Against Wisdom, Part 6: More Precious than Silver

How much better is it to get wisdom than gold, and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

—Proverbs 2:200 RE

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7

When we consider the long and distinguished history of our scripture, it’s almost unavoidable to stand all amazed at the Lord’s masterful planning and execution. Despite the opposition, despite Satan’s best efforts, despite all the combined powers of earth and hell, we yet have an adequate record! And not just an adequate record, but one specifically designed, prepared and protected for our day to play the key role in fulfilling God’s covenants.

We must marvel at God’s power and mercy. We’re left to contemplate what sort of being God is. In doing so, we obtain a more correct idea of God’s character, perfections and attributes, as manifested by this marvelous work. It is indeed a wonder—and perhaps we’re left to wonder, “who did this?” Of course, it’s easy to simply say, “God did it.” And this is true enough. But there may be more to consider. 

Here’s a curiosity:

The Book of Mormon goes to some trouble to record the guiding force behind all the miraculous means and turns of event that contributed to the triumph of this incredible record. Consider the following events, which we listed in Part 5 of this series, with one addition. I’ve added the explanations given by the Book of Mormon regarding each event. I realize there’s a lot here to consider, but it will be worth your time to read through each explanation carefully.

Event	Explanation
Obtaining the Plates of Brass from Laban’s treasury	And behold, it is wisdom in God that we should obtain these records that we may preserve unto our children the language of our fathers, and also that we may preserve unto them the words which have been spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets...
Carrying the record into the wilderness	And we had obtained the record which the Lord had commanded us and searched them and found that they were desirable, yea, even of great worth unto us, insomuch that we could preserve the commandments of the Lord unto our children. Wherefore, it was wisdom in the Lord that we should carry them with us as we journeyed in the wilderness toward the land of promise.
Making a second set of plates to replace the future lost manuscript	And after I made these plates by way of commandment, I, Nephi, received a commandment that the ministry and the prophecies—the more plain and precious parts of them—should be written upon these plates, and that the things which were written should be kept for the instruction of my people, who should possess the land, and also for other wise purposes, which purposes are known unto the Lord...Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me to make these plates for a wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not.
Preserving the records in the promised land through a line of record keepers	And now, it has hitherto been wisdom in God that these things should be preserved. For behold, they have enlarged the memory of this people, yea, and convinced many of the error of their ways and brought them to the knowledge of their God, unto the salvation of their souls...Now these mysteries are not yet fully made known unto me, therefore I shall forbear. And it may suffice if I only say they are preserved for a wise purpose, which purpose is known unto God; for he doth counsel in wisdom over all his works, and his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round.
Keeping the sacred records from generation to generation	And I also command you that ye keep a record of this people according as I have done, upon the plates of Nephi, and keep all these things sacred which I have kept, even as I have kept them—for it is for a wise purpose that they are kept—and these plates of brass which contain these engravings, which have the records of the holy scriptures upon them, which have the genealogy of our forefathers, even from the beginning.
Carefully choosing the successor record keepers	And now remember, my son, that God has entrusted you with these things which are sacred, which he has kept sacred, and also which he will keep and preserve for a wise purpose in him, that he may show forth his power unto future generations.
Promising the future preservation of the record	for God is powerful to the fulfilling of all his words. For he will fulfill all his promises which he shall make unto you, for he has fulfilled his promise which he has made unto our fathers. For he promised unto them that he would preserve these things for a wise purpose in him, that he might shew forth his power unto future generations.
Defending the records against destruction by those who vowed to destroy them	Now these mysteries are not yet fully made known unto me, therefore I shall forbear. And it may suffice if I only say they are preserved for a wise purpose, which purpose is known unto God; for he doth counsel in wisdom over all his works, and his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round.
​ Amplifying the record by adding specifics needed by future generations	These scriptures which ye had not with you, the Father commanded that I should give unto you, for it was wisdom in him that they should be given unto future generations.
Preventing translation and inclusion of certain information	Therefore, touch them not in order that ye may translate, for that thing is forbidden you, except by and by it shall be wisdom in God. And behold, ye may be privileged that ye may shew the plates unto those who shall assist to bring forth this work.
Intentionally exposing the errors of past generations in hopes we would avoid their mistakes	Wherefore, O ye gentiles, it is wisdom in God that these things should be shewn unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins and suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you
Adding the small plates to the large plates abridgment	But behold, I shall take these plates, which contain these prophesyings and revelations, and put them with the remainder of my record, for they are choice unto me; and I know they will be choice unto my brethren. And I do this for a wise purpose, for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now I do not know all things, but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will.
Setting up a free Gentile nation where these things could come forth and spread to all the world	for it is wisdom in the Father that they should be established in this land and be set up as a free people by the power of the Father, that these things might come forth from them unto a remnant of your seed, that the covenant of the Father may be fulfilled which he hath covenanted with his people, O house of Israel
Foreseeing and controlling the eventual audience of the book	Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things,

As I’m sure you’re aware, the image of God is a male and a female, joined together as one.
Knowledge personifies the divine masculine and Wisdom personifies the divine feminine. Given the above, we should now have a much clearer picture of who gathered, protected and nurtured the collection of sacred writings, even as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. 

It was her. Heavenly Mother. The divine feminine. She has done this. One of the greatest miracles of this creation, and she seeks no credit, desires no acclaim, and works quietly, unheralded and unnoticed behind the scenes of this creation, ensuring her children have the words of eternal life. It is a miracle.

It’s frankly astonishing we have not noticed this before. You see, every time the Book of Mormon uses the phrase, “It is wisdom in God that…” the resulting action has to do with preparing and preserving scripture. 

Every. 

Single. 

Time. 

And the same goes for all the title variations, like “It is wisdom in the Father” or “It is wisdom in the Lord.” If the Wisdom of God is mentioned, it always, invariably has to do with scripture.

The same occurs with “for a wise purpose.” Invariably, if something is done “for a wise purpose” in the Book of Mormon, the thing being done has to do with preparing and preserving scripture for the future. 

Every. 

Single.

Time.

Therefore, it should be clear to those with eyes to see that the Divine Feminine is far more intimately involved in the revelation, creation, transmission, planning, preservation, and presentation of scripture than we ever realize. In fact, this turns one criticism of scripture on its head: Why don’t we have more female voices represented in scripture? 

Given that scripture is the product of her mind, her planning, her wisdom, her direction, and her production, we’re left to conclude the scriptures are largely a feminine testimony, testifying most abundantly and clearly of her Son. True, the Holy Order laborers whose names we have are males, but it’s important to realize their boss was a woman, and they were all working for her, at her direction. The factory workers may be men, but the CEO is a woman.

Consider the following quotes:

Our scriptures speak carefully about the existence and importance of a Heavenly Mother, a Divine Female whose greatest attribute is to bestow wisdom upon the whole of this creation. It is possible to miss Her presence. That cultural and theological blindness is not because of Her absence from the scriptures. It's not hard to detect Her if you look. We just don’t look. (Denver Snuffer, “Our Divine Parents,” p 2-3)

A great deal can be learned about Heavenly Mother by searching for the word wisdom in scripture. Very often, the reference to wisdom is to Her distinctly and not merely an abstract attribute. If we are blind to Her existence, we cannot see the reference to Her in those passages. Although many scriptures have the Divine Mother’s words, Her presence is veiled by our ignorance and refusal to acknowledge Her.  (“Our Divine Parents,” p 6)

The Father is the source of glory and likened to the sun. The Mother reflects and shares this glory and is likened to the moon. She reflects God’s glory, endures within it, and is empowered by it. She can participate with Him in all that is done wielding that glory. Knowledge is the initiator or force, and wisdom is the regulator, guide, apportioner, and weaver of that power. If not tempered and guided by wisdom, knowledge can be destructive. Wisdom makes the prudent adaptation required for order. The Father and Mother are one. But the Mother bridges the gulf between the Throne of the Father and fallen man. (“Our Divine Parents,” p 14)

There are seven stages of development through which God’s children must pass. It is not all to be done in this life. Christ is the prototype of the saved man, and He qualified by passing through these stages of development. We should not be surprised that the Heavenly Mother was responsible for planning and creating these developmental opportunities for Her children.  (“Our Divine Parents,” p 23)

Hopefully, this understanding, combined with the numerous, direct references to Divine Wisdom from the Book of Mormon, above, will help us re-calibrate our understanding of, expectations for, and knowledge about scripture. We’re dealing with something far more sacred, powerful and carefully, lovingly prepared than we might realize. We are dealing with Wisdom indeed! We should be humbled to the dust upon realizing we’re the beneficiaries of such an effort by a loving Mother, who seeks to nurture and teach her children. It is difficult to stand all amazed when you have fallen to your knees. 

Happy is the man that finds wisdom, and the man that gets understanding; for the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you can desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand, riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her, and happy is everyone that retains her. The Lord, by wisdom, has founded the earth; by understanding has he established the heavens; by his knowledge, the depths are broken up and the clouds drop down the dew. My son, do not let them depart from your eyes.

—Proverbs 1:11 RE

Against Wisdom, Part 7: Brass Balls

Does not Wisdom cry, and understanding put forth her voice? She stands in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. She cries at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. Unto you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of man. O you simple, understand Wisdom; and you fools, be of an understanding heart.

—Proverbs 1:34 RE

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7

Note: The prior parts of this series provide vital background necessary to understand this part. If you have not read the prior parts already, I highly recommend you do so before reading this installment.

Now that we’ve traced the development of our scriptures, from Adam through the Book of Mormon, it’s time to take a closer look at the developments since the Book of Mormon was published. There’s a lot to consider, and an endpoint to reach, so I’ll just hit a few highlights.

• Joseph Smith received a number of revelations concurrent with the ongoing restoration of the gospel. Many of those revelations were edited, changed, expanded, or otherwise tampered with before they were published.
• The Book of Mormon was largely ignored, resulting in the LDS church being condemned by the Lord.
• Joseph Smith labored to produce a corrected version of the Bible, with important truths restored. It was never published in its fulness until now.
• After Joseph’s death, Brigham Young produced a “revelation” that authorized and promoted polygamy. He falsely claimed it came from Joseph.
• The Book of Mormon underwent a number of iterations, including edits and alterations over the years.
• The Lectures on Faith, which formed the “Doctrine” backbone of the Doctrine and Covenants were arbitrarily removed from the canon by a committee without authority.

It’s clear from all of the above, that despite the flood of light and truth that entered the world through Joseph Smith, people did to scripture what people *always* do to scripture. They tampered with it, altered it, attempted to “improve” it, and otherwise messed it up. The universal truth to discover is this: The word of God is almost NEVER safe in the hands of mortals. God entrusts scripture to those who have been in his presence and gotten their directions and revelations directly from him. All others, regardless of good intentions, produce disaster and destruction.

More than 170 years after Joseph died, the required number of generations had passed, and the Lord began efforts again to complete the unfinished restoration. He inspired a number of individuals to attempt a recovery effort—sifting through the tattered remnants of scripture and attempting to reclaim whatever could reliably be attributed to Joseph Smith, while removing that which could not. Due to the neglect of prior generations, immense effort was required to reclaim what could be reclaimed, restored and corrected. 

And the heavens took notice. 

It is SO incredibly rare that mortals on earth care enough about scripture to undertake a recovery effort, and do so under the direction of a bona-fide member of the Holy Order, that the instances of this ever happening can be counted on one hand. 

Though the effort received the best work and tireless attention of the laborers involved, they were still mortal and could only go so far. And yet, the Lord accepted the effort—not because it was perfect, but because it was undertaken with care and pure intent. At last there were a people on earth again who valued God’s word!

Ultimately the project was presented to the Lord for his approval, along with an admission that the effort was inadequate. The request was made for the Lord to add what was missing, remove what didn’t belong, or correct what was inaccurate. The Lord did these things, and pronounced, “The work that has been done is acceptable and sufficient for the labor now underway.” The Lord also cautioned, “you do not understand the glory to be revealed unto my covenant people.” (T&C 177:1)

The Lord then proceeded to take ownership of the scriptures he had approved:

These scriptures are sent forth to be my warning to the world, my comfort to the faithful, my counsel to the meek, my reproof to the proud, my rebuke to the contentious, and my condemnation of the wicked. They are my invitation to all mankind to flee from corruption, repent and be baptized in my name, and prepare for the coming judgment. (T&C 177:3)

For those keeping score at home, that’s a seven-fold ownership claim as the Lord made clear. These are NOT “our” scriptures. They are his. 

The Lord went further and offered a covenant to those who would agree to “receive the scriptures approved by the Lord as a standard to govern you in your daily walk in life, to accept the obligations established by the Book of Mormon as a covenant, and to use the scriptures to correct yourselves and to guide your words, thoughts, and deeds[.]” (T&C 158:3)

This is an astonishing development, and one that should not escape our notice. It was the careful treatment of scripture by mortals that inclined the Lord to offer his covenant, and that covenant is utterly dependent upon, and tied to, the scriptures he approved. Such an event is an immense blessing and mercy on his part, and we ought to be humbled to the dust by his generosity. When we consider that the Lord is, even now, condescending to speak to us and deal with us through a covenant, we should resolve to be far more humble, obedient, and careful than prior generations who tarnished the brightness of scripture and incurred the Lord’s wrath.

After the Lord had provided his changes to the scriptures, accepted them, and claimed them as his own, some good-hearted people with the best of intentions began promoting the idea that we could, and should, improve the Lord’s scriptures by voting to canonize various and sundry items we found appealing. Oddly, much of what was suggested for canonization consisted of items that already existed when the Lord made additions to the canon himself, pronounced the scriptures acceptable, and claimed them as his own. In other words, he had every opportunity to add the suggested items, and he declined to do so. Do we know better than the Lord what ought to be added? I don’t think so.

I honestly don’t blame anyone for seeking to “improve” the scriptures. After all, during the recovery portion of the effort, the body of believers was given opportunity to submit and vote on additions. But that phase of the project has passed. At that time it was “our” project. Now it is his. I don’t believe we have the right to change his scriptures by our vote. If there’s somewhere that Wisdom delegated the responsibility for scriptural changes to the body of believers, I’m not aware of it. Everything I can find in scripture testifies that God takes responsibility for scripture, and mankind suffers overwhelming temptation to tamper with God’s efforts.

How is this not taking his name in vain? How does this not violate the 1st, 2nd and 3rd commandments? Who’s word is scripture? Who is responsible for creating, transmitting and guarding the holy canon? (See part 6). What makes scripture, scripture? Why do we think we have any right to add to or take away from his word for which he has vouched, and which he has claimed as his own? If we alter his scriptures, are they “his” anymore? Since the covenant requires dependence on scripture, if we alter scripture, have we altered the covenant? And by doing so have we changed the ordinance? And does that ever end well? 

The purpose of this series has been to juxtapose God’s marvelous power to provide scripture with Satan’s constant attempts to meddle with scripture. If we are to err, I suggest we err on the side of leaving the scriptures in God’s hands, not our own.

Open Canon

Of course, we expect more light and truth to pour forth from heaven. The canon is most assuredly open. Many have considered that we should therefore develop a “mechanism” by which we can, as a people, “canonize” new scripture. I would offer a couple of questions and suggestions in this regard.

Can we think of a time when the canon was not “open?” In other words has there ever been a point at which the Lord was NOT in Wisdom capable of adding to scripture? 

And if the canon has always been “open” in the Lord’s eyes, is our situation so unique that we need to have a method in place of suggesting to the Lord what He ought to add? He has, in his mercy, invited us to accept the scriptures he has offered us, and has invited us to do so by our vote. We call this process “canonization” and rather than giving the Lord permission to add to scripture, it has the opposite effect. It makes the scripture binding upon us by our choice to accept it. Our vote obligates US, not HIM. Canonization is to bind ourselves to God's word, not to bind God to our suggestions, though mechanisms have been proposed to do just that. 

Given mankind’s irresistible urge to tamper with scripture, might such a mechanism, if implemented, be just as likely put to poor use as good? Could such a mechanism be co-opted to appease the demands of the froward, forceful, or discontent? Would it tempt pretenders to present phony revelations for canonization? There is great precedent for all of the above.

Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen, and why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson — that the rights of the Priesthood are inseparably connected with the Powers of Heaven and that the Powers of Heaven cannot be controlled nor handled, only upon the principles of righteousness…We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. Hence many are called, but few are chosen. (T&C 139:5)

Notice a couple of things in the above. First, “Priesthood” has a capital P. This means something significant, having to do with the Holy Order and who stands at the head of the human family. Second, the nature and disposition of all men, who have “a little authority” as they suppose, is to exercise dominion in UNrighteousness. Yet the Powers of Heaven can only be controlled or handled upon the principles of righteousness. The upshot is that if we think we have a little authority over the scriptures, we are sure to mess them up. The rights of the Priesthood (capital P) are best left to the Priesthood (capital P). (Please don't take that prior statement as a sexist endorsement of male priesthood. The Holy Order in this form requires a man and a woman.)

Is it our responsibility to EVER offer up our suggestions or preferences for how the Lord might “improve” his scriptures? In my opinion, the Lord is perfectly capable of adding what is needed, and is FAR better informed about the subject than we can hope to be. We have millennia of history to teach us this lesson, and if we fail to learn it, the error is our own. We may find ourselves kicking against the pricks, persecuting the saints and fighting against God. 

The Gods have shown themselves willing and able to add to scripture—even quite recently. If something needs to be added to the official canon, I believe they will tell us through the Holy Order, just as they have always done, rather than by us telling them what to do. Do we want God to rule over us, or do we expect the religion of the Fathers will be a democracy where we can impose our will on God by taking a vote? 

Wisdom Text

There’s one other item I must mention, and I hope to tread lightly and not give offense. This series is meant to teach, not offend. 

At one point, there was an effort—born of good intent, to be sure—to canonize certain portions of a talk that were attributed to Heavenly Mother. Some took to calling the passages, “The Wisdom Text,” taking her name and appending it to the effort. The desire to “honor” Heavenly Mother was expressed as justification for taking this step. In light of what we’ve discussed in this series, I would ask, can we EVER honor Heavenly Mother by tampering with her scriptures? Is our wisdom greater than hers? Do we honor her by attempting to usurp her as the weaver and giver of scripture? Is it wisdom in God that we do this, or is it supposed wisdom in ourselves?

Perhaps we should consider the warning given elsewhere in that same talk: 

If you welcome this discussion, then take care that you do not, as ancient Israel did, burn incense, pour out drink offerings, and bake cakes to a Being who has never invited you to do so. She has invited you to worship God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. If you would like to honor Her, then accept Her testimony and look to Jesus Christ alone for redemption and salvation. (Denver Snuffer, “Our Divine Parents,” p 36)

If we would make an offering to her, it ought to be a broken heart, a contrite spirit, faith in her son, and strict obedience to his word.

I hope the things I’ve written here will give us all cause to reconsider whether it is wise that we undertake efforts to add to scripture, or create a mechanism to do so. Perhaps we are better served by getting on with the business of governing our lives by the scriptures our Divine Parents have given us, rather than trying to convince them to give us more, or suggesting what they ought to add. When they do deign to give us more, let us receive such with humility and gratitude, ever mindful that God's Wisdom exceeds our own in every way.

Brass Balls

It’s truly a miracle that we have the canon we do, and that it resulted in the Lord condescending to offer us a covenant. It is a sign that God yet speaks, is finishing his work, and has a people he is working with and putting on display for the world to see. 

Signs of God’s direct involvement and direction attend every exodus he directs to any promised land. These signs include the miraculous, like a pillar of smoke by day and a pillar of fire by night, correct records like the Plates of Brass, precious metals like gold, animal skins to make sacred space, and sacred relics, like the Urim and Thummim, the brass serpent, Aaron’s rod and Moses’s staff. 

The exodus from the Garden of Eden, though little spoken of in scripture, contained the same elements. 

Lehi’s exodus likewise enjoyed such signs, including the pillar of fire, Laban’s sword and armor, gold and silver, sacred records and a curious brass ball called the Liahona that took the place of the Urim and Thummim, providing direction, revelation, and evidence of God’s presence.

The fullness of the record will no doubt also demonstrate Nephi’s exodus, Mosiah’s exodus and others all followed this pattern. The pattern always holds, though it is adapted to the time, place and circumstances of each covenant group.

As a covenant people, we can expect to participate in an exodus pattern at some point as well. But there will be something unique and unparalleled in all history concerning this final exodus to a city of holiness. Rather than a single set of sacred relics held by the leader on behalf of the whole group, we can instead each have our own. No, I don’t expect we will each have a Liahona. Rather, each of us can carry our own miraculous sacred relics in our own hands, covered in animal skins, adorned in gold, produced by curious workmanship, capable of giving us each direction and revelation, providing clear evidence of God’s presence with us. Such has never happened before in the history of this creation! We don’t need brass balls. We need the scriptures!

They are a sign.

They are a wonder. 

They are sacred relics.

They are marvelous indeed.

May we ever guard them as such.

The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings his mother to shame.

—Proverbs 4:112 RE

Last Day

The mouth of the just brings forth wisdom, but the froward tongue shall be cut out.

—Proverbs 2:31 (RE)

He that is void of wisdom despises his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his peace.

—Proverbs 2:44 (RE)

Tomorrow is the last day of 2021, which has, by all accounts, been a challenging year. Fittingly, the day will dawn with an appropriate sign from heaven, visible in the Southeastern sky. Just before sunrise, the waning crescent moon will appear in conjunction with Mars and Antares. This conjunction will occur under the foot of Ophiuchus, between the claws of Scorpius.

 

Let’s consider the players in this display:

The Moon: Associated with Heavenly Mother, the divine feminine, wisdom and counsel. The waning moon is nearly gone, with just 8% illuminated. She will continue to wane January 1, then will become a new moon on January 2, with all illumination gone.  

Mars: The red planet, named for the God of war, destruction and destabilization. It represents power, control, military might, and authoritarianism.

Antares: This star’s name is Greek and it means “rival to Mars.” It is actually a binary star, consisting of the bright, red-orange Antares, and the dim, blue/green Antares B in perfect balance. These two are one for all intents and purposes, and can only be separately distinguished with a very powerful telescope. Antares is, on average, the 15th brightest star in the night sky.

Ophiuchus: This constellation is the “serpent bearer” and is depicted as a man holding a snake—which snake is actually a separate constellation named Serpens. In Greek mythology, the Ophiuchus represents healing and resurrection from death. 

Scorpius: This constellation, represented as a scorpion, carries the sting of death, representing danger and destruction. 

Now, with all the players identified, here’s the picture I see at the last day of 2021. 

We encounter two rivals (Mars and Antares) opposing one another—Mars representing war and destruction, and Antares representing unity, harmony and balance. The Moon—representing divine Wisdom—intercedes between the rivals, with the whole display playing out between Scorpius, representing death, and Ophiuchus, representing life and healing. The Moon’s light and influence are waning, and nearly completely lost to darkness. 

I view this all as a reminder that we stand at a point of decision. The current division in our society is at unrivaled in the history of our nation. Divisions over politics, race, gender, rights and medicine not only stir up anger and contention, but as a people, we’ve seemingly lost the ability to disagree in any civilized way. Rather than viewing those who hold ideas opposite our own as fellow humans with reasons to believe as they do, we increasingly view them as hostile rivals, deserving only destruction, and too stupid or insane to be functional humans. In nearly every issue, the middle ground has given way to deeply polar opposites, with neither side willing to concede any ground, and bent only on the destruction of the other. 

Unfortunately, such sentiments are not merely figurative, and are not exaggerations. Actual politicians and thought leaders repeatedly call for the incarceration, forced “re-education” or even death of their opponents—who have committed no crime other than having a different opinion on an issue. Such rhetoric is increasingly tolerated, even welcomed, while reasonable free speech is increasingly censored and deplatformed. 

We were warned about such a situation by the Lord:

For you to unite I must admonish and instruct you, for my will is to have you love one another. As people, you lack the ability to respectfully disagree among one another. You are as Paul and Peter, whose disagreements resulted in jarring and sharp contentions. Nevertheless, they both loved me and I loved them. You must do better. (T&C 158:3)

Likewise, we have been counseled how to avoid the folly that is rapidly overtaking our society:

Wisdom counsels mankind to align their words with their hearts, but mankind refuses to take counsel from Wisdom. 

Nevertheless, there have been sharp disputes between you that should have been avoided. I speak these words to reprove you that you may learn, not to upbraid you so that you mourn. I want my people to have understanding. (T&C 157:4-5)

And further:

Satan is a title and means accuser, opponent, and adversary; hence, once he fell, Lucifer became, or in other words was called, Satan, because he accuses others and opposes the Father. I rebuked Peter and called him Satan because he was wrong in opposing the Father’s will for me, and Peter understood and repented.

In the work you have performed there are those who have been Satan, accusing one another, wounding hearts, and causing jarring, contention, and strife by their accusations. Rather than loving one another, even among you who desire a good thing, some have dealt unkindly as if they were the opponents, accusers, and adversaries. In this they were wrong.

You have sought to recover the scriptures because you hope to obtain the covenant for my protective hand to be over you, but you cannot be Satan and be mine. If you take upon you my covenant, you must abide it as a people to gain what I promise. You think Satan will be bound a thousand years, and it will be so, but do not understand your own duty to bind that spirit within you so that you give no heed to accuse others. It is not enough to say you love God; you must also love your fellow man. Nor is it enough to say you love your fellow man while you, as Satan, divide, contend, and dispute against any person who labors on an errand seeking to do my will. How you proceed must be as noble as the cause you seek. You have become your own adversaries, and you cannot be Satan and also be mine. Repent, therefore, like Peter and end your unkind and untrue accusations against one another, and make peace. How shall there ever come a thousand years of peace if the people who are mine do not love one another? How shall Satan be bound if there are no people of one heart and one mind? (T&C 157:8-10)

As the last day of the year dawns, while the light of Wisdom is yet visible and the choice is laid before us, let us choose harmony, peace, kindness, healing and life. Such could heal the world, but if the world chooses not to be healed, it will still be necessary for a covenant people to live together in peace and harmony, even as the world degrades to authoritarianism warfare, destruction and death. 

Just as the conflict is beneath the foot of Ophiuchus, we may rest with the utmost assurance that our Lord will ultimately place all enemies beneath his feet (T&C 35:2). Let us choose to not be enemies. 

One Parting Thought

Antares is the 15th brightest star in the night sky, and Omicron is the 15th letter in the Greek alphabet. The Omicron variant of the virus that causes Covid-19 appears to be following the path that all viruses tend to follow as they work through the human population. It is much more contagious than any previous variant, but it is also much less deadly. Indeed, it may well be a tremendous blessing to all humanity by conveying widespread, robust immunity to those who contract it, which will be nearly everyone, while simultaneously causing very little severe illness or death. It may be God’s way of ending the Covid “pandemic” through naturally derived herd immunity. 

But we also have a faction who sees their power, control and wealth slipping away if the pandemic lessens or ends, and they are therefore trying to create even greater fear than ever before, touting Omicron as the deadliest, most dangerous development yet, which can only be addressed by further loss of freedoms, further economic destruction, endless ineffective vaccinations, and greater surrender of power to those who claim to be in charge. 

Again, we stand at a crossroads, and we must choose fear or faith. Omicron comes from the Phonecian/Semitic letter Ayin—the eye—and we are most certainly being watched by the heavens as we choose how we will respond. The eye is upon us as 2021 comes to an end. 

The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. 

—Proverbs 2:154 (RE)

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord ponders the hearts. 

—Proverbs 2:330 (RE)

How Long? Part 4: Envyings

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. Against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

—Galatians 1:22, NC

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7

I’ll begin with a short story I wrote about a year ago (with apologies to Denver Snuffer, from whom I borrowed the idea):

One Monday morning in the spring, as Cooper Pratum was praying, he asked the Lord what he should do that day. In response, he had the urge to get up and walk outside. He walked out into a beautiful, sunny morning. Flowers bloomed, birds sang, and the grass looked particularly green and lush. 

The grass. It drew his attention, because it needed mowing, and he suddenly realized with surety, he should mow it. “How odd,” he thought. “The Lord sent me out here to mow?” 

Odd or not, he found the mower and got started. When he finished, he noticed his neighbor’s lawn was also looking long, so he went ahead and mowed that one, as well. Then he saw the house next to that, with an overgrown lawn as well. And another, and another. Before he knew it, Cooper had mowed all the lawns on his street. 

People began to take notice, and some graciously thanked him for his labor. He appreciated their gratitude, but also felt an increasing conviction he wasn’t mowing for them. He was mowing for the Lord, who asked him to mow.

The next day, he picked up where he left off, and mowed lawns all day. Then, since he was on a roll, he continued for the rest of the week. And the next. And as it turned out, he had a knack for mowing; he didn’t merely make the grass shorter, but he made it beautiful as well, contributing greatly to the overall beauty of the community.

As Cooper mowed his way through the town, his notoriety spread, and people began to take notice of his efforts, and particularly his ability to make the lawns look exceptionally good. As usual, some appreciated his labor, while others simply considered him odd, but harmless. But not content to let him mow in peace, some began to complain about his work, even hurling insults. 

“Strongman!” one yelled. “Who put you in charge of mowing lawns? Who do you think you are? You can’t just get on a lawnmower and start working, and expect us to simply accept it!”

“Look at him up on that lawnmower!” said another. “He thinks he’s so important. He just wants to be noticed (projecting exactly what was in the complainer’s heart.) We can never live in peace with the likes of him in our town!”

A third insisted, “This just proves there’s a group of elites who run this town and force the rest of us to live under their rule! There will always be a hierarchy.”

And a fourth added, rather ridiculously, “This abridges my agency. Why, it’s just like the town I used to live in, where they mowed grass as well. This is just mowing, 2.0! I thought I left this behind when I came here! How dare he take away my agency by mowing lawns!”

Then, a man who felt unimportant because Cooper was getting the town’s attention said, “I don’t have a lawnmower and I’ve never mowed a lawn in my life, so this is inherently unequal! I demand access to Cooper’s lawnmower so I can mow lawns like him! How can we be equal if I can’t mow lawns?”

Others complained that Cooper was wasting resources cutting grass when he should be helping the poor instead (though those who so complained did nothing extraordinary for the poor themselves, because they didn’t truly care for the poor. They only cared to attack Cooper.)

Soon, a group organized to take action against Cooper. 

“We didn’t vote to let him mow lawns! We didn’t even vote on whether the grass needed to be cut! We need to form a legislative body and send representatives to make these sorts of decisions and legislate grass cutting in this town. It’s the only way to have order!”

Another editorialized in the local paper: “We need to put in place a system whereby we can choose who cuts the grass, how it gets cut, when it gets cut, and the pattern that must be followed. We must have input from everyone before we can all truly agree! We need a large, complicated system for gathering lawn mowing opinions, discussing the issues, breaking ties, and making decisions. This will ensure we all agree on horticultural practices, and nobody gets their feelings trampled ever again by the likes of Cooper Pratum.”

Someone started a petition in favor of long grass. Others hadn’t even noticed the grass was long, because they liked things shabby and unkempt. Some placed “No trespassing” signs to keep Cooper away. 

A group formed a competing lawn mowing operation, in hopes of capturing the popularity they thought Cooper enjoyed. But they didn’t seem to have Cooper’s gift for trimming, and their results simply weren’t as good, which only made them resent Cooper all the more.

The local Rabbi weighed in: “Wrong pattern! Wrong equipment! The Toro says you have to mow by hand. Using a machine offends God! And besides, you need to wear a hat.”

And so it went, day after day.

Cooper endured their insults in sadness as people mischaracterized his heart, impugned his motives, and complained about receiving the gift he freely gave. He wondered why they treated him this way. He wondered if he was crazy, or if the Lord really had asked him to perform this labor. He wondered if there might be a different town where he could simply mow in peace. 

He didn’t want their notice; he didn’t want their attention; he didn’t even particularly want their gratitude. He simply wanted to serve in the way he was good at: by making lawns look lovely. He wished he could do it quietly and anonymously, but that’s not how lawnmowers work. So, with a heavy heart, he continued to mow, even against opposition and attacks… 


Polluted

The saints in Joseph’s day faced the very opportunity we now face. A servant, sent by Christ, offered them a legitimate covenant, a functional temple, and the opportunity to become Zion. As we know, they ultimately failed to receive what was offered, leaving us a legacy and a lesson. We are well served to learn from their errors, and recognize to our horror, we are no better than they were, and perhaps worse in significant ways.

As you no doubt recall, after the Saints’ expulsion from Jackson County, the Lord explained why He had suffered such terrible afflictions to come upon them:

Behold, I say unto you, There were jarrings, and contentions, and envyings, and strifes, and lustful and covetous desires among them, therefore, by these things they polluted their inheritances. They were slow to hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God, therefore, the Lord their God is slow to hearken unto their prayers, to answer them in the day of their trouble. In the day of their peace they esteemed lightly my counsel, but in the day of their trouble, of necessity, they feel after me. (T&C 101:2)

Along with being “slow to hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God,” which brings to mind the verbs “hinder” and “delay,” they also suffered from a number of related faults, enumerated as “jarrings, and contentions, and envyings, and strifes, and lustful and covetous desires.” These vices all spring from the universal human condition of pride, and represent its manifestations in different forms.

Envyings

“Envyings” is a curious word, rarely used outside scripture. Noah Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines its root, “envy,” as follows:

Envy (verb transitive): To feel uneasiness, mortification or discontent, at the sight of superior excellence, reputation or happiness enjoyed by another; to repine at another's prosperity; to fret or grieve one's self at the real or supposed superiority of another, and to hate him on that account.

The sin of envy is unique in that it can only exist by comparison—meaning you cannot envy if you cannot compare yourself to another. Further, though you blame the one to whom you compare yourself, it is, in fact, you who commits the sin. The one you envy is innocent, and you are guilty, though in your mind it is exactly the opposite. You are the innocent victim, and the one you envy is the perpetrator of evil upon you. What a clever deception of the adversary of our souls!

Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; but who is able to stand before envy? (Proverbs 4:51)

Like the adversary, the one who envies becomes Satan, acting as the accuser, opponent, and adversary to those he envies. (T&C 157:8)

Driven by lustful and covetous desires, envy contributes to the other sins listed by the Lord, including jarrings, contentions, and strifes. In fact, if you search the scriptures, you’ll find envying is almost never mentioned without its twin sin, strife.

Strife (noun): Exertion or contention for superiority; contest of emulation, either by intellectual or physical efforts. (Webster, 1828)

The hallmark of strife is a contest or contention; the desire to win, to be vindicated, to be right, to press your point of view and conquer all others—blaming, of course, your adversary for the contest, though it is really your own envy that drives the strife.

Envy is therefore toxic to Zion, because it is her antithesis. While Zion requires unity, envy and strife divide. The “us” becomes “us vs. them,” always with an enemy who is in the wrong, the wicked Goliath pitted against you, the righteous David, the innocent victim. But surely God is on your side, and if you sling enough stones, you’ll eventually triumph, won’t you?

Victimhood and Power

Envy, of course, implies victimhood. It’s easy to claim you are the victim of those you envy, while simultaneously claiming to be powerless against them, because you feel inferior to them. In another paradoxical turn of events, playing the victim card may actually end up giving you power over those you claim are victimizing you, because they actually do care about your claims of mistreatment, so they attempt to bend to your wishes, and satisfy your complaints.

This is another great irony. If your “superiors” were actually such awful people, they wouldn’t give a lick about your feelings or your victimhood, and there would be no point in complaining. On the other hand, if they cater to the feelings and needs of their alleged victims, this demonstrates they aren’t so terrible after all, which destroys the whole narrative you’ve constructed, leaving you in a tough position: You have to admit you were wrong about them, or you have to double down on your dissatisfaction to keep the narrative alive and continue to be right. Guess which tends to happen?

And thus, we have perpetual complaints, classes and divisions, but never Zion. Envy protects its own existence above all else.

“By these things, they polluted their inheritances.”

Among Us?

As a people, we suffer from crippling envy, as well as the flotsam of sins that travel in its wake. Here are some examples I’ve noticed over the past couple of years. Hopefully, these examples are all in our past, and we (myself included) have learned to do better. I hesitate to even point these out, and I only do so with full recognition of my own sins and weakness, in hopes these examples will be instructive toward a better way. Please consider these items carefully, and if they offend you, ponder why that is.

• Some who labor, sacrifice, and serve are falsely accused of lusting for power, notoriety, or importance—by those who actually lust after these things and project their lusts in the form of envy. The Lord knows this, and warned us, “Nor is it enough to say you love your fellow man while you, as Satan, divide, contend and dispute against any person who labors on an errand seeking to do my will.”
• Accusations fly against those labeled as “elite” who “secretly control” the movement as part of some alleged “inner circle.” Oddly, anyone who actually steps up, labors, sacrifices, and accomplishes anything to help the movement, gets automatically thrown in and accused with the “elite” movers and shakers. Thus, actually doing the Lord’s work with alacrity gets condemned as a sin, while passiveness and being “slow to hearken” are preached as virtues.
• Those who have been sent by God with a mission to teach are labeled as “big” voices and accused of thinking themselves important, when the true situation may well be exactly the opposite. Enoch was such a man, tasked with a very uncomfortable responsibility, who suffered anguish over the attention brought by his assignment. He neither wanted nor sought notice or attention, but was rather thrust into it by God’s calling to him. “And [not surprisingly] all men were offended because of him.” (Genesis 4:4 OC)
• Some who claim to have no voice, no influence, and no power in this movement (they are victims, after all) actually exercise great influence and power over others by their claims. It seems nobody wants to be accused of trampling the little guy, so others go to great lengths to patiently accommodate those who complain. Of course, this removes the basis of the complaints, requiring complainers to double down. Who actually has the power and the voice in such a situation?
• Some, who do not adequately study or inform themselves, complain when events take place of which they were not aware. Likewise, some complain when meetings happen without their involvement, or even their awareness. The accusation is that others “operate in secret” and leave the “little people” out, as if their permission and involvement are required for others to act, or even meet together.
• The poor who do not get their needs met by their own fellowships rail against the perceived “wealthy” in other fellowships who aren’t doing enough for them, regardless of the true situation or their ignorance of it. They also accuse “the wealthy” of wasting money on conferences, the temple, or other endeavors, when they have no idea what people have been asked by the Lord to accomplish, nor of the sacrifices made by such people in His service.
• Those who step up, organize, sacrifice, labor, and serve have been accused of exercising control and unrighteous dominion, while “trampling the agency” of those being served, simply because those being served would have organized things differently, had they actually stepped up to do something. Sadly, this attitude demonstrates a very poor understanding of agency, but this is a topic for a different blog post. 

Well, none of these are pleasant, and perhaps some of them sting. I truly dislike even bringing them up, but frankly, time is short, the opportunity we’re squandering is immense, and the time for idle pleasantries has passed. We MUST take a good, hard look at ourselves and eradicate our envy before it’s too late.

I also fully realize there are counter arguments that have been, and will be, advanced to justify every situation I’ve highlighted. Some of these counter arguments are long, loud, and well worded. But since the very nature of envy is, like a computer virus, to disguise and perpetuate itself, is it worth considering that the true root of the continuing arguments may be envy? (And if you claim you are immune to envy, that is the surest sign it has taken over your thoughts and emotions.) ALL of us are susceptible and in peril every hour from this pernicious evil.

The Solution

Recognizing envy in ourselves may be difficult, but the solution is simple; it is repentance. And by that, I mean “repent” in the sense of “turn away from.” This was exactly the prescription given to us specifically, by Mormon:

Turn, all ye gentiles, from your wicked ways, and repent of your evil doings—of your lyings and deceivings, and of your whoredoms, and of your secret abominations, and your idolatries, and of your murders, and your priestcrafts, and your envyings, and your strifes, and from all your wickedness and abominations—and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may receive a remission of your sins and be filled with the holy ghost, that ye may be numbered with my people who are of the house of Israel. (3 Nephi 14:1 NC)

Interestingly, this is the VERY SAME language used by the Lord in the Covenant:

All you who have turned from your wicked ways and repented of your evil doings, of lying and deceiving, and of all whoredoms, and of secret abominations, idolatries, murders, priestcrafts, envying, and strife, and from all wickedness and abominations, and have come unto me, and been baptized in my name, and have received a remission of your sins, and received the Holy Ghost, are now numbered with my people who are of the house of Israel. (T&C 158:10)

If those who have turned from these things and received what is offered are now numbered with His people who are the house of Israel, it follows that any who have NOT turned from these things can claim no such blessing. Sobering indeed.

Envy requires comparison. Perhaps an important way to turn from envy is by refusing to compare. We ought to be grateful for what the Lord has allotted us (Alma 15:12 RE), and likewise rejoice in the gifts He has given others. The Lord cheers on every runner in this race of life, while we who run are tempted to view other runners as our competition. Only by focusing on the Lord who waits at the finish line, can we shift our attention away from everyone else.

Wherefore, seeing we are also encompassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which does so easily beset, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus (the author and finisher of faith) who, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest you be wearied and faint in your minds. (Hebrews 1:51 NC)

We all hail from a competitive, striving, comparative culture. Contests are our livelihoods, entertainment, recreation, and worldview. It seems envy is part of our very nature—a nature which must be put off and made holy. Such change is not easy, but is possible through Christ. We must defeat the scourge of envy in our own hearts if we would claim to be His.


As the weeks went by, Cooper Pratum followed the long grass and mowed inexorably toward the center of town. One day he mowed right to the center of the town, where he came to the Lord’s house. (They called it the Lord’s house, anyway, because it had been built for the Lord. But nobody had ever actually seen Him there.)

Cooper thought he might as well mow this lawn too, comforted by the hope that the at least the homeowner wouldn’t abuse him. As this thought of simple mercy took hold after so much sacrifice and adversity, he stood by his lawnmower and wept at the bitterness of what he had endured, grateful that this might be the only place in town where he wouldn’t be mistreated. He wept and prayed to the only one who would understand, not for himself, but in behalf of those who had mistreated him. He asked the Lord to forgive them. 

After a few minutes, Cooper wiped his eyes, started his lawnmower, and prepared to mow the Lord’s lawn, when, very much to Cooper’s surprise, the front door of the house opened, and the Lord walked out. He walked right up to Cooper and embraced him, then took him by the hands. As realization swept over Cooper, he was utterly overcome with embarrassment at his sweaty, filthy mowing clothes, his grass odor, and most of all, his own inadequacy, which caused him to fall to his knees with his face toward the ground. But the Lord stood him back up, looked at him earnestly, and thanked him for mowing His lawn. 

“But I haven’t even mowed your lawn yet…” stammered Cooper, still looking down. 

“They were all my lawns,” said the Lord. “If you did it unto the least of these, you did it unto me.”

“The people don’t see it that way,” said Cooper, at last able to look his Lord in the face. They mostly hate and reject me. They say I have no right to mow lawns at all.”

“Yes, but they also claim they built this city as a place for me to dwell, and I like order and beauty. I saw the lawns needed to be mowed, and I saw that your heart was willing. It was me that spoke to your heart and asked you to mow. I knew you would be abused for your service, because I was abused for mine. But I also knew that through this struggle, you would come to know me.” 

“I would come to know you by mowing lawns?” Cooper uttered in confusion.

The Lord replied kindly. “It was never about the lawns. It was about redeeming you, Cooper. I knew that as you mowed across the town, you would eventually come to my house, and you would arrive with a broken heart. Mowing lawns brought you to me, and so the grass has served its purpose. Well done, my good and faithful servant! You are now my friend; come into my house and rejoice with me.”

And Cooper Pratum rejoiced, content to be the Lord’s gardener and friend.


Who is a wise man, and endowed with knowledge among you? Let him show out of good conduct his works with meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descends not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish; for where envying and strife are, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. 

—Epistle of Jacob 1:14 NC