TOPOTC: Joseph Smith - Lesson 2

I was asked to teach the lesson in Priesthood Meeting today which was the second chapter in the Joseph Smith book.  One thing I learned (or was reminded of) by teaching this lesson is how hard it is to put a good lesson together.  Unlike the Sunday School curriculum, there's no lesson outline, only various quotes generally grouped topically.  It takes a lot to turn that into something interesting with a good flow.

My goal with this lesson was to mostly lead a discussion on this week's topic, God the Eternal Father (after all, there really wasn't much I could add to what the members of the class already knew).  I think there were mixed results, but there were times when the Spirit was definitely there.  That is the most important since the Spirit can teach so much more (and so much better) than I ever can.

These are the questions I tried to use to lead the conversation:

1) Why is it important to talk about God?

2) How can we know God exists?

3) How is God our father?

4) What are some of God’s attributes?

5) How does knowing who God is affect our relationship with him?

6) How does our view of God differ from other churches?

7) What is God the Father’s role in he godhead?

8) What kind of example does the unity of the Godhead show us?

I think the questions that were most effective in bringing the Spirit were the fifth and eighth.  Maybe that was because those are the ones that affect us most personally.  Someone in the class shared an experience about how God helped him through a divorce.  In a way it was like the story in the Book of Mormon where Nephi and his brothers were told to go get the Brass Plates.  Whatever they did with their own efforts were futile, but by relying completely on God for his help they were successful.  Often we are put in situations where we are at a complete loss of what to do.  If we simply put our complete faith in trust of the outcome to him, then simply do whatever thing he wants us to do right now, our success is assured.

As for question eight, I think that really points to the end goal of the gospel.  If we are living the gospel so that one day we can become like God, that means more than possessing similar power and glory.  We need to learn to become one with each other, in families and wards, in the same way the Godhead is one.  We each need to learn and act our part, while completely helping and supporting others with their part.  Ultimately, the goal is that all of us be one with the Godhead in the same way they are one with each other.  Often, I think it's better to think of salvation and exaltation in collective terms instead of individual terms.

But above all, I absolutely know that there is a God.  He has touched my heart and helped me in ways that I cannot deny.  I know He loves me and will help and guide me to the extent I allow Him.  I pray I may do more to follow His guidance and direction, and emulate His goodness and righteousness.  Not just for my sake, but more for the sake of my family and those around me.  It's quite literally the least I can do to show Him my gratitude for all He's already done for me.

One Latter-Day Saint's View on Politics

Once again I find myself wandering into the world of politics on this blog.  I have no intention in making this a regular occurrence, but with us being in the midst of a presidential election where Mormonism has played a significant role, I'd like to share some of my thoughts on the matter.  Specifically I'd like to discuss the part my religion plays in informing and shaping my political view and outlook.

I think I grew up in the typical conservative LDS household.  I was taught from a young age the importance of faith in God, self reliance, individual liberty, personal responsibility and accountability, selfless service, community spirit, and respect for the law.  I was also taught that the US Constitution was an inspired document (D&C 101:80) and that America is the land of promise, but that God will only bless and protect us as long as we worship Him and keep His commandments (Ether 2:9-12).

Because of my upbringing, I've come to identify myself mostly with the conservative movement, and hence the Republican Party which is home to that movement.  However I've never felt completely comfortable labeling myself as a "Conservative" or a "Republican" (I generally chafe at any kind of pigeonholing.)  Instead I view myself as a son of God who has been given certain blessings and responsibilities.

One of those blessings is to live in a free country where we enjoy the privilege of self rule (extremely remarkable when you look at the governments found throughout human history.)  The associated responsibility is to seek out and uphold good, honest, and wise men as our leaders (D&C 98:10).  My primary concern is that my selections are based on true principles that are in harmony with the Lord's revealed gospel.  Party association or loyalty are secondary.

Once I have fulfilled my responsibility by participating in the political process, I feel the rest is left in God's hands.  Since God is ultimately in control I really have no fear over whatever the outcome.  While it is true that "when the wicked rule the people mourn" (D&C 98:9) the Lord has consistently promised to help and preserve those who honor and serve Him (1 Ne 22:17). As a result, how we live day-to-day may play a bigger role in the success of this country than who is in office at any given time.  In short, I put more faith and confidence in the Lord's help and protection (as long as I fulfill my duties and obligations towards Him) than in the government's.

After all, the scriptures are full of passages that refer to the eventual wickedness and destruction of all the governments of the earth in the last days (for example, see 1 Ne. 14: 11-15 and D&C 87:6).  While it's definitely not something that's nice to think about, if you believe in the revelations, you must admit that it's all a part of God's plan for the world.  I don't believe these scriptures were given to scare us, but to prepare us for when the eventual day does come.

In the meantime I will continue to do what I can to promote what in my estimation is good government.  While I fully understand the eventual situation leading up to the return of the Savior, I chose to remain optimistic about what lies ahead.  There is still so much to appreciate and cherish of the marvelous time in which we live.

New First Presidency

Now that the First Presidency has been reorganized, I want to send my best regards to President Monson, President Eyring, and President Uchtdorf.  They'll wholeheartedly get my sustaining vote this coming Conference, not to mention my family's prayers in their behalf.  I'm absolutely confident the affairs of the Church are in good hands.

As a side note, I've updated the Apostle Info in the side bar to reflect these recent changes.  Once the new apostle is called, I'll add his information as soon as I get it.

Final Thoughts About President Hinckley

After watching the funeral of President Hinckley today, I wanted to pay my last respects to this great man.  The more I learn about him through the reminisces of others, the more in awe I become of him.  His selfless service, humility, dedication, work ethic, good humor, optimism, and faith are an example to all.  While I'm sure he had his faults (none that I could see), he was truly the kind of role model people wish we had more of today.

I'll admit that tears flowed freely at the conclusion of the memorial service when the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang "My Shepherd Will Supply My Need" during a video montage of his life.  It was weird, but they were tears of sadness and happiness at the same time—sadness over the fact we'll never see his smile or listen to him speak again, but happiness and gratitude for what he left behind.  Not only the Church, but the world is a better place because he was here.

One thing that struck me was how much more his passing affected me than that of the other Prophets I've known who preceded him.  I was only 11 when President Kimball died, and while I recognized him as the Prophet, I think I was too young to have developed much of bond to him.  When President Benson passed, he had been sick and out of the limelight for so long I think I mostly felt relief that he no longer had to suffer the effects of old age.  Then President Hunter came and went so quickly there wasn't any time to develop much of a bond with him.  But through all of that, in both sickness and health of the Prophets, President Hinckley was there assuring us that the Lord was still and always directing the church according to His will.

As long as I can remember, he has been the consistent face of steady Church leadership.  While I knew he was old, it rarely ever showed.  When he passed on, it was without much warning.  Suddenly that consistent face of Church leadership was gone.  While I know the Church is still in good hands (President Monson has now served longer as an Apostle and in the First Presidency than President Hinckley had when he became the President) I can't help but miss his presence.  While this day was inevitable, it simply seemed to come too soon.

So with the rest of the Church, I hail you President Hinckley:

God be with you till we meet again;

Keep love's banner floating o'er you;

Smite death's threat'ning wave before you.

God be with you till we meet again.

Till we meet, tell we meet,

Till we meet at Jesus' feet,

Till we meet, tell we meet,

God be with you till we meet again.

[Just in case you haven't seen it yet, here's another tribute to President Hinckley from Glenn Beck.]