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

Reverence in Conversations About Consecration
- Members should engage in dialogue about consecration with reverence.
- Acknowledgment of human fallibility: all fall short of God's glory.
Categories of Members
  - Conscientious Members:
    - Recognize their shortcomings and strive for improvement.
    - God’s grace is extended to those who love Him and strive to keep His commandments.
  - Honorable but Not Valiant Members:
    - They are unaware of their spiritual gaps and the importance of addressing them.
    - These individuals are honorable but have potential for a deeper commitment.
  - Entangled Members:
    - Heavily influenced by worldly entanglements, thus distanced from God.
    - Peter's message emphasizes the bondage created by worldly distractions.

Worldly Influences and the Mind of Christ
- A mind preoccupied with fleshly desires cannot align with Christ.
- The danger of being driven by appetites due to lack of alignment with God.
Consequences of Misplaced Focus
  - If unaligned with God, members unknowingly serve lesser masters.
  - King Benjamin's Lamentation: emphasizes knowing the master one serves.
    - The query, "What think ye of Christ?" reflects the spiritual state of some church members who may not reflect on Christ at all.

Case Studies
  - Civic Service with Limited Spiritual Engagement:
    - A sister involved in community service yet neglects engagement with Christ’s teachings and temples.
  - Family Dynamics:
    - An honorable father diligent with family yet lacking in kindness.
    - Could benefit from emulating Christ’s gentleness.   - Returned Missionary's Focus:
    - After serving a mission, he prioritizes personal success over kingdom building.
    - A small course correction could significantly change his trajectory.
Omissions vs. Commissions
- Emphasis on the lack of action (sins of omission) rather than outright sin (commission).
- Greater consecration can address these omissions, which are as consequential as sins of commission.

Desires Shape Action
  - Desires influence thoughts, intentions, and ultimately, actions.
  - God helps refine our desires, whereas others may seek to manipulate them.
  - The basis of God's judgment rests on the desires of our hearts and the subsequent actions stemming from them.

Misunderstanding Consecration
- Fear of losing individuality when submitting to God's will.
- This stems from a fear of losing control over personal roles and possessions.
True Identity in Selflessness
- Following Christ leads to the discovery of true identity, transforming old selves to new.
Christ’s Example of Obedience
- Jesus modeled obedience and submission to His Father’s will, exemplified in His statement, "The Son can do nothing of himself but what he seeth the Father do."

Submission in Adversity
- Trust in God during trials; exemplified by Abraham's faith amid the Isaac episode.
- The capacity for deeper joy increases with increasing submission to God's will.
Consequences of Following Christ
- Consecration is associated with resilience amidst trials, leading to joy.
Practical Guidance for Consecration
- Council from President Brigham Young: to enjoy life fully as a Latter-day Saint involves living Christ's principles.

Nature of Consecration
- Not merely resignation but a proactive, expansive effort. - Defines consecration as active engagement and effort towards Christ-like qualities.
Mechanism of Transformation
  - Discarding Old Behaviors:
    - Involves leaving behind sins and distractions that do not serve the mission of discipleship.
  - Challenges and Growth:
    - Confronting hardships can lead to significant growth and shedding of worldly attachments.

Understanding Divine Providence
- Recognizing God’s provision is essential in achieving personal goals and discerning His guidance.
- Acceptance of God’s ways, even when obscure, engenders trust and submission to His will.
Obedience Beyond Coercion
- Acknowledging consequences and blessings tied to obedience that is freely chosen rather than enforced.

Unique Aspects of Submission
- The personal submission of one’s will represents the only genuine offering to God.
- Everything else is viewed as stewardship of God’s provisions.
Total Victory in Surrender
- Emphasizes that true consecration represents unconditional surrender leading to ultimate victory.
- A prayerful desire for victory through consecration is invoked, aiming for a deeper connection to God.