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.

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

Remaining Anonymous Makes Sense

Why would you want to be a disciple of Jesus, openly bare record of truth, and be willing

to receive the consequences when . . .

• You could stand in the fire as Abinadi attested. Mosiah 9:5

• Your head might be on the chopping block as John the Baptist affirmed. Mark 3:11

• You could lose the association of friends and family as Amulek proved. Alma 10:16

• You might be stoned to death as Stephen verified Acts 4:10

• You will ultimately hang on a cross as Jesus demonstrated John 10:12-15

And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea moreover, of bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented, of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. Hebrews 1:49

Yup! Remaining anonymous makes sense! 

Why We Write

When we came to the startling realization that we must be redeemed from the fall in this lifetime D&C 132:21-25, we began to call upon the Lord.  We saw our need to hearken unto the voice of the Lord, lest the summer pass, the harvest end, and our souls be not saved D&C 45:2.  Neither of us have a rebellious disposition and lived what we thought was a good life. Yet, when we look at what it takes to be redeemed from the fall Ether 3:13, it is obvious we fall short.

We put our complete trust in these words: “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;” D&C 93:1

Our vision is becoming clearer, but we still lack essential knowledge.  God has given us many evidences, and we continually look for messengers from Father to teach us. 

We make this record for our posterity, friends, family, and others who seek the face of God.  Even though we each experience unique challenges designed to purify our souls, we share a lot in common. We are encouraged as we read the accounts of those who have the testimony of Jesus and have heard his voice testify they are clean before Him. Enos 1:5-8  

It is our desire to receive the testimony of Jesus and be able to say, “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father” D&C 76:22-23 

We are a Mormon family, and we intend to stay a Mormon family.  We can see the hypocrisy, error, and apostasy among us, but we do not plan to abandon the Church. We love the Mormons.  They are our family; they are our friends.  Like most Christians, they seek to live good and honorable lives. 

We are grateful to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for preserving and printing the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, and the teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. We are also grateful for the Bible, which has come to us through the sacrifice of many. We will be judged out of the records, which are kept on the earth, and the record, which is kept in heaven D&C 129:6-8.

At times it can be frustrating, confusing, and very troublesome when we discover teachings and traditions promoted in the current Church to be false, incomplete, or lacking.  These are my traditions; these are my errors. Sorting out the truth of God is my responsibility. I can turn away and blame the organization for my abominations and sins, or I can prayerfully examine our mistakes and repent.

As we continue to plead and beg for forgiveness, God unveils our false notions.  Sorting through the hypocrisy and history is an important part of our spiritual growth.  To throw the baby out with the bathwater would bring a heartbreaking outcome.

As we move forward, it is helpful to look back and see where we’ve been.

Our understanding is increased as we search the scriptures and seek to explain our thoughts and impressions. Making this record enlarges our memory and assists us in seeing the error of our ways. The records of prophets preserve the truth among a people who are apt to promote the philosophies of men.

“And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls. And now, it has hitherto been wisdom in God that these things should be preserved; for behold, they have enlarged the memory of this people, yea, and convinced many of the error of their ways, and brought them to the knowledge of their God unto the salvation of their souls.” Alma 37:7-8 

So we make a record. As God calls us to repentance, we write our thoughts and experiences.  We struggle, we laugh, and we cry.  We’ve experienced challenges and failures in almost every area of our life, yet we trust we can be made clean through the atonement of Jesus Christ. 

It is our prayer that like Nephi we may say, “And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.”  2 Nephi 25:26