An Imperious Duty

I’ve been reading T&C 139 and read the words imperious duty. What does this mean?

IMPE'RIOUS - 1828 dictionary

1. Commanding; dictatorial; haughty; arrogant; overbearing;

domineering; as an imperious tyrant; an imperious dictator;

an imperious man; an imperious temper.

2. Commanding; indicating an imperious temper;

authoritative; as imperious words.

3. Powerful; overbearing; not to be opposed by obstacles;

as a man of a vast and imperious mind.

4. Commanding; urgent; pressing; as imperious love;

imperious circumstances; imperious appetite.

5. Authoritative; commanding with rightful authority.

The commandment high and imperious in its claims.

Joseph uses the phrase “imperious duty” three times in verses 14-15. I don’t find that phrase anywhere else in scripture. There is an imperious duty we owe to God, angels, our families, widows, the rising generation, and the pure in heart. What duty is so crucial as to be an imperious duty?

. . . 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 . . . Your humble servant, or servants, intend from henceforth to disapprove of everything that is not in accordance with the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and is not of a bold, and frank, and an upright nature. They will not hold their peace, as in times past, when they see iniquity beginning to rear its head, for fear of traitors, or the consequences that shall follow by reproving those who creep in unawares that they may get something to destroy the flock. We believe that the experience of the saints in times past has been sufficient that they will from henceforth be always ready to obey the truth . .

Joseph and Hyrum Were Murdered by Traitors

Bring it all into the light to be examined. Reprove those who work in the dark. We will not hold our peace when the works of darkness creep in among us. The early church members did not do their imperious duty, and Joseph and Hyrum were murdered by traitors. Our imperious duty is to waste and wear out our lives bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness wherein we know them and they are truly manifest from Heaven. Has our experience been sufficient that we are always ready to obey the truth and invite the light to shine upon all we do? 

We need the protection that comes from being clothed with light for a covering. Seven years ago, my friend Leticia shared intelligence and insight that changed my life. For the last seven years, I have seen the necessity of integrating these principles into my life.

“There are only 2 Economies that function on this earth, in a spiritual sense. One is of light and one is of darkness. Only one or the other can regulate and manage the resources of your spiritual and thus physical life. . . Both have great power that can affect your everyday life. These two spiritual economies are responsible for the flow of your life, and how it is coordinated. 

. . .your choices determine which energy will flow from your life. By your choices it gives one or the other power to coordinate your life and show you these “signs”. That economy then has the power to govern over the course of your life. This is important to know because whatever you touch, the projects you are involved in or things you are trying to accomplish, will be affected by whichever economy is governing over your life.

Here are some things that you can check to see if you are violating [these things] and the explanations. Violation of these things would give the Economy of Darkness power over your life. Doing the opposite gives the Economy of Light power. . .”

In Leticia’s blog post, The 2 Economies That Function on this Earth, she explains these 5 violations

1.  VIOLATION OF AGENCY. INSTEAD HONOR ANOTHER’S AGENCY

2. DECEPTION/DECEIVING. INSTEAD BE YOUR TRUE SELF 

3. BEING IN SECRET. INSTEAD BE TRANSPARENT

4. DOING UNRIGHTEOUS DOMINION AND PRIESTCRAFT. INSTEAD HAVE CHARITY OR PURE LOVE

5. BEING OUT OF DIVINE TIMING AND ORDER. INSTEAD SURRENDER AND SAY: “THY WILL BE DONE”

I continue to think about the power of records. What does this have to do with transparency and bringing everything into the light? After Joseph Smith and the early church members had endured many sufferings and abuses, the action against the injustices was to first gather up all the facts, sufferings, and abuses . . . 

And again, we would suggest for your consideration the propriety of all the saints gathering up a knowledge of all the facts, and sufferings, and abuses put upon them . . .  and also the names of all persons that have had a hand in their oppressions, as far as they can get hold of them and find them out. And perhaps a committee can be appointed to find out these things . . .  that we may not only publish to all the world, but present them to the heads of the government, in all their dark and hellish hue, as the last effort which is enjoined on us by our Heavenly Father before we can fully and completely claim that promise which shall call him forth from his hiding place, and also that the whole nation may be left without excuse before he can send forth the power of his mighty arm . . . And also it is an imperious duty that we owe to all the rising generation and to all the pure in heart . . . 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 lies in futurity, pertaining to the saint, 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 . . . 

Let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power. Presenting a faithful transparent record, in a way that is appropriate for the situation, seems to be required before we can claim the Lord’s promised help.

Stars in the Gutter

Perhaps there are more stars in the gutter than most realize.

Those, who turn and face God and follow Him, can arise and get out of the gutter. After all, Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. And He is more intelligent than us all!

May we always focus on the greatest light, even Christ.

Light unto the World

Who is the light of the world? There are many who claim to be a light unto the world and for your money salvation is secured? Almost an endless supply of teachers, preachers, prophets, priests, or kings are available from which to choose. They claim power and declare that God has given them authority to lead. In addition, they assert and regularly remind you that they cannot lead you astray … that's impossible! … however that works out?!?! 

They set themselves up for a light unto the world that they may get gain and praise. And then they require followers to follow them without questioning, faithfully pay tithes without accounting for where it was spent, and attend meetings. Followers are required to answer a list of questions “correctly, as viewed by church leaders” in order to qualify to be baptized in the LDS Church, participate in priesthood or ordinances, or enter the temples, which is taught to be absolutely essential to be saved. But, what light do we follow? Men? Peers? Money? Popularity? Fun? Satan? Christ? Rather than looking for a “Sunday School” answer, it may be helpful to determine who we actually follow? Who do we talk to and get answers from? By our results, what has taken precedence? What light is within us?

 

"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." (2 Nephi 26:29)

"And now, remember the words of him who is the life and light of the world, your Redeemer, your Lord and your God. Amen." (D&C 10:70)

"And now, my son, I have told you this that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn of me that there is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the world. Behold, he is the word of truth and righteousness." (Alma 38:9)

John 1

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

D&C 93

1 Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am;

2 And that I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world;

3 And that I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one—

4 The Father because he gave me of his fulness, and the Son because I was in the world and made flesh my tabernacle, and dwelt among the sons of men.

5 I was in the world and received of my Father, and the works of him were plainly manifest.

6 And John saw and bore record of the fulness of my glory, and the fulness of John’s record is hereafter to be revealed.

7 And he bore record, saying: I saw his glory, that he was in the beginning, before the world was;

8 Therefore, in the beginning the Word was, for he was the Word, even the messenger of salvation—

9 The light and the Redeemer of the world; the Spirit of truth, who came into the world, because the world was made by him, and in him was the life of men and the light of men.

10 The worlds were made by him; men were made by him; all things were made by him, and through him, and of him.

Gathering Light … From Where?

“What you see and what you hear depends a great deal on your point of view and where you are standing. It also depends on what light you have already gathered and what sort of person you are.” (CS Lewis)

So …What is your point of view and perspective? Where are you currently standing? Upon what are you leaning? Trusting? Depending? Do you confide in Science? Philosophies of men? Surfing the internet? Religion? Christ? Other?

Technological experiments, tests, reported results, and all conclusions derived in science account for only a very small fraction of the full detailed picture. Man's understanding of Science underestimates and fails to explain and fully identify even a household fly with all its curious characteristics, not to mention all the creations of God right before our very eyes. Similarly, when only a few solitary notes are heard in music, it becomes very difficult to even identify the song, let alone understand the full intended message.

Many people today tend to assume that the philosophies of men and everything found on the internet, facebook, blogs, etc. must surely be mostly true and is something to count on and base our lives upon. More correctly, I think the internet, like this world, is full of varying perceptions, misconceptions, interpretations and partial conclusions based on a very small sampling and little experience, at least from God's point of view. In very few places does the internet contain the word of God declared with power through His servants, but it does exist. The word of God can and has been found, but like most things, it is rarely recognized for what it really offers, represents, and has of merit and value.

With extremely limited intelligence and skewed perspectives, we frequently stumble over very important truths and key events, which remain unrecognized and appear to be of little worth at best or, on the other hand, just plain annoying and disturbing. Consequently, we hurry off as if nothing happened or after what we perceive to be an inconvenient delay, we pick ourselves up and continue our living as before. Since we possess such a microscopic understanding of how things really are and minute comprehension of the big picture, it is extremely unlikely that men can possibly teach and quote each other to end up with a perfect picture of reality and full truth comprehended. To result in even more confusion and misunderstanding, we each have a different and changing big picture in our minds and insist it must be true.

Likewise, religion is viewed from nearly as many different perspectives as there are people involved. Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the sagacious as false, and by the rulers as a useful instrument of process and control. Truths being restored, angels calling repentance, and humble servants teaching with heavenly power is often confused and mixed with an endless source of heresies, corruption and power, all within various religions, each of which claim to be of God. Religious institutions, much like the philosophies of men mingled with scripture, holds much less light than what is available and any notes of music, if discerned at all, are usually skewed, out of tune, confusing, and even irritating.

Christ, on the other hand, possesses a higher degree of intelligence than do we. Christ, like the sun, has risen and sends forth light from which our entire brightness and beauty is wholly derived. He is the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6) He is truly a “been there, seen it, done it, and experienced it first-hand” sort of friend. It is your choice to truly receive Him as your friend.

“And the Lord said unto me: These two facts do exist, that there are two spirits, one being more intelligent than the other; there shall be another more intelligent than they; I am the Lord thy God, I am more intelligent than they all.” (Abraham 3:19)

Would it not seem wise to approach and ask questions and receive answers from the One who is more intelligent than they all? Christ is the master teacher, who is full of meekness and love and knows exactly what He is talking about. Christ perfectly embodies the word of God, precisely lives it, and fully manifests it. That's why we are commanded to learn of Him and precisely follow Him. 

We must never forget that we are entirely dependent on God at every moment. When any person lays out “all her cards” on the alter, hiding nothing, and is not only willing to, but in fact does hand over her whole self to Christ, things change significantly and likely can never be the same. Fully coming unto Christ will cause you to hear the entire symphony, all the pieces of music, and every single note in perfect sequence and melody. Your intelligence and understanding will greatly expand. You will find and know truth Himself and with Him everything else thrown in.

Why Do You Follow God?

Over the past month, I've asked many friends,”Why do you follow God?” This question brings up some of the best conversations.

Even when friends say, “I don't follow God and think the rest of you are crazy for following some fictitious character!” This still leads to interesting conversation.

Everyone has a different way of expressing their answer, but I found a common element among most. They follow God because it brings them happiness, joy, and fulfillment. They feel free and at peace when they follow God.

As I was coming out of the traditions of my fathers, I gave a lot of thought to how I had been deceived. I didn't want to make the same mistake.

I kept hearing the words, “Jennifer, follow your joy!” These wise words have been a compass to me over the last several years. I follow God because of the incredible joy I feel. If life never got better than it is today, I have not been cheated of living in heaven. Yet, every day life expands, becomes more adventurous, and is a delicious experience.

People talk of a god who condemns, accuses, judges, and has a scowl of his face for me and my weakness. I am not too interested in living with that kind of god. He can take his angels and others who think like him and go live in their own place. I want nothing of it. It would be hell for me to live with a god like that.

Lest you misunderstand, there is a great difference that I experience when living a dark life of drudgery and despair which is riddled with false perceptions, and the fear that is manifest when seeing my darkness brought into the light.

My God works with me by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned, by kindness, and pure knowledge. He does reprove and correct me. He shows me exactly where I've strayed and how to get back on course. When the course correction is made, there are no lingering guilt or unworthiness issues hanging over my head.

I used to berate myself over my mistakes, and this wasn't good for my progress. Jesus helped me with my false perceptions about my tripping and failings. Now, when I make “mistakes”.  Jesus asks, “Did you learn something?”

“Yes, I did. I learned this and this and this . . .” I find Jesus continually making lemonade out of all the lemons in my life. Stumbling and falling has lost its judgment; it is just part of my journey.

I also see Jesus as a rearing stallion. Only the bravest and most courageous dare ride Him. I have fallen many times, been bucked off, and sometimes drag along with one foot in the stirrup as my head bounces along the dirt path. I've also been covered with dirt and mud with my hair in a ratted mess. My God who treats me with such tender love also says, “If you get bucked off, get back on! I'm not slowing down so as to be transformed into a gentle mare! :-) Learn to ride and I'll give you the ride of your life! ;-)”

I've heard of another god. This god also requires those who worship him to sacrifice everything for him, but it is for a very different reason.

While I was living Haiti, I learned something about the Haitian culture. Christianity is a small minority there, and the majority of the people, when asked their religion, identify as voodoo. They explained to me that there are two gods. One is the Good God and one is the mean god. I asked why they worship the mean god. I found that they do so out of fear. If they don't worship the mean god, he makes their life more miserable than it already is. Obedience is required by both the Good God and mean god, but one is obeyed out of love and the other out of fear.

The God of Light and the god of darkness work under opposite governments. I recently learned a great lesson from a close friend. Actions performed under the government of Light have totally different results than those same actions performed under the government of darkness.

God of Light – Honoring Agency

god of darkness – violating agency

God of Light – Charity & Love

god of darkness – unrighteous dominion

God of Light – Being as a Little Child

god of darkness – deception

God of Light – Working in the Light – Transparency

god of darkness – doing things in secret

God of Light – Working in God's Divine Timing - Thy Will be Done

god of darkness – asking amiss, impatience, hastening the work

Example: I offer my friend a drink of water. She says “No thank you”. I offer again. She declines. I offer again, and she accepts. I just violated her agency. I wouldn't take no for an answer. I operated in the dark even though I was offering her a “good thing”.

Example: I want to get baptized and take the sacrament, but I know my husband won't approve, so I don't tell him. Baptism and taking the sacrament are good things, right? But I just did something in secret. Because we are married, I have an obligation to tell him. If God tells me to get baptized and take the sacrament, I should tell my husband and let the consequences follow. Then God can bless my path.

Example: Many times people tell “white lies” because they don't want to hurt someone's feelings. It's not good to hurt others feelings, right? No, because it is deception and is done under the government of darkness.

Example: The loss of the 116 pages was a violation of agency..

Example: Eve partook of the fruit in the Garden of Eden out of God's divine timing.

The September 2017 Covenant

There has been much conversation on this topic. If I take the covenant under the government of darkness, it will turn to my condemnation. If I take the covenant under the government of light, it will be a blessing in my life. Each person needs to make this decision for herself. For example: If I have anxiety, fear, uncertainty, and worry about what is being offered, STOP and DO NOT make the covenant. On the other hand, if I feel at peace, look forward to the offering, and am getting answers from God about my concerns, then by all means go forward with confidence and make the covenant. The confusion comes when we look at the action and not the government under which the action is performed. What is right for me may or may not be right for you. People are saying the covenant is good and others are saying it is bad. They are both right. Work under the government of God and all things will turn to your blessing. Work under the government of darkness, and you will be cursed. Baptism, sacrament, and covenants can be administered under each government. One can be doing it in darkness while the person sitting next to him can be doing it in the light. Your heart can discern the difference and what is right for you.  

I Give You My Burden. I Am Thy Servant.

As I struggled with a challenge that was out of my control, I heard the Lord speak these words, “Give me your burden.”

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalms 55:22

As my burden weighed heavily upon me, I yearned for relief. I handed my burden over to Jesus. Now it was his problem not mine. He asked for it, and I was willing to give it to him.

I still felt the burden in the coming days. I asked myself, “What attachment do I have to this burden? Why do I want to hang on to it when Jesus said he would take it? What can I do? What do I do with all the pain and ramifications of the situation? Even though I can't fix the problem, there must be something I can do to redirect my focus and attention.”

But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage. Mosiah 7:33

This mantra came to mind, “I give you my burden. I am thy servant.”

I repeated these words over and over. I prayed for strength to truly let go and let God handle the problem. God inspired me with things to do and ways to see things differently. I did what he asked without attachment to the outcome.

His light and intelligence began to give me a deeper understanding. I felt His love, hope was restored, and I experienced the miracle of the atonement.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 (emphasis added)

Light (noun):

• the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible.
• understanding of a problem or mystery; enlightenment.
• spiritual illumination by divine truth.

Light (verb)

• provide with light or lighting; illuminate
• make (something) start burning; ignite

Light (adjective)

• having a considerable or sufficient amount of natural light; not dark.
• of little weight; easy to lift.
• easily borne or done.
• gentle or delicate.
• free from worry or unhappiness; cheerful.

God has enlightened and illuminated my understanding, unfolded a mystery, ignited my spirit with the fire of his love, made my burden easy to lift, has been gentle with my feelings, and given me happiness. Yes, His burden is light!

I gladly give Him my burdens. It is my privilege to be His servant.    

Friends, Food, Vibrations, and Tie-Dye Shirts

We had some wonderful friends come to our home last week. We all enjoyed a couple days full of fun, learning, and love. To top it off, they brought delicious food and planned special activities for the family.

During school, they taught us about light and vibrations. "And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understanding; Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space— The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things." D&C 88:11-13

After the learning about the physics of light and vibrations, we had a super activity making tie-dye shirts. The children thoroughly enjoyed the activity and acquired a brand new, homemade, personally designed, tie-dye shirt.

Let's Do Tie Dye!

1. Smooth a section of the shirt over your plastic cup. You can secure it with a rubber band if you want.
2. Dot a Sharpie to form a circle in the center of the area formed by the cup. You are aiming for a dotted ring about 1" in diameter. You can use more than one color.
3. Drip rubbing alcohol on the blank center of the circle. I used the extremely low-tech method of dipping a pencil in the alcohol and dotting it on the shirt. After a few drops, you will see the alcohol spread outward from the center of the ring, taking the Sharpie ink with it.
4. Continue adding drops of alcohol until you are satisfied with the size of the pattern.
5. Allow a couple of minutes for the alcohol to evaporate before moving on to a clean section of the shirt.
6. It doesn't have to be a circle. You can make stars, triangles, squares, lines... be creative!
7. After your shirt is completely dry (alcohol is flammable, so don't use heat on a damp shirt), set the colors by tumbling the shirt in a hot clothes dryer for ~15 minutes.
8. You can wear and wash your new shirt like other clothes now.

How It Works

The ink in a Sharpie pen dissolves in alcohol but not in water. As the shirt absorbs the alcohol, the alcohol picks up the ink. You can get new colors when different colors of ink mix together. The wet ink will diffuse, or move from areas of higher concentration to lower concentration. When the alcohol evaporates, the ink dries. Sharpie pen ink doesn't dissolve in water, so the shirt can be washed.

What a joyful time together, learning and playing by day, and conversing and sharing by night. We stayed up almost all night talking, and it was well worth it. We are thankful for dear friends. We hope they always feel welcome in our home.

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.

Truth Brings Accountability and Freedom

“And truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come; And whatsoever is more or less than this is the spirit of that wicked one who was a liar from the beginning. The Spirit of truth is of God. I am the Spirit of truth, and John bore record of me, saying: He received a fulness of truth, yea, even of all truth; And no man receiveth a fulness unless he keepeth his commandments. He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.” Doctrine and Covenants 93:24-28

“And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full.” Alma 12:10

We were talking about this idea with our family. April said, “No, please don’t give me more truth. That’s too much to be responsible for.” Emily said, “Oh no, we don’t want to shun off truth. It opens doors and makes us free.”

Jesus taught that as we believe on him and continue in his word, then we are his disciples indeed. Not only that, but we shall know the truth and the truth shall make us free. see John 8:31-32

When truth comes our way, do we tend to overlook it? Miss it? Neglect it? Abandon it? Disregard it? Ignore it? Avoid it? Evade it? Shun it? Recoil from it? Dodge it? Circumvent it? Change it? Alter it? Adjust it? Amend it? Rewrite it? Discount it? Reduce it? Diminish it? Spurn it? Forget it? Disagree with it? Decline it? Refute it? Refuse it? Deny it? Reject it?

From time to time God shares additional truth with his children here on earth. When the God of Heaven, who knows what He’s talking about, gives us any gift of further light and knowledge, do we recognize the truth for what it really is?

Do we welcome it? Greet it? Acknowledge it? Admit it? Allow it? Think about it? Consider it? Entertain it? Receive it? Believe it? Accept it? Embrace it? Hold it? Respect it? Esteem it? Appreciate it? Understand it? Identify with it? Value it? Love it? Adore it? Practice it? Look for it? Seek it? Pursue it? Seize it? Obtain it? Be thankful for it? Follow it? Apply it? Live it? Be it? Pray for more of it?

Whenever truth is manifested to us, we immediately become more responsible and accountable than before. We are expected to live our lives in conformity with the truth we have received. We cannot reasonably expect to receive further light and knowledge by conversing with the Lord while refusing to live the truths already given.