Day 27 September 5 - I Corinthians 10-15

[pam]

Discussion

[KeithLBrown]

Jesus Christ is Our Rock - The Rock of All Ages

"Rock of Ages" (Hymn number 111 in our hymn books)

For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me. - Psalm 31:3

From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. - Psalm 61:2


Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 10:1-4

1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

I would like to share some excerpts from the farewell Sacrament talk that I gave to the congregation of the Keflavic Iceland Military Branch on Sabbath Day morning, 31 January 1999 (10 months after my baptism on 10 March 1998). This talk was delivered at the LDS Chapel in Reykjavik Iceland. The talk was entitled "Our Rock - The Rock Of All Ages".

Jesus Christ who was known in the Old Testament times as Jehovah was given the figurative title of the Rock by many of the prophetic writers. In a simple statement, Moses wrote in Deuteronomy 32:4, “He is the Rock. . .” The Psalmist in Psalm 18:31 asks a question, “For who is God save the LORD? Or who is a rock save our God?” Then in Psalm 62:7 the Psalmist exclaims that “In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.” David exalts in 2 Samuel 22:1-4 that “. . .the LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour. . .” In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul explained to the Corinthian Saints that Moses and the Israelites “. . .did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” (See 1 Corinthians 10:1-4).

All of these expressions are intended to demonstrate that the Lord has many of the same characteristics as a rock. A rock is thought to be immoveable, steadfast, and sure. It serves as a foundation for building structures, is towering and monumental, and is unchangeable – the same throughout the ages. I would like to take a brief look at three of the characteristics of Our Rock.

Characteristics of Our Rock:

First, Our Rock is a following rock. The Psalmist tells us that once in the desert they were perishing for want of water, they simply gathered in a little circle upon the burning sands and with their staves dug a little well in the sand, and lifted up their voices to God in songs of praise. Immediately the waters sprang up from the depths below and overflowed again. In the same way, Our Rock sends His fountains of living water all along our way and although the deserts of life may be all around us and the wells at times may all seem dry, our faith has only to make room and lift up a song of praise even in the hottest desert, and immediately the living waters will spring forth.

Second, Our Rock is a sheltering rock. This is the rock of which the Psalmist cried, ‘. . . .lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Psalm 61:2). A little rock will not provide much shelter from the sweltering heat. It only intensifies the heat that it has absorbed; but a great rock drinks in the warm rays in one side, and on the other provides a cooling shadow for the traveler that rests under its overshadowing cliffs. Christ is the shadow of a great rock. He is always at our call. No matter what problems or difficulties we may face in life, He is always ready to comfort us, to shelter us from the storms of life, and to give us sweet peace and rest. His love for us is infinite. He loves each one of us as if we were the only ones in the entire world that require His comfort and rest.

Third, Our Rock is a foundation rock. It is a place to build upon. It is the resting-place of faith and hope. There trust finds its full assurance as it leans upon the promise, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life. . . .” (See John 3:36). There hope anchors all her cables as she commits all her destinies, her affections and her treasures to this immoveable rock and cries, “. . . .I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (See 2 Timothy 1:12). The mountains will depart and the hills will be removed, but Our Rock will remain unshaken and immovable throughout the ages.
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Elder Bruce R. McConkie taught us:

If we build our house of salvation on the rock of personal revelation; if we build it on the revealed reality that Jesus is the Lord; if we build it on him who is the eternal rock – it will stand forever. If we are guided by the spirit of inspiration while here in mortality, we will be able to withstand all the floods and storms that beat upon us. If we are founded upon a rock, we worship the Father in the name of the Son by the power of the Holy Ghost.

If we are founded upon a rock, we know that salvation comes by the grace of God to those who believe the gospel and keep the commandments. If we are founded upon a rock, we forsake the world, flee from the carnal things, and live upright and Godly lives.

If we are founded upon a rock, the gates of hell shall not prevail against us. As long as we remain in our house of faith we shall be preserved when the rains of evil fall, when the winds of false doctrine blow, and when the floods of carnality beat upon us.

[From the Sermons and Writings of Bruce R. McConkie, Part 2: The Mission of the Holy Ghost, Chapter 6: The Holy Ghost Reveals Christ]

** Sidenote: Elder Bruce R. McConkie was the uncle of my Stake President (Annapolis Maryland Stake), President Pace Jefferson McConkie.
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We must build our foundation upon the Rock, and that Rock is Jesus Christ our Lord

I will liken one of my favorite Scriptures from the Book of Mormon found in Helaman 5:12 unto us and read it thus, ". . . .remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that [we] must build [our] foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon [us], it shall have no power over [us] to drag [us] down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which [we] are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.”

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1 Cor. 10:13 God…will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able

Bishop H. Burke Petersen

“Did you get the significance of that scriptural promise—we will have no temptation or trial beyond our ability to overcome—He will provide a way for us to rise above—whatever it may be.

“May I suggest the best way I know to keep close to the source of this great strength is through prayer. No man can stand alone in his struggle through life. Sometimes in discouragement our prayers, at best, become occasional or maybe not at all. Sometimes we forget or just don't care. Brigham Young once said, 'Prayer keeps man from sin, and sin keeps man from prayer.'” (LDS Church News, 1995, 08/05/95)

Joseph B. Wirthlin

“You young people face the same temptations that have been common throughout history, plus many others that were unknown to earlier generations. However, be sure you understand that God will not allow you to be tempted beyond your ability to resist. (See 1 Cor. 10:13.) He does not give you challenges that you cannot surmount. He will not ask more than you can do, but may ask right up to your limits so you can prove yourselves. The Lord will never forsake or abandon anyone. You may abandon him, but he will not abandon you. You never need to feel that you are alone.” (“Running Your Marathon,” Ensign, Nov. 1989, 75)

Neal A. Maxwell

“…the storm fronts that come into our lives will not last forever. We can surmount the drifts of difficulties and we can hold out if we maintain our perspective and faith. But while we are in the midst of all these things, the experiences that can be for our long-term good are very, very real. We may feel that such are simply more than we can bear. Yet if we have faith in an all-knowing and all-loving God, we understand He will not give us more than we can bear.” (Even As I Am [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1982], 102)

Neal A. Maxwell

“Some men may justify sin by saying the level of temptation and trial they experience is unavoidable or that it is beyond their ability to cope with it. However, we have the double assurance of Paul writing on one continent and Alma on another, that there is nothing in the mathematics of life to excuse us when we sin:’. . . but God . . . will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.’ (1 Corinthians 10:13.)

“’Pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear. . . .’ ("Alma 13:28Alma 13:28.)

“Prayerful people will not be pressed beyond their limits, although, as C. S. Lewis observed, some of us quit or surrender just before the relief column comes into sight. We can, and often do, of course, dig pits for ourselves and burn the escape ladder; but such irrationality is of our own willful doing—not God's!” (A Time to Choose [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1972], 56.)

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1 Cor. 10:13 God…will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it

Vaughn J. Featherstone
“What does it mean to ‘make a way to escape’? This life provides an opportunity for us to use our agency. It appears…that there will be a special testing for those who will walk in high places. The testing may well be unique to us. And, of course, the greatest trials we face have to do with the things we love the most—our families, our church, our religion, our leaders, our country, and our friends. These things have the potential of hurting us most…Many of us feel that we have been refined in the Lord's crucible more often than we would want, had we a choice. It is not easy to be between the hammer and the anvil. But we must remember always what Paul said: ‘[God] will with the temptation make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.’ It is my opinion that this same principle applies to tests and trials we face. They will never be greater than we can withstand.

“We find how resilient our souls are. We find out how far we can bend and still not break. The Lord knows us better than we know ourselves, and He is constantly molding us to the grand design of His great expectation and divine destiny. We will always come through testings as a more valued human soul. Each trial brings out the ‘steel and velvet’ in us, as someone has said. Our commitment to the absolute truths of the gospel puts a steel in us that can endure tremendous pressure. On the other hand, the suffering brings about a velvet softness, a Christ-like charity. Suffering or testing, trials or troubles, sinsickness or soulsickness—all take us through our own personal issue of tears.” (The Incomparable Christ: Our Master and Model [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1995], 135-136.)

Neal A. Maxwell

“…when we are finally judged in terms of our performance in this second estate, we will see that God indeed is likewise perfect in His justice and mercy. We will also see that when we fail here it will not be because we have been tempted above that which we are able to bear. We would find that there is always an escape hatch were we to look for it—or we would also find that were we to call upon it, the grace of God would give us the capacity to endure and to bear up well.

“We will also see that our lives have been fully and fairly measured. In retrospect, we will even see that our most trying years here will often have been our best years, producing large tree rings on our soul, Gethsemanes of growth!” (All These Things Shall Give Thee Experience [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1979], 48.)

Neal A. Maxwell

“As to our circumstances, the Lord has promised He will either make a way to escape or a way to bear adversity (1 Corinthians 10:13). As to temptation, most of the time there is an obvious way to escape, but prevention—not being enticed in the first place—is more sure and is part of having sufficient faith.” (Not My Will, But Thine [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1998], 75.)

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1 Cor. 11:3 the head of the woman is the man

A divine organization as important as the human family must be organized in a divine fashion. The Lord would no more create the family with two heads than he would create an elephant with two heads. Such an organizational structure just doesn’t make any sense. The Lord created the man as the head of the family. This concept is not threatening to faithful women. While they know that the husband is the head, they confidently assume their place as the neck—knowing that the neck often turns the head whichever way it wants.

Paul’s other writings on this subject are particularly enlightening:

‘Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it’ (Eph. 5:25)

Rodney Turner noted, “Obviously, a wife's righteous submission to her husband should stem from her husband's righteous submission to Christ. When this occurs, a divine triangle exists with Christ at its apex. Husband and wife are one flesh with each other because they have become one flesh with Christ. This is the foundation of all eternal unions.” (Robert L. Millet, ed., Studies in Scripture, Vol. 6: Acts to Revelation [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1987], 117 - 118.)

When husbands love their wives ‘even as Christ…loved the church,’ wives never complain about the arrangement. Indeed, the world’s most raging feminist would gladly submit herself to her husband if only she were treated with the love, compassion, empathy, sensitivity, and sacrifice with which Christ has treated the church. Unfortunately, so many Brethren fail to live up to this ideal. As President Kimball once said, “I mention all these things, my brethren, not because the doctrines or the teachings of the Church regarding women are in any doubt, but because in some situations our behavior is of doubtful quality” (Ensign, Nov. 1979, p. 49).

Harold B. Lee

“I fear some husbands have interpreted erroneously the statement that the husband is to be the head of the house and that his wife is to obey the law of her husband. Brigham Young's instruction to husbands was this: ‘Let the husband and father learn to bend his will to the will of his God, and then instruct his wives and children in this lesson of self-government by his example as well as by his precept.’ (Discourses of Brigham Young, Deseret Book Co., 1925, pp. 306-307.)

“This is but another way of saying that the wife is to obey the law of her husband only as he obeys the laws of God. No woman is expected to follow her husband in disobedience to the commandments of the Lord.” (Ye Are the Light of the World: Selected Sermons and Writings of Harold B. Lee [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1974], chap. 34.)

James E. Faust

“The priesthood places upon the fathers the responsibility of being the head of the family and the home. What does being the head of the family mean? It is a priesthood power, and the Doctrine and Covenants, D&C 121, makes it clear that all priesthood responsibilities must be exercised ‘only by persuasion,. . . by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned’ (D&C 121:41). Holding the priesthood does not mean that a man is a power-broker, or that he sits on a throne, dictating in macho terms, or that he is superior in any way. Rather, he is a leader by authority of example. Paul's counsel to the Ephesians included, ‘Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it’ (Eph. 5:25). As Christ lifts us all, so must we, rather than put down women or anyone.

“Nowhere does the doctrine of this Church declare that men are superior to women. Paul said to the Corinthians, ‘Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord’ (1 Cor. 11:11). Each brings his or her own separate and unique strengths to the family and the Church. Women are not just cooks, stewards of our homes, or servants. They are much more. They are the enrichment of humanity.” ("The Highest Place of Honor," Ensign, May 1988, 36.)

Hugh B. Brown

“Both priesthood and motherhood, if they are to be honored and magnified, must bear the hallmark of service—service sanctified and glorified by love. Hence, neither the man nor the woman should envy the role of the other, but recognize it as a counterpart and complement of their own rule. We must go forward hand in hand and heart to heart as we face the challenging but glorious responsibilities of life.” (Continuing the Quest [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1961], 6 - 7.)


Gordon B. Hinckley

“God bless you, my beloved sisters. Please know that you are deeply appreciated. Please know that your place in the divine plan is no less important, no less great, and no less necessary than that of men. Paul has said, ‘Neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.’ (1 Cor. 11:11.)

“Count your wonderful blessings. Do not worry away your lives with concerns over ‘rights,’ so-called, but move forward, concerned with responsibilities and opportunities. Your potential is limitless. You are daughters of God, endowed by inheritance with marvelous gifts and immeasurable potential. Accept the challenge. Go forward with confidence in the knowledge that the differences you face are not those which come of discrimination so much as those which come of designation.” (“Ten Gifts from the Lord,” Ensign, Nov. 1985, 89)

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1 Cor. 11:5 every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head

Bruce R. McConkie

“In connection with these basic gospel principles, Paul comments on local customs and traditions, for instance, that a woman should have her head covered when she prays or prophesies, lest she be as though her head were shaven, which according to local custom would identify her as an adulteress. In the eternal sense it is wholly immaterial whether a woman wears a hat or is bare—headed when she prays. In Paul's day the bare head was irreverent; in ours reverence and respect are shown by removing the hat. In other words, gospel principles are eternal, and it is wise to adhere to the passing customs which signify adherence to that course which adds to rather than detracts from the great and important revealed truths.” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1965-1973], 2: 361.)

1 Cor. 11:11 neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord

“The marriage sanctioned by God provides men and women with the opportunity to fulfill their divine potentials. 'Neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord' (1 Cor. 11:11). Husbands and wives are unique in some ways and free to develop their eternal gifts, yet as coequals in the sight of their heavenly parents they are one in the divine goals they pursue, in their devotion to eternal principles and ordinances, in their obedience to the Lord, and in their divine love for each other. When a man and woman who have been sealed together in a temple are united spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically, taking full responsibility for nurturing each other, they are truly married. Together they strive to emulate the prototype of the heavenly home from which they came. The Church teaches them to complement, support, and enrich one another. . . . If a husband and wife are faithful to their temple marriage, they will continue as co-creators in God's celestial kingdom through the eternities.” (Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 4 vols., Daniel H. Ludlow, ed. [New York: Macmillan, 1992], 2:487.)

Gordon B. Hinckley

“President Joseph F. Smith once declared ‘that no man can be saved and exalted in the kingdom of God without the woman, and no woman can reach perfection and exaltation in the kingdom of God, alone. … God instituted marriage in the beginning…’ (In Conference Report, April 1913, p. 118.)

“Surely no one reading the scriptures, both ancient and modern, can doubt the divine concept of marriage. The sweetest feelings of life, the most generous and satisfying impulses of the human heart, find expression in a marriage that stands pure and unsullied above the evil of the world.

“Such a marriage, I believe, is the desire—the hoped-for, the longed-for, the prayed-for desire—of men and women everywhere. ("What God Hath Joined Together," Ensign, May 1991, p. 71.)

Dallin H. Oaks
“The ultimate and highest expression of womanhood and manhood is in the new and everlasting covenant of marriage between a man and a woman. Only this relationship culminates in exaltation. As the Apostle Paul taught, ‘Neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.’ (1 Cor. 11:11.) Thus, the common objective of brotherhood in our priesthood quorums and sisterhood in our Relief Societies is to bring men and women together in the sacred marriage and family relationships that lead toward eternal life, ‘the greatest of all the gifts of God.’ (D&C 14:7.)” (“The Relief Society and the Church,” Ensign, May 1992, 37)

Harold B. Lee

“Someone spoke a profound truth when he said, ‘No man can live piously, or die righteously without a wife.’ Even God himself said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an helpmeet for him.’ (Gen. 2:18.) The apostle Paul’s statement had broader meaning than some have interpreted it, when he declared: ‘Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.’ (1 Cor. 11:11.) He was teaching the great truth that only in holy wedlock for time and eternity, in the new and everlasting covenant, can the man and woman attain to the highest privilege in the celestial world, but he may likewise have been stressing the great need of a husband and a wife for each other in this world.

“In defining the relationship of a wife to her husband, the late President George Albert Smith put it this way: ‘In showing this relationship, by a symbolic representation, God didn’t say that woman was to be taken from a bone in the man’s head that she should rule over him, nor from a bone in his foot that she should be trampled under his feet, but from a bone in his side to symbolize that she was to stand by his side, to be his companion, his equal, and his helpmeet in all their lives together.’” (“Maintain Your Place As a Woman,” Ensign, Feb. 1972, 50)



John A. Widstoe

“The place of woman in the Church is to walk beside the man, not in front of him nor behind him.

“In the Church there is full equality between man and woman. The gospel, which is the only concern of the Church was devised by the Lord for men and women alike…The Lord loves His daughters as well as He loves His sons…The highest attainable glory cannot be won by man or woman alone. Only those who are united, as husband and wife, by the sealing power, can attain exaltation in the celestial glory in the hereafter. ‘Neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.’ (1 Cor. 11:11) And provision will be made for the righteous who live unmarried to receive the sealing blessing in the hereafter, through vicarious work performed in our temples.

“…There can be no question in the Church of man's rights versus woman's rights. They have the same and equal rights.” (Evidences and Reconciliations [Salt Lake City: Improvement Era], 305.)

Spencer W. Kimball

“My beloved sisters…with all our hearts, we love and appreciate you! We respect you, we honor you, and we need you. ‘Neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord’ (1 Cor. 11:11). We rejoice in your righteousness and the influence for good you have as individuals, wives, mothers, and grandmothers. We appreciate the faithful and devoted single sisters who do not yet enjoy a fulness of family life. The Lord loves you, for you are some of the most noble spirits of our Father in Heaven. If you continue faithful and true, no eternal blessing will one day be denied you.” (“Learn—Then Teach,” Ensign, Nov. 1980, 102)

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1 Cor. 12:9 the Gift of Faith


Have you ever met a member who never doubts anything? They can’t be rattled by doctrinal problems; they can’t be rattled by anti-Mormon literature; and they can’t be dissuaded from a firm testimony of the truth. They won’t even allow themselves to become worried about the arguments of the intellectuals, atheists, or devil’s advocates. Many of these individuals are born with an innate and unshakeable faith. Such faith is not blind faith, as many suppose, but rather a gift of the Spirit.

For those of us not so inclined, there is still hope. This can be one of the gifts after which we earnestly seek, allowing it to grow as Alma has instructed (Alma 32).

Heber J. Grant

“I am grateful that from the time I was a child until the present I have been blessed with the gift of faith, which is a gift from God. I recall many things as a young man I did not understand, and could not comprehend, yet which I believed and believed firmly.” (Conference Report, April 1935, First Day—Morning Meeting 7 - 8.)

Neal A. Maxwell

“Faith is a gift, of course, and reason, by itself, cannot lead man out of the apparent maze. Man does not understand the mind of God and his timetable; nor do we have his perspective. The gift of faith, then, often gives form to what has been called ‘tacit knowledge,’ that form of knowledge that lies just below the level of the individual's powers of articulation, which whispers things to him that are true but which are difficult to share and can seldom be put in persuasive form for the ears of others. Nevertheless, without the gift of faith or the perspective-giving insights of the gospel, man's reason will sweep him into sadness and cynicism.” (For the Power is in Them…, 18)

Lorenzo Snow

“’To one is given faith.’ Not a common, ordinary faith, which some people pretend to at the present day; but a faith which enables its possessors to be sawn asunder, to be cast into dens of lions, fiery furnaces, and to undergo tortures of every description. This was the kind of faith that the Holy Ghost conferred upon those who possessed it, enabling its possessor to stand in the midst of every difficulty, defy every opposition and lay down his life, if necessary.” (Journal of Discourses, 26 vols. [London: Latter-day Saints' Book Depot, 1854-1886], 14: 304.)

Have you ever met a member who never doubts anything? They can’t be rattled by doctrinal problems; they can’t be rattled by anti-Mormon literature; and they can’t be dissuaded from a firm testimony of the truth. They won’t even allow themselves to become worried about the arguments of the intellectuals, atheists, or devil’s advocates. Many of these individuals are born with an innate and unshakeable faith. Such faith is not blind faith, as many suppose, but rather a gift of the Spirit.

I've always felt that I personally fall into this category. I can't ever remember a time in my life that I have ever doubted; even when thrown all the anti statements and comments of the world at me. For that I am grateful.

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1 Cor. 12:30 covet earnestly the best gifts

Carlos E. Asay

“I find it significant that God has given us more than a casual invitation to obtain spiritual gifts. There are seven very pointed and command-like statements that remind us of the absolute necessity to seek these gifts. In a sense, God has given us a commission to seek, a requirement to obtain, and a responsibility to share these spiritual gifts. Study the following declarations and notice the words italicized; each is strong and each denotes action on our part:

1. ‘Seek ye earnestly the best gifts’ (D&C 46:8).
2. ‘Lay hold upon every good gift’ (Moroni 10:30).
3. ‘Covet earnestly the best gifts’ (1 Corinthians 12:31) (in this context, ‘covet earnestly’ means ‘ardently desire’).
4. ‘Desire spiritual gifts’ (1 Corinthians 14:1).
5. ‘[Be] zealous of spiritual gifts’ (1 Corinthians 14:12) (‘zealous’ means enthusiastic in this case).
6. ‘This is thy gift; apply unto it, and blessed art thou’ (D&C 8:4).
7. ‘Ask of God, who giveth liberally. . . . He that asketh in the Spirit, asketh according to the will of God’ (D&C 46:7, "D&C 46:30).

“The injunction is to ‘seek earnestly,’ ‘lay hold upon,’ ‘covet earnestly,’ ‘desire,’ ‘be zealous of,’ ‘apply unto it,’ and ‘ask of God.’ It isn't a proposition of, ‘If you have the time, do it,’ or, ‘If you have the inclination, try it.’ It isn't that at all. We are commanded to seek and cultivate gifts of the Spirit!” (In the Lord's Service: A Guide to Spiritual Development [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1990], 124.)

Bruce R. McConkie

“We are commanded to seek the gifts of the Spirit; if we do not do so, we are not walking in that course which is pleasing to Him whose gifts they are…Why, for what purpose, and to whom are the gifts given? ‘Verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon their lusts.’ It is inherent in the whole plan of righteousness that those who seek the gifts of the Spirit do so for their own salvation and for the glory of God, and not for lustful and selfish and worldly reasons.

“’And again, verily I say unto you, I would that ye should always remember, and always retain in your minds what those gifts are, that are given unto the church.’ (D&C 46:7-10.) Truly all of the Lord's saints should seek him, should seek his Spirit, should seek his gifts. Where these gifts are, there is the true and saving gospel, and where they are not, there is no hope of salvation.” A New Witness for the Articles of Faith [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1985], 370.)

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1 Cor. 13:2 though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing

Charity is the supreme attribute of divinity. It is the underlying principle of both the first and second commandments (Matt 22:36-40). It is the last and greatest of Peter’s list of divine qualities (2 Pet. 1:7). Mormon declared that ‘whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him’ (Moroni 7:47). It is the embodiment of divinity, for as John said, ‘God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him’ (1 John 4:16). If we are to become like God, we must develop this quality as well as all the others. Otherwise, we have failed and are “nothing” as Paul said.

Imagine for a moment what would have happened to humanity of God the Father and Jesus Christ had no charity. ‘God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten Son’ (John 3:16). What if he didn’t love us enough to send his Son? And what of Jesus’ love for us? It has been said that it was not the nails which held Jesus on the cross but his love for us. Indeed, he had the power to stop his own suffering at any time. But the Savior ‘loved the world, even unto the laying down of [his] life for the world, that [he] mightest take it again to prepare a place for the children of men.’ As Moroni prayed, ‘And now I know that this love which thou hast had for the children of men is charity’ (Ether 12:33-34). It is frightening to contemplate where we would be without the love of God the Father and God the Son. We would of necessity become the property of Satan, ‘our spirits must have become like unto him, and we become devils, angels to a devil, to be shut out from the presence of our God, and to remain with the father of lies in misery’ (2 Ne. 9:9). Jeffrey R. Holland explained it this way:

“It is that charity—his pure love for us—without which we would be nothing, hopeless, of all men and women most miserable… But the ‘pure love of Christ’ Mormon spoke of is precisely that—Christ's love. With that divine gift, that redeeming bestowal, we have everything; without it we have nothing and ultimately are nothing, except in the end ‘devils [and] angels to a devil.’ (2 Ne 9:9)” (Christ And The New Covenant, p. 336 – 337)

Therefore, if we are to become as the Master, we must master this concept. As Elder Marion D. Hanks noted: “The major source of our self-image should be our Heavenly Father, whose children we are, in whose image we are made, whose attributes and qualities we have within us in embryo. He it is who loved us so much that he sent his Only Begotten Son to show us the way and to die for us. We are his children, worthy of love, and we have in us the capacity to love. We must learn to love even as we are loved by him.” (Conference Report, April 1968, Second Day—Morning Meeting 58 - 59.)

“A paraphrase: And though I attend all my meetings faithfully, and fulfill all my callings, and make a home teaching visit during the first week of the month; and though in all ways I am an active Church member, yet if I do not spend time in love and service for others, then I am not yet a Saint, for I do not yet love the Lord with all my heart, might, mind, and strength; and I do not love my neighbor as myself.” (Orson Scott Card, “Sunday Meetings: A Preparation for Work,” Ensign, Jan. 1978, 63)

H. Burke Peterson

“We have been taught in other scripture that no matter how great and significant our mortal accomplishments, no matter how much was accomplished under our hand—as a bishop, a clerk, a president, a teacher, or a parent—unless we learn to exhibit charity, we are nothing. (See 1 Cor. 13:1–3.) All our good deeds will not weigh in our favor if charity is lacking.” (“Our Responsibility to Care for Our Own,” Ensign, May 1981, 81)

Heber Iverson

“In comparison with this wonderful power, charity or love—these accomplishments here mentioned pale into insignificance. Qualified, and endowed with these rare [spiritual] gifts we naturally conclude, one must of necessity be a most powerful preacher; he can speak with the tongues of men and the eloquence of angels; he understands all mysteries, and has all knowledge and faith so that he could remove mountains. But he lacks one thing, and that is the vitalizing force which is the secret of his power. And what is that? It is that supreme love which the Savior describes in the following words:‘Except a man is willing to leave father and mother, houses and lands, wives and children, and all for my sake and the gospel's, he is unworthy of me.’

“It is that love of God, which overshadows and transcends the love of everything else in the world whether it be personal glory and honor, wealth or fame. It matters not what it may be, there is no love in his heart equaling his love of God. That is the source of his power; and possessed of that, his words are irresistible, and his power will redound to the honor and glory of God and the salvation of his children.” (Conference Report, April 1921, Afternoon Session 60 - 61.)

Gordon B. Hinckley

“Love of God is basic. It is the very foundation of true worship. It puts heart and soul and spirit into our lives. It subdues arrogance and conceit and greed. It leads to love for all of God's creations. It leads to obedience to the second great commandment, love of neighbor. In the world in which we now live, that love of neighbor finds expression not only in Christian acts of charity and kindness to those in need, but in a larger sense includes a sacred regard for the environment in which all men as neighbors across the earth must live.” ("A Unique and Wonderful University," BYU 1988-89 Devotional and Fireside Speeches, October 11, 1988, p. 51.)

[pam]

1 Cor. 13:4 Charity…vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up

“To vaunt is to proudly call attention to our possessions, our accomplishments, our associations, or our righteousness…One of the most serious forms of ‘vaunting’ is the sin of pride. ‘Pride is a `my will` rather than `thy will` approach to life,’ says President Ezra Taft Benson. ‘The opposite of pride is humbleness, meekness, submissiveness (see Alma 13:28), or teachableness. … With pride, there are many curses. With humility, there come many blessings.’ (Ensign, May 1986, pp. 6–7.)

“We may vaunt ourselves in other ways. If we interrupt someone or whisper during a meeting, class, or performance, we may convey disrespect for what others are saying or doing. If we are late for an appointment, we may show that we consider our time or other activities more important.

“We also vaunt ourselves if we take credit for what we haven’t earned. Some people blame God when things go badly in their lives and take the credit when things go well, overlooking the fact that their talents, skills, and possessions are gifts from the Lord.

“The scriptures say that ‘in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things.’ (D&C 59:21.) True humility comes when we acknowledge our dependence on him in every act—indeed, in every breath.

“Such humility encourages us to follow the Savior’s example of love and service to others. President Spencer W. Kimball exemplified this philosophy. Just after he was sustained as President of the Church in April 1974, he attended a family dinner. Noticing a security guard in a parked car in front of the house, President Kimball filled a plate and took it out to the officer. (See Ensign, Mar. 1975, p. 6.) Despite his busy schedule, President Kimball did not consider himself too important to serve others; on the contrary, he saw his new position as an opportunity to serve.

“As we learn to recognize the Lord’s love for us and our dependence on him, to feel gratitude for the blessings he gives us, and to focus on serving others, we will learn charity, which, the Apostle Paul said, ‘vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.’ (1 Cor. 13:4; see also Moro. 7:45.) We will then want to do as Ammon did, when he said, ‘I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things.’ (Alma 26:12.)” (“Charity Vaunteth Not Itself, Is Not Puffed Up” Ensign, Mar. 1988, 53)