The Labor Divided

And it came to pass that two men together were appointed to labor in a work concerning the word of God, that it might be carried forth, taught, and understood among people in distant lands. The calling was given in partnership, that the burden might be shouldered together in humility, and that unity and counterbalance might preserve the work from corruption.

But one of the two aspired not to labor in equality. He was equal but moved to be more equal than his brother. For his heart inclined toward his singular authority, and he was troubled that the work should proceed by mutual persuasion rather than by his own righteous judgment. In time his irritation waxed and he perceived an opportunity to cut off his nuisance.

And it came to pass that he accused his brother of wrongdoing, and yet when asked to declare the matter plainly he could not support the charge with witness and fact. And the accused pled, “If I have erred, tell me my offense, that I may repent.” But the accuser answered him not.

Instead, the man drove his brother from the work, declaring him unfit, though no damage could be identified. And because the accusation did not stand openly, it was quietly carried to women aligned with the accuser so that they might hold counsel against him. 

Judgment was rendered as planned. And all nodded and agreed among themselves, “His removal is necessary, lest the work be hindered.” Thus the laborer was cut off—not for sin, but for his resistance to their secrecy, for he did not recognize their disfigured body.

And it came to pass that the Lord said it is enough — but allowed the effort to continue despite one of His laborers being cast out. He placed an ominous load upon the one who remained, saying that he alone would answer to Him when he had accomplished the future, specific work. Unlike the previous appointment, the true nature and narrow parameters of his new assignment were declared publicly for all to see.

But the lone servant, instead of receiving this charge with fear and trembling before God, inferred confirmation of his own set course. He set about his work as he had designed, this time unhindered by his brother in arms. 

A record had been rendered into plain speech so that the posterity of the common lineage could have true understanding. But the servant continued to clothe it in an ancient tongue; in a form suitable to learned scholars rather than simple disciples. He supposed that its impressive form would legitimize authority and satisfy reputation among those who seek for things they cannot understand. The book could not be returned to its original reformed and altered manner of speech; therefore the man employed scholars to instead render the plain book into the language of the learned. This would expose hearts and hold them accountable for the words of the book.

 

Certain people began to discern the stumbling block, puzzling among themselves, “Why is a record once made clear translated again into obscurity?”

 

And counsel answered, “So religious leaders may justify it.”

And others agreed, “They will surely recognize the Lord’s truth in their ancient tongue.”

Thus the language of the record became an obstacle before it was ever carried to those in the distant land. In this obfuscated state, many could be made dependent upon the stiffnecked few.

The Lord warned that many arguments among the people arise not from truth, but from pride, stubbornness, and the desire to control rather than serve. He warned that His patience should not be mistaken for approval, for though He bears with the people still, awaiting natural fruit, the season of harvest draws near.

And it was seen by those with eyes to see that contention had not arisen from doctrine, nor from sin, nor to protect the people—but from reckless indifference toward God and one another. Thus the man first removed his fellow laborer, then continued his work that would leave the masses without understanding, and rationalized both as righteousness.

Yet the vineyard yielded no natural fruit from such a course. For the Lord does not call men together to divide them by accusation, nor does He make His word inaccessible to preserve men’s position, nor does He accept a work that fails to accomplish all that is required. 

Many perceived that the laborer who cried most loudly of righteousness had rejected the very humility that righteousness demands. And so the labor was divided.

Unbeknownst to the laborers, the Lord had been preparing the ground in this distant land. He made provision that their ancient book should also be rendered into plain speech. The truth of His word, now illuminated, is available to their nation. 

A Peculiar Economy

Everyone has needs, desires, and dreams. We are all dependent upon God. We are vulnerable even when we think we are secure. 

Treat others as you want to be treated. The Lord is guiding us in a path and teaching us to be like Him. He is merciful, just, and charitable. Be like Him.. 

Then Jesus answered and said unto his disciples, Thus shall you say unto them: What man among you, having a son — and he shall be standing out and shall say, Father, open your house that I may come in and eat with you — will he not say, Come in my son, for mine are yours and yours are mine? Or what man is there among you who, if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father who is in Heaven give good things unto them that ask him? Therefore, all things whatsoever you desire that men should do to you, do even so to them, for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 3:44

The principle of Karma is not just found in Hinduism and Buddhism. It is also found in Mormonism. We are kind to ourselves when we “deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually.” We will receive what we send out. 

And now behold, is the meaning of the word restoration to take a thing of a natural state and place it in an unnatural state? Or to place it in a state opposite to its nature? O, my son, this is not the case, but the meaning of the word restoration is to bring back again evil for evil, or carnal for carnal, or devilish for devilish; good for that which is good, righteous for that which is righteous, just for that which is just, merciful for that which is merciful. Therefore, my son, see that ye are merciful unto your brethren. Deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually; and if ye do all these things, then shall ye receive your reward. Yea, ye shall have mercy restored unto you again, ye shall have justice restored unto you again, ye shall have a righteous judgment restored unto you again, and ye shall have good rewarded unto you again. 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 19:11

We are learning to be like our Lord. This means we get to contribute, work, and be responsible. We also get to lift, serve, and be generous. 

Everyone Works

We have a strong work ethic in our home. Our parents taught us to work, and we wanted to pass this gift on to our children. 

In 1998, we had three children, ages five, three, and one, with baby number four on the way. The children were making messes faster than I could clean. I was exhausted. In frustration, I threw up my hands to God and said, “What would You do?” 

The words came clearly to my mind, “By the sweat of thy brow, thou shall eat food all the days of thy life.” I asked how it is done with young children? The idea came to mind . . .  Give the three year old and five year old a small job before each meal. Teach your children that eating is the natural result of working. This approach worked. Twenty-six years later, all of our eleven children know how to work and are helpful.

The Idler

How does the economy of Zion work? Everyone works. The idler shall not eat the bread nor wear the garment of the laborer. We are also not to labor to gratify our pride or greed. Yes, we have physical needs and desires, but our focus is on the riches of eternity

. . .  And the inhabitants of Zion also shall remember their labors, inasmuch as they are appointed to labor, in all faithfulness, for the idler shall be had in remembrance before the Lord. Now, I the Lord am not well pleased with the inhabitants of Zion, for there are idlers among them, and their children are also growing up in wickedness. They also seek not earnestly the riches of eternity, but their eyes are full of greediness. These things ought not to be, and must be done away from among them. T&C 55:6

• And again, you shall not be proud in your heart. Let all your garments be plain, and their beauty the beauty of the work of your own hands, and let all things be done in cleanliness before me. You shall not be idle, for he that is idle shall not eat the bread, nor wear the garment of the laborer. T&C 26:10

Righteous Government

In our current culture, the government gets its power through taxation, compulsion, and force. But in Zion, no man is able to command another man’s actions. 

. . . Zion will be produced by a journey begun in equality, pursued by equals, with no man able to command another man’s actions. Persuasion, meekness, unfeigned love, and pure knowledge are the only tools necessary for Zion . . . Glossary Zion

Although Zion was not created during King Benjamin’s reign, “with the help of [holy men], king Benjamin, by laboring with all the might of his body and the faculty of his whole soul, and also the prophets, did once more establish peace in the land.” Words of Mormon 1:6

King Benjamin is an example of righteousness. He wasn’t supported through the taxation of his people. He labored with his own hands for his support. He understood when he served his people, he was serving God.

. . . I have been suffered to spend my days in your service, even up to this time, and have not sought gold, nor silver, nor any manner of riches of you . . . And even I myself have labored with mine own hands that I might serve you, and that ye should not be laden with taxes, and that there should nothing come upon you which was grievous to be borne. And of all these things which I have spoken, ye yourselves are witnesses this day. Yet my brethren, I have not done these things that I might boast, neither do I tell these things that thereby I might accuse you; but I tell you these things that ye may know that I can answer a clear conscience before God this day. Behold, I say unto you that because I said unto you that I had spent my days in your service, I do not desire to boast, for I have only been in the service of God. Mosiah 1:7

Teach With Power and Authority

Alma commanded priests not to depend upon the people for their support. Is it not possible to please God while seeking to please men. 

For do I now please men or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man, for I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. Gal. 1:3 

When priests labor with their own hands, they are free to operate independently from the people they serve. They can wax strong in the spirit and teach truth because they do not need to please their audience. True servants of Christ teach with power and authority from God.

And he also commanded them that the priests whom he had ordained should labor with their own hands for their support. And there was one day in every week that was set apart that they should gather themselves together to teach the people, and to worship the Lord their God, and also as often as it was in their power to assemble themselves together. And the priests were not to depend upon the people for their support, but for their labor they were to receive the grace of God, that they might wax strong in the spirit, having the knowledge of God, that they might teach with power and authority from God. Mosiah 9:10

Most people want to hear false doctrines that stroke their egos. They want to be consoled and pacified rather than repent and change. Disingenuous pious people are eager to give their money to false priests in exchange for flattering words which soothe their conscience. Popular religious leaders grow rich as they exercise their craft.

Nehor “had gone about among the people, preaching to them that which he termed to be the word of God, bearing down against the church, declaring unto the people that every priest and teacher ought to become popular and they ought not to labor with their own hands, but that they ought to be supported by the people. And he also testified unto the people that all mankind should be saved at the last day, and that they need not fear nor tremble, but that they might lift up their heads and rejoice, for the Lord had created all men and had also redeemed all men; and in the end, all men should have eternal life. And it came to pass that he did teach these things so much that many did believe on his words, even so many that they began to support him and give him money. And he began to be lifted up in the pride of his heart and to wear very costly apparel, yea, and even began to establish a church after the manner of his preaching. Alma 1:1

Jesus was killed because of priestcrafts and iniquities. The doctrine taught by false priests was so twisted that they did not even recognize the God of miracles as He ministered among them.

For should the mighty miracles be wrought among other nations, they would repent and know that he be their God. But because of priestcrafts and iniquities, they at Jerusalem will stiffen their necks against him, that he be crucified.  2 Nephi 7:1

Laborer in Zion

Priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world that they may get gain and praise of the world, but they seek not the welfare of Zion. Nephi reminds us of God’s command to have charity as he juxtaposes men practicing priestcrafts with the laborer in Zion who does not labor for money.

He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world, but they seek not the welfare of Zion. Behold, the Lord hath forbidden this thing; wherefore, the Lord God hath given a commandment that all men should have charity, which charity is love. And except they should have charity, they were nothing; wherefore, if they should have charity, they would not suffer the laborer in Zion to perish. But the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion, for if they labor for money, they shall perish . . . 2 Nephi 11:17

Are all the laborers in Zion not laboring for money? No magic or sprinkling fairy dust is going to build Zion. Is land going to be purchased and the temple built without money? How do the inhabitants of Zion purchase building and farming supplies without money? How do they support their families without money? When the money system of Babylon fails, it will be different, but until then, we operate within our current world situation. 

Who is the laborer in Zion who shall not labor for money? To whom is this referring?

Without Purse or Scrip

Jesus sent forth itinerant preachers and commanded them, saying, “Go . . . to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. . . Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses . . . for the workman is worthy of his food. And into whatever town or city you shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and there abide until you go from there . . .  the laborer is worthy of his hire . . .  And he shall not go hungry, neither athirst. Therefore, take no thought for the morrow, for what you shall eat, or what you shall drink, or wherewith you shall be clothed . . . this commandment is unto all the faithful who are called of God in the church unto the ministry, therefore, let no man from this hour take purse or scrip that goes forth to proclaim this gospel of the kingdom . . . Whoever receives you receives me, and the same will feed you, and clothe you, and give you money. And he who feeds you, or clothes you, or gives you money shall in no wise lose his reward. And he that does not these things is not my disciple; by this you may know my disciple . . .”

It seems that those who labor for Zion yet are forbidden to labor for money refers to the faithful itinerant preachers who are called by God to the ministry. It makes sense why Nephi would remind us to have charity while juxtaposing traveling preachers called of God with false priests practicing priestcrafts. The false priests are amassing wealth, and God’s preachers are minimalists. We are not to suffer the laborer in Zion to perish for want of basic necessities.

These twelve Jesus sent forth and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the gentiles, and enter not into any city of the Samaritans, but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils. Freely you have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves, for the workman is worthy of his food. And into whatever town or city you shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and there abide until you go from there. And when you come into a house, salute it; and if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when you depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet for a testimony against them. And truly I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city. Matthew 5:2

And again, I say unto you my friends, for from this time forth I shall call you friends, it is expedient that I give unto you this commandment that you become even as my friends in days when I was with them, traveling to preach this gospel in my power. For I suffered them not to have purse or scrip, neither two coats. Behold, I send you out to prove the world, and the laborer is worthy of his hire, and any man that shall go and preach this gospel of the kingdom and fail not to continue faithful in all things, shall not be weary in mind, neither darkened, neither in body, limb, or joint. And a hair of his head shall not fall to the ground unnoticed. And he shall not go hungry, neither athirst.

Therefore, take no thought for the morrow, for what you shall eat, or what you shall drink, or wherewith you shall be clothed. For consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they toil not, neither do they spin, and the kingdoms of the world, in all their glory, are not arrayed like one of these. For your Father who is in Heaven knows that you have need of all these things. Therefore, let the morrow take thought for the things of itself. Neither take you thought beforehand what you shall say, but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man.

Therefore, let no man among you, for this commandment is unto all the faithful who are called of God in the church unto the ministry, therefore, let no man from this hour take purse or scrip that goes forth to proclaim this gospel of the kingdom. Behold, I send you out to reprove the world of all their unrighteous deeds, and to teach them of a judgment which is to come. And whoever receives you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my spirit shall be in your hearts, and my angels round about you to bear you up.

Whoever receives you receives me, and the same will feed you, and clothe you, and give you money. And he who feeds you, or clothes you, or gives you money shall in no wise lose his reward. And he that does not these things is not my disciple; by this you may know my disciple. He that receives you not, go away from him, alone by yourselves, and cleanse your feet, even with water, pure water, whether in heat or in cold, and bear testimony of it unto your Father which is in Heaven, and return not again unto that man. And in whatever village or city you enter, do likewise. Nevertheless, search diligently and spare not. And woe unto that house, or that village or city that rejects you, or your words or testimony concerning me. Woe, I say again, unto that house, or that village or city that rejects you, or your words or your testimony of me. For I, the Almighty, have laid my hand upon the nations to scourge them for their wickedness. And plagues shall go forth, and they shall not be taken from the earth until I have completed my work, which shall be cut short in righteousness, until all shall know me who remain, even from the least unto the greatest, and shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, and shall see eye to eye, and shall lift up their voice, and with the voice together sing this new song, saying . . . T&C 82:24-27

Jesus and his disciples were itinerant preachers. In Joseph Smith’s Day, the Lord called itinerant preachers. According to pattern, the Lord will call itinerant preachers in our day who will also be required to labor for Zion but not labor for money.

. . . Christ “was in the world and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not”. And why did the world not know Him? The world did not know Him because the same reason why people would not know a messenger if one were sent today. Because our Lord was so very ordinary. For all the world He was just another itinerant preacher. Denver Snuffer Episode 3

Virtuous Rich Man

If the virtuous rich man would have followed the Lords’ command and sold all his possessions, what would have been the result? He would have joined the disciples who traveled without purse or scrip. He would have been left with only one coat and no money. He would have joined the poor. 

And when he had gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why do you call me good? None is good but one — that is, God. You know the commandments: Do not commit adultery; do not kill; do not steal; do not bear false witness; defraud not; honor your father and mother. And the man answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus, beholding him, loved him and said unto him, One thing you lack: go your way, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in Heaven; and come take up the cross and follow me. And the man was sad at that saying and went away grieved, for he had great possessions. Mark 5:23

We Are All Beggars

We might not recognize the itinerant preachers of Jesus Christ. But that doesn’t matter. Look for opportunities to care for others. 

Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares . . . Hebrews 1:58

We are all beggars. Give to those in need and do not withhold your substance when you are capable of helping another. 

And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor. Ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need, and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish. Perhaps thou shalt say, The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just. But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this, the same hath great cause to repent; and except he repenteth of that which he hath done, he perisheth for ever and hath no interest in the kingdom of God. For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind? And behold, even at this time ye have been calling on his name and begging for a remission of your sins. And has he suffered that ye have begged in vain? Nay, he hath poured out his spirit upon you and hath caused that your hearts should be filled with joy and has caused that your mouths should be stopped, that ye could not find utterance, so exceeding great was your joy. Mosiah 2:4

All of our deeds are measured as if we are doing them to Jesus. Be as generous with Him as you want Him to be with you.

And then shall the king say unto them on his right hand, Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave me food. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you took me in; naked, and you clothed me. I was sick, and you visited me. I was in prison, and you came unto me.

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when did we see you hungry, and fed you? Or thirsty, and gave you drink? When did we see you a stranger, and took you in? Or naked, and clothed you? Or when did we see you sick, or in prison, and came unto you? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Truly I say unto you, inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.

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Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, you cursed, into Everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his angels. For I was hungry, and you gave me no food. I was thirsty, and you gave me no drink. I was a stranger, and you took me not in; naked, and you clothed me not; sick, and in prison, and you visited me not.

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Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto you? Then shall he answer them, saying, Truly I say unto you, inasmuch as you did it not to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it not unto me. And these shall go away into Everlasting punishment, but the righteous unto life eternal. Matthew 11:22-25

The consequences of our actions reach into eternity. The Lord is teaching us to love others as He loves us. Or in other words, to be like Him . . .  generous, charitable, benevolent, kind-hearted, obedient, industrious, responsible, and good.