This talk was given in the Priesthood Session of General Conference, April 2007. I consider it one of the landmark preparedness talks in our day, and yet, sadly, so few heard it. This is my humble effort to "get some much needed water to the end of the row."
Lay Up in Store
First Time Said
Bishop Keith B. McMullin
Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric
We call upon priesthood bearers to store Second Time Said sufficient so that you and your family can weather the vicissitudes "a change in the course of something" of life.
My dear brethren, how blessed we are to be assembled together with the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles. Prophets, Seers, and Revelators! Each everyone priesthood bearer present, be he 12 or 112, can, because of our Savior Jesus Christ, inherit the celestial order of life "by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel."1 This is wonderful to contemplate, and I know it is true. You are in charge of your world! The church, government, your neighbor, home teacher, etc cannot save you. Each person must make the choice to obey the laws and receive the ordinances of the Gospel.
With this
prospect being in charge of YOUR world and making the important choices to obey the laws of the Gospel...
before us, consider the following story. A young man, full of ambition and
energy, this is you enrolled in a fine
university. the church At the time, he
was a priest in the Aaronic Priesthood. His goal was lofty exaltation—he wanted to become a doctor like Heavenly Father.
His aim was ambitious—he wanted to be rich all that He hath.
He wanted to play football, so he sought out the coaches missionaries
and eventually made the
team baptized. Now he could have the
recognition and bragging
rights belong to the true church unique
in the world of university sports. Such were the notions "imperfect
concept, foolish idea" in his head. What was 'imperfect" in this scenario so far? I think it might be that he believed just being a member of the university and the football team was enough or gave him any right to brag. Parallel...just being a member of the church or in a visible leadership position does not give you the right to claim exaltation.
But he had given little thought what follows, we may be giving too little thought to as well to something that would ultimately dismantle his lofty and vain
ambitions the thing that would prevent him
from his goal; and us —he
had failed to lay up in store . THIRD TIME SAID how does "lay up in store" apply to this story so far? He had overlooked the importance of adequate
preparation for him - for his desire to be a doctor and play football. For us - food/finances/spiritual/health,
the requirements "not optional" of regular "no cramming"
attendance and disciplined
study "not casual", and the college chemistry class left out an entire class. The consequence was swift and
merciless when trial comes it will be fast and
no respecter of persons. It took less than 90 days. hmmm...does this correspond with the council to have a 90 day supply of food we normally eat? It happened this
way: find yourself in this story...
The day he found his 5-foot 8-inch, 170-pound he
was small body on the line of scrimmage opposite a mammoth lineman the opposition was huge, overpowering from the varsity squad the enemy is older and more experienced, he knew he
was in the wrong sport
you don’t play Satan’s game.
Unaccustomed
can’t be ready overnight to rigorous study,
his eyes and mind the temporal can’t be overridden by desire in an instant
refused to function after a brief time in the books.
The capstone
of defeat knew he’d lost was the final chemistry exam during the test. Suffice it to say that his random answers guessing to multiple-choice questions did not even
approximate the law of averages. He failed miserably we will fail if
approach the same.
Hard
work no way around it, a mission focused dedication that awakened in him a correct
vision of life’s purposes,why are you even here on this earth right now? and unrelenting preparation stay at it no
matter what eventually
overcame repent now, and then keep at it the consequence of
this brief period of foolishness.Hopefully it has been brief Even today, however, I still have nightmares
about that chemistry class.
Fortunately, if we hear and heed the Lord has shown us how to avoid similar foolishness by following “His” plan. He said:
“Hearken, O
ye people of my church us. … Hearken ye
people from afar; and ye that are upon the islands of the sea, listen together we do that at conference, and it applies to everyone.
“Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, for the Lord is nigh prepare, it’s soon.”2
The doctrine of the Second Coming this our
“why” of the Messiah provides one of the great incentives to prepare and live right. this is our “what” Heavenly Father knows that promised rewards encourage
also our why “now” His children to do works of
righteousness and promised
penalties this can be your why “now” as well
create a dread or fear of doing evil. Such are the revelations pertaining to the Second
Coming of our Lord.3
These revelations speak of signs and wonders on earth and in
the heavens. They point to troublesome
"laborious, difficult; full of distress or
affliction" times and pending "coming" events vast "immense; enormous; of
very great in degree or intensity" in scope "distance or area
covered" and
duration. "Affect large amounts of people for a
long length of time." And most important, we receive these supernal "heavenly, divine" promises: you can trust God's promises
“The
Lord shall have power over his saints, and shall reign in their midst.”4 our only safety. But there is more to being a "saint" than just claiming membership in his church. (see above story)
“Through my providence "for-seeing care and
guidance of God," notwithstanding
the tribulation even with the trouble everyone
else is experiencing which shall descend "to attack with
violence and suddeness" upon you, … the church may stand independent "separate" above all other creatures beneath the
celestial world.”5
And “if
ye are prepared ye shall not fear .”6 preparing the
only way to not fear
Priesthood bearers are not "should be", but "are" led by these promises to prepare themselves and their
families for the Lord’s appearing. If it’s for
His appearing, then you will live through the prophesied events preceeding it 7
There is no need to be
anxious "full of mental distress or uneasiness
because of fear of danger or misfortune" about events leading up to the
Second Coming. Let us instead be filled with gratitude replace fear
with gratitude for our understanding of what lies ahead from
our listening to the scriptures and prophets. Understanding what lies ahead leads to specific actions of preparation. Let us appreciate that we are in charge
of our own world we can choose to be prepared. We.. MUST choose it. For we alone, will sit in that chair and take that chemistry test and we will alone stand on that front line facing that mammoth enemy. Do you "appreciate" this truth?
being the Lord’s agents
empowered by God to act over that resources
which He has entrusted
"given to us to care for" to us.8 What are you doing with the time, money, circumstance that God has given you to prepare sufficiently for the coming test and contest? The formula is simple "not hard or complicated": Be faithful "firm, steadfast, and
thorough in our performance of duty." Unencumber "anything that
impedes or is burdensome; a charge (lein, mortgage) against your property"
your life. Lay up in store FOURTH TIME SAID store
things needed to carry on life.
Be
faithful. As
priesthood bearers, we cultivate "work on, improve, grow in"
a gentle touch and kindly
word. We are men who pray,
who keep the Sabbath day
holy, and who know
the word of God study scriptures. We tithe, fast, and give a generous "unselfish, large" fast offering. We keep our covenants and consecrate "dedicate" our lives to the building up of
God’s kingdom.
And, brethren, we lay up in store! FIFTH TIME SAID notice the exclamation point. Notice 'lay up in store' is added to be faithful. Being faithful is not enough alone. By doing these things all of them, “the Lord shall have power over his saints, and shall
reign in [our] midst.”9 the promise...IF...you are doing "these things." Doing these things is what makes you a "saint".
Unencumber
your life. As men of God, we turn from excess "above what is
necessary" to that which edifies "intellectual, moral, or
spiritual improvement", for “that which doth not edify is not of God.” Do we want to be found doing/having those things that are
not of God?10 If dealings
"business" or involvements "bound up
with things difficult to get out of" or pursuits "something
engaged in regularly like a hobby" or schedules "plan and order
for our day" detract
"draw away, divert, distract" from putting God
first, we must not an option pare back "reduce or
remove" and unencumber our lives.11 If we have debts, we pay them and live debt free to the extent possible.
And, brethren,
we lay up in store! SIXTH TIME SAID exclamation point; ADDED to being faithful and unencumbering your life. These two are not enough. You still must lay up in store!Then,
“through [the Lord’s] providence, notwithstanding the tribulation "severe trial or suffering" … the church [and its
people will] stand
independent.”12 "not influenced, controlled or
relying on others for support"
Lay up
in store SEVENTH TIME SAID. Wives are instrumental "acting as a means, useful, helpful" in this work, but
they need "require"
husbands who lead
"to guide in
direction, course, action or opinion" out in family preparedness. Children need parents who instill "to infuse slowly or
gradually into the mind or feelings" in them this righteous tradition. "long-established way of thinking and acting" They will then do likewise with
their children, and their stores will not fail. If
not for you, then for your children and grandchildren.
A cardinal
"of prime importance" principle of the gospel is
to prepare for the day of
scarcity "shortness of supply, want, lack".
Work , industry "energetic, devoted activity", frugality "prudently
saving, not wasteful" are part of the royal order of life.At the beginning of this talk he used the phrase the "celestial order of life". Here he says "royal order of life". I am inclined to believe they are the same things. Learning and living these things will be part of our celestial way of life. When we enter the Celestial Room in the temple we are symbolically entering the celestial order of life...here on earth (for we wear a reminder that we are still mortal while in that room). It is not about a future day and time. The invitation is for today. here. now. Remember don’t forget
these words from Paul: “If
any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, take care of your own! . he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”13
"without faith, rejects their religion"Pres. Kimball and Pres. Hinckley have quoted this verse as well. We must each provide for our own. Do not rely on the church, or your neighbor, or your ward or stake.
Seated before us are the three presiding high priests authorized witnesses; "in the mouth of two or three witnesses will every word be established". He is invoking the law of witnesses here. It will stand as a testimony for or against us at the last day. who
constitute the First Presidency of the Church.
From President James E. Faust, Second Counselor, we hear: “Every father and mother are the
family’s storekeepers. They should store whatever their own family would like
to have in the case of an emergency … [and] God will sustain "support, to keep from giving way, supply," us through our trials.”14 "a state of pain or anguish that tests patience, endurance, or
belief" Why store whatever you would like? Because that is what you will have...what you alone store. Or...you can go join some government breadline and receive much much less than that which your own family would like. Whose sustaining hand would rather have in your day of want? God's...or man's?
From President Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor, we hear: “Many more people could ride out
the storm-tossed waves in their economic lives if they had their year’s supply
of food … and were debt-free. Today we find that many have followed this
counsel in reverse: they have at least a year’s supply of debt and are
food-free.”15 Here is a trial that comes from the impact of our finances. If your income stops...could you still eat? What could cut off that income? What if that income suddenly doesn't stretch as far? What if there is an illness or accident that impacts your day to day income?
From President Gordon B. Hinckley, the Lord’s prophet, we hear:
“The
best place to have some food set aside is within our homes. …
Just in case you were thinking it was someplace else...the store, the bishop's storehouse, your neighbor...
“We can
begin ever so modestly. We can begin with a one week’s food supply and gradually build it to a month, and then to three months. … I fear that so many feel that
a long-term food supply is so far beyond their reach that they make no effort
at all. Why does this reality cause him to fear? Remember...he is a seer. Is it because he see the coming day of want? Or is it because we are being disobedient and not hearing and obeying the voice of the Lord?
“Begin
in a small way, … and gradually build toward a reasonable objective.”16 He just gave even the widow, with only two mites, permission to do something, however small, in faith and diligence.
Inspired
"guided and controlled by divine influence" preparation rests on the foundation of faith in Jesus
Christ, obedience, and a provident lifestyle. Members should not go to extremes,"far beyond the norm" but they should begin. Must do something; begin..then press forward with faith, in obedience and action aligned with your belief.
We call upon priesthood bearers to store sufficient "enough"
so that you and your family can weather the vicissitudes "a change in
the course of something" of life. Please see to it that those entrusted
to your watchcare receive these two pamphlets See Notes
entitled All Is Safely Gathered In. Exhort "urge, advise, caution ernestly"
them to prepare now
not tomorrow, next year, for rainy days ahead. They are coming (here)
Priesthood leaders, enlist the Relief Society in promoting family preparedness and homemaking. The women of the Church need your
backing and will respond to your leadership. Have we done this?
Encourage our members to regularly put into their home storage a few wholesome,
basic food items and some water that is safe to drink. They should save some
money, if only a few coins each week. This modest "limited, not showy" approach will soon act now...you will need it soon enable them to
have several months’
reserve. Over time
they can expand these modest efforts into a longer-term supply by adding such
essentials as grains, legumes, and other staples that will keep them alive in
case they do not have anything else to eat.17 It has been 84 months since this talk was given. Sufficient time for even "modest efforts" to add up.
As we do our very best, very best...we can be confident that “the barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the
cruse of oil fail.”18 We shall enjoy greater wisdom, security, peace of mind,
and personal well-being. We shall be prepared, and because we are prepared, we
“shall not fear.”19 Great promises! Are these not sufficient motivation to act in faith? Today?
In closing, I introduce to you the Luca and Patrizia
Vaccarono family. They live in a small town near Rome, Italy.
In a recent letter, they wrote:
“We decided after some experience what was this experience? Are you practicing so that you too can learn from experience what works and what doesn't? that it is important to
store the items we use. There are a lot of reasons why this may be important. Comfort, less stress, body chemistry...Sometimes we have to modify our habits in eating
certain kinds of foods. …explore the meaning of this sentence. In the case of storage, many of the foods we use daily are not conducive to long term storage. We need to get used to eating some of these other foods. Bring them into our circle of comfort.
“The feeling of peace no outside person or circumstance can give you this. It comes from God and the desire to be faithful no matter where we are in our path to self reliance, we can all have a desire to be faithful to the
commandment given by the Lord through the modern prophet helps us feel the Holy
Spirit,which will guide us … to not be afraid,though we walk on water through a storm-tossed sea and to see that the signs of the time for the Second Coming of the
Lord many of which are temporal is a blessing and not something to fear. We rejoice in it. … It gives us
the motivation to be faithful and endure to the end and to be saved and obtain
eternal life.”20 Keep your eye on the Savior...not the storm.
As a final thought, Brother Vaccarono writes: “I’m sorry for
my English. I hope you understand what I tried to explain to you.” Brother and
Sister Vaccarono, we understand, for it is written in scripture: “Trust "confident expectation of something" in the Lord with all thine
heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Don’t rely on when you think it’s time to prepare…In all thy ways the things you do acknowledge "express gratitude; recognize truth or fact" him, and he shall direct thy
paths.”2" "a narrow walk, a course of
action" He will show you what to do. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Links to the two pamphlets mentioned:
http://www.providentliving.org/fhs/pdf/WE_FamilyResourcesGuide_International_04008_000.pdfhttp://www.providentliving.org/ff/pdf/WE_FamilyFinancesGuide_International_04007_000.pdf
Church’s Prepareness Web Page
http://www.providentliving.org/
NOTES
1. Articles of Faith 1:3.
2. D&C 1:1, 12.
3. See Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. (1966–73), 1:677–78.
4. D&C 1:36.
5. D&C 78:14.
6. D&C 38:30.
7. See 2 Timothy 4:8; D&C 133:50, 52.
8. See D&C 104:13–17.
9. D&C 1:36.
10. D&C 50:23.
11. See Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 1:675–76; Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 6:38.
12. D&C 78:14.
13. 1 Timothy 5:8; see also 1 Timothy 6:19; D&C 29:34; "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102; Joseph F. Smith, in Conference Report, Oct. 1900, 46; Bruce R. McConkie, The Mortal Messiah: From Bethlehem to Calvary, 4 vols. (1979–81), 2:155.
14. "The Responsibility for Welfare Rests with Me and My Family," Ensign, May 1986, 22.
15. "That Noble Gift—Love at Home," Church News, May 12, 2001, 7.
16. "To Men of the Priesthood," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2002, 58.
17. See The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, ed. Clyde J. Williams (1996), 314.
18. 1 Kings 17:14; see also vv. 8–16.
19. D&C 38:30.
20. Letter dated Mar. 3, 2007.
21. Proverbs 3:5–6.
What is Self-Reliance? The following is "the world" you are in charge of....
Self-Reliance
and Family Well-Being
·
Finances
- Pay tithes and Offerings
- Avoid Debt
- Distinguish between wants and needs
- Use a budget
- Teach Family Members
·
Home Storage
- 3 month supply
- Water
- Longer-term Supply
- Financial Reserve
- The Word of Wisdom and Physical Health
- Nutrition and Diet
- Exercise and Fitness
- Sleep and Rest
- Managing Personal Health
- Basic Physical Health with Limited Resources
- Addiction and Substance abuse
- Pregnancy and Adoption
- Parenting Issues
- Marital Issues/Divorce
- Grieving
- Emotional and Mental Problems
- Eating disorders
- Stress
- Pornography
- Study the scriptures and other good books
- Improve your ability to read, write and do basic math
- Learn to communicate effectively with others
- Obtain formal education or equivalent training necessary for employment
- Take advantage of other opportunities to gain more knowledge
- Same as “Home Storage” above plus:
- Medication and first aid supplies
- Clothing and bedding
- Important documents
- Communication in a disaster
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.