To help class members understand the law of consecration and its eternal purposes and desire to consecrate their lives more fully to the service of God.
Preparation
- Prayerfully study the following scriptures and other materials:
- Doctrine and Covenants 42:30–42; 51; 78; 82;104:11–18; and the other scriptures in this lesson.
- Our Heritage, page 26.
- "Settle This in Your Hearts" - Neal A. Maxwell
- "Swallowed Up in the Will of the Father" - Neal A. Maxwell
- To gain a greater understanding of historical events related to the doctrine in this lesson, consider reviewing the following:
- "The Law": This article gives context for the revelation now known as Doctrine and Covenants 42.
- "A Bishop unto the Church": This article discusses Edward Partridge's role in administering the law of consecration as the Church's first bishop.
- "Newel K. Whitney and the United Firm": This article discusses the role of the United Firm in handling finances to move forward the work of the early Church.
- "Sacrificing Soccer for Service": This article tells the story of Samuel Borén, a pioneer of the Church in Argentina who turned down a soccer contract to focus on Church service.
- "Building the Kirtland Stake of Zion: The Ashery and Sawmill" Examine the sawmill and ashery in Kirtland, Ohio. Consider how these operations helped the Saints prepare to receive blessings in the temple.
Questions to Ponder
1. The Lord revealed the law of consecration to the Saints.
The principles of the law of consecration have not changed since it was revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith. However, the application of those principles changes from time to time. The current prophet helps us understand how to apply these principles in our day.
The early Saints attempted to live the law for periods of time in Ohio, Missouri, and Utah. Some of the Saints lived the law well, but the Church as a whole failed to live it (see also Our Heritage, page 26).
Consecrating possessions
Under the law of consecration, Church members voluntarily consecrated their possessions to the Church by legal deed (D&C 42:30).
Receiving a stewardship
After Church members consecrated their possessions, the bishop granted them stewardships, or portions, from all the properties received. The size of the stewardship depended on the circumstances and needs of the family, as determined by the bishop in consultation with the member who received it (D&C 42:32; 51:3). The stewardship was given with a deed of ownership so each member would be fully responsible and accountable for managing it (D&C 51:4; 72:3–4; 104:11–13). The stewardship, then, was treated as private property, not common or communal property, even though all property ultimately belongs to God.
Surpluses
If members produced a surplus from their stewardships beyond what was necessary for their families, at the end of the year they gave it to the bishop to put in the bishop's storehouse (D&C 42:33; 51:13). The bishop used the surplus to care for the poor, to build houses of worship, and for other worthy purposes (D&C 42:34–35).
United order
In March 1832, the Lord revealed that there must be an organization to regulate and administer the law of consecration among His people (D&C 78:3). He called this organization the "united order" (D&C 92:1). In subsequent revelations the Lord gave further instructions concerning the united order (see, for example, D&C 104).
1. The Lord revealed the law of consecration to the Saints.
Explain that in February 1831, soon after the Saints began to gather in Kirtland, Ohio, the Lord revealed that they should begin to live the law of consecration (D&C 42:30).
- What does consecrate mean?
- What is the law of consecration?
- What are the purposes of the law of consecration?
- D&C 42:30-34. How is caring for the poor and needy accomplished through the law of consecration?
- D&C 42:35.
- D&C 42:40. How can living the law of consecration help members overcome personal pride or greed?
- D&C 42:42. How does it help the Lord's people be industrious and avoid idleness?
- D&C 51:9. In what ways does the Lord expect us to be one? How can the law of consecration help the Saints be one?
- D&C 78:3–7. How does being equal in"earthly things" help us obtain "heavenly things"? (D&C 78:5).
- D&C 78:14. How does it help the Church "stand independent above all other creatures."?
- D&C 82:17–19. How can living the law of consecration help the Lord's people develop greater charity?
It is clear that the law of consecration is not just a temporal or economic program. It is also a spiritual law that helps members grow spiritually and prepare for eternal life (D&C 29:34–35).
The principles of the law of consecration have not changed since it was revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith. However, the application of those principles changes from time to time. The current prophet helps us understand how to apply these principles in our day.
The early Saints attempted to live the law for periods of time in Ohio, Missouri, and Utah. Some of the Saints lived the law well, but the Church as a whole failed to live it (see also Our Heritage, page 26).
Consecrating possessions
Under the law of consecration, Church members voluntarily consecrated their possessions to the Church by legal deed (D&C 42:30).
Receiving a stewardship
After Church members consecrated their possessions, the bishop granted them stewardships, or portions, from all the properties received. The size of the stewardship depended on the circumstances and needs of the family, as determined by the bishop in consultation with the member who received it (D&C 42:32; 51:3). The stewardship was given with a deed of ownership so each member would be fully responsible and accountable for managing it (D&C 51:4; 72:3–4; 104:11–13). The stewardship, then, was treated as private property, not common or communal property, even though all property ultimately belongs to God.
Surpluses
If members produced a surplus from their stewardships beyond what was necessary for their families, at the end of the year they gave it to the bishop to put in the bishop's storehouse (D&C 42:33; 51:13). The bishop used the surplus to care for the poor, to build houses of worship, and for other worthy purposes (D&C 42:34–35).
United order
In March 1832, the Lord revealed that there must be an organization to regulate and administer the law of consecration among His people (D&C 78:3). He called this organization the "united order" (D&C 92:1). In subsequent revelations the Lord gave further instructions concerning the united order (see, for example, D&C 104).
2. The law of consecration is an eternal law.
The law of consecration is an eternal law that the Lord revealed again in our dispensation. Accounts of the Lord's people living this law are included in the Pearl of Great Price, New Testament, and Book of Mormon. Read or review the following scriptures that discuss some of these scriptural accounts:
- Moses 7:18. (The people of Enoch.)
- Acts 4:32, 34–35. (The Saints after the Savior's Resurrection.)
- 4 Nephi 1:1–3, 12–13, 15. (The Nephites after the Savior's visit to them.)
- What do you think would be some of the blessings of living in a community where people lived the law of consecration?
As Saints of God, we must be prepared and willing to live the law of consecration in its fulness. But we do not need to wait for a future day to consecrate our lives to the Lord. As we do all we can to live the law of consecration today, we will be better prepared to live the fulness of the law when the Lord asks us to do so.
In what ways can we live the law of consecration in our lives today?Realize that everything we have belongs to the Lord
- Read D&C 104:13–14 and Psalm24:1. What can we learn from these verses? What does it mean to be a steward over our possessions? How should this knowledge affect our attitude toward our possessions? Why is it important to understand that everything belongs to the Lord? What does the Lord promise as we are faithful stewards over what He has given us? (See D&C 51:19; 78:22.)Bishop Victor L. Brown, former Presiding Bishop of the Church, said that until we "feel in total harmony" with the principle that everything we have belongs to the Lord, "it will be difficult, if not impossible, for us to accept the law of consecration. As we prepare to live this law, we will look forward with great anticipation to the day when the call will come. If, on the other hand, we hope it can be delayed so we can have the pleasure of accumulating material things, we are on the wrong path" ("The Law of Consecration," 1976 Devotional Speeches of the Year [1977], 439).
- Read D&C 19:26. What warning did the Lord give to Martin Harris in this verse? Why must we overcome covetousness if we are to consecrate our lives to the Lord? How can we overcome covetous feelings?President Brigham Young said: "I am more afraid of covetousness in our Elders than I am of the hordes of hell. … All our enemies … in the world, and all hell with them marshaled against us, could not do us the injury that covetousness in the hearts of this people could do us; for it is idolatry" (in Journal of Discourses, 5:353).
Make the sacrifices the Lord requires now
We must be willing to make the sacrifices that the Lord requires of us at the present time. These include sacrifices of time, talents, and possessions. The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve give us direction regarding how we implement the principles of the law of consecration in our day.
- How can we consecrate our time, talents, and possessions to help build the kingdom of God today?
Develop Christlike love for others
- Read D&C 82:19 and Jacob 2:17. What does the Lord teach in these scriptures about how we are to show our love for others? Why is developing Christlike love for others necessary if we are to live the law of consecration?
The ability to have Christlike love for others is the foundation of the law of consecration. As we grow in love, our ability to live this law will also grow.
How have you or others sacrificed their time and resources to help others in a time of need?
How have you or others sacrificed their time and resources to help others in a time of need?
Strive to consecrate all aspects of our lives to the Lord
Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve said: "We tend to think of consecration only in terms of property and money. But there are so many ways of keeping back part" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1992, 90; or Ensign, Nov. 1992, 66).
- What are some ways in which we might be "keeping back part" when we could achieve greater consecration in the service of God and His children? (See D&C 64:34 and the following examples from Elder Maxwell of how we sometimes fall short in the consecration we should give.)
- How are we blessed as we strive for more complete consecration?
No comments:
Post a Comment