“Trusting God or Men/Women”
cji
6/13/10
In no way is this presentation given to remove anyone’s agency. However, one must understand as stated by my brother in the Gospel, “You can choose to give up a great deal of freedom and personal choices, if you have someone else controlling your income and living expenses. If I pay for my shelter, I can choose location and type. If I earn the money for food and clothing, what I buy is my choice, not the government or charity group. If I save part of what I earn, I create my own safety net, and free up my choice of staying on or leaving a job. The life of a slave is easy, all things are provided, but the slave must accept another’s choices on how, where and what they’ll do to live.” cn
Heber J. Grant – Welfare Plan was to make us self-sufficient – us and the Church! The Welfare Plan is for the Church as well as for us – we all should be doing all we can to be self-sufficient for up to one full year! Now to quote President Grant, “We should be willing to do any type of work – menial labor – no type of work is below our dignity! We should all be willing to work!” Too many think it’s to take care of those unwilling to work – and this is not the case. Those unable to work will be based on a case by case situation. But all members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are supposed to be doing all they can do to make themselves employable and seek employment – regardless of the level of the work as long as it’s worthy and acceptable to the Lord. I.e. it means not to be found employed in the works of the adversary.
For those who might be concerned about the role of Motherhood – each must understand there is no higher calling than that of a righteous mother. However, we do understand that some mothers must be employed outside of their homes for a variety of reasons (actual and acceptable) and not found in excuses to pay for things not really needed.
Some discussion:
Over the years the Brethren have spoken oft about our need to be gainfully employed! Now note this is important – we’re to be gainfully employed in the work and the will of the Father and the Son! Thus we must absolutely Trust in the Lord – and then heed the promptings of the Spirit and the Holy Ghost in both seeking Spiritual and Temporal Employment while in this mortality.
Ouch! How can I support my family? What about my mortgage? How will we eat? What about our clothes, car, extra events – TV, etc.? Interesting all of the things listed have to do with the world and worldly – and little to do with what we were sent to do in our mortal probations. We’ve been told by Prophets of the Lord to do all we can do – but most especially to be righteously engaged – worthy and fulfilling our Covenants in all ways. The temporal and spiritual are inseparability connected. The difference in trusting in the Lord absolutely is that the spiritual comes first – only the world and worldly see this with the temporal coming first.
Moses 1:39 “For behold, this is my work and my glory – to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” If this is the work of the Son and the Son does nothing which he hasn’t seen his Father do – then this must be the work and glory of both!
The Scriptures and Hymns* are there for all to read – and we’ve each been commanded to read them, ponder them, understand them and then act as we should be worthy of the work and glory of the Father and the Son. Now let’s understand this is very demanding and requiring work! (*Note: each Hymn is a prayer of supplication unto the Lord.)
Doctrine and Covenants 109* is full of instructions on how we should be about the Father and the Son’s business on this earth – we’ll look at verse 14: And do thou grant, Holy Father, that all those who shall worship in this house may be taught words of wisdom out of the best books, and that they may seek learning even by study, and also by faith, as thou hast said.” Thus we should be reading of the best books (each list would be slightly varied for each of us) – but it’s my guess and understanding that these are not found on a TV, or in Video Games, or on various inventions of man/woman to make noise or entertain. (*Note: Doctrine and Covenants 109 – is a blessing to all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in these the latter-days.)
Now we’ve choices: 1) to serve God; or 2) to serve man/woman! We must decide which we will serve and therefore will garner our wages from the one we choose. See Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13 and/or 3 Ne 13:24! “No man (servant) can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon!” (Note: Mammon refers to idolatry, treasure and/or worldliness.)
Alma 3:27 is an interesting Scripture, “…every man receives wages of him whom he obeys…” and Alma 5:41-42, “…whoso hearkens to devil’s voice must receive wages of the devil.”
Where are we going? Everyone should be doing all they can do to present themselves at the bar of judgment having been worthy of their hire! This means one should do all in their abilities to make themselves employable and able to be productive in lifting both themselves up as they lift others up! One can do little or nothing for another if they cannot do anything for themselves! One must be worthy – this means to be anxiously engaged – not being idle or a waster of the talents, time and energy given to each of us freely and abundantly by the Father and the Son*. If we sit at home – and do nothing which involves others and the sharing of the Gospel – either by example or when given the opportunity in conversation we are not righteously or anxiously engaged. (*Note: If one is not employed – and motherhood is employment of the highest kind – how is it then that they can be found obedient to James 1:27?)
If we’re underemployed – then we’ve to become the best possible employee where we’re working – so that we can have opportunities to improve and advance. If we need more education and polishing then we need to be about doing what’s necessary. We need to put our ‘Faith’ into action! No one else can do it for us – this would be like the five wise virgins sharing their oil with the five who were unwise – it cannot and could not be done! Joseph Smith, Jr. when the building of the Kirkland Temple was taking place he was not a skilled worker – and therefore he went into the quarry and giving of his strength he helped with the cutting and movement of the stones for the Temple. There is no work beneath our doing – unless it is not for the building up of others or the Kingdom.
My brothers and sisters – which means we are brothers and sisters – and the youth are our nieces and nephews – we’re family – and family is the only unit which will transverse the Vail into the presence once more of the Father and the Son! We need to watch out for each other – we need to be paying a full and generous Fast Offering – and those who cannot must be putting forth what efforts they can in helping others. There is much to be done and all can do something to help others.
There is nothing new which I can explain or help you understand – for each have been commanded and can read of what it is we’re to be about doing. And remember, Doctrine and Covenants 46:7, “But ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally; and that which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should do in all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me, considering the end of your salvations, doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving, that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men; for some are of men, and others of devils.”
Most like to think of the Scripture Doctrine and Covenants 58:26, “For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.” And also, verse 29, “But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned.”
“Therefore – many are called and few are chosen and why are they not chosen?” Please each read carefully Doctrine and Covenants 121:34-46!
In conclusion: How many of your really Trust the Lord? This is the most serious question about employment – for either we’re in His employ – or we are not! So many have chosen to say, “I trust in the Lord” and then add the word, “But!” Which are you and where do you stand when indeed we can still stand and be counted? For in Romans 14:11, “For it is written, as I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God,” and thus it will be too late to do it voluntarily.
There are problems within the many of us – I can only speak from what I’ve seen over the past years of my life:
1. Many are underemployed but whereas they say they want to do something – most don’t or won’t do anything for themselves to continually prepare themselves for something better;
2. Some are unable to present themselves for an interview either due to dress or health – and dwell in not willing to do anything about it;
3. Smiles and wanting are something which comes with one’s Attitude – sadly most have this unwillingness to change or prepare themselves for the job market relying instead on ‘Fear and/or Incentive’ motivation – which are both external;
4. Many want higher paying positions without willing to get into the market place to show they’re willing to work and thus worth the higher paying positions.
In some ways I’m a tad cold to those who are unwilling to jump-start themselves. Let me explain: over the years we’ve (as a family) suffered extensive medical bills which most will never comprehend (over several hundred thousands of dollars). Joyce and I had to start over from scratch on three different occasions. While married in college I worked 19 jobs one year and we lived on tomato and onion sandwiches (we were not members of the Church). We both sacrificed for our family to improve ourselves educationally and otherwise. I could go deeper into this if you’d like but suffice it to say our older son alone has incurred most all of our discretionary income in the worth of surgeries (still on-going at age 36) and we’ve helped to foot the bill for no less than 20% of this amount.
Having been a Chamber of Commerce President (town of over 60,000) – and helping both owners of businesses and those in need of employment come together – I’ve seen it from both sides.
As you know I’ll do all I can do to help those in or out of our Ward (and/or the Church) – but with a history of both Joyce and I being 100% disabled – my empathy is there – but from experience I know the individual has to be willing to step forward to both present themselves and prepare themselves. Long ago and far away I used to be able to jump-start some – but the time, energy and talent to do this seems to have changed – the world isn’t much like it was while I was struggling and provided for my family.
Hopefully you’ll understand – maybe I’ve said what might not be understood! If you’ve a need of further clarification – please enquire.
Lastly – “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief” – there’s a reason that the Prophet Joseph and his brother Hyrum had it sung three times prior to their being murdered. It was as if they were giving us one last sermon – on what we should be doing with our time, energy and talents in the service of our Father in Heaven and His Only Begotten Son – our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – amen c/ork
“Trusting God”
cji
6/13/10
So many claim this
‘To Trust in God’
‘Or I Trust in the Lord’
yet how many know
with insight this to do
being found obedient
fully pure and willing
loving without halting
desiring more his will
found in our goals
Trusting God in all
then doing one’s all
to be worthy therefore
of His blessings all!
Copyright © 2010 – cji
cji
6/13/10
In no way is this presentation given to remove anyone’s agency. However, one must understand as stated by my brother in the Gospel, “You can choose to give up a great deal of freedom and personal choices, if you have someone else controlling your income and living expenses. If I pay for my shelter, I can choose location and type. If I earn the money for food and clothing, what I buy is my choice, not the government or charity group. If I save part of what I earn, I create my own safety net, and free up my choice of staying on or leaving a job. The life of a slave is easy, all things are provided, but the slave must accept another’s choices on how, where and what they’ll do to live.” cn
Heber J. Grant – Welfare Plan was to make us self-sufficient – us and the Church! The Welfare Plan is for the Church as well as for us – we all should be doing all we can to be self-sufficient for up to one full year! Now to quote President Grant, “We should be willing to do any type of work – menial labor – no type of work is below our dignity! We should all be willing to work!” Too many think it’s to take care of those unwilling to work – and this is not the case. Those unable to work will be based on a case by case situation. But all members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are supposed to be doing all they can do to make themselves employable and seek employment – regardless of the level of the work as long as it’s worthy and acceptable to the Lord. I.e. it means not to be found employed in the works of the adversary.
For those who might be concerned about the role of Motherhood – each must understand there is no higher calling than that of a righteous mother. However, we do understand that some mothers must be employed outside of their homes for a variety of reasons (actual and acceptable) and not found in excuses to pay for things not really needed.
Some discussion:
Over the years the Brethren have spoken oft about our need to be gainfully employed! Now note this is important – we’re to be gainfully employed in the work and the will of the Father and the Son! Thus we must absolutely Trust in the Lord – and then heed the promptings of the Spirit and the Holy Ghost in both seeking Spiritual and Temporal Employment while in this mortality.
Ouch! How can I support my family? What about my mortgage? How will we eat? What about our clothes, car, extra events – TV, etc.? Interesting all of the things listed have to do with the world and worldly – and little to do with what we were sent to do in our mortal probations. We’ve been told by Prophets of the Lord to do all we can do – but most especially to be righteously engaged – worthy and fulfilling our Covenants in all ways. The temporal and spiritual are inseparability connected. The difference in trusting in the Lord absolutely is that the spiritual comes first – only the world and worldly see this with the temporal coming first.
Moses 1:39 “For behold, this is my work and my glory – to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” If this is the work of the Son and the Son does nothing which he hasn’t seen his Father do – then this must be the work and glory of both!
The Scriptures and Hymns* are there for all to read – and we’ve each been commanded to read them, ponder them, understand them and then act as we should be worthy of the work and glory of the Father and the Son. Now let’s understand this is very demanding and requiring work! (*Note: each Hymn is a prayer of supplication unto the Lord.)
Doctrine and Covenants 109* is full of instructions on how we should be about the Father and the Son’s business on this earth – we’ll look at verse 14: And do thou grant, Holy Father, that all those who shall worship in this house may be taught words of wisdom out of the best books, and that they may seek learning even by study, and also by faith, as thou hast said.” Thus we should be reading of the best books (each list would be slightly varied for each of us) – but it’s my guess and understanding that these are not found on a TV, or in Video Games, or on various inventions of man/woman to make noise or entertain. (*Note: Doctrine and Covenants 109 – is a blessing to all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in these the latter-days.)
Now we’ve choices: 1) to serve God; or 2) to serve man/woman! We must decide which we will serve and therefore will garner our wages from the one we choose. See Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13 and/or 3 Ne 13:24! “No man (servant) can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon!” (Note: Mammon refers to idolatry, treasure and/or worldliness.)
Alma 3:27 is an interesting Scripture, “…every man receives wages of him whom he obeys…” and Alma 5:41-42, “…whoso hearkens to devil’s voice must receive wages of the devil.”
Where are we going? Everyone should be doing all they can do to present themselves at the bar of judgment having been worthy of their hire! This means one should do all in their abilities to make themselves employable and able to be productive in lifting both themselves up as they lift others up! One can do little or nothing for another if they cannot do anything for themselves! One must be worthy – this means to be anxiously engaged – not being idle or a waster of the talents, time and energy given to each of us freely and abundantly by the Father and the Son*. If we sit at home – and do nothing which involves others and the sharing of the Gospel – either by example or when given the opportunity in conversation we are not righteously or anxiously engaged. (*Note: If one is not employed – and motherhood is employment of the highest kind – how is it then that they can be found obedient to James 1:27?)
If we’re underemployed – then we’ve to become the best possible employee where we’re working – so that we can have opportunities to improve and advance. If we need more education and polishing then we need to be about doing what’s necessary. We need to put our ‘Faith’ into action! No one else can do it for us – this would be like the five wise virgins sharing their oil with the five who were unwise – it cannot and could not be done! Joseph Smith, Jr. when the building of the Kirkland Temple was taking place he was not a skilled worker – and therefore he went into the quarry and giving of his strength he helped with the cutting and movement of the stones for the Temple. There is no work beneath our doing – unless it is not for the building up of others or the Kingdom.
My brothers and sisters – which means we are brothers and sisters – and the youth are our nieces and nephews – we’re family – and family is the only unit which will transverse the Vail into the presence once more of the Father and the Son! We need to watch out for each other – we need to be paying a full and generous Fast Offering – and those who cannot must be putting forth what efforts they can in helping others. There is much to be done and all can do something to help others.
There is nothing new which I can explain or help you understand – for each have been commanded and can read of what it is we’re to be about doing. And remember, Doctrine and Covenants 46:7, “But ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally; and that which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should do in all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me, considering the end of your salvations, doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving, that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men; for some are of men, and others of devils.”
Most like to think of the Scripture Doctrine and Covenants 58:26, “For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.” And also, verse 29, “But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned.”
“Therefore – many are called and few are chosen and why are they not chosen?” Please each read carefully Doctrine and Covenants 121:34-46!
In conclusion: How many of your really Trust the Lord? This is the most serious question about employment – for either we’re in His employ – or we are not! So many have chosen to say, “I trust in the Lord” and then add the word, “But!” Which are you and where do you stand when indeed we can still stand and be counted? For in Romans 14:11, “For it is written, as I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God,” and thus it will be too late to do it voluntarily.
There are problems within the many of us – I can only speak from what I’ve seen over the past years of my life:
1. Many are underemployed but whereas they say they want to do something – most don’t or won’t do anything for themselves to continually prepare themselves for something better;
2. Some are unable to present themselves for an interview either due to dress or health – and dwell in not willing to do anything about it;
3. Smiles and wanting are something which comes with one’s Attitude – sadly most have this unwillingness to change or prepare themselves for the job market relying instead on ‘Fear and/or Incentive’ motivation – which are both external;
4. Many want higher paying positions without willing to get into the market place to show they’re willing to work and thus worth the higher paying positions.
In some ways I’m a tad cold to those who are unwilling to jump-start themselves. Let me explain: over the years we’ve (as a family) suffered extensive medical bills which most will never comprehend (over several hundred thousands of dollars). Joyce and I had to start over from scratch on three different occasions. While married in college I worked 19 jobs one year and we lived on tomato and onion sandwiches (we were not members of the Church). We both sacrificed for our family to improve ourselves educationally and otherwise. I could go deeper into this if you’d like but suffice it to say our older son alone has incurred most all of our discretionary income in the worth of surgeries (still on-going at age 36) and we’ve helped to foot the bill for no less than 20% of this amount.
Having been a Chamber of Commerce President (town of over 60,000) – and helping both owners of businesses and those in need of employment come together – I’ve seen it from both sides.
As you know I’ll do all I can do to help those in or out of our Ward (and/or the Church) – but with a history of both Joyce and I being 100% disabled – my empathy is there – but from experience I know the individual has to be willing to step forward to both present themselves and prepare themselves. Long ago and far away I used to be able to jump-start some – but the time, energy and talent to do this seems to have changed – the world isn’t much like it was while I was struggling and provided for my family.
Hopefully you’ll understand – maybe I’ve said what might not be understood! If you’ve a need of further clarification – please enquire.
Lastly – “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief” – there’s a reason that the Prophet Joseph and his brother Hyrum had it sung three times prior to their being murdered. It was as if they were giving us one last sermon – on what we should be doing with our time, energy and talents in the service of our Father in Heaven and His Only Begotten Son – our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – amen c/ork
“Trusting God”
cji
6/13/10
So many claim this
‘To Trust in God’
‘Or I Trust in the Lord’
yet how many know
with insight this to do
being found obedient
fully pure and willing
loving without halting
desiring more his will
found in our goals
Trusting God in all
then doing one’s all
to be worthy therefore
of His blessings all!
Copyright © 2010 – cji
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