095. Those who refuse to share what they have will not gain exaltation.
092. Members of the Church are to live the law of consecration when called upon to do so: they are to be ready at all times to consecrate their time, talents, money, and property to the building up of the kingdom of God on earth.
also quoting Joseph Smith
. . .I shall now set forth some of the principles of sacrifice and consecration to which the true saints must conform if they are ever to go where God and Christ are and have an inheritance with the faithful saints of ages past.
. . . . The law of sacrifice is a celestial law; so also is the law of consecration. . . .
Sacrifice and consecration are inseparably intertwined. The law of consecration is that we consecrate our time, our talents, and our money and property to the cause of the Church; such are to be available to the extent they are needed to further the Lord's interests on earth. . . .
We are not always called upon to live the whole law of consecration and give of all our time, talents, and means to the building up of the Lord's earthly kingdom. Few of us are called upon to sacrifice much of what we possess, and at the moment there is only an occasional martyr in the cause of revealed religion.
But what the scriptural account means is that to gain celestial salvation we must be able to live these laws to the full if we are called upon to do so. Implicit in this is the reality that we must in fact live them to the extent we are called upon so to do. . . .
Now I think it is perfectly clear that the Lord expects far more of us than we sometimes render in response. We are not as other men. We are the saints of God and have the revelations of heaven. Where much is given much is expected. We are to put first in our lives the things of his kingdom. . . .
We have made . . . solemn, sacred, holy covenants, pledging ourselves before gods and angels.
We are under covenant to live the law of obedience.
We are under covenant to live the law of sacrifice.
We are under covenant to live the law of consecration. . . .
It is our privilege to consecrate our time, talents, and means to build up his kingdom. We are called upon to sacrifice, in one degree or another, for the furtherance of his work. Obedience is essential to salvation; so, also, is service; and so, also, are consecration and sacrifice. CR1975Apr:74-76
also quoting J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
The basic principle and the justification for the law of consecration "is that everything we have belongs to the Lord; therefore, the Lord may call upon us for any and all of the property which we have, because it belongs to Him." [See D&C 104:14-17, 54-57.] (J. Reuben Clark, Jr., in Conference Report, Oct. 1942, p. 55) (First Presidency Message, Feb. 1979; EN1979Feb:3) DCSM:422
Those who have faith and who rise to the comprehension of the dignity and exaltation that God intends to bestow upon us will not hesitate to give everything they have to the Lord, but it requires faith. The Lord might require us to lay down our lives. That would require faith, would it not? Yes. But what is the promise? That we shall have eternal life and be exalted in His presence. Therefore, those who wish to attain to this exaltation must cherish sublimity of feeling, sublimity of self-sacrifice. They must not only be willing to pay their tithing but be willing to give everything they have on the earth—wives and children and everything else. (Gospel Truth, 1:112-13) TLDP:100
You think that your business needs your continual and undivided attention, that you must attend to this, or to that, before you can dedicate yourselves and families to the Lord. There may perhaps be some few here this morning who feel they ought to be plowing, fencing, building, or attending to some minor affair, and cannot possibly spend time to remain at the Conference. If you will hearken to the counsel of your humble servant, you will say to the fields, the flocks, and the herds, to the gold and the silver, to the goods and chattels, to the tenements and the possessions, and to all the world—Stand aside, get away from my thoughts, for I am going up to worship the Lord. Let it all go by the board, brethren, and who cares? I do not. Your oxen and horses will not live for ever, they will die occasionally; and sometimes we are deprived by death of our children and other members of our families. I say, let the dead bury the dead, let the corn and the wheat, and all other things take care of themselves, but let us dedicate ourselves, our families, our substance, our times, our talents, and everything we have upon the face of this world, with all that will hereafter be entrusted to us, to the Lord our God; let the whole be devoted to the building up of His kingdom upon the earth, and whether you are called here or there, it makes no matter; but . . . let every heart be humble, watchful, and prayerful, dedicating themselves unto the Lord. (Delivered at opening of new Tabernacle, April 6, 1852, JD1:200) TLDP:99-100
Consecration is the giving of one's time, talents, and means to care for those in need—whether spiritually or temporally—and in building the Lord's kingdom. In Welfare Services, members consecrate as they labor on production projects, donate materials to Deseret Industries, share their professional talents, give a generous fast offering, and respond to ward and quorum service projects. They consecrate their time in their home or visiting teaching. We consecrate when we give of ourselves. CR1977Oct:124
Related Witnesses:
In light of the fact that we are not now required to live the law of consecration and the further fact that we have the welfare program which, as President Clark said, if put "thoroughly into operation . . . we shall not be . . . far from carrying out the great fundamentals of the United Order," I suppose the best way to live the principles of the law of consecration is to abide by the principles and practices of the welfare program.
These principles and practices include avoiding idleness and greed, contributing liberal fast offerings and other welfare donations, paying a full tithing, and complying with the purpose for which the First Presidency organized the program [set forth by J. Reuben Clark in CR1936Oct:111]. (First Presidency Message, Feb.1979) EN1979Feb:4
Zion can only be built up by the law that God revealed for that purpose, which is the law of consecration—not the law of tithing. The law of tithing was instituted because the people could not abide the greater law. If we could live up to the law of consecration, then there would be no necessity for the law of tithing, because it would be swallowed up in the greater law. The law of consecration requires all; the law of tithing only requires one-tenth of your increase annually. (Millennial Star, June 1984, p. 386) TLDP:106
receiving the Word of the Lord
I, the Lord, stretched out the heavens, and built the earth, my very handiwork; and all things therein are mine.
15. And it is my purpose to provide for my saints, for all things are mine.
16. But it must needs be done in mine own way; and behold this is the way that I, the Lord, have decreed to provide for my saints, that the poor shall be exalted, in that the rich are made low.
17. For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves.
18. Therefore, if any man shall take of the abundance which I have made, and impart not his portion, according to the law of my gospel, unto the poor and the needy, he shall, with the wicked, lift up his eyes in hell, being in torment. (Revelation concerning the United Order, April 23, 1834) D&C 104:14-18
receiving the Word of the Lord
And behold, thou wilt remember the poor, and consecrate of thy properties for their support that which thou hast to impart unto them, with a covenant and a deed which cannot be broken.
31. And inasmuch as ye impart of your substance unto the poor, ye will do it unto me; and they shall be laid before the bishop of my church and his counselors, two of the elders, or high priests, such as he shall appoint or has appointed and set apart for that purpose.
32. And it shall come to pass, that after they are laid before the bishop of my church, and after that he has received these testimonies concerning the consecration of the properties of my church, that they cannot be taken from the church, agreeable to my commandments, every man shall be made accountable unto me, a steward over his own property, or that which he has received by consecration, as much as is sufficient for himself and family.
33. And again, if there shall be properties in the hands of the church, or any individuals of it, more than is necessary for their support after this first consecration, which is a residue to be consecrated unto the bishop, it shall be kept to administer to those who have not, from time to time, that every man who has need may be amply supplied and receive according to his wants.
34. Therefore, the residue shall be kept in my storehouse, to administer to the poor and the needy, as shall be appointed by the high council of the church, and the bishop and his council;
35. And for the purpose of purchasing lands for the public benefit of the church, and building houses of worship, and building up of the New Jerusalem which is hereafter to be revealed— (Laws governing the consecration of properties are set forth) D&C 42:30-35
The basic principle of all the revelations on the United Order is that everything we have belongs to the Lord; therefore, the Lord may call upon us for any and all of the property which we have, because it belongs to him. This, I repeat, is the basic principle. (D&C 104:14-17,54-57CR1942Oct:55
093. Disciples of Christ should be more concerned with building up the kingdom of God than with acquiring the things of this world.
quoted by Mormon
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and thieves break through and steal;
20. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.
21. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Jesus addresses the Nephite multitude on the American continent, after his crucifixion, A.D. 34) 3 Nephi 13:19-21
quoted by Joseph Smith,
translating Matthew
Wherefore, seek not the things of this world but seek ye first to build up the kingdom of God, and to establish his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. (Jesus teaches his disciples) JST(Matthew 6:33 fn. a.)
I will promise the Latter-day Saints that if they will go into these things allowing God to dictate in the interests if Israel and the building up of his Zion on the earth, and take themselves and their individual interests out of the question, feeling they are acting for him and his kingdom, they will become the wealthiest of all people, and God will bless them and pour out wealth and intelligence and all the blessings that earth can afford. (At Kaysville, March 2, 1879, JD20:164) TLDP:105
Let it all go by the board, brethren, and who cares? I do not. Your oxen and horses will not live for ever, they will die occasionally; and sometimes we are deprived by death of our children and other members of our families. I say, let the dead bury the dead, let the corn and the wheat, and all other things take care of themselves, but let us dedicate ourselves, our families, our substance, our times, our talents, and everything we have upon the face of this world, with all that will hereafter be entrusted to us, to the Lord our God; let the whole be devoted to the building up of His kingdom upon the earth, and whether you are called here or there, it makes no matter; but . . . let every heart be humble, watchful, and prayerful, dedicating themselves unto the Lord. (Delivered at opening of new Tabernacle, April 6, 1852, JD1:200) TLDP:99-100
Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich. (Revelation for Oliver Cowdery, April 1829) D&C 6:7
quoted by Mormon
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32. For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33. But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. (Jesus teaches the twelve disciples) 3 Nephi 13:31-33
recorded in Matthew
Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26. Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
27. Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28. And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29. And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31. Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32. (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Jesus teaches his disciples) Matthew 6:25-33
Related Witnesses:
What more eloquent preaching of the Gospel has there ever been, in this or any previous age, than the great gathering movement which has been going on since Joseph Smith lifted up the standard of the restored Gospel in this dispensation? There is no more eloquent preaching than when men and women will forsake their native land, their homes, their parents, their children, their material possessions—every earthly thing, and cross the stormy ocean, the heated plains, the frosty mountains, many of them laying down their lives, to be buried in lonely graves by the wayside; pulling hand carts, wading rivers, crossing deserts, climbing mountains, and settling in a barren waste—all for what? Was it for gold and silver, houses and lands, flocks and herds, and the betterment of their temporal condition? Was it for the honors of men and the applause of the world that they did these things? No, it was because they loved God and wanted to build up His kingdom. CR1915Apr:101
094. Persons who have acquired more possessions than they can manage and use properly are to freely impart the surplus to the needy.
While we await the redemption of Zion and the earth and the establishment of the United Order, we as bearers of the priesthood should live strictly by the principles of the United Order insofar as they are embodied in present church practices, such as fast offering, tithing, and the welfare activities. Through these practices we could as individuals, if we were of a mind to do so, implement in our own lives all the basic principles of the United Order.
As you will recall, the principles underlying the United Order are consecration and stewardships and then the contribution of surpluses into the bishop's storehouse. . . .
What prohibits us from giving as much in fast offerings as we would have given in surpluses under the United Order? Nothing but our own limitations. CR1966Apr:100
also quoting Joseph Smith
Everyone should be increasing, improving, and advancing in some way, and accomplishing something for his or her good and for the good of the whole.
Then again, it is written that "it is not given that one man should possess that which is above another." [D&C 49:20] Of course, there is some allowance to be made for this expression. A man who has ability superior to another man, and who is able to manage and control larger affairs than another, may possess far more than another who is not able to control and manage as much as he. But if they each had what they were capable of managing and of using wisely and prudently, they would each have alike. . . . I never expect to see the day when we shall come to the iron bedstead plan—that if a man be too long for the bedstead he will have to be shortened to fit it; or if it be too short, he will have to be stretched out. I expect to see every man a steward over his inheritance, and I expect to see every man manage his inheritance according to the light and wisdom that he possesses and in accordance with his capacity for managing. If his capacity is greater than another's he will have more than another, because he cannot be curtailed in his liberties or rights to do good and to magnify, to enlarge, to increase, to be greater and better, because there is another that cannot be as great or good as he. What is meant then by this passage which says that it is not given that one man should possess that which is above another? I take it that in part at least it means this: It is not right for one man, because of superior advantages that he may possess in a social or financial way, or in any other way, to take advantage of others and to deprive them of that which naturally and rightfully belongs to them. I understand, too, that it is not right for men to combine together in order to oppress their fellow beings and to take advantage of them. . . . Furthermore, the Lord requires that when men have abundance they shall be humble, as economical and as prudent in the management of their abundance as the man who possesses much less is expected to be prudent and economical in the management of that which is given to him. . . .
. . . . Some man possesses here [citing certain homesteads] more than he is capable of controlling, more than he can wisely handle, and he is simply half-doing or quarter-doing that which should be done, and in a sense he is depriving others of privileges that they should enjoy. . . . Here is an exemplification of the word of the Lord that it is not given that one man should possess that which is above another. This man has more than he can attend to. That 1,800 acres of land more or less ought to be divided up. . . . Why should the wealthy, because they are wealthy, monopolize the land, when they themselves cannot cultivate it as it ought to be? It is a wrong principle, and I think advice and counsel might properly be given to some of these rich men that have large tracts of land here in this valley in which we live or elsewhere which they cannot use wisely or profitably, to persuade them to divide it up with their children or with somebody else's children. . . . CR1898Oct:23-24
For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
14. But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
15. As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack. (Letter to the Church at Corinth, Greece, about A.D. 55) 2 Corinthians 8:13-15
Related Witnesses:
The basic principle of all the revelations on the United Order is that everything we have belongs to the Lord; therefore, the Lord may call upon us for any and all of the property which we have, because it belongs to him. This, I repeat, is the basic principle (D&C 104: 14-17, 54-57). . . .
. . . . Now, that part of a man's property which was not turned back to him [in the operation of the United Order], if he had more than was needed under this rule of "equality" already stated, became the common property of the Church, and that common property was used for the support of the poor of the Church. It is spoken of in the revelations as the "residue" of property. (D&C 42:34-36. . . .
. . . . I repeat that whatever a steward realized from the portion allotted to him over and above that which was necessary in order to keep his family under the standard provided, as already stated above, was turned over by the steward to the bishop, and this amount of surplus, plus the residues to which I have already referred, went into the bishop's storehouse (D&C 51:13and citations above), and the materials of the storehouse were to be used in creating portions, as above indicated, for caring for the poor (D&C 78:3), the widows and orphans (D&C 83:6), and for the elders of the Church engaged in the ministry, who were to pay for what they received if they could, but if not, their faithful labors should answer their debt to the bishop. (D&C 72:11ff) CR1942Oct:55-56
And now, because of the steadiness of the church they began to be exceedingly rich, having abundance of all things whatsoever they stood in need—an abundance of flocks and herds, and fatlings of every kind, and also abundance of grain, and of gold, and of silver, and of precious things, and abundance of silk and fine-twined linen, and all manner of good homely cloth.
30. And thus, in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon riches; therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need.
31. And thus they did prosper and become far more wealthy than those who did not belong to their church. (Those who were strong in the faith considered themselves equals, the priests supported themselves and the people cared for the poor, 91 B.C.) Alma 1:29-31
And the hand of providence hath smiled upon you most pleasingly, that you have obtained many riches; and because some of you have obtained more abundantly than that of your brethren ye are lifted up in the pride of your hearts, and wear stiff necks and high heads because of the costliness of your apparel, and persecute your brethren because ye suppose that ye are better than they.
14. And now, my brethren, do ye suppose that God justifieth you in this thing? Behold, I say unto you, Nay. But he condemneth you, and if ye persist in these things his judgments must speedily come unto you. (Jacob denounces the love of riches, addressing the Nephites 544-421 B.C.) Jacob 2:13-14
And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.
36. Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee.
37. Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase.
38. I am the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, to give you the land of Canaan, and to be your God. (Each seventh year to be kept as a sabbath year—each fiftieth year to be one of jubilee, in which liberty is proclaimed throughout the land) Leviticus 25:35-38
095. Those who refuse to share what they have will not gain exaltation.
Those who have faith and who rise to the comprehension of the dignity and exaltation that God intends to bestow upon us will not hesitate to give everything they have to the Lord, but it requires faith. . . . Therefore, those who wish to attain to this exaltation must cherish sublimity of feeling, sublimity of self-sacrifice. They must not only be willing to pay their tithing but be willing to give everything they have on the earth—wives and children and everything else. . . . But if I am not willing to do this, I cannot hope to attain to that exaltation and receive that fullness which the Lord has promised unto us, if we are faithful. . . . (Gospel Truth, 1:112-13) TLDP:100
receiving the Word of the Lord
Wo unto you rich men, that will not give your substance to the poor, for your riches will canker your soul; and this shall be your lamentation in the day of visitation, and of judgment, and of indignation: The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved 17. Wo unto you poor men, whose hearts are not broken, whose spirits are not contrite, and whose bellies are not satisfied, and whose hands are not stayed from laying hold upon other men's goods, whose eyes are full of greediness, and who will not labor with your own hands 18. But blessed are the poor who are pure in heart, whose hearts are broken, and whose spirits are contrite, for they shall see the kingdom of God coming in power and great glory unto their deliverance; for the fatness of the earth shall be theirs. (Revelation received at Kirtland, Ohio, June 1831) D&C 56:16-18
receiving the Word of the Lord
I, the Lord, stretched out the heavens, and built the earth, my very handiwork; and all things therein are mine.
15. And it is my purpose to provide for my saints, for all things are mine.
16. But it must needs be done in mine own way; and behold this is the way that I, the Lord, have decreed to provide for my saints, that the poor shall be exalted, in that the rich are made low.
17. For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves.
18. Therefore, if any man shall take of the abundance which I have made, and impart not his portion, according to the law of my gospel, unto the poor and the needy, he shall, with the wicked, lift up his eyes in hell, being in torment. (Revelation concerning the United Order, April 23, 1834) D&C 104:14-18
Related Witnesses:
And thus, in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon riches; therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need. (Those who were strong in the faith considered themselves equals, the priests supported themselves and the people cared for the poor, 91 B.C.) Alma 1:30
The moment a community begin to be wrapt up in themselves, become selfish, become engrossed in the temporalities of life, and put their faith in riches, that moment the power of God begins to withdraw from them, and if they repent not the Holy Spirit will depart from them entirely, and they will be left to themselves. That which was given them will be taken away, they will lose that which they had, for they will not be worthy of it. God is just, as well as merciful, and we need not expect favors at the hand of the Almighty except as we merit them, at least in the honest desires of our hearts; and the desire and intent will not always avail unless our acts correspond. (In general conference, April 8, 1883) (Gospel Doctrine, p. 51) TLDP:440
recorded in Mark
If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
24. And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
25. For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath. (Jesus explains the parable of the sower to the Twelve) Mark 4:23-25
096. Members of the Church are to live the law of sacrifice: to be willing to make whatever sacrifices the Lord requires for the sake of the gospel.
Let us here observe, that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for, from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things. It was through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that men should enjoy eternal life; and it is through the medium of the sacrifice of all earthly things that men do actually know that they are doing the things that are well pleasing in the sight of God. When a man has offered in sacrifice all that he has for the truth's sake, not even withholding his life, and believing before God that he has been called to make this sacrifice because he seeks to do his will, he does know, most assuredly, that God does and will accept his sacrifice and offering, and that he has not, nor will not seek his face in vain. (Lectures on Faith delivered to the School of the Prophets, 1834-35) LOF6:7
also quoting Joseph Smith
. . .I shall now set forth some of the principles of sacrifice and consecration to which the true saints must conform if they are ever to go where God and Christ are and have an inheritance with the faithful saints of ages past.
. . . . The law of sacrifice is a celestial law; so also is the law of consecration. . . .
Sacrifice and consecration are inseparably intertwined. The law of consecration is that we consecrate our time, our talents, and our money and property to the cause of the Church; such are to be available to the extent they are needed to further the Lord's interests on earth.
The law of sacrifice is that we are willing to sacrifice all that we have for the truth's sake—our character and reputation; our honor and applause; our good name among men; our houses, lands, and families; all things, even our very lives if need be.
Joseph Smith said, "A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary [to lead] unto life and salvation" (Lectures on Faith, p. 58).
We are not always called upon to live the whole law of consecration and give of all our time, talents, and means to the building up of the Lord's earthly kingdom. Few of us are called upon to sacrifice much of what we possess, and at the moment there is only an occasional martyr in the cause of revealed religion.
But what the scriptural account means is that to gain celestial salvation we must be able to live these laws to the full if we are called upon to do so. Implicit in this is the reality that we must in fact live them to the extent we are called upon so to do. . . .
Now I think it is perfectly clear that the Lord expects far more of us than we sometimes render in response. We are not as other men. We are the saints of God and have the revelations of heaven. Where much is given much is expected. We are to put first in our lives the things of his kingdom. . . .
We have made . . . solemn, sacred, holy covenants, pledging ourselves before gods and angels.
We are under covenant to live the law of obedience.
We are under covenant to live the law of sacrifice.
We are under covenant to live the law of consecration. . . .
It is our privilege to consecrate our time, talents, and means to build up his kingdom. We are called upon to sacrifice, in one degree or another, for the furtherance of his work. Obedience is essential to salvation; so, also, is service; and so, also, are consecration and sacrifice. CR1975Apr:74-76
If we cannot sacrifice everything there is upon the face of the earth, that men hold dear to them, then we are unworthy of that great salvation that God has promised unto the faithful. The man that cannot bring every appetite into subjection to the mind and will of God, that cannot forego everything of this kind, and that is not willing to sacrifice houses and lands, and father and mother, wives and children and everything that men hold dear to them, is unworthy of that great salvation that God has in store for His faithful children. . . .
If we value this salvation as we should, there is nothing that will stand between us and it. . . . We must love the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the cause that He established, better than we do our wives and children, better than we do our own lives. There is nothing upon the face of the earth that we should love as we do the Gospel. God requires this of us. (In Assembly Hall, Nov. 20, 1881, JD23:100) TLDP:589-90
recorded in Matthew
And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. (Jesus teaches of the difficulty for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God) Matthew 19:29
receiving the Word of the Lord
And all they who suffer persecution for my name, and endure in faith, though they are called to lay down their lives for my sake yet shall they partake of all this glory.
36. Wherefore, fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full.
37. Therefore, care not for the body, neither the life of the body; but care for the soul, and for the life of the soul.
38. And seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life.
39. When men are called unto mine everlasting gospel, and covenant with an everlasting covenant, they are accounted as the salt of the earth and the savor of men;
40. They are called to be the savor of men; therefore, if that salt of the earth lose its savor, behold, it is thenceforth good for nothing only to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men. (Revelation Dec. 16, 1833; the Saints are chastened and afflicted because of transgressions) D&C 101:35-40
The Savior gave of himself, gave His very life that we might live. To sacrifice that others might be blessed was His word, His work, His life. Sacrifice is the evidence of true love. Without sacrifice love is not manifest. Without sacrifice there is no real love, or kindness. . . . We love no one unless we sacrifice for him. We can measure the degree of love that we possess for any man or cause, by the sacrifice we make for him or it. . . . Sacrifice lifts us toward the likeness of God, the likeness of our Elder Brother Jesus Christ. CR1943Apr:38
Related Witnesses:
What did it mean to have in the world, during his ministry, for three brief years the Lord Jesus Christ—not the Father, just the Son? It was the most wonderful privilege the world has ever had. What would you give tonight for the privilege of standing in the presence of the Son for five minutes? You would give all your earthly possessions for that privilege. Then can you comprehend the full meaning and significance of the statement that those who gain celestial glory will have the privilege of dwelling in the presence of the Father and the Son forever and ever? That in itself, will be reward enough for the struggle to obtain the prize. Yea, it is beyond price and earthly possessions. Even the giving of life itself would be a trifle for the privilege to dwell forever and ever in the presence of the Father and the Son. (Sermons and Missionary Services of Melvin J. Ballard, pp. 242-43) TLDP:591
receiving the Word of the Lord
And whoso layeth down his life in my cause, for my name's sake, shall find it again, even life eternal.
14. Therefore, be not afraid of your enemies, for I have decreed in my heart, saith the Lord, that I will prove you in all things, whether you will abide in my covenant, even unto death, that you may be found worthy.
15. For if ye will not abide in my covenant ye are not worthy of me. (Revelation received Aug. 6, 1833 in consequence of persecution of Saints in Missouri) D&C 98:13-15
The question as to individual responsibility for the welfare of the Church was asked in the early days of members of the Church. Several of the men who labored with the Prophet Joseph Smith came to him in those early days and said: "What shall we do?" They might have said: "What shall we do to be saved?" The Lord in every instance gave an answer. We have a series of short revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants, which are the answers to that question. I find in every one a significant statement, worded almost identically in all of these revelations, to Hyrum Smith, David Whitmer, Oliver Cowdery, and others of less fame in the Church: "Keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion." That is our business, the business of the Latter-day Saints.
From one point of view, it is selfish enough, perhaps, to keep the commandments that I may be blessed, but it is something even greater to keep the commandments that Zion may be established. As the foundation of his great cause, the Lord gave the law of sacrifice. Unless we give of ourselves we cannot build Zion, or anything else worthy of the great cause that the Lord has given us. The law of sacrifice, from the day of Adam to the present day, in one form or another, is the basic principle of life among the communities of Saints.
So we need, in this Church and Kingdom, for our own and the world's welfare, a group of men and women in their individual lives who shall be as a light to the nations, and rally standards for the world to follow. Such a people must be different from the world as it now is. There is no opportunity for Latter-day Saints to say we shall be as the world is, unless the world has the same aim that we have. We are here to build Zion to Almighty God, for the blessing of all the world. In that aim we are unique and different from all other peoples. We must respect that obligation, and not be afraid of it. We cannot walk as other men, or talk as other men, or do as other men, for we have a different destiny, obligation, and responsibility placed upon us, and we must fit ourselves for that great destiny and obligation. CR1940Apr:36
To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
5. Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
6. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. . . .
9. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: (Peter writes to the churches in modern Asia Minor, about A.D. 60) 1 Peter 2:4-6,9
receiving the Word of the Lord
Verily I say unto you, all among them who know their hearts are honest, and are broken, and their spirits contrite, and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice—yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command—they are accepted of me. . . . (Revelation dealing with the affairs of the persecuted Saints in Missouri, Aug. 2, 1833) D&C 97:8
And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. . . .
10. And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
11. And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.
12. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. (Abraham shows great obedience to the Lord by his willingness to sacrifice Isaac) Genesis 22:2,10-12
We talk a great deal about sacrifices, when strictly there is no such thing; it is a misnomer—it is a wrong view of the subject, for what we do in the kingdom of God is the best investment we can possibly make. It pays the best, which ever way we may look at it, it is the principle of all others to be coveted—to be appreciated—and is the best investment we can make of all that pertains to us in this life. (In Tabernacle, March 1, 1857, JD4:253) TLDP:590-91
The Lord has led the people through scenes of sorrow and affliction; but what have we passed through here during the two last years? Nothing, comparatively speaking. I can say that I do not consider that I have ever suffered anything for this kingdom—nothing in the least. I have never sacrificed anything, without it be the evil propensities that are sown in our nature, springing from the seed that was sown at the fall. May that be termed a sacrifice? I will not call it so. What do we possess on this earth? Do we even own our bodies? Had we the power to produce them? Is the intelligence in these bodies our own? Did we organize and implant it? No human being has had power to organize his own existence. Then there is a greater than we. Are we our own in our bodies? Are we our own in our spirits? We are not our own. We belong to our progenitors—to our Father and our God.
We say that we have lost an ox, a cow, or a horse; or, "I left my farm, my house, and have sacrificed a great deal for this work." This is a mistake. You had nothing to lose. Not one particle of all that comprises this vast creation of God is our own. Everything we have has been bestowed upon us for our action, to see what we would do with it—whether we would use it for eternal life and exaltation or for eternal death and degradation, until we cease operating in this existence. We have nothing to sacrifice; then let us not talk about sacrificing. (In Tabernacle, June 3, 1860, JD8:66-67) TLDP:590
translating the Book of Moses
And he gave unto them commandments, that they should worship the Lord their God, and should offer the firstlings of their flocks, for an offering unto the Lord. And Adam was obedient unto the commandments of the Lord.
6. And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me.
7. And then the angel spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth.
8. Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore. (The record of Moses : concerning Adam and Eve after they were driven out of the Garden of Eden) Moses 5:5-8
[I]n the early days of the Church, the brethren came to the Prophet Joseph Smith asking what the Lord would have them do. The answer given to them was "to bring forth the cause of Zion." That is our work, to establish Zion, to build up the kingdom of God, to preach the gospel to every creature in the world, that not one soul may be overlooked where there is the possibility for us to present unto him the truth. CR1951Apr:152-53
quoted by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
When we consecrate our property to the Lord it is to administer to the wants of the poor and needy, for this is the law of God; it is not for the benefit of the rich, those who have no need; and when a man consecrates or dedicates his wife and children, he does not give them to his brother, or to his neighbor, for there is no such law. . . . Now for a man to consecrate his property, wife and children, to the Lord, is nothing more nor less than to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the widow and fatherless, the sick and afflicted, and do all he can to administer to their relief in their afflictions, and for him and his house to serve the Lord. In order to do this, he and all his house must be virtuous, and must shun the very appearance of evil. (In letter to the Church from Liberty Jail, Dec. 16, 1838) TPJS:127
By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, (Letter to the Jewish members of the Church on faith, about A.D. 60) Hebrews 11:17
