Jambling Thoughts: We Can All Be Rich in Christ

The widows mite is a comforting story of Jesus, who explained how a widow who gave her small contribution of two mites had given more than any of the people in the room. But how could that be? Her contribution was far smaller than all the others, how could she have given the most? Jesus said, "And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury "  

How could this be was the question that entered everyone's mind, I am sure. Jesus said, "For all they did cast in of their abundance, but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living."

Was this woman rich in Christ? I believe she was.

A question we should ask ourselves is, if the the world belongs to our father does our money belong to us? No. Is it no wonder that the most righteous society that could possibly exist does not have money? The law of consecration is followed and everyone is righteous enough to maintain it in peace.

It has been said in the scripture that money is the root of all evil, so why do we love it?

I am not pushing that we should stop using money or become poor and homeless. Our society has to have money to currently function. I am saying lets change the way we think of money. Lets stop labeling people based on how much money they have or how successful they are.

In James it is taught we should love the poor just as much as we love the rich. It said:

"2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vileraiment;
3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool

4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:"

Why do we label people by the clothes they wear and the money they make? It is important that we stop caring about the amount of money in their wallets and think about the riches of our heart. A man can be rich but without Christ he is nothing. Let us stop putting money at such high importance and take a note from James and start loving all those who surround us, not just those that are like us or seemingly more successful than us. Let us go to the poor and love them, embrace them and help them.

Policies Verses Doctrine: Maintaining the Faith as We Await the Second Coming

 As we approach the April 2019 General Conference, I think it is important to prepare for change. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint is ever changing right now and it is an exciting time! I know many members who struggle with some of these changes and it can sometimes rattle their testimonies. It is important to remember, as prophecies are fulfilled policies within the church can change. Take for example, the New Testament. In Galatians:1-2 Paul cannot fathom that some of the Galation people could not give up the Law of Moses and partake the living Christ. The Law of Moses in short is the law of sacrifice. Christian Jews had an extremely hard time accepting that this was over. However, the prophecy was fulfilled, Jesus came and became the ultimate sacrifice.  As prophecies are fulfilled here on this Earth, changes will be made to policies to better adapt to our ever changing environment.

      Prophecy today, has been fulfilled. The world is getting increasingly more wicked, the family is being attacked and the church has had to make changes to better fit our circumstances. We have gone to the two hour church block to give us more time with our family and time to study within the walls of our home. This is because we know the best learning is within the home. This is what this generation needs to survive. Temple ceremonies have changed to better accommodate everyone and to save time-- because we have got to get it done! Youth can participate more in the temple, we are exhausting our resources because we are preparing for Christ's return! I feel an urgency in our Prophet's voice that we have a ton of work to do. 

      It is prophesied that a large ratio of the church will leave before Christ will come again. People may leave because of changes that are made, and if we get further doctrine in these latter days. Lets not be those people. Let us remember the Galation people as we approach conference. Remember their unbelief in the living Savior. These people who physically saw Jesus,  could not believe because of simply outdated gospel policy. These people saw Him with their own eyes and they still could not fathom change.  Paul held a conference to try and address these concerns. Do you see how without a doubt we are the true church of Christ? We are doing the same things done at the time of Christ! The gospel is not what is changing, it never was, it is the different policies that are changing. Remember the difference between doctrine and policy as we approach this conference and try to maintain your faith. 

I will close with the words of our current Prophet Russel M. Nelson, "In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."

We must seek our own personal revelation so we are not shaken when change comes. Let us be ready and look forward to the time Christ comes again. 

https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/gal/2?lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bd/law-of-moses?lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2018/04/revelation-for-the-church-revelation-for-our-lives?lang=eng