Random Thought #90

I recently finished Elder Bednar's latest book entitled "Increase in Learning". Its a relatively quick read but has some amazing thoughts and ideas in it. These are things which I have felt and understood inside but they never got any traction because they were considered rebel-like ideas. They didn't fit the mainstream of Mormonism. In fact, I'm not sure I've ever fit the mainstream of Mormonism very well. I'll quote Elder Bednar directly as I couldn't say it any better myself. Hopefully this will inspire you to want to read his book. I'll need to define doctrines, principles, and applications first so that you understand what he is saying. According to Elder Bednar: "A gospel doctrine is a truth-a truth of salvation revealed by a loving Heavenly Father. Gospel doctrines are eternal, do not change, and pertain to the eternal progression and exaltation of Heavenly Father's sons and daughters. Doctrines such as the nature of the Godhead, the plan of happiness, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ are foundational, fundamental, and comprehensive. The core doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ are relatively few in number. Gospel doctrines answer the question of "why"?" "A gospel principle is a doctrinally based guideline for the righteous exercise of moral agency. Principles are subsets or components of broader gospel truths. Principles provide direction. Correct principles always are based upon and arise from doctrines, do not change, and answer the question of "what"?" "Applications are the actual behaviors, action steps, practices, or procedures by which gospel doctrines and principles are enacted in our lives. Whereas doctrines and principles do not change, applications appropriately can vary according to needs and circumstances. Applications answer the question of "how"" "Thus, the overarching purpose of this concluding dispensation is to gather together in one all things in Christ. Let me suggest that the principle of gather together in one applies in a practical way to our daily learning and living of the gospel. Some members of the Church seem to compartmentalize the restored gospel into a lengthy list of things to do-as separate and unrelated "applications" to be accomplished and checked off. Daily scripture study-check. Personal and family prayer-check. Tithing-check. Family home evening-check. Temple attendance-check. Home and visiting teaching-check. But the purification, the joy, the happiness, the continuing conversion, and the spiritual power and protection that come from "yielding [our] hearts unto God" (Helaman 3:35) cannot be obtained merely by performing and checking off all of the gospel things we are supposed to do. Consistently completing the various tasks without experiencing the mighty change of heart and becoming more devoted disciples will not produce the spiritual strength we need to withstand the evils and opposition of the latter days. Rather, the power of the Savior's gospel to bless and guide us comes from the connectedness and interrelatedness of its doctrines, principles, and practices. Only as we gather together in one all things in Christ can we diligently strive to become what God desires us to become (see Matthew 5:48; 3 Nephi 12:48). And the framework of doctrines, principles, and applications is a tool that can help us investigate and learn about the interrelatedness of gospel truths and practices. As we learn and link the revealed truths from all dispensations, we receive eyes that can see and ears that can hear (see Doctrine and Covenants 136:32). The gospel is not a routine checklist comprised of discrete tasks; it is a magnificent tapestry of truth "fitly framed" (Ephesians 2:21) and woven together. The principle of gather together in one can aid us in changing the conventional checklist into a unified, integrated, and complete whole and in receiving the transforming power of the gospel of Jesus Christ in our daily lives. Let me provide several examples of what I am suggesting. In our homes and classes, we frequently learn about the great plan of happiness, the infinite Atonement, moral agency, individual accountability, and sacred covenants. Typically, however, these vital doctrines and principles are considered separately rather than in relation to each other. As we gather together in one these eternal truths, we see and hear more clearly our relationship to the Father and the Son, our divine potential and destiny as sons and daughters of God, the nature of eternal progression, and the simplicity, order, and beauty of the Father's plan (see Alma 42:4-9, 14-23). In our homes and classes we frequently discuss and learn about sacrifice, obedience, and consecration. Typically, however, these important principles are considered separately rather than in relation to each other. As we gather together in one these related truths, we see more clearly the pathway of discipleship and hear the admonitions to come unto the Savior, to bridle all of our passions (see Alma 38:12), "to perform every word of command with exactness" (Alma 57:21), to strip ourselves of pride (see Alma 5:28), and to "offer [our] whole souls as an offering unto him" (Omni 1:26). In our homes and classes we frequently emphasize the importance of regular scripture study, personal and family prayer, and Church attendance. Typically, however, these important practices are considered separately rather than in relation to each other. As we gather together in one these complimentary habits of holiness, we hear more clearly the priesthood injunction to "receive the Holy Ghost." We recognize these sincere practices as essential in inviting the Spirit of the Lord into our lives. Studying, praying, and worshipping are not isolated and independent items one a checklist of things to do. Rather, each of these righteous practices is an important element in an overarching spiritual quest to fulfill the mandate to receive and retain the Holy Ghost. Fundamentally, all gospel teachings and activities are centered on coming unto the Savior and having the power of the Holy Ghost in our lives. In the Church we have quorums, auxiliaries, effective programs, and inspiring meetings. Typically, however, organizations and functions are considered separately rather than in relation to each other. As we gather together in one all of the program purposes and reasons for gathering, we see and hear more clearly the role of these vital activities in knitting our hearts "together in unity and in love" (Mosiah 18:21) and in caring for the temporal and spiritual needs of our brothers and sisters. Programs and meetings are not events to be managed; rather, they are opportunities to minister to individuals and families. Priesthood authority, priesthood keys, and eternal truths have been restored to the earth in the dispensation of the fulness of times. The fulness of the Savior's gospel and the work of His Church have been reestablished and are rolling forth throughout the world. Today you and I have vital roles to play in enlarging the borders of Zion (see Doctrine and Covenants 82:14). In this final dispensation we are responsible to gather together in one eternal truths about the Father's plan and the Savior's Atonement, about ordinances, covenants, discipleship, and the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, and about knitting our hearts together in unity and in love by fulfilling our divine duty to serve and rescue the one. The framework of doctrines, principles, and applications can assist us in asking, seeking, and knocking in such a way that we more effectively gather together in one, in Christ-in this the dispensation of the fulness of times. Consider the following question-and answer it honestly and candidly. Please do not quickly give the obviously appropriate answer or the response you think you should give. Take a few moments to reflect on "things as they really are" (Jacob 4:13) before answering. "In your living of the gospel of Jesus Christ and in your serving and teaching both at home and in the Church, have you focused primarily on doctrines, on principles, or on applications?" I have asked this question of tens of thousands of members of the Church, including priesthood and auxiliary leaders all over the world. The consistency of their answers is stunning. My posing of the question typically engenders a few moments of awkward silence. And then heads begin to nod and with knowing smiles come the responses, nearly always: "applications." It is interesting to me how reluctant members usually are to acknowledge the actual answer to this question-even though the answer almost always is recognized immediately. Now please ponder some additional questions. "Why? Why do many members tend typically to focus on applications more than on doctrines and principles?" Here is a sample of some of the answers I have received to this follow-up question. "Focusing upon applications is easier." "Applications are more tangible." "I can control applications." "I can accomplish things quicker by focusing on applications." "My professional experience has taught me to get things done and make things happen-so I gravitate to applications." "I am not comfortable teaching doctrine." "I do not know the doctrine well enough to teach it with confidence." Somehow we seem to be drawn to applications as the primary way to "fix" things, to make life better, to be "doers of the word," to achieve desired outcomes, and to help the Church operate effectively. And far too often we emphasize applications without the necessary understanding and divorced from the doctrinal context. We may focus on applications because we like to believe and feel like we are in control, because we have confidence in our own experience and expertise-"the arm of flesh" (2 Nephi 4:34)-or because we are only doing what we have seen other teachers and leaders do. We may think as we serve in a quorum or auxiliary, "I am going to make this happen; I am going to manage this the right way." We all would do well to remember that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's Church, and He is able to do His own work (2 Nephi 27:20). I find it both noteworthy and troubling that in the dispensation of the fulness of times, a season in the history of the world during which all things are to be gathered together in one in Christ, many members are exasperatingly engaged in creating ever longer lists of detailed and disconnected gospel applications. Whatever the reasons, emphasizing applications to the exclusion of fundamental doctrines and principles does not produce spiritual power, protection, and direction. To be clear, I am not suggesting that doctrines and principles are wholly and routinely ignored; rather I am suggesting that applications, such as some of those presented earlier in this chapter as items on the lengthy "to do" lists of many members, tend to receive disproportionate and excessive attention. I also am not suggesting that applications should never be studied, learned, or taught. Appropriate applications are necessary but can never stand alone. What is needed is a balance among doctrines, principles, and applications. And for many conscientious and diligent members, a serious imbalance exists. Consider the basic responsibility of Melchizedek Priesthood holders to server as home teachers. What do you think would happen if each man in a congregation of 100 elders and high priests were invited to write down on a three-by-five card the doctrinal reasons for home teaching? Would the answers be similar or different? Would the same scriptural references be used to support those answers? Or would the answers vary dramatically? My experience suggests that many men can describe how to home teach; far fewer can explain why we home teach. Men in the Church who do not perform their priesthood duty as home teachers are not lazy; they simply have not understood the relevant doctrine and principles. Such men undoubtedly have been both taught and told. They may know that a home teacher is to watch over, be with, and strengthen (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:53)-but they have not learned, they do not understand, and they are not intelligent (as the word intelligence is used in the scriptures). If a man understands-both in his mind and in his heart, by the power of the Holy Ghost-the doctrines of the plan of happiness and of the priesthood, then he will be a faithful home teacher. Always! The reasons, the purposes, the answers are found in the doctrine. An understanding of true doctrines and correct principles will improve behavior more effectively than the study of behavior will improve behavior. The answers always are found in the doctrines and principles of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.