Finding Faith in Our Finances: Lessons from Doctrine and Covenants 117
We've all been there. That moment when the bills pile up, the unexpected expense appears, or perhaps a new opportunity arises that requires a significant financial commitment. In these times, it's easy for anxiety and worry to creep in, overshadowing our faith and peace. Today, we're going to delve into a section of scripture that, while seemingly focused on earthly matters, holds profound spiritual lessons: Doctrine and Covenants 117.
The Eternal Return on Investment:
Doctrine and Covenants 117 might not be the most frequently read passage, but its relevance to our daily lives, particularly our financial stewardship, is undeniable. This revelation, given to Joseph Smith in 1839, addresses the business dealings and financial responsibilities of some of the early leaders of the Church. However, the principles at its core resonate deeply with us today, offering guidance on how to navigate financial challenges and opportunities with faith.
One of the central themes that emerges from Doctrine and Covenants 117 is the importance of prioritizing eternal values over temporal gain. While the revelation discusses specific assets and debts, it underscores that our ultimate wealth lies not in earthly possessions, but in our relationship with God and our commitment to His kingdom.
Pay All That You Owe:
The Lord, in His infinite wisdom, often uses our earthly circumstances to teach us spiritual truths. He is acutely aware of our needs, both temporal and spiritual. In Doctrine and Covenants 117:1, the Lord declares, "It is my will that you should pay all that you owe." This is a straightforward commandment, a call to honesty and integrity in our dealings. It's a reminder that living a life aligned with God's will involves fulfilling our obligations, not just to others, but ultimately to Him who has blessed us with the means.
Repentance, overcoming pride and worldly attachment (materialism)
Furthermore, the revelation challenges those who may be tempted by pride and attachment to worldly possessions. The Lord gently admonishes, "For I, the Lord, will all men to repent; and their sins I covenant to forgive. But by this covenant I have no covenant that I will forgive all your iniquities; therefore, repent and be forgiven." (D&C 117:11). This verse, while addressing specific individuals, speaks to a universal human tendency. It reminds us that true repentance, which includes a change of heart and a commitment to righteous living, is the key to forgiveness and spiritual progress. This applies not only to our sins but also to any unhealthy attachments we might have to material wealth that distract us from our divine purpose.
Wisdom's First Fruits
Consider the powerful instruction found in Doctrine and Covenants 117:2: "Therefore, it is wisdom that thou shouldst gather together all thy choicest wines, and thy most precious oils, and thy most select grain, and thy finest flax, and all thy valuable things, and make a free and a liberal offering unto the Lord thy God." While this may sound like a directive for tithing and offerings, it also speaks to the principle of wise stewardship. The Lord is not asking us to divest ourselves of all our possessions, but rather to be good stewards of what we have been given. He wants us to use our resources wisely, to be generous, and to prioritize making an "offering unto the Lord." This offering can be interpreted in many ways – through our tithes and offerings, of course, but also through dedicating our time, talents, and efforts to building His kingdom.
In essence, Doctrine and Covenants 117 teaches us that our financial lives and our spiritual lives are intrinsically linked. By embracing principles of honesty, integrity, wise stewardship, and generosity, we can strengthen our faith and find peace amidst financial uncertainties. When we approach our finances with a celestial perspective, understanding that all we have is a trust from God, we can then truly say:
"I will pay all that I owe, not just in earthly currency, but in devotion, in service, and in living according to Thy divine will."
Let us reflect on these divine promptings and strive to be faithful stewards of all that the Lord has entrusted to us. By doing so, we can cultivate a deeper faith and experience the profound peace that comes from aligning our earthly endeavors with our eternal aspirations.
What are your thoughts on Doctrine and Covenants 117?
Share your insights and questions in the comments below!
What have you learned?
- What is the connection between our financial lives and our spiritual lives according to Doctrine and Covenants 117?
- Why is Doctrine and Covenants 117 relevant to us today, even though it talks about early Church leaders?
- What is one of the central spiritual themes of Doctrine and Covenants 117 regarding our finances?
- What is the Lord's commandment in Doctrine and Covenants 117:1, and what does it teach us?
- How does Doctrine and Covenants 117 address pride and attachment to material possessions?
ANSWERS
- Doctrine and Covenants 117 teaches that our financial lives and our spiritual lives are intrinsically linked. By embracing principles of honesty, integrity, wise stewardship, and generosity in our financial dealings, we can strengthen our faith and find peace amidst financial uncertainties.
- Although it discusses specific circumstances of early Church leaders, the principles within Doctrine and Covenants 117 have profound spiritual lessons that resonate with everyone today, particularly regarding our financial stewardship and how we manage our earthly resources.
- A central theme is the importance of prioritizing eternal values over temporal gain. The revelation reminds us that our true wealth lies not in earthly possessions but in our relationship with God and our commitment to His kingdom.
- The Lord's commandment in Doctrine and Covenants 117:1 is, "It is my will that you should pay all that you owe." This teaches us the importance of honesty and integrity in our dealings, emphasizing that fulfilling our obligations is part of living in alignment with God's will.
- The revelation gently admonishes those tempted by pride and attachment to worldly possessions, reminding them that while God covenants to forgive sins through repentance, He does not offer a blanket covenant to forgive all iniquities without contrition and a change of heart. This applies to our relationship with material wealth that might distract us from our divine purpose.
Add comment
Comments