He Shall Sit as a Refiner and Purifier of Silver

There was a group of women in a Bible Study on the book of Malachi. As they were studying chapter three, they came across verse three, which says: "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver" Malachi 3:3. This verse puzzled the women and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, this woman called up a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work.

She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot then she thought again about the verse, "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, how do you know when the silver is fully refined? He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy - when I see my image in it."

Alma the younger asked the people these soul-searching questions: “And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?” Alma 5:14 “I say unto you, can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands? I say unto you, can you look up, having the image of God engraven upon your countenances?” Alma 5:19

How do we receive his image in our countenances?

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—

“But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.” Moroni 7:46-48 

Is charity another one of Christ’s titles? Why doesn’t charity ever fail us? Why doesn’t Christ ever fail us? How can we be filled with charity? Does this quest require everything we have to give? Can we hold anything back from our Lord? Who fills us with charity? Is charity our love for others or Christ’s love for us? When charity is bestowed, is this a divine act of mercy, grace, and love?

Why does the Father only bestow this love upon true followers of his Son? Are we purified because of our sinless nature or because of His purity? Is this what he means when he says “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8 “Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.” Romans 4:7 Does His charity cover our sins?

How does charity purify true followers of Jesus Christ? What is the purpose of the refiner’s fire? What does this purifying and purging fire feel like? Why, in his charity, does he require us to pass through this intense heat?  Is this the baptism of fire? Can those who are impure offer up to God an offering in righteousness? Malachi 3:2-3 

Before I was married, I lived with my sister.  She didn’t have a sprinkler system, and I was in charge of watering the lawn.  It was hard trying to keep the lawn watered evenly. Sometimes I would turn on the sprinkler, forget about it, leave it running, and create a flood.  Other times I would set the sprinkler, and the outer edges didn’t receive enough water.  When I finally had the lawn watered, it was time to start the cycle again.  It was a big job keeping the lawn green all summer.

One hot July day, I looked up at the sun and thought, “What will happen if I don’t water the lawn?” The answer was obvious, “It will dry up and get brown.” Another question came, “What is created when the hot sun shines down upon a well-watered lawn?” Answer: “The lawn becomes green and lush.” 

An analogy came to mind.  The sun in the heavens can be compared to the Son of God.  During the summer when we feel the heat of the sun/Son, we need a lot of water. On a hot July day, we need extra water.  Without continually drinking from the well of living water, we would shrivel and die; but with ample water, we grow and thrive.

It’s interesting that as we approach the Son, the heat intensifies, and our need for living water also increases.  How do we acquire this essential, life-sustaining water?  “But unto him that keepeth my commandments I will give the mysteries of my kingdom, and the same shall be in him a well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life” D&C 63:23.

How are the mysteries of God’s kingdom a well of living water? Why is God able to share His mysteries with those who keep the commandments? What are the mysteries of God’s Kingdom? Why are these mysteries essential to our survival? How do we gain everlasting life?

Who is vigilantly watching as we pass through the fire? Do we trust Him with our soul? Do we trust that he will remove us from the fire before we are destroyed? “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10 

“Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen” D&C 121:34. “For, behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction” 1 Nephi 20:10. Why does He choose his servants in the furnace of affliction?  Are we willing to patiently submit to the refiner’s fire before being chosen?

Who is waiting for us on the other side of the fire?

 “And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?

“And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

“Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

“They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

“For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Revelation 7:13-17  

What are these great tribulations? What are these robes? How do our robes become white in the blood of the Lamb? How does he quench our thirst? How much does he really love us? 

Ever Increasing Truth or Escalating Entropy?

God creates, builds, organizes, and overcomes entropy. He quickens, enlightens, and gives life. Satan opposes God’s order. He is evil, dark, and destructive. He encourages turmoil, confusion, and disorder. Satan promotes entropy; God conquers it.

“In thermodynamics, entropy is commonly associated with the amount of order, disorder, and/or chaos. . .

“Technically, entropy is defined as a thermodynamic property, which serves as a measure of how close a system is to equilibrium — that is, to perfect internal disorder. . .

“The entropy of the universe tends to a maximum. Thus, if entropy is associated with disorder and if the entropy of the universe is headed towards maximal entropy, then many are often puzzled as to the nature of the ‘ordering’ process and operation of evolution in relation to Clausius' most famous version of the second law, which states that the universe is headed towards maximal ‘disorder’. In the recent 2003 book SYNC – the Emerging Science of Spontaneous Order by Steven Strogatz, for example, we find Scientists have often been baffled by the existence of spontaneous order in the universe. The laws of thermodynamics seem to dictate the opposite, that nature should inexorably degenerate toward a state of greater disorder, greater entropy. Yet all around us we see magnificent structures—galaxies, cells, ecosystems, human beings—that have all somehow managed to assemble themselves.’ The common argument used to explain this is that, locally, entropy can be lowered by external action. Energy of all kinds in our material world disperses or spreads out if it is not hindered from doing so by some external source.” Wikipedia

I do not claim to be a scientist and find myself very limited in the understanding of thermodynamics. However, I can see a connection here. This is another evidence of ALL things are created and made to bear record of God Moses 6:63. God is a God of order. “Behold, mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a house of confusion" D&C 132:8. Entropy and God’s governing power are in constant opposition.

Most parents can understand the process of children turning a house of order into a house of disorder. Usually, if left to themselves without teaching and instruction, children will create chaos. We, as children, are constantly messing up God’s house.

He sits upon the throne and governs and executes all things D&C 88:40. He is more than an external action for “He comprehendeth all things, and all things are before him, and all things are round about him; and he is above all things, and in all things, and is through all things, and is round about all things; and all things are by him, and of him, even God, forever and ever” D&C 88:41. Without the presence of God’s governing power, influence, or light, a system is in equilibrium, or in other words, in perfect internal disorder.

God has a renewal effect upon all life. Through Him we may be sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of our bodies D&C 84:33. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” John 8:12. He can “create in me a clean heart” and “renew a right spirit within me” Psalms 51:10. Those who wait upon the Lord shall have their strength renewed Isaiah 40:31.

God constructs, puts all of creation in order, and opposes entropy. God is the power, light, and love that hinders and overcomes universal entropy. The light, which proceeds forth from the presence of God, enlightens eyes, quickens understanding, gives life to all things, and is the law by which all things are governed D&C 88:11-13.

It is through the power and love of God that new energy comes. It is because of charity, the pure love of Christ Moroni 7:46-47, that we see all around us magnificent structures—galaxies, cells, ecosystems, and human beings. I reject the notion that creations and perfect order “have all somehow managed to assemble themselves.” It is the power of God that causes all the planets to move in their regular form Alma 30:44. God is the creator of this earth, the universe, and a whole lot more Mosiah 3:8, Abraham 1:31, D&C 128:23.

Satan, on the other hand, is not a creator. He endorses contention, commotion, and turmoil 3 Nephi 11:29. The Devil is an evil being of disorder and confusion. He promotes chaos and entropy. He tears down, destroys, and hates mankind. Lucifer is insistent, unrelenting, and merciless to his victims. He makes everything within his circle of influence colder, slower, and darker.

Our common enemy wants us to esteem God as naught and hearken not to the voice of his counsels 1 Nephi 19:7. He tries to hide heaven and obscure the true light from man. Having his victims in a dark environment lacking heavenly light and knowledge, Satan can more easily make saving truths appear strange Acts 17:20, unpopular, and despised 2 Chronicles 36:16. The devil whispers in our ears saying, “The words of God are mysterious, dangerous, and worthless. They should be avoided and rejected at all cost.”

Moroni cautions, “Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil” Moroni 7:14, Isaiah 5:20, D&C 121:16.

The devil needs this clever deception because most people don’t want to consciously reject God. Satan has his followers, but all of us mortals chose God and His plan in our first estate Abraham 3:24-28.

Satan needs something to lure victims into his choking trap Luke 8:14. He entices the children of men by offering them the things of this world. He does not disclose that these treasures are temporary 2 Nephi 28:21. Jesus provides the antidote, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” Matthew 6:19-20.

Our worldly treasures that we have hid up unto ourselves will slide between our fingers and simply slip away Helaman 13:35. The shelf life of Satan’s merchandise is very short. It only provides temporary pleasure, and death must surely follow Hebrews 11:25, 2 Nephi 9:39.

But God in his goodness “prepareth a way for our escape from the grasp of this awful monster; yea, that monster, death and hell” 2 Nephi 9:10. Without the infinite atonement of Christ, "corruption could not put on incorruption. . . flesh must have laid down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth, to rise no more" 2 Nephi 9:7-8.

Life and salvation doesn’t just somehow happen all by itself. Alone, I cannot save myself or anyone else. It is beyond the boundaries and ability of men. Salvation is the mission of Jesus Christ, and “there is no other way or means whereby man can be saved” Alma 38:9. Without His intercessory and loving power, mankind would fade away, die, and rise no more.

Everything the devil offers to mankind will certainly deteriorate, decay, decompose, rot, crumble, and perish. Satan does not possess the power to offset entropy and decay. I am not aware of any value Satan has to offer us except perhaps opposition itself, which is needed to obtain knowledge of good and evil 2 Nephi 2:11.

The Devil is an enemy to God and seeks to control mankind Moroni 7:12. He is in direct opposition to God. Satan and his angels hide truth, extinguish light, and promote anything that causes disorder and chaos. The adversary oversees the digging of a dry pit that is void of “living water, springing up unto everlasting life” D&C 63:23, Luke 16:24. He does this that he might lead away the souls of men down to hell 1 Nephi 14:3.

That great and abominable church, which was founded by the devil and his children, does not teach the doctrine of Christ. It covers, conceals, and veils eternal truths of salvation 2 Nephi 28:8-11, 2 Nephi 32:1-6. Satan lures and convinces men to chase after false gods and forsake “the Lord, the fountain of living waters” Jeremiah 17:13.

On the other hand, God sends true messengers to restore truths, establish order, and bring back that which was lost. Prophets converse with God, restore law and order, and bring back eternal certainty. They also restore God given ordinances, which previously have been changed, modified, diminished, or discarded by men who have trusted in the arm of flesh. Messengers from the presence of God are continually at war with entropy, decay, and loss. They fight against evil and denounce Satan. Having firsthand experience with God, they are not deceived and worship the God of glory Moses 1:2, 11-22.

Satan uses the philosophies of men mingled with scripture to fool and mislead. “And that wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers” D&C 93:39. The natural man, who is an enemy to God Mosiah 3:19, continues losing everlasting truths and the true order of God. Prophets keep restoring truth.

There is a continual contest between good and evil. Satan entices and wins the hearts of mankind. He manages to extinguish light and truth and the prophets bring it back. In this telestial world, the level and intensity of light and truth is not stagnant. The presence and observance of heavenly truths among men continually ebb and flow. Truths from above are either increasing or decreasing here on earth.

One of the key undertakings of the prophet Joseph Smith (and all prophets of God throughout the history of the world) was to restore, re-establish, and teach timeless truths that were previously lost or abandoned. Great light and understanding was revealed from heaven through Joseph and much restoration occurred during his day.

But, has it been fully preserved? Or has it only been partially maintained and carelessly treated? Have we treated lightly the things we have received and through vanity and unbelief brought the whole church under condemnation? D&C 84:54-58 What have we lost?

Have any eternal truths of the restoration been forgotten? Did the prophet Joseph Smith teach any doctrines that have been discarded or forsaken? Have any of these restored truths been overlooked, unnoticed, unobserved, neglected, disregarded, deserted, misused, changed, altered, tainted, distorted, misrepresented, correlated, misplaced, lost, abandoned, ignored, cast off, or rejected?

Is the reservoir of revelation brimming, spilling over, and increasing in flow? Or is it quickly decreasing and nearly empty from the leakage of neglect? Is there a threat of having a bone-dry reservoir of revelation in the near future? Have we been living and observing the teachings of the restoration? Has any additional truth, light, or knowledge been restored from heaven since Joseph? If so, what is it? If not, why?

So, today, are we gaining or losing light and truth? Do we possess and live more or less of it? Are we closer to obtaining Zion? Or have we embraced Babylon? Is entropy taking its toll?

If we come to Christ, He overcomes entropy, reverses the process, and will bring again Zion 3 Nephi 16:18, D&C 84:100. It may be worth considering.

Come to the Source, Clean and Living Waters

It seems easy in a world where fame and fortune are seen as the “good life” to place our hearts on something other than God. The empty hole remains in our life when we continue to look for peace and happiness in all the wrong places.

God says, “Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:4

What is an idol?

An idol is any thing which usurps the place of God in the hearts of his rational creatures. An image, form or representation, usually of a man or other animal, consecrated as an object of worship; A person loved and honored to adoration. Any thing on which we set our affections; that to which we indulge an excessive and sinful attachment.

In examining my life, I realize that I’ve been guilty of idol worship. Now, I’m not one to bow down to a statue, but there are more common and subtle forms of idol worship. I ask myself questions like: how do I spend my time? What do I think about all day long? What do I think about my nice stuff? Who do I admire, respect, and follow? All of these can easily become idols and usurp the place of God in my heart.

It is a common tendency for us to get in each other’s way on this journey back to God. Much of it is done with good intentions, but it still gets in the way. Maybe we think that others should accept our beliefs and paradigms because we know what’s right. Someone else’s beliefs might even threaten or make us feel insecure about our own beliefs. A few people feel the need to control and manipulate other’s beliefs as a way of showing they have power and authority over others.

Whatever the reason, we need to stop setting up others and ourselves as idols. It muddies the waters. It prevents us from asking, seeking, and knocking. Idol worship prevents us from coming to know God. Why would we ask a human being when we can ask God?

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Luke 11:9-10

Who are we seeking to find? What do we want to know?

We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. Articles of Faith 1:11

Why doesn’t God want anyone to dictate how another person worships or how they believe?

When we adore and follow others, does God see it as idol worship?

Has Jesus ever asked us to follow anyone else? “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” John 10:27

Even John the Revelator needed to be taught not to worship others. You mean we can’t even worship angels sent from God? “And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Revelation 19:10

As you read the following parable ask yourself: Am I one of the bulls? Am I one of the cattle drinking dirty water? Or am I willing to go to the Source and drink clean and living water?

"Our Father in Heaven showed to me something like a waking dream . . . I saw a large beautiful fountain of crystal clear water flowing freely from the earth. The water was extremely clean and pure--I could see clear to the bottom of the wide river that was formed. I was very thirsty; and I approached the water and drank. I was immediately filled with the love of God; and I knew these were the Waters of Life--that are free and without cost. I was filled with happiness and love.

I looked to where the waters were flowing and saw a large herd of cattle in the river; and as quickly as I looked, I was with them. There were two herds--a herd of bulls was upstream from the rest of the herd which consisted of bulls, cows, heifers, and calves. I was with the cattle downstream from the bulls; and I was thirsty again. But, when I looked down at the water that was swirling around my legs; I could see only small patches of clean and pure water. I looked upstream and saw that the herd of bulls was churning up sand and silt--they were doing what cattle do when they stand in the middle of a stream--depositing wastes into the water. The cattle downstream were moving back and forth--looking for clean patches of water.

I remembered the fountain of Living Water and headed for the stream bank. As I climbed out of the stream, the other cattle called to me, "Come back. Where are you going?" I replied, "I am going up to the Source--the water is clean and pure there" Then, the herd of bulls saw me and bellowed, "Get back in the herd; the water must pass through us; you must only drink the water that passes through us; you will be deceived and lost" I continued back up to the Source and drank the refreshing water again. I was careful not to pollute the water or stir up any silt.

I looked at the herd of bulls again--they were all facing downstream--away from the source. All they had to do was turn and drink pure water; but they didn't seem to notice the Source. I called out, "Come up to the Source where the water is clean" But, no one would listen or respond." John Hess

The Lord says, “For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.” Jeremiah 2:13

In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. John 7:37

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Revelation 7:17

But unto him that keepeth my commandments I will give the mysteries of my kingdom, and the same shall be in him a well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life. Doctrine and Covenants 63:23

Come unto the fountain of living water and receive peace and happiness that has no end.