Governing Ourselves 2.5 [Continued]

How Essential are Records? 

I’ve been reading T&C 151 today. While speaking about baptisms for the dead, Joseph Smith reveals important information about keeping records. The record of our works must be recorded on earth and in Heaven. 

. . . there should be a recorder who should be eyewitness, and also to hear with his ears, that he might make a record of a truth before the Lord . . . taking accurate minutes, and let him be very particular and precise in making his record, in taking the whole proceeding, certifying in his record that he saw with his eyes and heard with his ears, giving the date and names, etc., . . . and the history of the whole transaction, naming also some three individuals that are present, if there be any present, who can at any time when called upon certify to the same, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established . . . let there be a general recorder to whom these other records can be handed, being attended with certificates over their own signatures, certifying that the record which they have made is true. . .  the record shall be just as holy, and shall answer the ordinance just the same as if he had seen with his eyes, and heard with his ears, and made a record of the same on the general book . . . And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

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You will discover in this quotation that the books were opened, and another book was opened which was the Book of Life; but the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books according to their works. Consequently, the books spoken of must be the books which contained the record of their works, and refers to the records which are kept on the earth. And the book which was the Book of Life is the record which is kept in Heaven, the principle agreeing precisely with the doctrine which is commanded you in the revelation contained in the letter which I wrote you previous to my leaving my place, that in all your recordings it may be recorded in Heaven.

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Now, the nature of this ordinance consists in the power of the Priesthood, by the revelations of Jesus Christ, wherein it is granted that whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven. Or in other words, taking a different view of the translation, whatever you record on earth shall be recorded in Heaven, and whatever you do not record on earth shall not be recorded in Heaven. . . It may seem to some to be a very bold doctrine that we talk of, a power which records or binds on earth and binds in Heaven. Nevertheless, in all ages of the world, whenever the Lord has given a dispensation of the Priesthood to any man by actual revelation, or any set of men, this power has always been given. Hence, whatever those men did in authority in the name of the Lord, and did it truly and faithfully, and kept a proper and faithful record of the same, it became a law on earth and in Heaven, and could not be annulled, according to the decrees of the great Jehovah. This is a faithful saying. Who can hear it?

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. . .  And I will give unto you the keys of the kingdom of Heaven, and whatsoever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven, and whatsoever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven. Now the great and grand secret of the whole matter, and the summum bonum of the whole subject that is lying before us, consists in obtaining the powers of the holy Priesthood. For him to whom these keys are given there is no difficulty in obtaining a knowledge of facts in relation to the salvation of the children of men, both as well for the dead as for the living. Herein is glory and honor, and immortality, and eternal life.

Priesthood Certificates are Recorded

It is clear we need to record our baptisms. Do we also need to keep records of other priestly performances? It seems like we do. For example, seven women who are acquainted with a man’s daily walk sign his priesthood certificate, vouching he is a worthy man who is to be trusted in exercising priesthood authority within the community. Everyone involved should record this proceeding in their personal records. 

Keep a record of the line of authority from the one who does the ordination. [Maintain in your] possession a written certificate signed by the seven women proving the sustaining vote, and everyone involved should record it in their personal records, particularly the day when the Lord confirms the authority to the man. T&C 175:28

Have You Compiled Your Records?

It seems reasonable when a woman calls a conference to remove a man’s authority, she should accurately take minutes, and she should be very particular and precise in making her record. She should be prepared to present her record of truth before the Lord. Keeping a record is important to the Lord. Are you prepared to bring forth the record of the women’s conference you initiated?

And now it came to pass that when Jesus had said these words, he said unto them again, after he had expounded all the scriptures unto them which they had received, he said unto them, Behold, other scriptures I would that ye should write, that ye have not. And it came to pass that he said unto Nephi, Bring forth the record which ye have kept. And when Nephi had brought forth the records and laid them before him, and he cast his eyes upon them and said, Verily I say unto you, I commanded my servant Samuel, the Lamanite, that he should testify unto this people that at the day that the Father should glorify his name in me, that there were many saints who should arise from the dead, and should appear unto many, and should minister unto them. And he said unto them, Were it not so? And his disciples answered him and said, Yea, Lord, Samuel did prophesy according to thy words, and they were all fulfilled. And Jesus said unto them, How be it that ye have not written this thing, that many saints did arise and appear unto many and did minister unto them? And it came to pass that Nephi remembered that this thing had not been written. And it came to pass that Jesus commanded that it should be written, therefore it was written according as he commanded. 3 Nephi 10:5

Pursue Judgment, so No Injustice Results

When the women revoke a man’s certificate, they are executing the justice of the Lord and His judgments. They pursue judgment to bless, care, and uplift the oppressed. It seems likely, they will be asked to give an account to the Lord and report on how they participated in this sacred and necessary function. If you have participated on a women’s council, are you prepared to give an account of how you used the authority He has given you? 

In the August 8, 2022 revelation, the Lord instructs the women to pursue judgment, so no injustice results. The Lord seems most concerned about judging four major offenses: adultery, murder, lying, and stealing.

“Be tender with one another, pursue judgment, bless the oppressed, care for the orphan, and uplift the widow in her need, for I have redeemed you from being orphaned and taken you that you are no longer a widowed people. Rejoice in me, and rejoice with your brethren and sisters who are mine also. Be one. . .”

“I say to you that you cannot be one when you are fractured and your little ones threatened by the disobedience of the adulterer, murderer, liar and thief who will not repent . . . for to do so places my community at peril. These words were to guard so that no injustice results. I ask, is there injustice if my people cannot become one because of disobedience? Even a single disobedient soul who breaks the hearts of others by his sinful disobedience can destroy the peace of all my people. I say again, Each of you must equally walk truly in my path, not only to profess, but to do as you profess. You shall not show mercy to the disobedient when to do so results in injustice to the people who seek to become one. . .”

The Lord concludes with, 

“I have given what I have given to be followed, neither to be added to nor taken from, but to be your counsel and guide. Do as you are bidden and you will have peace in this troubled world, which will be your first reward.” 

Obedience to the Lord’s commands brings peace in this troubled world, even if others are against you. 

Lest Sore Judgments Fall Upon Your Heads

When any individual, groups of individuals, or participants (women council organizers, members, eavesdropping spouses, witnesses, accusers, defendants, talebearers, etc.) use the Lord's name in vain to freelance and make up their own guides and rules while disregarding the Lord’s counsel and instructions; I suspect the Lord will want to hear why you disobeyed, what you were thinking, how you accommodated the misbehavior, and what your motives were to change what He ordained See Women's Role and Responsibilities in the Priesthood.

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Verily, verily I say unto you my servants that inasmuch as you have forgiven one another your trespasses, even so, I, the Lord, forgive you. Nevertheless, there are those among you who have sinned exceedingly, yea, even all of you have sinned, but verily I say unto you, beware from henceforth and refrain from sin, lest sore judgments fall upon your heads. For unto whom much is given, much is required, and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation. You call upon my name for revelations and I give them unto you, and inasmuch as you keep not my sayings which I give unto you, you become transgressors, and justice and judgment is the penalty which is affixed unto my law. Therefore, what I say unto one I say unto all: Watch, for the adversary spreads his dominions, and darkness reigns, and the anger of God kindles against the inhabitants of the earth, and none does good, for all have gone out of the way. And now, verily I say unto you, I, the Lord, will not lay any sin to your charge. Go your ways and sin no more, but unto that soul who sins shall the former sins return, says the Lord your God.

And again I say unto you, I give unto you a new commandment, that you may understand my will concerning you, or in other words, I give unto you directions how you may act before me, that it may turn to you for your salvation. I, the Lord, am bound when you do what I say, but when you do not what I say you have no promise. T&C 78:1-2

Is It Possible For Anyone to Disturb Our Peace?

Christ Moves the Expectation From Outward Conduct Into the Inner Soul

In 3 Nephi 5–7, Christ elevates the Law of Moses by raising the expectation for human conduct. He moves from mere outward conduct into the inner soul of the man. One is not doing as he should if all he does is refrain from killing. Instead, he needs to remove anger. The prior obligation (“said by them of old”) focused only on one’s conduct; now the focus is one’s motivation. 

The Battleground Is Inside Our Heart

One can judge another based on conduct. They either do or do not do something. The conduct is observable and, therefore, capable of being judged. Now, however, Christ moves the battleground inside a person. It is now in the heart. On such terrain as that, man is incapable of knowing and, therefore, of judging.

It is Necessary to Know and Understand the Rule

With anything involving truth and rules of conduct, there are always some reasons to depart from the rule. Christ departed from this rule. First, however, it is necessary to know and understand the rule. The “judgment” which one is “in danger of” by being angry with one’s brother is not the brother’s anger, but God’s. 

If Anger is Prevented in the Heart, It Can Heal Society

The judgment of God is provoked by those who are angry with their brother. One is not to be angry with his brother because that is the beginning of a whole sequence of events, the culmination of which may be killing. Anger leads to abuse. It leads to discourtesy, dishonesty, and cheating. It justifies miserable conduct because man thinks it right to give offense to another. It corrodes relationships and makes society sick. If this can be prevented in the heart, it can heal society. 

The Sermon on the Mount is Designed to Change Us

All must refrain from letting offenses turn into anger, dealing with them inside the heart, showing forgiveness and compassion. The purpose of the Sermon on the Mount and the Sermon at Bountiful is not to equip man to judge others. It has no use for that. It is designed to change a person. “You need to become something different, something higher, something more holy. That will require you to reexamine your heart, your motivations, and your thoughts. It will require you to take offenses and deliberately lay them down without retaliation. 

Living in Peace With Others is the Rudimentary Beginning of Zion

When you do, you become someone who can live in peace with others. Living in peace with others is the rudimentary beginning of Zion. It will not culminate in a City set on the hilltop until there is a population worthy of dwelling in the high places, in peace, without poor among them. Christ’s sermon is not merely a description of what kind of person He is. It is a description of what kind of person will qualify to live with Him.”

Judge Others the Way We Want to Be Judged

The context of judge not, that ye be not judged is framed by the statement that with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged, and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again (3 Nephi 6:5). We do “judge” one another, because we must. But the judgment should err on the side of forgiving. It should err in favor of trusting motives to be pure and intent to be good. All should be generous with their gratitude, evaluations, and suppositions. 

Forgiving One Another Makes Us Whole

When they know someone is misbehaving, they should make allowances for those shortcomings, forgive them before they ask, and impute no retribution because of the offensive conduct. “This does not make us better than another, it makes us whole. It allows the Lord to forgive us for our own, much greater offenses against Him. For when we are generous, we merit His Divine generosity. It is how we are healed. It is the means for our own salvation.

Our Offenders Enable Us to Obtain Salvation by Despitefully Using Us

Instead of thinking ourselves better than an offender, we should look upon them with gratitude, for they provide the means to obtain salvation — provided we give them forgiveness from all their offenses. This is why we should rejoice and be exceedingly glad. They enable us to obtain salvation by despitefully using us, as long as we measure them by the same standard that allows God to forgive us.

Forgiveness Will Purge From Us All Our Own Sins

What perfect symmetry: You measure to others using an instrument that will be used by God to measure back to you. So your ready forgiveness is how God will treat you. All those grudges can be replaced with petitions to God to forgive those who abused you. As you lay aside all those sins against you, committed by others, it will purge from you all your own sins. Straight and narrow indeed. But oddly appropriate and altogether within your control.”

Man is Blind . . . We See in Others what is Really in Us

The defect in judging is the position from which one proceeds. Man is blind. He has too many subjective problems in his background — training, education, culture, presumptions, prejudices, “things we just know to be true,” ignorance, preoccupations, and impatience, all which interfere with perceptions. He acts on errors and reaches wrong conclusions. He measures with defective tools, then decides the matter from the wrong measure. Christ is reminding mankind that whenever he is inclined to correct another person, more often than not, he suffers from whatever defect he sees in others. That is why he noticed it. He sees it because it is really him. 

Why Does This Bother Me? Am I Really Seeing Myself in a Mirror?

He is sensitive to the problem because he owns the problem. “First, whenever we see something amiss in another, start with the realization that we are seeing ourselves. Start inside. Ask, ‘Why does this bother me? Am I really seeing myself in a mirror?’ Then be grateful you saw another person display your problem. 

Forgive Them, Fix Me

You now know what is wrong with you. Forgive them, fix you. The tendency to withhold patience is more often than not because their mote excites your notice through your own beam. A mote is a speck, a bit of sawdust. A beam is a board. Yours is the greater defect. For in you is not only the defect, but the tendency to judge others harshly. Both are wrong. 

After Struggling to Overcome,  We May Be Humble Enough to Assist Another

When you have at last purged the defect, struggled to overcome and conquer the temptation or tendency, perhaps the price you pay to do so will make you humble enough to assist another. Not from the position as judge and condemner, but from the position of one who can help. When you ‘see clearly,’ then you may be able to cast the mote out of thy brother’s eye. For now you see him as your brother. And in a kindly and affectionate manner you may act to reclaim him. Not as a judge, but as a brother. 

 The Only Way I Can Make Them Better is by Starting Inside Me

This is a continuing petition to make things better. But the only way you make them better is by starting inside. It is not for you to work on others, nor move outside your own range of defects, until you have first fixed what you lack. When you can proceed with charity to assist others to overcome what you have overcome yourself, then it is appropriate to approach your brother in kindness to help. Until then, stop judging and start removing beams from yourself.” Glossary Judge/ment 

The Basis for Your Own Judgment

“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” (Matthew 7:1-2)

“For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again, and be restored; therefore, the word restoration more fully condemneth the sinner, and justifieth him not at all.” (Alma 41:15)

“Your judgment of others will become the basis for your own judgment by the Father. Apply mercy to receive mercy. Apply forgiveness to merit forgiveness. Act harshly to receive harsh treatment. Show strict judgment, and receive it in return. It is the perfect balance. What you send out returns to you. It is karma. The words are right out of Christ’s own mouth.” (DS 10-26-10)

Be careful placing unrighteous judgment upon others, for you know not what battles they are fighting.

 

We are very good lawyers for our own mistakes, but very good judges for the mistakes of others.

Before you judge someone else, make sure you're perfect and therefore perfectly understand.

To sit in judgment of those things which you perceive to be wrong or imperfect is to be one more person who is part of judgment, evil or imperfect.

“And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.” (Ether 12:27)

We should use our strengths and talents for good and seek to identify our weaknesses by coming unto God to make weak things become strong.

Be Slow to Judge

From November 2007 - November 2010, my heart was in a continuous battle.  My feelings were always getting hurt, and my heart ached.  I was wounded because of the actions of some of my neighbors. I knew I needed to forgive, but my heart couldn’t figure out how to do it.

One day, I was thinking about Jesus and asked Him what I could do to come unto him.  Some thoughts started forming in my head.

In the story of the woman taken in adultery, Jesus showed me that he is slow to judge. He is the only one that has the right to judge, and he avoids it whenever possible.  He didn’t even point the finger at her accusers.  John 8:3-11 

Several scriptures went through my head:

“And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully; for with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged.” Moroni 7:18 

“For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again, and be restored; therefore, the word restoration more fully condemneth the sinner, and justifieth him not at all.” Alma 41: 15 

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, my servants, that inasmuch as you have forgiven one another your trespasses, even so I, the Lord, forgive you.” D&C 82:1 

“Leave judgment alone with me, for it is mine and I will repay. Peace be with you; my blessings continue with you.” D&C 82:23 

“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:” Luke 6:37 

“And blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” 3 Nephi 12:7 

“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging.” 1 Peter 4:8-9 

Next, I saw myself standing before the Lord at the judgment bar.  Christ was looking at his hand as if he were reading it and said, “Okay, let’s see how you want me to judge you. Let’s look at how you judged others.”

I hadn’t expected this. It was then that I realized I had created my own measuring rod. The mercy I had shown to others would be shown to me. My judgments would come back to judge me. Christ could only be as kind to me as I had been to others.  We are all judged by the same law but not according to the same criteria. We set the terms of our judgment when we judge others.

God wasn’t judging me on how well I kept the rules. My capacity to love and forgive was being weighed in the balance. I remembered the two great commandments.

“Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 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. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:36-40 

I realized that God isn’t going to judge me with this giant checklist of dos and don’ts.  I came to earth to learn how to love.

As this recognition filled my soul, I didn’t want him to go any further. I fell down on my knees and begged for mercy saying, “Oh, please Lord don’t judge me like I’ve judged others.” Love and forgiveness came flooding into my heart. I could see that I could open the door for the Savior to be merciful to me if I was merciful to others. My aching and unforgiving heart was healed.  I was being given a second chance. 

After that, I knew I didn’t want to judge, but I found myself judging many times a day. I didn’t realize I had such a big problem. If I stopped judging, I might not have very much to think about.

I prayed for help. The Lord gave me the antidote.

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48 

This life affords me many opportunities to practice the principle of mercy and love. People are constantly acting like humans. Daily I find myself falling short, and it’s easy to see the mistakes of others. 

It is natural to feel affection for loveable people, but I continue to struggle because of the other type of people. This last group gives me much opportunity to grow and progress.  Even though it doesn’t feel like it, they really are the bigger blessing. They give me a greater opportunity to practice love. After all, isn’t that why I’m here?

Warring for Souls

The war that began in heaven continues.  The Devil and his angels have been cast out of heaven down to the earth.  Satan knows his time is short and comes against us in great wrath. The climax of the battle is upon us.  He is the dragon who deceiveth the whole world. He is the great accuser. “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” What power is in the blood of the Lamb? What power is in the word of their testimony?  Who puts the work of the Lord even above their own lives? Revelation12:7-12 

Satan was defeated in heaven, but he still has power on the earth. Jesus asks us to pray that this battle may be won in earth as it is in heaven. “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10

The Lord needs every warrior of light that will come.  Why are there “none that doeth good except those who are ready to receive the fulness of [His] gospel”? D&C 35:12-13 Are we ready to receive the fulness of His gospel?  What does it mean to receive the fulness of His gospel? D&C 39:18 Do we desire to come into his presence and receive Him? D&C 76:14 Why does He call upon the weak things of the world to thresh the nations by the power of His Spirit? Why are His messengers despised? Who despises them?

Even though we may be weak, He still has a work for us to do. He is calling us.  All who have desires to serve God are called to the work.  If we decide to get on board, we should hold nothing back.  As we labor with all our heart, might, mind and strength to bring souls to Christ, we will find our own soul saved.  No man is compelled to come unto Christ. This is a labor of love, not a labor of force, control, and manipulation. “And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify [us] for the work.” D&C 4:1-7 

“Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor.” Why should we warn others? “They are left without excuse, and their sins are upon their own heads.” How would you feel if someone came to you saying, “You knew this! Why didn’t you open your mouth and say something to me?” This is the last time the Lord shall go forth among us, the Gentiles, to prepare us for the hour of judgment, which is to come.  Seek him early while he is near, and you shall not be forsaken. D&C 88:81-84 What does it mean to be cleansed from the blood and sins of this generation?

“For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it— Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven—

"These should then be attended to with great earnestness. Let no man count them as small things; for there is much which lieth in futurity, pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things. You know, brethren, that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with the wind and the waves.

"Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.” [emphasis added] D&C123:12-17 

When you speak hard things against the wicked in the name of the Lord, do you experience great joy and exceeding gladness? 3 Nephi 12:11-12 Is it a cheerful, joyful experience?

Some might believe it is wrongheaded to focus on exposing false doctrine.  They might even say, “You’re being too negative.” As I study the scriptures I see a distinct difference between accusing and judging a fellow brother or sister and speaking boldly against the philosophies of men and the doctrines of the devil. 

We are not battling each other.  When we allow devils to possess our bodies, they may persuade us to believe we are at war with each other.  As brothers and sisters, we are on the same team.  It is the devils and demons we’re fighting against. 

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” So that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil, it is necessary to take upon us the whole armor of God:  truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Spirit. We must pray always; be constantly, steadily, and patiently watching; and then boldly speak those things given to us by God. Ephesians 6:10-20 

“Judge not, that ye be not judged.” Matthew 7:1 We have no right to judge each other, for that right belongs to the Lord Mormon 8:20.

Is there a difference between judging another mortal and judging the philosophies and doctrines that are being taught?  Would it be following the pattern of God to be humble, meek, and contrite when speaking to each other D&C 52:14-17; yet speak out against our foolish and vain traditions with the boldness of a lion? Proverbs 28:1

Nephi sounded the warning voice.  He cautioned us to beware of the false and vain and foolish doctrines, false teachers, priestcrafts, and pride. He said, “They have all gone out of the way; they have become corrupted.”  He saw our latter day tendency to trust in men and institutions instead of God, and he reminds us that God has not given His power unto men as many will claim. Nephi gave a firm admonition to deny not the Holy Ghost or the power of God, the Holy One of Israel.

Nephi doesn’t sound very optimistic or positive about the latter day gentiles? Was Nephi just being negative and depressing or is there something here worth paying attention to? Did he see something we don’t? Why didn’t he focus on the things we’re doing right? Maybe he didn’t see much good going on, described it the way he saw it, and called us to repentance by the power of God. If you saw a multitude of people about to go off a cliff would you keep your thoughts to yourself? 2 Nephi 28 

As we speak boldly, is contention ever justified? 3 Nephi 11:29 What is the power that awaits those who use persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, love unfeigned, kindness, and pure knowledge? D&C 121:41-42 

 

Is a call to repentance negative, gloomy, and pessimistic? How have you responded to Alma’s rebuke? “Wo unto all ye workers of iniquity; repent, repent, for the Lord God hath spoken it! . . . O ye workers of iniquity; ye that are puffed up in the vain things of the world, ye that have professed to have known the ways of righteousness nevertheless have gone astray, as sheep having no shepherd. . . And now if ye are not the sheep of the good shepherd, of what fold are ye? Behold, I say unto you, that the devil is your shepherd, and ye are of his fold; and now, who can deny this?"

How do you know when the Lord has received you? “Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you. Yea, he saith: Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life; yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely; Yea, come unto me and bring forth works of righteousness, and ye shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire” Alma 5:32-39 

I, the Lord, “give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom. D&C 88:77 How are we doing?