swallowed-up-in-the-will-of-the-father

Introduction to Consecration

  • Concept of consecration must be approached with reverence.

  • Acknowledge that all come short of God's glory; some more than others.

  • Even conscientious individuals recognize their shortcomings and genuinely strive.

  • God's grace is available not just to those who follow commandments but also to those who sincerely seek to do so.

Groups of Church Members Based on Consecration

  • ## First Group: The Conscientious   - Aware of their shortfall; striving towards God.

  • ## Second Group: The Honorable but not Valiant   - Individuals who are honorable yet lack awareness of the importance of closing the gap to God.   - Not miserable or wicked; their amiss is more about actions left undone rather than wrongful actions.   - Example: Could impact others more deeply by being valiant rather than merely being pleasant.

  • ## Third Group: Those Entangled in Worldly Ungodliness   - Reflects Peter's warning about being overcome by worldly matters leading to bondage.   - Focus on fleshly things prevents the mind from aligning with Christ's.   - If one serves a master other than Christ, they ultimately lose freedom.

Consequences of Indifference and Lack of Awareness

  • Indifference can lead to distraction by appetites and daily mundane issues.

  • Remedy is suggested in King Benjamin's lamentation on knowing one's master.   - Key Question: How can one know a master they have not served?   - Many do not actively contemplate Christ in their lives.

Examples of Omission in Church Membership

  • Three examples of honorable members holding back from greater consecration:   1. Civic Service by a Sister      - Performs commendable civic service but remains like a stranger to scripture and temple.      - Potential to reflect Christ's presence more profoundly if she engages more deeply.   2. Father's Role in Family      - While dutiful, lacks kindness or gentleness with family that reflects Christ-like attributes.      - Requires more effort to make a significant impact on family relationships.   3. Returned Missionary      - Focused on career successes which diverts attention from building God’s kingdom first.      - A small change in focus could lead to significant future differences.

Sins of Commission vs. Sins of Omission

  • Observations on omissions indicating failures to qualify for the celestial kingdom.

  • Many avoid major sins (commission) but may lack faith to let go of distractions (omissions).

  • Omissions often occur when focused on oneself rather than others in need.

  • Call to action: Recognizing and responding to the needs of others is critical for spiritual growth.

Desires as a Foundation for Actions

  • Our desires are central to our thoughts and intentions serving as a guide.

  • God can educate desires; others may seek to manipulate but ultimately, we shape them.   - Key Principle: Our desires determine the outcomes as stated in scriptures regarding works.

  • Unique individual will remains ours; God will not override it.

Aligning Will with God's for True Happiness

  • True happiness is only found by aligning one's will with God's.

  • Less than full submission brings lesser rewards and fulfillment.

  • God works with us, even when initially, we might only desire to change.

Misconceptions about Consecration

  • Some fear losing individuality in submitting to God; it’s the old self that must be given up.

  • True self can be found in sacred service and communion with God.

  • Many people already lose themselves in worldly interests, which are far inferior to spiritual focus.

Example of Christ as Model of Consecration

  • Jesus consistently emulated the will of His Father:   - "The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do."

  • Through unilateral submission, one can receive guidance to tackle life's challenges.

Abraham's Faith During Trials

  • Abraham's example of unwavering faith during trials serves as inspiration for modern believers.

  • John Taylor notes that revelation emboldened Abraham amidst difficulties.

God's Understanding of Our Trials

  • Jesus understands stress and perplexities because of his complete empathy through the Atonement.

  • Submissive responses are encouraged to parallel Christ's suffering and sacrifice.

Expanding Consecration Beyond Resignation

  • Consecration involves proactive steps, rather than passive resignation.

  • It’s about willingly bearing burdens and pressing forward with hope and determination.

  • Encouragement to embrace the doctrinal teachings of Christ for exquisite enjoyment.

Personal Reflection and Growth

  • Reflect on personal sacrifices along discipleship; shed lesser behaviors.

  • Divine challenges can hasten jettisoning of materialism or complacency.

  • The necessity for hard times to prompt growth and increased consecration.

Acknowledging God's Hand in Our Lives

  • Emphasizes trusting God's provision for achieving his purposes in our lives.

  • At times, it may seem God permits rather than directs; still, an acknowledgment of his influence is crucial.

  • In stressful situations, immediate answers may be lacking, but God provides comfort and strength.

Unforced Obedience to Unenforceable Laws

  • Importance of obedience to deeply held desires determines the capacity for receiving blessings.

  • The ultimate submission on God’s altar is our will; everything else belongs to Him.

Conclusion

  • Consecration is a unique act of unconditional surrender leading to ultimate victory in alignment with God.

  • A deep desire for this victory is essential for spiritual progression.

  • Final remarks shared with a prayerful and hopeful tone.