Sustaining the Leadership

Reading:   Joshua 1

It is always interesting when a change of the guard occurs and invariably there are those who do not agree with the choice of new leaders.  I have been witness to good members who leave the church because of conflict with a leader and it always astounds me.  How can anyone allow the actions of man to sway them from a testimony that should be based on spiritual communion with God?  My testimony is based on personal revelation and the absolute burning reality of what I know to be the hand of God personally directing me.  No man can take that from me but me.  I cannot deny what I have seen and felt. I may sin and err in the shell of my humanity but I simply cannot fathom turning my back on the reality of God and what he has done for me in my life.

Anyway, back to the changing of the guard...Moses died and Jacob received the overwhelming nudge from God that he was to be the new spiritual leader of Israel.  He was exceedingly concerned as to the the reception he might receive but was greatly surprised...

JOSHUA 1:16-18

16    And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go. 

17    According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the Lord thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses. 

18    Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage. 

Understanding the choices of men and women in regard to positions of leadership in the church cannot be done through temporal discussion, debate, or contemplation.  Spiritual leaders are chosen through spiritual directive.  Revelation is given to the leader who presides over a given body in regard to the spiritual leaders of his flock.  A bishop over the ward, stake president over the stake, etc., etc., up to the prophet.  As I said before, there will always be those who question and undermine those chosen but ultimately they were chosen by God and we cannot begin to understand His motives.

In contemplating these verses and the spiritual selection of our leaders, I came across a conference talk from Gene R. Cook, Seek Out Your Spiritual Leader (1978 April General Conference), that is spot on as to the decisions made within our church.  Here are some snippets...

A few years ago I took a person who was not yet a member of the Church to a meeting to hear one of the General Authorities speak. I had told him previously that this was one of the Lord's anointed. After the meeting the man responded, "Well, he is nothing but a man." I suppose that he expected to see an angel, a demonstration of the gift of tongues, or something like that as a physical evidence of the General Authority's divine call.


I have often wondered how many of us might have been deceived had we been in the very presence of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, in the meridian of time. The great majority saw Jesus as nothing more than a man. The few with spiritual discernment knew who he really was. If one is to make judgments with only his natural senses, he will never perceive the truth of the spiritual world...


...Sometime ago another man asked, "Do the General Authorities really know what is going on in the outlying areas? I am sure that they do not know of these detailed problems with which we are faced." Another good sister said, "If the bishop knew what I know about the difficulties in the Relief Society, I know he would act differently. It's too bad he doesn't consult more with us and obtain all of our opinions about how to run the ward." Another said, "I don't go to my branch president for direction because he sees things differently than I do. Our personalities are too different. We just don't seem to be on the same wavelength."


May I suggest, my brothers and sisters, that the General Authorities, your stake president, bishop, and priesthood quorum leaders do know what is going on with respect to the governing principles, the matters that really count, and that the rest will be resolved in their due time. This is the Lord's church. It is directed by him through a definite priesthood power line of revelation. We believe in a God of miracles, and he does not cease to work spiritual miracles through his priesthood leaders.


We recognize that in any presidency or bishopric the president or bishop may obtain counsel from his counselors, and perhaps from some others, before he, by inspiration, makes the decision. However, we do not in the Church subscribe to a participative-management type of direction, wherein the opinions of all are gathered in, weighed and measured, a consensus drawn, and then a decision made according to the majority. There may be some few exceptions to that statement, but generally speaking that type of approach is representative of the way the world manages its affairs. Many other churches are in the same category because they have nothing better. All the world can do is to dispute an issue, share an opinion, exchange an experience, and then try to draw the best conclusion from the given amount of facts available on the subject.


In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the leaders at all levels of administration rely on revelation from God to direct their particular stewardships. There are many people, too many, who seek out the wrong individuals for counsel, too many who would rather give counsel than receive it. Remember that others might share with you their experience, or broaden your understanding on a given issue, but if you are desirous of receiving revelation pertaining to your particular stewardship, it must come from the Lord. It may come directly through an interchange with him on your part or as revelation to you through your immediate priesthood leader.


...Remember that at times your local priesthood leader may truly see things differently than you do. Disagreements seem to come over details and methods for performing given tasks, but almost never are based in differences over gospel principles. Your leader has a right to function with his own unique personality and in his own realm of experience, and it may be in detail somewhat different in practice from the exact way you would perform. Nevertheless, counsel from a priesthood leader in the proper spirit is of the Lord and binding.


We live in trying times. When we receive counsel from our leaders that is difficult to comprehend, may we say in our hearts, "Father, I believe what I have been told. And when it is the right time, and I have paid the proper price to know, let me understand why."


...Remember, last of all, we do not desire blind obedience in the Church. We desire that every individual may know for himself that the counsel he receives from his leaders comes from the Lord. He has the right and the great privilege to know for himself of the Lord that he has been counseled aright. If he will be patient and wait upon the Lord, he will find that his priesthood leaders truly do counsel in righteousness, thus enabling him to walk upon safe ground.

I pray that each of us might be more humble and desirous of receiving and obeying counsel. May each of us seek not to counsel the Lord, but seek counsel from his hand and from his inspired priesthood leaders, as it is the same. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

"The leaders at all levels of administration rely on revelation from God to direct their particular stewardships."  That says it all. 

I have questioned choices and reactions to situations that I have seen my leaders make and it is hard!  Angela and I have struggled greatly with some of the decisions that have been made in our ward, by our bishop and other respective leaders, and we simply cannot understand and have often felt ignored and even shunned.  Our reaction has been disgust, frustration, and anger, yet we stay, we pray and ultimately rely on the Lord, one another, our children, and our family to see us through.  We do not have the whole picture and if we have to suffer so that others aren't wholly lost, so be it...we are strong.  We are part of a stewardship that is administered and directed by God and we shall survive!

~Kipling

A Farewell to Moses

Reading:   Deuteronomy 34

Moses moves on to his reserved place of honor in the everlasting kingdom of God.  He truly was a prophet among prophets and accomplished a great deal of work in a relatively small amount of time...

DEUTERONOMY 34:10

10    And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, 

The absolute best way to describe Moses and what he accomplished is poignantly stated in the last few words of verse 10, "the Lord knew [Moses] face to face."  Seriously, what else needs to be said?

Moving on then...the prophecy stands that there was not another prophet in Israel like Moses, but does that mean there were no other great prophets - men who had as much success as him?  Absolutely not!  Here I will leave the explanation to Elder LeGrand Richards...

We read in the Book of Mormon that when Lehi was in the desert, he told his son Joseph that the Lord had promised Joseph who was sold into Egypt that in the latter days He would raise up a prophet from his loins like unto Moses. (See 2 Ne. 3:6-9.) And we are told in holy writ that there was no prophet in Israel like unto Moses because he walked and talked with God. (See Deut. 34:10.) This is the kind of prophet that, three thousand years before Joseph Smith was born, the Lord promised Joseph of Egypt He would raise up through his loins. He said his name should be Joseph, and his father's name should be Joseph; and he said: "Unto him will I give power to bring forth my word." (2 Ne. 3:11, 15.) 

The Prophet Joseph Smith brought us the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, and many other writings. As far as our records show, he has given us more revealed truth than any prophet who has ever lived upon the face of the earth. And the Lord said: "And not to the bringing forth my word only, ... but to the convincing them of my word, which shall have already gone forth among them." (2 Ne. 3:11.) What did he mean by that? That in the midst of these hundreds of churches of men-the result of men's interpretations of the scriptures because they can't agree, and these churches keep multiplying-that the Lord would give to this new prophet the ability to comprehend the scriptures that had already been sent forth among them. 

Then he adds that he shall "bring my people unto salvation." (2 Ne. 3:15.) Why? Because he would receive the holy priesthood, the power to administer the saving ordinances of the gospel. Then he adds, "And I will make him great in mine eyes." (2 Ne. 3:8.) Whatever the world may think of the Prophet Joseph Smith, there is the statement of the Lord that he would be great in His eyes. 

~ Call of the Prophets (1981 April General Conference) 

To be great in someone's eyes is to achieve respect beyond reproach.  I do not believe that such a level of esteem can be reached without personal interaction and knowledge of an individual.  It is certain that both Moses and Joseph Smith had such a relationship with God, others as well (Adam, Abraham, Samuel, the brother of Jared, and Gordon B. Hinckley, to name just a few) the important thing to note is that the relationships were personal and exceedingly intimate in nature.  I cannot see any other way of achieving such greatness in the eyes of another - faults are there and recognized but overshadowed in greatness.

Few men have reached that level of respect from me; my father tops that list and is accompanied by my grandfather, a Priest's Quorom advisor from my youth, my stake President in Alaska, and a friend of mine that has passed away.  There are several men that I respect and would do anything for, but those who are "great in my eyes," have done so much more for me than is easy to express or make known, that their positions of esteem in my eyes are simply immovable.  They are men who have certainly erred in life and yet they are such prime examples of righteousness and grit that I cannot fathom any instance that would diminish their stature to me.

Is my list done, absolutely not!  There are individuals in my life that are well on their way to achieving that level of esteem in my eyes; brothers, my children, close friends (though most have strayed - I hold on to hope that they will return), and even myself (I have a lot of work to do).

Knowing that many souls can still achieve greatness in my eyes it is easy to believe that many can still achieve likewise in the eyes of God.  His respect of persons did not end with Moses, Joseph Smith, or even our prophet today (Thomas S. Monson).  Many more can achieve!  Many more will achieve!  We all have the capability, despite our faults, to effect greatness in the eyes of our fellow men and in the eyes of God.  Accept the atonement, set goals, do what is right, and move forward with an eye single to the glory of God - done!

~Kipling

Proving and Strife

Reading:   Deuteronomy 33

Here comes another reference to the Urim and Thummim and, interestingly enough, it is used in connection with a person and office whereas it was typically used to define the actual interpreters or, on occasion, a place (see Lights and Perfections).  

DEUTERONOMY 33:8

8    And of Levi he said, Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, and with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah; 

Understanding that the Urim and Thummim can also be interpreted as "Lights and Perfections," we can then see that Moses, in his blessing to the house of Levi, extolled these virtues on the office of high priest to Israel.  Moses then went on to clarify that the office he spoke of, thy holy one, was that very same position that the people questioned at Massah - requiring proof.  

The phrase, "at the waters of Meribah" directs Israel, specifically the Levites, to recall the instance at Massah where Moses brought forth water from a stone (Number 20:7-13).  These terms, Massah and Meribah, are often used in conjunction with one another and have come to note (or possibly always meant), "Proving and strife." 

The office of high priest dealt with great strife and intense proving at Massah (see Water from Stone); and Moses wanted to make a point of referring to this instance as he bestowed the blessing of light and perfection upon it.  Moses had not been perfect in his action at Massah and had not proved the light of God in his bringing forth the water from stone because he did so with somewhat of an attitude and with unwarranted frustration and a lack of acknowledgement toward God.  Moses learned his lesson at Massah and prayed the Levites would understand the proving and strife that took place there for him, the people, and also the holy office of high priest.

By attributing "light and perfection" to the office of high priest, Moses blessed those who were called and those who would be called, as direct interpreters of God's voice, His light, and His perfection in all things.  

~Kipling

Pick Your Literal Poison

Reading:   Deuteronomy 32

I have mentioned, once or twice, the importance of having a worthwhile occupation (not a job per say but the driving force of who you are).  Some people find their days, thoughts, etc., occupied by a particular television show (MASH, Friends, Star Trek, Survivor, Beauty & the Beast,... whatever).  Others are enamored by a particular sports team or being green.  Some are, in fact, wrapped up in their chosen field of study and find little time for anything else. Fishing, reading, lifting weights, cooking, running, I could go on...all of these can become intoxications that pull an individual from spiritual growth and ultimately cause a sense of zealousness that is blinding.

DEUTERONOMY 32:33

33 Their wine is the poison of dragons, and the cruel venom of asps. 

To drink from whatever it is that gets you up in the morning - your reason for life - means you live life in a way that revolves around that thing and all else is subsequent and subject to the dictates of your chosen "wine." This is the pitfall of idol worship and the Lord will have His vengeance!

DEUTERONOMY 32:39

39    See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand. 

It is not bad to have passion for something but it becomes bad when that thing becomes life and the one overriding cause for your very existence.

Don't drink the poison!

~Kipling

Good Courage Defined

Reading:   Deuteronomy 31

Is there a type or degree of courage that might be considered bad?  I mean, other than a complete lack of courage are there avenues of courage on opposite sides of the scale - good and bad. 

DEUTERONOMY 31:6

6    Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. 

"Good" courage as opposed to "bad" courage must be directly related to the purpose of the undertaking.  Let me explain; evil contributions aside, characters such as Cain, Napoleon, Al Capone, Hitler, Stalin, etc., are men of great courage but decidedly of the bad kind.  These infamous men had to embody great amounts of courage to step where they stepped and do the things which they accomplished.  This could be construed as pure sociopathic arrogance as opposed to courage but, by definition, their deeds are in fact acts of great courage, "the ability to do something that frightens one."  There is no way that Cain could have murdered his brother and tried to hide the deed from God without overcoming a heap of fear with courage - bad courage. 

In terms of us; we are each tempted regularly with choices that illicit fear, I, for instance, on occasion, have an intense desire to physically pummel arrogant men that cross my path.  I choose not to lash out physically because I fear the repercussions and the stigma that may effect those I love.  However, if I were to overcome that fear and act, could it be described as an act of courage, by definition we have to agree that it could - fear was overcome.  This is courage of a bad sort and an easier type of courage to act upon.

Good courage, as noted in the scripture, is of a higher type - overcoming fear of man to act in a celestial manner.  To ignore the whisperings of man and attend church or go on a mission, obeying the word of wisdom, refraining from desires that everyone else seems to freely partake, to rise above the crowd and be different - good courage!

Thomas S. Monson said...

It is this sweet assurance [The Lord will not fail us] that can guide you and me-in our time, in our day, in our lives. Of course, we will face fear, experience ridicule, and meet opposition. Let us have the courage to defy the consensus, the courage to stand for principle. Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God's approval. Courage becomes a living and an attractive virtue when it is regarded not only as a willingness to die manfully, but also as a determination to live decently. A moral coward is one who is afraid to do what he thinks is right because others will disapprove or laugh. Remember that all men have their fears, but those who face their fears with dignity have courage as well.  

-The Call for Courage (2004 April General Conference, Priesthood session)

Do you have a willingness to "...die manfully."  I have overcome many fears in my life and, on several occasions, have done so with bad courage; but, I am faithful and intensely believe that my fear of God far outweighs my concern of man and therefore I lean more often on my good courage.  I pray my resolve, in that regard, remains steadfast.  I am determined to live decently and act consistently with good courage.

~Kipling

The Decision Makers

Reading:   Deuteronomy 30

The message of agency is hammered and pounded and beat upon constantly with repetitive force and an ever-growing fervor but do we actually listen?

DEUTERONOMY 30:15, 19

15    See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; 

19    I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: 

"Choose life, that thou and thy seed may live!"
This refrain does not echo in the existence of individualism but in the generations of, "...thy seed."  Your choices, your actions, your ripple of movement in the sea of existence may cause a tsunami of regret in generations to come - don't be that guy!

In his talk, A Loving, Communicating God (1992 October General Conference), Marion D. Hanks said...

Our Heavenly Father desires that all mankind be led by the light, but that blessing will not be imposed upon anyone. Christ stands at the door and knocks; those who wish to have him enter and sup with them must hear his voice and "open the door." (Rev. 3:20.) Thus two great principles on which the gospel is centered, love and agency, are plainly taught. Each of us is here to learn to love and give and hearken to the Spirit and choose to do the will of the Father. God wants his offspring and heirs to become all that we can be, to qualify for our inheritance. But we must choose; we are the decision makers, and he will not relieve that responsibility...

We must choose...
We are the decision makers...
May your choices echo life and good in the coming eternity!

~Kipling

...200 Days and counting...take that you naysayers!

Blinded, Drunk, and Thirsty

Reading:   Deuteronomy 29

In discussing the deadly sorrows to be gained in idol worship, I found it intensely interesting that there is a voice given to he that is found to be of that caustic root (an idol worshipper).  Verse nineteen gives an ignorant voice to such a fool...

DEUTERONOMY 29:18-19

18 Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the Lord our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood; 

19 And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst: 

This blinded idol worshipper sees not a curse but a blessing and finds cause to be at peace in his comfortable ignorance.  He believes in the fairy tale truths and fanciful enticements of whichever idol has beguiled him and walks upright in the imaginations of his heart, never seeing the reality of his path.  He truly is a poisonous root that leads others to drink from the intoxicating well of falsehoods that he believes are quenching his ever-growing thirst.

In reference to the many biblical warnings against idol worship, Matthew Henry stated...

O that presumptuous sinners would read it and tremble! For it is not a bug-bear to frighten children and fools, but a real declaration of the wrath of God against the ungodliness and the unrighteousness of men...

I agree
Matthew Henry
I agree!

I agree 
Whole-heartedly, yes
I agree!

I agree
And refuse not to see...
I agree!

I agree

To the nth degree I decree, 

I agree!

~Kipling