True Mormonism

"Why don't we follow the Law of Consecration anymore?" I asked one of the Elders who Baptized me. "Well, Joseph Smith tried to reveal it," he replied, "but the world just wasn't ready for it."

I have often thought about what that Elder said later. Something in his thinking conflicted intrensically with what I knew about God. God knows us. In Psalms it says, "He knows our frame; He knows that we are dust." God knows what problems we will have before we ever even have them. So I'm thinking that God did not reveal a principle to Joseph Smith, and then say, "Oops, I'm sorry. You guys aren't ready for that yet." And so I must ask myslef the same questions on this doctrine that I must ask in all of the others:

• Was this doctrine really revealed from God?
• Has God specifically revoked it?
• How would I need to change my life to live this doctrine?
• Am I willing to make those changes to follow God's will for my life?

Here, we will address these questions with regard to the concept of Consecration.

Of all of the doctrines dicussed on this website, this is quite possibly the hardest one to live. It requires us to overcome our desires to serve ourselves and develop a sincere desire to serve others. Perhaps even more difficult, though, is that it requires us to trust one another and live as brothers and sisters in deed instead of just in word.

Did God Really Reveal This, and is it Still in Force?

The answers to this question can be simple if you have a testimony of Joseph Smith being a Prophet. The answer to the first half of the question is solved by a quick look at the Doctrine and Covenants and Church history. And yet, are we still to live this doctrine? As I described in the preceeding section, I believe we are. Another trip to the Doctrine and Covenants may help to solve this question, as well. Is there any reference where God universally repeals this law? If God has given a law and not repealed it, I would consider it to still be in force.

What Changes Would I be Required to Make?

This is an important question, and must be considered before picking up any new, or in this case, old, doctrine. In the case of living the Law of Consecration, many very visible and obvious lifestyle changes would be necessary for most people. But what I want to focus on goes deeper than that. What heart-changes would need to be made. First, a person would have to discover what it truly means to love someone. Love is not a feeling, it's a commitment to give of yourself for someone else's good. And Consecration is a grand showing of love really put to the test. Is there a point for me, for you, for anyone, when we can say, "I could really use the resources I have, but I know that I have a brother who needs them more, so I will give what I want so that they can have what they need." Second, a person would have to build up a level of trust for others. What is one of the main things that keeps a person form giveing, beside selfishness? I'd say, doubt. Or fear. Wondering if you'll be taken advantage of, or if, when you need it, someone will care for you. But in this case, as well, the focus is still on yourself. The change that needs to happen is to look at the other person's needs and not worry about your own needs, whether physical or emotional. But how is this possible?

Am I Willing to Make These Changes?

Christ responded to the "How is it possible?" question during his mortal ministry: "With man it is imposssible," He said, "but with God all things are possible." The only way we can safely take our attention off of ourselves, is to have a true, experiential relationship with God that has proven to us that "Our God shall supply all our needs according to His riches in Glory."

The rest of it lies within us. Are you willing to make these heart-changes? Taht is a question only you can answer.