From a talk given 4/26/09
The 8th Article of Faith
I find it interesting that the 8th Article of Faith comes with a caveat: “...as far as it is translated correctly.”
To illustrate how easily a simple error can happen, I want to tell you about my Aunt Becky. She was up early one Christmas morning, preparing a special recipe, and discovered she was out of whole cloves. She called her friend across town to see if she could borrow some. The conversation went something like this:
Do you have any whole cloves at your house?
Yes, I think so. Do you need them today?
Yes, for Christmas. And the stores are all closed.
Okay, I’ll look around and see what I’ve got, and leave them in a bag on your porch.
My aunt later went out to check her porch, and her friend had left her a large grocery bag, rather than the small package she was expecting. On inspecting the contents, it turned out her friend had not brought any whole cloves, but instead left her a bag of old clothes. Clearly, something was lost in the translation!
It becomes obvious that, over thousands of years, in hundreds of languages, translation is bound to produce errors, and some of them major.
Prof. George Handley recently spoke at BYU on “The Risk in Scripture Reading.” (I don’t ordinarily think of scripture reading as risky behavior. But he says the risk is of misinterpreting, of getting it wrong.) He says, ”The possibilities and combinations are as innumerable as the human population itself.”
He then submits the Book of Mormon as the perfect solution to these varied (and hence, risky) approaches to scripture: “The Book of Mormon collapses this binary opposition. It is a book of scripture that offers transcendent understanding in response to individual belief.” I agree that having the Book of Mormon as both a great clarifier and a second witness makes the 8th Article of Faith especially significant. It is no accident that these two books are mentioned together, in the same verse. It means so much more than “having two”. It means having truth.
It’s typical to hear a child -- or even an adult -- rattle off the 8th Article of Faith like this:
webelievetheBibletobethewordofGodasfarasitistranslatedcorrectly.
(Pause. Breathe.) wealsobelievetheBookofMormontobethewordofGod.
But when it’s said that way, the emphasis is where the pause is...”as far as it is translated correctly.”
The phrase that I would most like to focus on is this: The Bible and the Book of Mormon are the word of God. That should never be rattled off lightly, but rather, spoken with reverence and awe: The word of *GOD* (that Supreme Being, all-knowing, all-powerful, Creator of the Universe.) God’s own words. Right here. For us.
I would like to share some times when I’ve heard and felt the literal word of God come into my life through the scriptures.
As a teenager,
I was deeply hurt by someone I was dating (it happens to the best of us), and found deep solace in the book of Jacob. When he described “feelings that were exceedingly tender and chaste and delicate before God,” I felt he was speaking directly to me. He knew my heart. In the very next chapter were these comforting words:
1 Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions...
2 O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever. (Jacob 2:7, 3:1-2)
As a college student,
a friend came home from his mission eager to show me what he had learned in the 24th chapter of Luke. He’d have me read a verse, then ask what was happening.
So what’s happening here?
They’re walking down that road?
Okay, next verse. Now what happened?
They’re talking about Christ.
Good. What happens next?
Christ draws near....(etc.)
He said, “Isn’t that the coolest thing you’ve ever read?”
I looked again. “Well, yeah, it’s cool that he comes to them right when they’re talking about him, and they don’t even know it. And I like the part where they burn inside and realize it was Him.”
“Look at it again”, he said. “When you break it down to simple subject-and-verb basics, this chapter becomes an exact outline of the steps to gaining a testimony. This is how it works.”
I looked again, tried to see what he was showing me, and suddenly saw with new eyes. Just like in those verses: “There eyes were holden, that they should not know him.” And then in verse 27 it says the first thing he did was open up the scriptures, and teach them about Him: “he cexpounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. Suddenly this verse took on a rich meaning I’d missed before, and every verse came alive, pointing out how we come to know the Savior, and how that knowledge is manifest in our lives.
That basic subject-and-verb, what I like to call the bare bones, or Skeleton, of Luke 24:13-53 becomes an outline of the steps required for each of us to obtain a testimony. And patterns like that show up all over the scriptures when you stop and look for them. I have never studied the scriptures the same way since that day.
Before my mission,
a friend gave me a copy of Richard Anderson’s book, Understanding Paul. Learning some of that historical background, understanding different social factions such as the Gnostics, discovering the ancient derivations of some key words from Greek and Hebrew, gave me a much deeper and richer appreciation for the Pauline epistles, and for the Savior himself. I suddenly felt as Paul wrote, “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” I was hungry for more. I literally felt like in the scriptures “we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Cor.2:16) I fell in love with the New Testament and couldn’t wait to share the Savior’s voice with the people I was about to teach.
As a missionary,
the scriptures, and especially the Book of Mormon, often supplied answers to investigators’ questions I never could have answered so profoundly or succinctly on my own. Jeff and I were both in the California Arcadia mission, Spanish-speaking. Because of the socio-economic factors in that segment of the population, one of the biggest stumbling blocks for our investigators was (believe it or not) marriage. Mothers could actually make significantly more money on welfare if they remained single than they could if they were married. So many were resistant to take that important step toward baptism. I taught one couple, Gretel and Gustavo Martinez, in that situation. They were from Nicaragua, and they had the most adorable little boys, Gustavito and Armandito. I used to, as Nephi said, “pray...for them by day, and...water my pillow by night” (2 Ne. 33:3) because I was so sad to think these little boys could never be sealed to their parents, because they hadn’t been married or baptized. One morning I woke up and was led straight to D&C 49:15: “Marriage is ordained of God.” I knew exactly the next principle we had to teach them.
As a young bride,
I was called to be relief society president in our student ward, and was concerned that so many of the young women were not participating in Sunday School because they were intimidated by all the returned misisonaries. Our SS curriculum that year was the Old Testament, and I started an Old Testament discussion group based on the SS reading schedule to give these young girls more familiarity with this wonderful book. During this time I became pregnant with our oldest son, Joshua. I was very, very sick and Jeff would often come home from school and find me asleep on the bathroom floor. At the same time, I was self-employed and trying to keep a fledgling business afloat. I was feeling completely overwhelmed. I will never forget when our next discussion was in Exodus 4, about Moses describing his weakness and inadequacy to the Lord:
10 ¶ And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.
14 And the Lord said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.
Suddenly it struck me that just as the Lord provided someone to help Moses in his moment of self-doubt, I didn’t have to do it all by myself either. I felt like He was giving me the wisdom and the permission to hire someone to help me.
As a Gospel Doctrine teacher,
I started a practice I still continue. I buy a new set of scriptures every four years, so I can get a fresh read, hear what the Lord is saying to me NOW, at this point in time. I buy the cheap paperbacks so I can mark them up to my heart’s content. Even after several trips through the standard works, the first time I taught Sunday School, I discovered so many things that I’d never noticed or felt or understood before. And I uncovered layers of richness I might have missed had I not had the opportunity to teach.
I particularly remember studying the story of the Brother of Jared. I was away on vacation, and struggling with insomnia, was reading in the wee hours of the morning. I remember being suddenly so struck with the power, the symbols, the metaphors, the sheer beauty of that story, and just sat there with tears streaming down my face as I read. I already had a strong testimony of the Book of Mormon, but for some reason the Lord had spoken its truthfulness to me again as I read about and pondered the Brother of Jared.
My second time teaching Book of Mormon in Gospel Doctrine, I chose to approach the year as “Book of Mormon Therapy”, the idea that there were many problems in our lives we could find answers to, solutions for, and even minor soul-repair in the scriptures. I wasn’t prepared for what happened next. A new family moved into the area, and the wife set about carving out a niche for herself by breaking up other friendships. She became quite divisive as she weaseled her way into friendships, and she had singled out two of my closest friends, trying to get closer to them by talking about me behind my back. I had a hard time having any kind feelings at all for this woman, and my heart was hardening toward her. But as I read the Book of Mormon I realized the one who perhaps most needed this “Book of Mormon therapy” was me. Over several months of intense study, I rediscovered that one of the strongest overarching themes of the Book of Mormon was love, and that it was impossible to sincerely study without being touched by that love and radiating it outward. This woman eventually became a friend, and my heart had been softened and changed by the word of God.
And now, serving in the primary,
I’ve found it a great gift to be able to share my love of the scriptures with children. We had a sharing time on the Witnesses of Christ in the Book of Mormon, and as I wrote the script and called on various speakers, I was amazed at how many there are. I had the privilege of telling the story of the Brother of Jared to the children and feel that spirit fill the room. Last week we reenacted Christ’s visit in Third Nephi, and again was touched by the words of Christ spoken by guest readers. Our theme for the year is Family, and I was also amazed to discover a strong pattern throughout the Bible and the Book of Mormon of families who journey into the wilderness in search of a new home, and find closeness and protection from God in the process.
Our family is undergoing a similar journey ourselves right now. Our oldest son is in the wilderness, both literally and metaphorically, as he figures a few things out, and he seems to have already found a stronger connection to God. During this time I’m seeking comfort, guidance and hope by reading about families in the scriptures who have struggled with youth who stray from the path. I’m learning from Adam and Eve, Lehi and Sariah, Alma and Alma the Younger...and later his son Corianton.
I often feel like we’re living out these stories ourselves...
• when I hear Jeff talk to Josh: “exhorting [him] with all the feeling of a tender parent” and sounding for all the world like Father Lehi.
• when I feel like we’re witnessing a turnaround not quite as dramatic Alma the Younger, but still amazing
• when I am prompted to do or say something in particular, “not knowing beforehand the way I should go”
And I felt a special kinship with God himself when I read how the “heavens wept” when one of His sons was cast out.
I had an interesting experience this past week. I had the opportunity to meet in person several people I have only known online, through my blog. Several of these blog friends are professional writers, and came to Provo for a writers’ conference. I was really looking forward to meeting these people because in some ways I know them better than the people I know in “real life”: We take time to laugh and cry over each other's posts. We encourage each other. We seek (and gain) understanding. Sometimes we offer advice. (I probably give too much). We often share deep spiritual experiences. We come to know a side of each other that the rest of the world probably misses. Completely. I found it amazing that these virtual strangers, some from as far away as Poland and Canada, can know my heart so well; have already become my very real friends. All through reading each others’ words.
I hope it will be this way someday when we meet the Savior and return to live with our Father in Heaven...That we will feel no more bonded then than we already are now through reading His words in the scriptures: “That when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” (Moroni 7:48)
I know the Bible and the Book of Mormon and all our standard works are the word of God. I know He has spoken to me personally through their pages. I hope we can all drink more deeply, seek more earnestly, and never take for granted the incredible power of his words when we allow them into our lives.
Showing posts with label Five S's: Story-Skeleton-Specifics-Synthesis-Savior. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Five S's: Story-Skeleton-Specifics-Synthesis-Savior. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Thursday, August 7, 2008
The Babylonian Idol vs. the Fiery Furnace
1. Start with Storytelling
Apparently King Nebuchadnezzar fancied himself a sculptor. He crafted a golden Idol, and installed it in some field in Babylon. Then he invited a bunch of celebrities and dignitaries to a fancy dedication of said idol. While they were assembled there, the herald made a decree that whenever they hear the Babylonian band play, they have to fall down and worship the idol. Anyone who failed to do so would be thrown into a fiery furnace.
So when the people heard the Babylonian band play, they all fell down and worshiped the king's idol. All except the Jews. Some Chaldeans noticed and were a bit put out. They went to the king and reminded him of his policy and its penalty. Then they pointed out that three of the top leaders in Babylon were Jews, yet have disregarded the king and do not worship the golden image. The king flew into a rage and ordered that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought before him.
"Is this true?" he asked,"that you won't serve my gods or worship my idols?" He continued, “Look, I like you guys. I’m going ot give you one last chance. If you'll be ready to fall down and worship the next time the Babylonian band plays, then all's well. But if not, I'll have you thrown into a fiery furnace this very hour." Then he threw in one final dig: "Who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?" In other words, “I’d like to see somebody try and rescue you now,” asserting his own power.
Our heroes replied that they'd do nothing of the sort, and that God would protect them. With one caveat: But if not..we'll have you know that we still won't worship your lousy idol. (Two can play at this stubbornness game.)
Nebuchadnezzar was so filled with rage that his whole countenance changed. All at once he ordered that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual, and commanded the mightiest men in his army to tie them up and throw them into the burning fiery furnace. The fire in the furnace was so hot that the men who led them there died. Shadrach. Meshach and Abednego fell down, bound, in the middle of the fiery furnace.
Then all of a sudden Nebuchadnezzar jumps up and says, "Hey, didn't we throw three guys into the furnace? Well, I can see four, and one of them looks for all the world like the Son of God." Then Nebuchadnezzar calls to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and asks them to step forward. All the celebrities and dignitaries are standing there watching, as the three men emerge, completely untouched by the flames...they don't even smell like smoke!
Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who have sacrificed themselves in honor to serve and obey Him. Anybody who speaks ill of their God will be chopped into pieces and buried in a dunghill.” (He still has a bit to learn about charity.) And all three were given promotions.
And it is still the same today.
2. Sketch the Skeleton
v. 1-5 Idolatry established as standard
v. 2 Officials support position
v. 6 Punishment for those who don't follow suit
v. 7 Everybody follows suit
v. 12, 16-18 Covenant people refuse to lower standards
v. 18 Submit to God’s will (But if not...)
v. 19 Punished severely (threatened certain death)
v. 24-25 Christ ministers to them in the midst of the fiery furnace
v. 27 Emerge unscathed, even untouched.
v. 28 Witnesses observe power of God
v. 29 Witnesses seek God
v. 30 Resultant blessings
The pattern that develops is one of pointedly choosing a way that is oppposite of the world’s, and perhaps suffering for it. Submitting to God’s will regardless of consequences, even if it means sacrificing our lives. Enjoying the peace only Christ can bring. Witnessing to the world.
We are Missionaries by example, simply by keeping our covenants in a troubled world.
3. Single out Specifics
Note the arrogance in verse 15 when King Nebuchadnezzar says “Who is that god that shall deliver you?” This is reminiscent of King Noah in Mosiah 11:27 "Who is Abinadi, that I and my people should be judged of him? And Who is the Lord, to bring such affliction upon my people?" And also of Cain in Moses 5:16 “Who is the Lord, that I should know him?” This is not good company to be found in! The difference here is that King Nebuchadnezzar did ultimately come to know the Lord and His power, and was humbled by it.
4. Strive for Synthesis
Something worthy of exploring might be “What are some examples of Idol Worship we see today? No golden statues, per se, but what other forms of idolatry are prevalent and even standard practice in today’s world?
One great question to ask ourselves might be “What is MY fiery furnace? and then, “In what ways did Christ minister to me in the midst of those trials?” And perhaps even, “What effect has that had on those around me?
Example: I was given a Priesthood blessing with a promise that some of my emotional scars would disappear to the point that it would be as if I had never been wounded. This has come to be true.
5. See the Savior
The obvious place where we see the Savior is with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the midst of the fiery furnace.
The men killed by the flames of the furnace alludes to Transfiguration: That no man can stand in the presence of God except he be changed spiritually. Shadrach and friends could withstand the heavenly fire, but their executors could not.
We also see Him when Shadrach and friends assert BUT IF NOT, submitting to God’s will by the giving of their lives for what they know to be right. The difference here is that when Christ submitted and accepted the bitter cup He was not rescued. He carried it through to the death, atoning for each of us in the process. We have a rescuer and a Savior, yet He did not. He later showed forth his marvelous power by taking his life up again and resurrecting, creating a way for each of us, regardless of life’s circumstances and trials and disease and affliction, to emerge with perfect bodies in the resurrection.
I know that the Savior lives. I know that he comes to us in our trials.
I’ve felt him minister to me in the depths of my own fiery furnaces. I’ve seen him deliver me from pain, sorrow, heartache, and sin. I know that he sacrificed himself and his life for each one of us. I know that he expects each of us to stand as a witness for him, as living examples of his teachings and his atonement. I know we can hear His voice as we immerse ourselves in his scriptures.
Apparently King Nebuchadnezzar fancied himself a sculptor. He crafted a golden Idol, and installed it in some field in Babylon. Then he invited a bunch of celebrities and dignitaries to a fancy dedication of said idol. While they were assembled there, the herald made a decree that whenever they hear the Babylonian band play, they have to fall down and worship the idol. Anyone who failed to do so would be thrown into a fiery furnace.
So when the people heard the Babylonian band play, they all fell down and worshiped the king's idol. All except the Jews. Some Chaldeans noticed and were a bit put out. They went to the king and reminded him of his policy and its penalty. Then they pointed out that three of the top leaders in Babylon were Jews, yet have disregarded the king and do not worship the golden image. The king flew into a rage and ordered that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought before him.
"Is this true?" he asked,"that you won't serve my gods or worship my idols?" He continued, “Look, I like you guys. I’m going ot give you one last chance. If you'll be ready to fall down and worship the next time the Babylonian band plays, then all's well. But if not, I'll have you thrown into a fiery furnace this very hour." Then he threw in one final dig: "Who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?" In other words, “I’d like to see somebody try and rescue you now,” asserting his own power.
Our heroes replied that they'd do nothing of the sort, and that God would protect them. With one caveat: But if not..we'll have you know that we still won't worship your lousy idol. (Two can play at this stubbornness game.)
Nebuchadnezzar was so filled with rage that his whole countenance changed. All at once he ordered that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual, and commanded the mightiest men in his army to tie them up and throw them into the burning fiery furnace. The fire in the furnace was so hot that the men who led them there died. Shadrach. Meshach and Abednego fell down, bound, in the middle of the fiery furnace.
Then all of a sudden Nebuchadnezzar jumps up and says, "Hey, didn't we throw three guys into the furnace? Well, I can see four, and one of them looks for all the world like the Son of God." Then Nebuchadnezzar calls to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and asks them to step forward. All the celebrities and dignitaries are standing there watching, as the three men emerge, completely untouched by the flames...they don't even smell like smoke!
Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who have sacrificed themselves in honor to serve and obey Him. Anybody who speaks ill of their God will be chopped into pieces and buried in a dunghill.” (He still has a bit to learn about charity.) And all three were given promotions.
And it is still the same today.
2. Sketch the Skeleton
v. 1-5 Idolatry established as standard
v. 2 Officials support position
v. 6 Punishment for those who don't follow suit
v. 7 Everybody follows suit
v. 12, 16-18 Covenant people refuse to lower standards
v. 18 Submit to God’s will (But if not...)
v. 19 Punished severely (threatened certain death)
v. 24-25 Christ ministers to them in the midst of the fiery furnace
v. 27 Emerge unscathed, even untouched.
v. 28 Witnesses observe power of God
v. 29 Witnesses seek God
v. 30 Resultant blessings
The pattern that develops is one of pointedly choosing a way that is oppposite of the world’s, and perhaps suffering for it. Submitting to God’s will regardless of consequences, even if it means sacrificing our lives. Enjoying the peace only Christ can bring. Witnessing to the world.
We are Missionaries by example, simply by keeping our covenants in a troubled world.
3. Single out Specifics
Note the arrogance in verse 15 when King Nebuchadnezzar says “Who is that god that shall deliver you?” This is reminiscent of King Noah in Mosiah 11:27 "Who is Abinadi, that I and my people should be judged of him? And Who is the Lord, to bring such affliction upon my people?" And also of Cain in Moses 5:16 “Who is the Lord, that I should know him?” This is not good company to be found in! The difference here is that King Nebuchadnezzar did ultimately come to know the Lord and His power, and was humbled by it.
4. Strive for Synthesis
Something worthy of exploring might be “What are some examples of Idol Worship we see today? No golden statues, per se, but what other forms of idolatry are prevalent and even standard practice in today’s world?
One great question to ask ourselves might be “What is MY fiery furnace? and then, “In what ways did Christ minister to me in the midst of those trials?” And perhaps even, “What effect has that had on those around me?
Example: I was given a Priesthood blessing with a promise that some of my emotional scars would disappear to the point that it would be as if I had never been wounded. This has come to be true.
5. See the Savior
The obvious place where we see the Savior is with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the midst of the fiery furnace.
The men killed by the flames of the furnace alludes to Transfiguration: That no man can stand in the presence of God except he be changed spiritually. Shadrach and friends could withstand the heavenly fire, but their executors could not.
We also see Him when Shadrach and friends assert BUT IF NOT, submitting to God’s will by the giving of their lives for what they know to be right. The difference here is that when Christ submitted and accepted the bitter cup He was not rescued. He carried it through to the death, atoning for each of us in the process. We have a rescuer and a Savior, yet He did not. He later showed forth his marvelous power by taking his life up again and resurrecting, creating a way for each of us, regardless of life’s circumstances and trials and disease and affliction, to emerge with perfect bodies in the resurrection.
I know that the Savior lives. I know that he comes to us in our trials.
I’ve felt him minister to me in the depths of my own fiery furnaces. I’ve seen him deliver me from pain, sorrow, heartache, and sin. I know that he sacrificed himself and his life for each one of us. I know that he expects each of us to stand as a witness for him, as living examples of his teachings and his atonement. I know we can hear His voice as we immerse ourselves in his scriptures.
Making the Scriptures come Alive With Meaning
1. Start with Story: (Particularly Storytelling)
The Brother of Jared, Zeniff, Jonah, Shadrach, Joshua...I have hundreds of favorites.
(We're not talking puppet shows and flannel boards. More like channeling all the richness and truth from your preparation and feeding it to your class in story form.)
Becomes a vehicle for:
a. Sequence (putting things in a historical context)
b. Scenario (setting the stage)
c. Symbolism can be brought out subtly within the story)
d. Substance (helping your students feel the richness of the text, sense something deeper)
e. Spirit (Let the Holy Ghost connect the dots)
Note: Storytelling is especially helpful in class situations where the preparation of individual class members is varied. Telling the story helps put everybody on the same page before you begin your discussion.
Note 2: Frequently when teaching a scripture passage with limited story potential I will tell a personal story that is analogous with the principles we're discussing. This helps pull the class into the discussion, and helps with Synthesis later on.
2. Sketch the Skeleton (Boiling the events down to the bare bones)
Great texts to do this with are:
a. Road to Emmaus
b. Calming the storm
c. Joseph Smith’s first vision account
3. Single out Specifics (words, phrases, patterns, or a particular verse)
Some examples:
a. Press implies resistance; Succor: Run to their aid
b. The repetition of the word Remember repeated in Alma 5 and Helaman 5
c. 40 Questions in Alma 5
d. Examples of action verbs in Mary/Martha/Lazarus story
e. Mentions of anger/wrath in Zeniff/King Laman story
f. The mention of Desires repeated in D&C Section 6 (We choose)
4. Strive for Synthesis
This is where I ask for lots of class participation and focus on practical application:
a. Likening (See yourself, replace names, etc.)
b. Modern-day equivalent: Broken bow = job loss
c. How does this apply to me right now?
d. What am I going to take home and do differently?
5. See the Savior (If we seek Him, we shall find Him)
He is everywhere within the scriptures, if we look carefully, with spiritual eyes.
a. Search for Types of Christ
b. Seek his teachings
c. Look for opportunities to testify
And of course, in and around and throughout all of these steps it is essential to Sense the Spirit.
The Brother of Jared, Zeniff, Jonah, Shadrach, Joshua...I have hundreds of favorites.
(We're not talking puppet shows and flannel boards. More like channeling all the richness and truth from your preparation and feeding it to your class in story form.)
Becomes a vehicle for:
a. Sequence (putting things in a historical context)
b. Scenario (setting the stage)
c. Symbolism can be brought out subtly within the story)
d. Substance (helping your students feel the richness of the text, sense something deeper)
e. Spirit (Let the Holy Ghost connect the dots)
Note: Storytelling is especially helpful in class situations where the preparation of individual class members is varied. Telling the story helps put everybody on the same page before you begin your discussion.
Note 2: Frequently when teaching a scripture passage with limited story potential I will tell a personal story that is analogous with the principles we're discussing. This helps pull the class into the discussion, and helps with Synthesis later on.
2. Sketch the Skeleton (Boiling the events down to the bare bones)
Great texts to do this with are:
a. Road to Emmaus
b. Calming the storm
c. Joseph Smith’s first vision account
3. Single out Specifics (words, phrases, patterns, or a particular verse)
Some examples:
a. Press implies resistance; Succor: Run to their aid
b. The repetition of the word Remember repeated in Alma 5 and Helaman 5
c. 40 Questions in Alma 5
d. Examples of action verbs in Mary/Martha/Lazarus story
e. Mentions of anger/wrath in Zeniff/King Laman story
f. The mention of Desires repeated in D&C Section 6 (We choose)
4. Strive for Synthesis
This is where I ask for lots of class participation and focus on practical application:
a. Likening (See yourself, replace names, etc.)
b. Modern-day equivalent: Broken bow = job loss
c. How does this apply to me right now?
d. What am I going to take home and do differently?
5. See the Savior (If we seek Him, we shall find Him)
He is everywhere within the scriptures, if we look carefully, with spiritual eyes.
a. Search for Types of Christ
b. Seek his teachings
c. Look for opportunities to testify
And of course, in and around and throughout all of these steps it is essential to Sense the Spirit.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Submission vs. Selfishness in the Book of Mormon
Start with Storytelling
Seven years ago I had a series of dreams....
I’d been sufficiently humbled by some recent harrowing experiences and therefore was in a more receptive frame of mind than usual. :) Rich symbols and content made these dreams stand out as spiritually significant, and I recognized them as a form of personal revelation.
One spoke of the influence of extended family on our children, and another spoke of a new home, away from California; of an amazing gift that I could never repay. In my earliest waking hours, as I pondered the dreams, their message became clear: The Lord intended us to move to Utah.
At first I felt a reluctance to leave my comfort zone: My immediate reaction was a flow of tears, and a silent protest: “No, Please No!”
School, missions and marriage had brought both of us to southern California, over and over again. We honestly felt that was where the Lord wanted and needed us to serve. At church we held meaningful callings, had opportunities to contribute to the Kingdom there, and our ward was filled with amazing role models who loved us as much as we loved them. Our friends there had become our surrogate family. Most of all, just months ago we’d buried our baby there.
However, I remembered the goodness of God (particularly in my recent trials) and I could not say no. In a matter of moments I succumbed, knelt down and tearfully promised the Lord, “I’ll go where you want me to go.” Then for three full years I waited, more or less “pondering these things in my heart” (Luke 2:19), and at times wondering if perhaps we wouldn’t have to move after all.
When the time was right, we both knew. After all, we’d had three years to get used to the idea! I knew Jeff would get the job at BYU, knew our house would sell, knew it was time to go.
There were many steps involved in our final move, including job applications, buying and selling of houses, and painful goodbyes. Each required Faith, Trust, Courage, and Commitment to leave everything we know and love and journey into the relative unknown wilderness of Utah.
(Single out Specifics: Pattern)
Most of the resultant blessings are easily recognized:
Here we are. (Maybe the promised land).
The children are in better schools, our house is fully paid for, beautiful mountains surround us, with deer and quail in the back yard, Jeff’s work has been even better than we expected, and unforeseen additional career opportunities have arisen. We have more time for me to spend with our children. (We've had our needs met, and more, to the point that we’re in awe of the unexpected blessings!)
We don’t know what else the Lord has in store for us here, but we know this is where we’re supposed to be right now.
Strive for Synthesis: Likening
The Book of Mormon also begins with the story of one family, instructed in a dream to leave their dream house and their comfort zone, and be led by God through a series of unknowns.
(Single out Specifics: Pattern)
There were varying levels of Faith, Trust, Courage, Commitment:
Resultant blessings:
Led to Promised Land
Had Scriptures and Liahona
Serendipitous abundance -- needs met and much more
Righteous posterity for those who continued to submit
One great example of non-submission (besides Laman and Lemuel) was Zeniff. I used to think that segment was more of a segue, but in the last couple of years I’m come to see its significance.
Strive for Synthesis: Likening
Zeniff is like us. We’re not as wicked as King Noah, just fail to submit in subtler ways sometimes. Zeniff was a pretty good guy, but he got this idea in his head, described as “an over-zealousness to obtain the land of [his] inheritance.” (Here we see selfishness, impatience, and a sense of entitlement.)
More Storytelling
He convinced a group to venture there with him, and experienced much affliction en route because “they were slow to remember the Lord their God.“ He was also a bit of a schmoozer, and lacked discernment -- Zeniff mistakenly thought King Laman was his buddy, but he turned out to be a crafty, conniving double-crosser with a plan of his own (much like Satan operates). He allowed them to settle there with cunning plans to eventually overtake them. In the meantime, they they moved right in and started landscaping and remodeling.
King Laman felt a bit threatened by their progress, and decided to assemble armies against them. Even though Zeniff repented and began to rely on the Lord’s strength in battle, his earlier headstrong behavior and lack of submission had long-lasting consequences, resulting in numerous wars and roughly three generations of bondage.
In fact the entire Book of Mormon becomes a text on submission vs. selfishness. As I’ve studied it this past week, there appear to be five types and levels of submission:
Sketch the Skeleton
1. Honoring: Submitting to a parent, leader or spouse in righteousness. Sariah “complained against her husband” at one point, fearing their sons’ demise and calling Lehi “a visionary man”. Lehi in turn submitted to her, “I am a visionary man.” then went on to remind her the positive aspects of that, and that they truly were being led by the Lord. In D&C 6 The Lord instructs Oliver Cowdry to “be diligent; stand by my servant Joseph faithfully, in whatsoever difficult circumstances.” In the next verse he tells him to give and receive counsel without getting defensive, then reminds him TWICE to be patient. (Strive for synthesis) We have covenanted to honor our spouses and the priesthood in that way.
2. Obedience: Just plain keeping the commandments. The book of Mormon tells us countless times that we’ll prosper if we keep the commandments, but if not we’ll be cut off from the presence of God. Nephi’s obedience is exemplary and familiar to us. (Single out specifics: Pattern) Listen for the Faith, Trust, Courage, and Commitment he exhibits in these oft-quoted verses: 1 Ne. 3:7 “I will go and do... for I know...He shall prepare a way.” Sometimes we don't yet know why, just what: “I know that He loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.” (1 Nephi 11:17) At times just understanding God’s love was enough for Nephi to submit.
3. Yielding: Willingness to be led by Spirit and follow promptings. A great example is Nephi obtaining the plates from Laban... "I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.” (1 Nephi 4:6)
Elder Maxwell said: “To the extent that we are not willing to be led by the Lord, we will, instead be driven by our appetites and be preoccupied with the lesser things and the pressing cares of the day. (King Benjamin’s Speech: A Manual for Discipleship, FARMS, 1998)”
Therefore King Benjamin admonishes us to “yield to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and put off the natural man and become a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and become as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love.” (Mosiah 3:19)
(Strive for Synthesis)
Almost every night when I tuck 6-year-old Jeremiah into bed, he asks me to scratch his back and sing “How Gentle God’s Commands.” This small child finds comfort and security in hearing about God’s infinite goodness, how we can trust in His constant care, and how the very things we’re asked to do are in essence kind and gentle gifts. The line “That hand which bears all nature up shall guard His children well” inspires complete trust. I hope that through the words of that hymn, which he now knows by heart, Jeremiah’s developing the seeds of submission: Faith, trust, courage, commitment. (Single out Specifics: Pattern)
- Yielding also includes being guided in our prayers (asking for that which is right) When Jesus ministered to the saints in 3rd Nephi, it says: “And it was given them what they should pray...”
(3 Ne. 19:24) Even our prayers should be submissive and inspired.
3. Bearing: Accepting trials -- even the Abrahamic ones -- with grace. (e.g: Job, Joseph Smith, Alma and his people.) This is what King Benjamin refers to when he asks us to “become as a child, submissive, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.” (Mosaih 3:19) The Lord made this easier for Alma and his people in Mosiah 24. Although he would not yet remove their trials, he told them: “I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage;...And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.” (Strive for Synthesis: Likening) I’ve had my own burdens lightened many times by the Lord, sometimes to the point that I didn’t even realize the tremendous load I was carrying until someone else pointed it out to me.
This includes those trials where our submission reaps a seemingly undesirable outcome, (e.g. Zion’s Camp, a difficult and seemingly failed journey which resulted in the training, selection and preparation of much of the early church’s leadership.)
Faith, trust, courage, commitment. (Single out Specifics: Patterns)
4. Consecration: Unflinching, unhesitating giving of all that we have and are to the Lord. Following Chirst as true disciples, submitting fully to the point that we have the mind of Christ and turn our very lives over to him. Pres Kimball said: "If we do merely our conventional duty in the church, we will not have proven valiant.” Elder Maxwell added: "If we are serious about our discipleship, Jesus will eventually request each of us to do those very things which are most difficult for us to do.” (A Time to Choose, 1972 Deseret Book)
e.g: Abinadi would not relent until he had delivered his message -- and given his life. Like Jesus, Abinadi let his own will be “swallowed up in the will of the Father.” (Mosiah 15:7) Total submission.
In contrast, King Noah arrogantly refused to submit. “Who is Abinadi?” and “Who is the Lord?” that they should tell me what to do? Mosiah 11 says he “did not keep the commandments of God, but he did walk after the desires of his own heart.” We see this in his incredible indolence, “riotous living” and licentious behavior. This supposed “freedom” brought severe taxation and bondage to his people. His cruel murder of Abinadi ironically brought about his own death, by the same manner.
The Nephites who saw and followed Christ submitted fully, consecrating all that they had: “And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift.” (4 Nephi 1:3) 4 Nephi tells us: “Surely there could not be a happier people among all who had been created by the hand of God....And how blessed were they!”, enjoying 200 years of peace.
See the Savior
Ultimate example of submission: The Atonement.
Jesus, creator of the world, son of God was still astonished at the pain and suffering required for the atonement. Even with his Godlike understanding, he was not prepared for the enormity of that experience in its fullness. It was much, much worse than even He had imagined, to the point that he wanted to shrink:
Matt. 26: 39: And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
Strive for Synthesis
He requires a similar surrender of will from us:
(3 Ne. 18: 8) “And it came to pass that when he said these words, he commanded his Disciples that they should take of the... cup and drink of it, and that they should also give unto the multitude that they might drink of it.”
As we take the sacrament, we partake of a far less bitter cup than the Savior’s, yet we promise to come unto Christ, and partake of his salvation, and offer our whole souls unto him in return. (Omni 1:26).
I pray we can all have the faith, trust, courage and commitment to follow the Savior wherever he may lead us.
Seven years ago I had a series of dreams....
I’d been sufficiently humbled by some recent harrowing experiences and therefore was in a more receptive frame of mind than usual. :) Rich symbols and content made these dreams stand out as spiritually significant, and I recognized them as a form of personal revelation.
One spoke of the influence of extended family on our children, and another spoke of a new home, away from California; of an amazing gift that I could never repay. In my earliest waking hours, as I pondered the dreams, their message became clear: The Lord intended us to move to Utah.
At first I felt a reluctance to leave my comfort zone: My immediate reaction was a flow of tears, and a silent protest: “No, Please No!”
School, missions and marriage had brought both of us to southern California, over and over again. We honestly felt that was where the Lord wanted and needed us to serve. At church we held meaningful callings, had opportunities to contribute to the Kingdom there, and our ward was filled with amazing role models who loved us as much as we loved them. Our friends there had become our surrogate family. Most of all, just months ago we’d buried our baby there.
However, I remembered the goodness of God (particularly in my recent trials) and I could not say no. In a matter of moments I succumbed, knelt down and tearfully promised the Lord, “I’ll go where you want me to go.” Then for three full years I waited, more or less “pondering these things in my heart” (Luke 2:19), and at times wondering if perhaps we wouldn’t have to move after all.
When the time was right, we both knew. After all, we’d had three years to get used to the idea! I knew Jeff would get the job at BYU, knew our house would sell, knew it was time to go.
There were many steps involved in our final move, including job applications, buying and selling of houses, and painful goodbyes. Each required Faith, Trust, Courage, and Commitment to leave everything we know and love and journey into the relative unknown wilderness of Utah.
(Single out Specifics: Pattern)
Most of the resultant blessings are easily recognized:
Here we are. (Maybe the promised land).
The children are in better schools, our house is fully paid for, beautiful mountains surround us, with deer and quail in the back yard, Jeff’s work has been even better than we expected, and unforeseen additional career opportunities have arisen. We have more time for me to spend with our children. (We've had our needs met, and more, to the point that we’re in awe of the unexpected blessings!)
We don’t know what else the Lord has in store for us here, but we know this is where we’re supposed to be right now.
Strive for Synthesis: Likening
The Book of Mormon also begins with the story of one family, instructed in a dream to leave their dream house and their comfort zone, and be led by God through a series of unknowns.
(Single out Specifics: Pattern)
There were varying levels of Faith, Trust, Courage, Commitment:
- Lehi went willingly, and obediently. (1 Nephi 2:2-4)
- Nephi sought confirmation and also followed willingly. (1 Nephi 11)
- Laman and Lemuel whined the entire time. Went, but with lousy attitude, contantly threatening to return to Jerusalem. (Notice no one complained when they were instructed to obtain wives, however.) :)
Resultant blessings:
Led to Promised Land
Had Scriptures and Liahona
Serendipitous abundance -- needs met and much more
Righteous posterity for those who continued to submit
One great example of non-submission (besides Laman and Lemuel) was Zeniff. I used to think that segment was more of a segue, but in the last couple of years I’m come to see its significance.
Strive for Synthesis: Likening
Zeniff is like us. We’re not as wicked as King Noah, just fail to submit in subtler ways sometimes. Zeniff was a pretty good guy, but he got this idea in his head, described as “an over-zealousness to obtain the land of [his] inheritance.” (Here we see selfishness, impatience, and a sense of entitlement.)
More Storytelling
He convinced a group to venture there with him, and experienced much affliction en route because “they were slow to remember the Lord their God.“ He was also a bit of a schmoozer, and lacked discernment -- Zeniff mistakenly thought King Laman was his buddy, but he turned out to be a crafty, conniving double-crosser with a plan of his own (much like Satan operates). He allowed them to settle there with cunning plans to eventually overtake them. In the meantime, they they moved right in and started landscaping and remodeling.
King Laman felt a bit threatened by their progress, and decided to assemble armies against them. Even though Zeniff repented and began to rely on the Lord’s strength in battle, his earlier headstrong behavior and lack of submission had long-lasting consequences, resulting in numerous wars and roughly three generations of bondage.
In fact the entire Book of Mormon becomes a text on submission vs. selfishness. As I’ve studied it this past week, there appear to be five types and levels of submission:
Sketch the Skeleton
1. Honoring: Submitting to a parent, leader or spouse in righteousness. Sariah “complained against her husband” at one point, fearing their sons’ demise and calling Lehi “a visionary man”. Lehi in turn submitted to her, “I am a visionary man.” then went on to remind her the positive aspects of that, and that they truly were being led by the Lord. In D&C 6 The Lord instructs Oliver Cowdry to “be diligent; stand by my servant Joseph faithfully, in whatsoever difficult circumstances.” In the next verse he tells him to give and receive counsel without getting defensive, then reminds him TWICE to be patient. (Strive for synthesis) We have covenanted to honor our spouses and the priesthood in that way.
2. Obedience: Just plain keeping the commandments. The book of Mormon tells us countless times that we’ll prosper if we keep the commandments, but if not we’ll be cut off from the presence of God. Nephi’s obedience is exemplary and familiar to us. (Single out specifics: Pattern) Listen for the Faith, Trust, Courage, and Commitment he exhibits in these oft-quoted verses: 1 Ne. 3:7 “I will go and do... for I know...He shall prepare a way.” Sometimes we don't yet know why, just what: “I know that He loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.” (1 Nephi 11:17) At times just understanding God’s love was enough for Nephi to submit.
3. Yielding: Willingness to be led by Spirit and follow promptings. A great example is Nephi obtaining the plates from Laban... "I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.” (1 Nephi 4:6)
Elder Maxwell said: “To the extent that we are not willing to be led by the Lord, we will, instead be driven by our appetites and be preoccupied with the lesser things and the pressing cares of the day. (King Benjamin’s Speech: A Manual for Discipleship, FARMS, 1998)”
Therefore King Benjamin admonishes us to “yield to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and put off the natural man and become a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and become as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love.” (Mosiah 3:19)
(Strive for Synthesis)
Almost every night when I tuck 6-year-old Jeremiah into bed, he asks me to scratch his back and sing “How Gentle God’s Commands.” This small child finds comfort and security in hearing about God’s infinite goodness, how we can trust in His constant care, and how the very things we’re asked to do are in essence kind and gentle gifts. The line “That hand which bears all nature up shall guard His children well” inspires complete trust. I hope that through the words of that hymn, which he now knows by heart, Jeremiah’s developing the seeds of submission: Faith, trust, courage, commitment. (Single out Specifics: Pattern)
- Yielding also includes being guided in our prayers (asking for that which is right) When Jesus ministered to the saints in 3rd Nephi, it says: “And it was given them what they should pray...”
(3 Ne. 19:24) Even our prayers should be submissive and inspired.
3. Bearing: Accepting trials -- even the Abrahamic ones -- with grace. (e.g: Job, Joseph Smith, Alma and his people.) This is what King Benjamin refers to when he asks us to “become as a child, submissive, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.” (Mosaih 3:19) The Lord made this easier for Alma and his people in Mosiah 24. Although he would not yet remove their trials, he told them: “I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage;...And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.” (Strive for Synthesis: Likening) I’ve had my own burdens lightened many times by the Lord, sometimes to the point that I didn’t even realize the tremendous load I was carrying until someone else pointed it out to me.
This includes those trials where our submission reaps a seemingly undesirable outcome, (e.g. Zion’s Camp, a difficult and seemingly failed journey which resulted in the training, selection and preparation of much of the early church’s leadership.)
Faith, trust, courage, commitment. (Single out Specifics: Patterns)
4. Consecration: Unflinching, unhesitating giving of all that we have and are to the Lord. Following Chirst as true disciples, submitting fully to the point that we have the mind of Christ and turn our very lives over to him. Pres Kimball said: "If we do merely our conventional duty in the church, we will not have proven valiant.” Elder Maxwell added: "If we are serious about our discipleship, Jesus will eventually request each of us to do those very things which are most difficult for us to do.” (A Time to Choose, 1972 Deseret Book)
e.g: Abinadi would not relent until he had delivered his message -- and given his life. Like Jesus, Abinadi let his own will be “swallowed up in the will of the Father.” (Mosiah 15:7) Total submission.
In contrast, King Noah arrogantly refused to submit. “Who is Abinadi?” and “Who is the Lord?” that they should tell me what to do? Mosiah 11 says he “did not keep the commandments of God, but he did walk after the desires of his own heart.” We see this in his incredible indolence, “riotous living” and licentious behavior. This supposed “freedom” brought severe taxation and bondage to his people. His cruel murder of Abinadi ironically brought about his own death, by the same manner.
The Nephites who saw and followed Christ submitted fully, consecrating all that they had: “And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift.” (4 Nephi 1:3) 4 Nephi tells us: “Surely there could not be a happier people among all who had been created by the hand of God....And how blessed were they!”, enjoying 200 years of peace.
See the Savior
Ultimate example of submission: The Atonement.
Jesus, creator of the world, son of God was still astonished at the pain and suffering required for the atonement. Even with his Godlike understanding, he was not prepared for the enormity of that experience in its fullness. It was much, much worse than even He had imagined, to the point that he wanted to shrink:
Matt. 26: 39: And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
Strive for Synthesis
He requires a similar surrender of will from us:
(3 Ne. 18: 8) “And it came to pass that when he said these words, he commanded his Disciples that they should take of the... cup and drink of it, and that they should also give unto the multitude that they might drink of it.”
As we take the sacrament, we partake of a far less bitter cup than the Savior’s, yet we promise to come unto Christ, and partake of his salvation, and offer our whole souls unto him in return. (Omni 1:26).
I pray we can all have the faith, trust, courage and commitment to follow the Savior wherever he may lead us.
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