-Relief Society Meeting THIS THURSDAY at 7pm at the Church; we'd love to see all of you there
Lesson Review
11/10/13 - Teachings of the Presidents of the Church
Lorenzo Snow - Chapter 21: Loving God More Than We Love the World
Shortly after Lorenzo Snow was baptized and confirmed in Kirtland, Ohio, a number of Latter-day Saints, including some Church leaders, turned against the Prophet Joseph Smith. According to Lorenzo Snow, this apostasy was fueled by speculation, or, in other words, unusual business risks in hopes of getting rich quickly. Blinded by a desire for the temporary things of the world, people turned away from the eternal blessings of the gospel.
Lorenzo Snow said, “Just previous to this great apostasy the Lord had poured out wonderful blessings upon the people. The gifts of the Gospel had been poured out to a remarkable extent – the riches of eternity. Angels had visited them. The Son of God…had talked with His servants. At the dedication of the Temple the blessings which the people received were marvelous…. The blessings were almost universal upon the people in Kirtland. Their hearts were then devoted; they felt as though they could sacrifice anything they possessed. They felt that they were dwelling almost in the presence of God, and it was natural that they should have that feeling under such marvelous influences.”
President Snow went on to say, “All, however, that is necessary for us to do now is to see where our faults and weaknesses lie, if we have any. If we have been unfaithful in the past, let us renew our covenants with God and determine, by fasting and prayer, that we will get forgiveness of our sins, that the escape those powerful temptations that are approaching. The cloud is gathering in blackness. You see what were the results in Kirtland of this spirit of speculation. Therefore, take warning.”
What is it about worldliness that leads people to forget their religion? Some reasons might include: pride, a search for worldly things, addictions (wealth, power, fame), selfishness, we forget the source of our blessings, the mistaken idea that worldliness is fulfilling.
How can we take care of our temporal needs without being overcome by worldliness? We shouldn’t mistake having things with being worldly; worldliness is when certain things become more important that people or the Gospel; we should always remember to read our scriptures, don’t go into bondage over worldly things; keep the commandments; continue to be grateful.
President Snow said, “If we…fail to keep the covenants we have made, namely, to use our time, talent and ability for the upbuilding of the kingdom of God upon the earth, how can we reasonably expect to come forth in the morning of the first resurrection, identified with the great work of redemption? If we, in our manner, habits and deal[ings], imitate the…world, thereby identifying ourselves with the world, do you think, my brethren, that God will bestow upon us the blessings we desire to inherit? I tell you no, he will not!...We must build ourselves up in the righteousness of heaven and plant in our hearts the righteousness of God. Said the Lord, through the prophet Jeremiah, ‘I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.’ [Jeremiah 31:33.] This is what the Lord is endeavoring to do, and this he will accomplish in us if we conform to his will.”
In what ways can eternal truths help us keep our covenants? Some ways include: pay tithing/fast offerings; perform random acts of kindness; service; scripture reading as well as weekly lessons from manuals and Ensign articles; preparedness (budget, food storage); prayer – remember to pray for humility; callings and sustain others in their callings; evaluate our days/time, schedule and prioritize; and ask in prayer of the Lord has anything for us to add or subtract from our schedules; never suppress a generous thought; pray for others; recognize tender mercies of the Lord.
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