 September 2009
Preface:
While many flounder in today’s world and find themselves both lost and feeling alone by the teachings of men/women found confusing and ambiguous – others are able to find the opposite in peace, sureness and strength in the direct teachings of the Savior and his Prophets and Apostles. The clarion clear teachings of the Savior throughout the ages are simple to understand, easy to apply and worth the time expended to learn!
The question then which first comes to mind – is what is the difference in the teachings of men/women and the Savior?
To clarify the men/women referred to are those who profess degrees of Divinity or Secular Learning and called by themselves (or others of the world) to be Preachers, Priests, Rabbi’s, Ministers, Deacons, Fathers, or any other of the worldly designations to preach a doctrine of Philosophies and Scriptures for money as the Gospel of Jesus Christ or in some religions The Will of Allah, or simply God’s Will. Thus in their rhetorical teachings they seek to pacify with minimal involvement of those being taught – power, wealth and community prestige. Some do this knowingly to deceive, beguile and misrepresent – while others do it because they believe it’s for the good of the whole – while still some because it’s a way to provide a living for them and their families.
This is with quiet understanding and strength to say, no one can read the Scriptures literally and then turn and teach the opposite or variations of what is found in the Scriptures knowingly. To pretend to believe the teachings of the Prophets are vague, mysterious, questionable, changeable, or otherwise in need of interpretation is wrong! They in doing so take away the Divinity of the Savior and His Father – Our Heavenly Father – treating them like men/women and not as the God’s which they are and forever will be known.
For those who declare that the Heavens are closed – there’s no more revelations – no more need for Prophets and Apostles is to deny ‘in toto’ the reality of the Father and the Son and they’re teachings. It regulates the Father and the Son to mere mortality and to be changeable – which simply is not an eternal truth!
Let’s not misunderstand many of those who teach in such a manner are good men and women – they’ve great worth – help rear good families – but and this is a big but – they surely know what they’re teaching is not in harmony with the literal truth of the Bible! Some of this is not their fault, per se, but instead the ‘peer pressure’ of centuries of misrepresentation of those who ‘stole’ the Bible and the Teachings of the Savior and Prophets and in their place – gave the Greek Philosophical Rhetoric teachings. They did this so as to enhance those in power and to generate power for themselves. Some did it in such a way that much of the Bible was lost or destroyed – revised – or simply ignored. Some had anyone who disagreed with what they taught – killed (much like is happening today). Some as in days of old ‘stoned’ the Prophets, Apostles and Disciples – while today or in the last two hundred years – have simply done all in their power to destroy anyone teaching such things and the Bible is to be taken literally and that the Heavens are Open and that the Church has been restored in these latter-days.
What equally begs the questions is why so much contention among the various churches?
Killing, destroying, etc. sounds not like the teachings of the Savior – but more along the lines of the adversary – or Satan. Good comes from the Savior – while evil, contention and wrong/bad comes from Satan. Thus one cannot use the tools of one to promote the tools of the other. One can either be one with the Father and the Son – or they are with the adversary – Satan. This is pretty simple doctrine.
In addition, there’s no theologian alive who does not recognize the changes made to the Bible (Scriptures) over the past 2000 years (with many being done in the last 130 years. Prophets of the Old Testament are missing completely – versus have been altered in order to change their meanings – order of the Books of the Old and New Testament are not ‘per se’ chronological – and the list could continue.
Each church in the world – some 60,000 plus alone in the US – must each claim to be the only one and true church on the earth today – they have to or otherwise understand they are in variance with the Scriptures. If they do not make this singular claim – then they’ve no reason to be a Church (See Ephesians Chapter 4)!
How can one know where to turn for truth?
The Savior has taught that revelation – personal revelation will come unto those who exercise faith, prayer, works of service and who’ve a pure heart and love of the Father and the Son! For when one is found in this condition then the Spirit will reveal truth unto each person individually. Therefore each can learn for themselves where to turn to learn of truth.
It’s also important to recognize the difference between good and evil – so as to know where to look. In order to do one must learn to know God the Father and His Son our Savior – for without this knowledge one will only flounder amidst the wind and waves.
1 JN 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God; Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
John 7: 17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
John 17: 3 And this is life eternal that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
There’s no difficultly in learning who the Father and the Son are – and our relationship to them – however, one must read the Scriptures themselves to learn of this knowledge!
Matthew 7:21 Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
In verse 23 – is an apparent mistake in translation or transmission – for the Savior is all knowing and therefore would know of all people – good and evil – however, if this Scripture would read – as translated by a Prophet of God – verse 23 – And then will I profess unto them, YOU never knew me; depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” It makes sense and restores the attributes of Our Savior – and allowing for importance of US knowing Him and His Father! Of course the Father and the Son know each of us – and they know us each quite well – therefore when we pray and speak with them – we can know that they know and love us – for if this were not so – then they would not be Gods! (End of Note for review)
The Scriptures teach us about the Father and the Son – even with the manmade changes and omissions and deletions – they teach singularly about the Father and the Son – for what other purpose would they have?
The Scriptures teach us about the Commandments – the Laws – the Statutes – the Gospel Ordinances – the Covenants – all of which we need to understand to return with our families to them! What parent would not teach their children all that they need to know to return safely home?
Within the History – there’s wisdom being taught – for if we learn from history we can avoid the pitfalls and mistakes of others – a Prophet of God - Samuel has said,
1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken that the fat of rams..
Yet men would rather not ‘obey’ and would rather wait to ‘sacrifice – i.e. repent’ and enjoy their sin just a little longer. This is why they’re Ten Commandments (with two more added in these Latter-days) but the Ten will suffice. In our day many like to think of the Ten Commandments are general suggestions – or that they interfere with the division between Church and State – or in reality they’re out dated with the singular exception of Thou Shalt Not Kill!
We’ll do a quick review of the Ten Commandments – to compare what we’re to be obedient to – and what the world feels they mean. First we’ll look at what the Savior felt were the most important – and in obedience to these two – one would also be obedient to the other eight:
Matthew 22: 36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
These are very simple to understand and apply in our lives – however, for those who’ve worldly designs and feelings – they’re the opposite of what is felt to be necessary. If we love the Lord thy God – we will keep all of the Commandments without exception.
The world having difficulty in even believing in a God or Gods – or defining what they were – unknown, indescribable, without body or form or substance – to them it’s like Wendy and Casper – nice to think about without any meaning. This is neither slighting nor foolish – what the mind cannot visualize it cannot believe! So in spite of the numerous descriptions of both the Father and the Son – by multiple witnesses (Isaiah, Moses, Abraham, Peter, James, John, Stephen, Paul to name a few) – found throughout the Scriptures men/women will not accept these truths – or if they do – it’s with a sense they are not literally true! One might call their belief one of convenience – but not really what they believe privately.
Man/woman have further taken the idea of Loving one’s neighbor as themselves – to a general profession of love – but let the government take care of those less fortunate than themselves. To better understand this – is to understand love and service are one and the same – (see James 1:27) – meaning we are to do what’s needful – for our neighbors as we would do for ourselves.
When one reflects on these two great commandments – one can easily see that if were to be simply obedient to these two the rest would become unneedful. For who would steal, kill, covet, commit adultery, not honor their parents, keep the Sabbath Day holy, not bear false witness or take the name of the Lord in vain?
However, while asking questions about the first two commandments – men/women or the world have allowed wavering on the remaining eight commandments. One can go nowhere – without hearing the Lord’s name taken or used in vain! On any given Sabbath Day – stores, restaurants, sporting events, pleasure taking, or otherwise finding ways not to keep the day holy abound. Adultery is not only condoned but promoted – i.e. remember that adultery is any sexual relationship outside of a legal marriage between a man and a woman. The schools teach it as a ‘way of life’ – the movies, TV, media and press present a glorified view – books and magazines present sexual transgression in all of its varied forms.
Killing is a daily event in our news reporting – coveting what another owns is common-place – honor of parents is attacked daily in music and media – as well as in the schools – till the family as seen by the government of the land is almost no longer the standard. One almost would look at the radio programs of the 1950’s pushing for families to go to Church – work together – to become stronger as being science fiction. Lying is common place – and is centered from our supposed leaders of our nation – into the home and schools of our nation. Sadly – cheating, lying, stealing are all approved behavior – unless one is caught and can create news to sell advertising – does it garner much attention.
Idol worship needs only be referenced as common place and within the media – music – video interest – have made otherwise character actor and crooners into household names and symbols of worship. One needs only to consider the recent death of one of this group and the media, press and idealization made of his life.
Yet how can we be found in obedience to the Ten Commandments?
First and foremost one has to know what the Ten Commandments say and mean. To do this one must read the Scriptures! Anything else is second hand at best. Read what the Savior presented and how Moses presented them to those of his group fleeing Egypt. A commandment is a hard and fast direction to follow without movement to the right or the left. A commandment puts forth what is to be done and is simple enough for all to discern how they should behave to be found in obedience.
Thus we learn the How To – by reading the Scriptures – pondering upon them – praying unto the Father – and being open to the promptings of the Spirit. We have also to have the Want To – to be obedient – ‘…to obey – rather than sacrifice…’ – and understand the Need To – for our eternal salvation and eternal life – thus knowing of the will to do the will of the Father and the Son.
The Ten Commandments are the word and teachings of the Father and the Son – they give moral and pure guidance as to how we can learn to know who they are – and our relationship to them. They are counter to almost everything one can find within the world of men/women – either today or in the millennium gone by since the time of Adam and Eve. They contain a wisdom which supersedes anything brought to the forum by the schools of men/women. They give us a direction and plan to apply in our individual lives and thus to our loved ones to follow.
We need to be found in obedience to the Ten Commandments for the Savior has said, “If ye love me, keep my Commandments!” That’s pretty simple direction and clarification of what it means to love the Father and the Son (for remember the Son does nothing that he’s not seen his Father do!).
Therefore we’ve to have the ‘want to’ – the want to be obedient and we know what we’re to be obedient to – with all that’s expected! There’s no excuse for anyone who can read – and understand – what’s expected. If with this knowledge we choose not to be obedient or to follow the ways of the world then we will be held accountable and responsible for all that we do – and cannot blame the world or the temptations of the adversary. We exercise the Want To though our agency to choose the right over the wrong!
Next we need to address the Need To!
We need to be obedient – we know the how to and should have the desire of the Want To – now we need to apply the Need To. What do we need to do? We need to be found doing the Will of the Father and the Son in all of our lives – not just in private – but in all we think, say and do. We need to willingly be found obedient in all things as they relate to the Father and the Son! Anything which deviates from this obedience is unacceptable to the Father and the Son! Thou Shalt – doesn’t sound like a suggestion or even like a maybe – however it is a Commandment!!
Much to the surprise of many we’ve also to be obedient to the Statutes and Laws and all the words of the Savior! Yes, most know of the Ten Commandments – but yet there’s more – and it’s found in the Scriptures – without guile or guise – we’ve been taught by the Savior and the Prophets and the Apostles. If one has not read and pondered all of the Scriptures then they most likely do not know all of the Commandments, Statutes and Laws of the Father and the Son.
If one lets others read and teach what they believe the Scriptures say – then one is still accountable and responsible for what is really said, intended and to be done! Or better what we need to be doing in our mortal probations. Anyone who believes differently than this is wrong! This is one area of our mortal probation it would be very wise not to be wrong!
The need to read, pray, to be in righteous service to others, pondering and daily reporting and speaking with Father – through the Son. This doesn’t mean idle oft repetitive prayers – but to sincerely enter into conversation with the Father. We need to have continual open lines of communications that we might be able to feel the promptings of the Spirit in our daily lives.
We need to know the Scriptures – for several reasons – but among them the most important are: 1) to be obedient – as we’ve been commanded to read and ponder the Scriptures; 2) in them we will find the voice of the Father and the Son – we’ll learn to discern their voices and that of their servants the Prophets and Apostles – as we know the voice of our family or loved ones; 3) we need to learn from the mistakes and righteous choices of those who’ve gone before – what they experienced – the differences between the righteous and unrighteous; 4) we need to learn what exactly obedience means to each of us individually and as a family – and that this is to choose the right; 5) we need to read the Scriptures so that they and we are one – as the Father and the Son are one; and 6) we need to know who we are – why we’re here and where we can go if found in total obedience to the Father and the Son.
When the Savior was on the earth in his mortal ministry – when he taught what did he teach? He taught from the Scriptures – and he taught as one having authority! For those who followed him he opened the Scriptures to them as none had before. Even as a child in the Temple the great men surrounded him as he taught them correctness and clarity of the Scriptures.
What do Angels teach when they appear unto men/women? They teach the Scriptures – nothing more or less! They bring awareness and life into these sacred words for our understanding.
What are we commanded to teach to our brothers and sisters – to our children – to our friends and also strangers? We’re commanded to teach the Scriptures – and to call unto repentance and to come unto the Lord. The only way this can be done by us – is to know the Scriptures – to know the Father and the Son – intimately! We need to know who we are – why we’re here and where if worthy we will be going!
Now there’s more difficulty as unlike what man teaches that the Scriptures are closed – and there is no need for more; in which they limit the powers of the Father and the Son; the Scriptures are open – there’s continual revelation and thus we’ve to be keeping up. If one doesn’t believe that the heavens are open – and instead believe what men and the schools teach, they’ve made their decision based not on the Scriptures but on the wisdom of men!
We need to understand the difference between the motivation of men/women (and the world) and that of the Father and the Son. The world is motivated by wealth, power, avarice, lusts, greed’s and cares about the self first and others second. Selfishness is the motivation of the world – simple and clear – they can color it anyway they want – it’s still selfishness.
The Motivation of the Father and the Son – is that man/woman might have joy – and this joy is in righteousness – being found in the righteous service of others making sure all are cared for to their abilities. In being so motivated they gave man/woman agency – the ability to choose righteousness and thus to be happy and have joy. There’s no joy to be had in unrighteousness – and anyone who claims to the opposite they do not understand the Scriptures. Redundantly speaking – happiness (or joy) can only be found in obedience to the Father and the Son. This motivation of the Father and the Son is totally unselfish! They’ve given us choices – their gain is having their children return unto them in the Celestial Kingdom – which gain is also those who attain this glory with their families – thus unselfish.
We then need to choose which our motivation will be – selfishness or unselfishness! What type of leader will be for our loved ones and families – our friends and our neighbors – strangers which we meet – will we teach by example that which is re-teachable and what we’d want others in turn to become like – or will we be negligent and teach little of eternal worth? Will we be striving to improve our station – peer acceptance – or worldly recognition – or will be striving to elevate all those we meet to higher standards and love of one another?
Motivation is simple; it’s the motives for our actions! We need to clarify to ourselves what ours will be. Thus we need to read and ponder the Scriptures – prayerfully go unto the Father for further understanding and clarity of how each Scripture applies to them so that they can be of more value to others in building up the Kingdom of the Lord.
Having the Will to Do!
We must be found putting aside the worldly – taking on the armor of the Father and the Son – being malleable, teachable, reachable and otherwise having a contrite spirit and a broken heart – thus able to be employed in the Father’s garden and vineyard. Catching the Vision and Wisdom of those who’ve gone before – disciples, Apostles, Prophets and mostly those like you and I – ones who believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullness and of the Scriptures – all of the teachings of the Savior and the Prophets!
Understanding who we are – we’ll have the will to do the word of the Lord! One must differentiate oneself from the world – to put aside selfishness – to go forth in righteousness – to be found with will to do what we’re supposed to be about and not just what we’d like to be about.
The will to do is a commitment – better a covenant between us the Father through the Son! What exactly have we committed or covenanted to do? We’ve covenanted (will use this word here-on-out) to repent of our wrongdoings (and to attempt with all our hearts, minds and strength to do them no more; we’ve covenanted to be baptized by one having authority into His Church (and none other); we’ve covenant to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost from those having authority; we’ve covenanted to be found in obedience to all of the Commandments as found in all of the Scriptures revealed to the world in these latter-days; we’ve covenanted to be found in His service – willingly obedient in all things unto Him and His glory; we’ve covenanted to read, understand and heed the Scriptures; we’ve covenanted to share with all the truths which we’re allowed to discern with the world – starting with our families, loved ones, neighbors, friends and strangers; we’ve covenanted to proclaim out testimonies to all the world; we’ve covenanted to be found sustaining the Prophet on this Earth in these Latter-days and those called to preside in the Stakes, Wards, Branches of His Church; and we’ve covenanted to forgive and forget all others and to judge not others or their beliefs.
The list of the covenants which a child of God enters into with the Father through the Son are many – some that all are aware of and others which are individual. In each of these covenants we realize there are both a promise of blessings for obedience and an equal promise of penalties if we are not obedient! We understand that both the Father and we are equally responsible for their respective part of the covenants. One might remember the Scripture, Doctrine and Covenants 121:34-35 (one might read
Doctrine and Covenants 121:34-40);
34 Behold there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?
35 Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men.
Thus we can see the will to do is predicated upon our motivation to do things within our lives – we choose either selfishly or selflessly – but always the choice is ours to make.
Epilogue:
We started by talking about men/women who flounder in the world – seeking guidance – but relying on the worldly to provide this guidance and not upon the Father and the Son and their Prophets. Many proclaim on bumper stickers, wearing of religious medallions, or otherwise saying they’re saved because they believe in the Savior. While it’s true they’re saved – but this is because of the Atonement of the Savior where all men/women are saved – lest they commit murder (the shedding of innocent blood – or denying the Holy Ghost) – this does not mean they’ll have exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom with their families and loved ones. Many are willing to accept far less than this and refuse to believe literally in the Scriptures which teach this doctrine of eternal life with the Father and the Son.
The four elements of the ‘How To, Want To, Need To and the Will To Do’ that much is expected, especially where much is given or covenanted. However, as in all things in the Gospel of Jesus Christ – our agency and/or our motivations will help us determine which we’ll really follow – the Father and the Son or men/women of the world. As said long ago and far away – choose wisely – your eternal salvation depends on this singular decision!
In closing I’d like to bear my testimony of the truthfulness of all things as found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ! That He lives and because He lives we too can live and be found in the company of our Father with our families for all eternity! That in these latter-days that His Church is once more upon this Earth with a Prophet at its head – and Apostles with the Royal Priesthood restored by the hand of Peter, James and John! That this Prophet is Thomas S. Monson – chosen of the Lord! I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true and restored Church spoken of in the Holy Scriptures and by all of the Prophets since the beginning of time until our day! May one and all know these things are true – I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ – my Lord and Savior – Charles J. Ingerson on this day – 3 September 2009 – amen!
“Gather Thee Within”
cji
9/3/09
Come hither and hear
seekers of truth’s wisdom
listen and know of a seer
preparing Father’s kingdom;
Restoration of all things
revelations and ordinances
eternal happiness brings
found only obedience’s;
None need to flounder alone
Father’s love sufficient to all
allowing His Son to Atone
saving each from the fall!
Copyright © 2009 – cji
http://whispersofthespirit.yuku.com/topic/10118
(Do We Want to Know?)
Charles J. Ingerson
3 September 2009
Preface:
While many flounder in today’s world and find themselves both lost and feeling alone by the teachings of men/women found confusing and ambiguous – others are able to find the opposite in peace, sureness and strength in the direct teachings of the Savior and his Prophets and Apostles. The clarion clear teachings of the Savior throughout the ages are simple to understand, easy to apply and worth the time expended to learn!
The question then which first comes to mind – is what is the difference in the teachings of men/women and the Savior?
To clarify the men/women referred to are those who profess degrees of Divinity or Secular Learning and called by themselves (or others of the world) to be Preachers, Priests, Rabbi’s, Ministers, Deacons, Fathers, or any other of the worldly designations to preach a doctrine of Philosophies and Scriptures for money as the Gospel of Jesus Christ or in some religions The Will of Allah, or simply God’s Will. Thus in their rhetorical teachings they seek to pacify with minimal involvement of those being taught – power, wealth and community prestige. Some do this knowingly to deceive, beguile and misrepresent – while others do it because they believe it’s for the good of the whole – while still some because it’s a way to provide a living for them and their families.
This is with quiet understanding and strength to say, no one can read the Scriptures literally and then turn and teach the opposite or variations of what is found in the Scriptures knowingly. To pretend to believe the teachings of the Prophets are vague, mysterious, questionable, changeable, or otherwise in need of interpretation is wrong! They in doing so take away the Divinity of the Savior and His Father – Our Heavenly Father – treating them like men/women and not as the God’s which they are and forever will be known.
For those who declare that the Heavens are closed – there’s no more revelations – no more need for Prophets and Apostles is to deny ‘in toto’ the reality of the Father and the Son and they’re teachings. It regulates the Father and the Son to mere mortality and to be changeable – which simply is not an eternal truth!
Let’s not misunderstand many of those who teach in such a manner are good men and women – they’ve great worth – help rear good families – but and this is a big but – they surely know what they’re teaching is not in harmony with the literal truth of the Bible! Some of this is not their fault, per se, but instead the ‘peer pressure’ of centuries of misrepresentation of those who ‘stole’ the Bible and the Teachings of the Savior and Prophets and in their place – gave the Greek Philosophical Rhetoric teachings. They did this so as to enhance those in power and to generate power for themselves. Some did it in such a way that much of the Bible was lost or destroyed – revised – or simply ignored. Some had anyone who disagreed with what they taught – killed (much like is happening today). Some as in days of old ‘stoned’ the Prophets, Apostles and Disciples – while today or in the last two hundred years – have simply done all in their power to destroy anyone teaching such things and the Bible is to be taken literally and that the Heavens are Open and that the Church has been restored in these latter-days.
What equally begs the questions is why so much contention among the various churches?
Killing, destroying, etc. sounds not like the teachings of the Savior – but more along the lines of the adversary – or Satan. Good comes from the Savior – while evil, contention and wrong/bad comes from Satan. Thus one cannot use the tools of one to promote the tools of the other. One can either be one with the Father and the Son – or they are with the adversary – Satan. This is pretty simple doctrine.
In addition, there’s no theologian alive who does not recognize the changes made to the Bible (Scriptures) over the past 2000 years (with many being done in the last 130 years. Prophets of the Old Testament are missing completely – versus have been altered in order to change their meanings – order of the Books of the Old and New Testament are not ‘per se’ chronological – and the list could continue.
Each church in the world – some 60,000 plus alone in the US – must each claim to be the only one and true church on the earth today – they have to or otherwise understand they are in variance with the Scriptures. If they do not make this singular claim – then they’ve no reason to be a Church (See Ephesians Chapter 4)!
How can one know where to turn for truth?
The Savior has taught that revelation – personal revelation will come unto those who exercise faith, prayer, works of service and who’ve a pure heart and love of the Father and the Son! For when one is found in this condition then the Spirit will reveal truth unto each person individually. Therefore each can learn for themselves where to turn to learn of truth.
It’s also important to recognize the difference between good and evil – so as to know where to look. In order to do one must learn to know God the Father and His Son our Savior – for without this knowledge one will only flounder amidst the wind and waves.
1 JN 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God; Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
John 7: 17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
John 17: 3 And this is life eternal that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
There’s no difficultly in learning who the Father and the Son are – and our relationship to them – however, one must read the Scriptures themselves to learn of this knowledge!
Matthew 7:21 Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
In verse 23 – is an apparent mistake in translation or transmission – for the Savior is all knowing and therefore would know of all people – good and evil – however, if this Scripture would read – as translated by a Prophet of God – verse 23 – And then will I profess unto them, YOU never knew me; depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” It makes sense and restores the attributes of Our Savior – and allowing for importance of US knowing Him and His Father! Of course the Father and the Son know each of us – and they know us each quite well – therefore when we pray and speak with them – we can know that they know and love us – for if this were not so – then they would not be Gods! (End of Note for review)
The Scriptures teach us about the Father and the Son – even with the manmade changes and omissions and deletions – they teach singularly about the Father and the Son – for what other purpose would they have?
The Scriptures teach us about the Commandments – the Laws – the Statutes – the Gospel Ordinances – the Covenants – all of which we need to understand to return with our families to them! What parent would not teach their children all that they need to know to return safely home?
Within the History – there’s wisdom being taught – for if we learn from history we can avoid the pitfalls and mistakes of others – a Prophet of God - Samuel has said,
1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken that the fat of rams..
Yet men would rather not ‘obey’ and would rather wait to ‘sacrifice – i.e. repent’ and enjoy their sin just a little longer. This is why they’re Ten Commandments (with two more added in these Latter-days) but the Ten will suffice. In our day many like to think of the Ten Commandments are general suggestions – or that they interfere with the division between Church and State – or in reality they’re out dated with the singular exception of Thou Shalt Not Kill!
We’ll do a quick review of the Ten Commandments – to compare what we’re to be obedient to – and what the world feels they mean. First we’ll look at what the Savior felt were the most important – and in obedience to these two – one would also be obedient to the other eight:
Matthew 22: 36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
These are very simple to understand and apply in our lives – however, for those who’ve worldly designs and feelings – they’re the opposite of what is felt to be necessary. If we love the Lord thy God – we will keep all of the Commandments without exception.
The world having difficulty in even believing in a God or Gods – or defining what they were – unknown, indescribable, without body or form or substance – to them it’s like Wendy and Casper – nice to think about without any meaning. This is neither slighting nor foolish – what the mind cannot visualize it cannot believe! So in spite of the numerous descriptions of both the Father and the Son – by multiple witnesses (Isaiah, Moses, Abraham, Peter, James, John, Stephen, Paul to name a few) – found throughout the Scriptures men/women will not accept these truths – or if they do – it’s with a sense they are not literally true! One might call their belief one of convenience – but not really what they believe privately.
Man/woman have further taken the idea of Loving one’s neighbor as themselves – to a general profession of love – but let the government take care of those less fortunate than themselves. To better understand this – is to understand love and service are one and the same – (see James 1:27) – meaning we are to do what’s needful – for our neighbors as we would do for ourselves.
When one reflects on these two great commandments – one can easily see that if were to be simply obedient to these two the rest would become unneedful. For who would steal, kill, covet, commit adultery, not honor their parents, keep the Sabbath Day holy, not bear false witness or take the name of the Lord in vain?
However, while asking questions about the first two commandments – men/women or the world have allowed wavering on the remaining eight commandments. One can go nowhere – without hearing the Lord’s name taken or used in vain! On any given Sabbath Day – stores, restaurants, sporting events, pleasure taking, or otherwise finding ways not to keep the day holy abound. Adultery is not only condoned but promoted – i.e. remember that adultery is any sexual relationship outside of a legal marriage between a man and a woman. The schools teach it as a ‘way of life’ – the movies, TV, media and press present a glorified view – books and magazines present sexual transgression in all of its varied forms.
Killing is a daily event in our news reporting – coveting what another owns is common-place – honor of parents is attacked daily in music and media – as well as in the schools – till the family as seen by the government of the land is almost no longer the standard. One almost would look at the radio programs of the 1950’s pushing for families to go to Church – work together – to become stronger as being science fiction. Lying is common place – and is centered from our supposed leaders of our nation – into the home and schools of our nation. Sadly – cheating, lying, stealing are all approved behavior – unless one is caught and can create news to sell advertising – does it garner much attention.
Idol worship needs only be referenced as common place and within the media – music – video interest – have made otherwise character actor and crooners into household names and symbols of worship. One needs only to consider the recent death of one of this group and the media, press and idealization made of his life.
Yet how can we be found in obedience to the Ten Commandments?
First and foremost one has to know what the Ten Commandments say and mean. To do this one must read the Scriptures! Anything else is second hand at best. Read what the Savior presented and how Moses presented them to those of his group fleeing Egypt. A commandment is a hard and fast direction to follow without movement to the right or the left. A commandment puts forth what is to be done and is simple enough for all to discern how they should behave to be found in obedience.
Thus we learn the How To – by reading the Scriptures – pondering upon them – praying unto the Father – and being open to the promptings of the Spirit. We have also to have the Want To – to be obedient – ‘…to obey – rather than sacrifice…’ – and understand the Need To – for our eternal salvation and eternal life – thus knowing of the will to do the will of the Father and the Son.
The Ten Commandments are the word and teachings of the Father and the Son – they give moral and pure guidance as to how we can learn to know who they are – and our relationship to them. They are counter to almost everything one can find within the world of men/women – either today or in the millennium gone by since the time of Adam and Eve. They contain a wisdom which supersedes anything brought to the forum by the schools of men/women. They give us a direction and plan to apply in our individual lives and thus to our loved ones to follow.
We need to be found in obedience to the Ten Commandments for the Savior has said, “If ye love me, keep my Commandments!” That’s pretty simple direction and clarification of what it means to love the Father and the Son (for remember the Son does nothing that he’s not seen his Father do!).
Therefore we’ve to have the ‘want to’ – the want to be obedient and we know what we’re to be obedient to – with all that’s expected! There’s no excuse for anyone who can read – and understand – what’s expected. If with this knowledge we choose not to be obedient or to follow the ways of the world then we will be held accountable and responsible for all that we do – and cannot blame the world or the temptations of the adversary. We exercise the Want To though our agency to choose the right over the wrong!
Next we need to address the Need To!
We need to be obedient – we know the how to and should have the desire of the Want To – now we need to apply the Need To. What do we need to do? We need to be found doing the Will of the Father and the Son in all of our lives – not just in private – but in all we think, say and do. We need to willingly be found obedient in all things as they relate to the Father and the Son! Anything which deviates from this obedience is unacceptable to the Father and the Son! Thou Shalt – doesn’t sound like a suggestion or even like a maybe – however it is a Commandment!!
Much to the surprise of many we’ve also to be obedient to the Statutes and Laws and all the words of the Savior! Yes, most know of the Ten Commandments – but yet there’s more – and it’s found in the Scriptures – without guile or guise – we’ve been taught by the Savior and the Prophets and the Apostles. If one has not read and pondered all of the Scriptures then they most likely do not know all of the Commandments, Statutes and Laws of the Father and the Son.
If one lets others read and teach what they believe the Scriptures say – then one is still accountable and responsible for what is really said, intended and to be done! Or better what we need to be doing in our mortal probations. Anyone who believes differently than this is wrong! This is one area of our mortal probation it would be very wise not to be wrong!
The need to read, pray, to be in righteous service to others, pondering and daily reporting and speaking with Father – through the Son. This doesn’t mean idle oft repetitive prayers – but to sincerely enter into conversation with the Father. We need to have continual open lines of communications that we might be able to feel the promptings of the Spirit in our daily lives.
We need to know the Scriptures – for several reasons – but among them the most important are: 1) to be obedient – as we’ve been commanded to read and ponder the Scriptures; 2) in them we will find the voice of the Father and the Son – we’ll learn to discern their voices and that of their servants the Prophets and Apostles – as we know the voice of our family or loved ones; 3) we need to learn from the mistakes and righteous choices of those who’ve gone before – what they experienced – the differences between the righteous and unrighteous; 4) we need to learn what exactly obedience means to each of us individually and as a family – and that this is to choose the right; 5) we need to read the Scriptures so that they and we are one – as the Father and the Son are one; and 6) we need to know who we are – why we’re here and where we can go if found in total obedience to the Father and the Son.
When the Savior was on the earth in his mortal ministry – when he taught what did he teach? He taught from the Scriptures – and he taught as one having authority! For those who followed him he opened the Scriptures to them as none had before. Even as a child in the Temple the great men surrounded him as he taught them correctness and clarity of the Scriptures.
What do Angels teach when they appear unto men/women? They teach the Scriptures – nothing more or less! They bring awareness and life into these sacred words for our understanding.
What are we commanded to teach to our brothers and sisters – to our children – to our friends and also strangers? We’re commanded to teach the Scriptures – and to call unto repentance and to come unto the Lord. The only way this can be done by us – is to know the Scriptures – to know the Father and the Son – intimately! We need to know who we are – why we’re here and where if worthy we will be going!
Now there’s more difficulty as unlike what man teaches that the Scriptures are closed – and there is no need for more; in which they limit the powers of the Father and the Son; the Scriptures are open – there’s continual revelation and thus we’ve to be keeping up. If one doesn’t believe that the heavens are open – and instead believe what men and the schools teach, they’ve made their decision based not on the Scriptures but on the wisdom of men!
We need to understand the difference between the motivation of men/women (and the world) and that of the Father and the Son. The world is motivated by wealth, power, avarice, lusts, greed’s and cares about the self first and others second. Selfishness is the motivation of the world – simple and clear – they can color it anyway they want – it’s still selfishness.
The Motivation of the Father and the Son – is that man/woman might have joy – and this joy is in righteousness – being found in the righteous service of others making sure all are cared for to their abilities. In being so motivated they gave man/woman agency – the ability to choose righteousness and thus to be happy and have joy. There’s no joy to be had in unrighteousness – and anyone who claims to the opposite they do not understand the Scriptures. Redundantly speaking – happiness (or joy) can only be found in obedience to the Father and the Son. This motivation of the Father and the Son is totally unselfish! They’ve given us choices – their gain is having their children return unto them in the Celestial Kingdom – which gain is also those who attain this glory with their families – thus unselfish.
We then need to choose which our motivation will be – selfishness or unselfishness! What type of leader will be for our loved ones and families – our friends and our neighbors – strangers which we meet – will we teach by example that which is re-teachable and what we’d want others in turn to become like – or will we be negligent and teach little of eternal worth? Will we be striving to improve our station – peer acceptance – or worldly recognition – or will be striving to elevate all those we meet to higher standards and love of one another?
Motivation is simple; it’s the motives for our actions! We need to clarify to ourselves what ours will be. Thus we need to read and ponder the Scriptures – prayerfully go unto the Father for further understanding and clarity of how each Scripture applies to them so that they can be of more value to others in building up the Kingdom of the Lord.
Having the Will to Do!
We must be found putting aside the worldly – taking on the armor of the Father and the Son – being malleable, teachable, reachable and otherwise having a contrite spirit and a broken heart – thus able to be employed in the Father’s garden and vineyard. Catching the Vision and Wisdom of those who’ve gone before – disciples, Apostles, Prophets and mostly those like you and I – ones who believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullness and of the Scriptures – all of the teachings of the Savior and the Prophets!
Understanding who we are – we’ll have the will to do the word of the Lord! One must differentiate oneself from the world – to put aside selfishness – to go forth in righteousness – to be found with will to do what we’re supposed to be about and not just what we’d like to be about.
The will to do is a commitment – better a covenant between us the Father through the Son! What exactly have we committed or covenanted to do? We’ve covenanted (will use this word here-on-out) to repent of our wrongdoings (and to attempt with all our hearts, minds and strength to do them no more; we’ve covenanted to be baptized by one having authority into His Church (and none other); we’ve covenant to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost from those having authority; we’ve covenanted to be found in obedience to all of the Commandments as found in all of the Scriptures revealed to the world in these latter-days; we’ve covenanted to be found in His service – willingly obedient in all things unto Him and His glory; we’ve covenanted to read, understand and heed the Scriptures; we’ve covenanted to share with all the truths which we’re allowed to discern with the world – starting with our families, loved ones, neighbors, friends and strangers; we’ve covenanted to proclaim out testimonies to all the world; we’ve covenanted to be found sustaining the Prophet on this Earth in these Latter-days and those called to preside in the Stakes, Wards, Branches of His Church; and we’ve covenanted to forgive and forget all others and to judge not others or their beliefs.
The list of the covenants which a child of God enters into with the Father through the Son are many – some that all are aware of and others which are individual. In each of these covenants we realize there are both a promise of blessings for obedience and an equal promise of penalties if we are not obedient! We understand that both the Father and we are equally responsible for their respective part of the covenants. One might remember the Scripture, Doctrine and Covenants 121:34-35 (one might read
Doctrine and Covenants 121:34-40);
34 Behold there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?
35 Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men.
Thus we can see the will to do is predicated upon our motivation to do things within our lives – we choose either selfishly or selflessly – but always the choice is ours to make.
Epilogue:
We started by talking about men/women who flounder in the world – seeking guidance – but relying on the worldly to provide this guidance and not upon the Father and the Son and their Prophets. Many proclaim on bumper stickers, wearing of religious medallions, or otherwise saying they’re saved because they believe in the Savior. While it’s true they’re saved – but this is because of the Atonement of the Savior where all men/women are saved – lest they commit murder (the shedding of innocent blood – or denying the Holy Ghost) – this does not mean they’ll have exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom with their families and loved ones. Many are willing to accept far less than this and refuse to believe literally in the Scriptures which teach this doctrine of eternal life with the Father and the Son.
The four elements of the ‘How To, Want To, Need To and the Will To Do’ that much is expected, especially where much is given or covenanted. However, as in all things in the Gospel of Jesus Christ – our agency and/or our motivations will help us determine which we’ll really follow – the Father and the Son or men/women of the world. As said long ago and far away – choose wisely – your eternal salvation depends on this singular decision!
In closing I’d like to bear my testimony of the truthfulness of all things as found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ! That He lives and because He lives we too can live and be found in the company of our Father with our families for all eternity! That in these latter-days that His Church is once more upon this Earth with a Prophet at its head – and Apostles with the Royal Priesthood restored by the hand of Peter, James and John! That this Prophet is Thomas S. Monson – chosen of the Lord! I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true and restored Church spoken of in the Holy Scriptures and by all of the Prophets since the beginning of time until our day! May one and all know these things are true – I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ – my Lord and Savior – Charles J. Ingerson on this day – 3 September 2009 – amen!
“Gather Thee Within”
cji
9/3/09
Come hither and hear
seekers of truth’s wisdom
listen and know of a seer
preparing Father’s kingdom;
Restoration of all things
revelations and ordinances
eternal happiness brings
found only obedience’s;
None need to flounder alone
Father’s love sufficient to all
allowing His Son to Atone
saving each from the fall!
Copyright © 2009 – cji
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