What To Do With Your Treasures

my-treasure-is-in-heavenI am hesitant to publish this post, but feel persuaded by ponderous and solemn thought it may do someone some good, even if it’s only me. It has been on my mind for quite some time, possibly even years, perhaps ever since I first met my friend Jared (Log) whose focus is clearly on the Sermon on the Mount. I am comforted by this scripture, which gives me courage to write and share:

Fools mock, but they shall mourn. And my grace is sufficient for the meek, that they shall take no advantage of your weakness. And if men come unto me, I will shew unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble. And my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me. For if they humble themselves before me and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them. Behold, I will shew unto the Gentiles their weakness.

Source: Ether 12:26-28 (LE) or Ether 5: Sentences 35-51 (RE)

Gentiles Must Repent

tenth-article-of-faithI am a Gentile. I feel my weaknesses. The natural man (Mosiah 3:19 LE) is strong in me in spite of my efforts to subdue those natural tendencies. The Lord has clearly shown unto me my weaknesses. I am humbled by my own nothingness in this Telestial state and by my ever-present mortal frailties, always before my eyes.

I glory in the grace of my Lord unto me, for He is kind, long-suffering and gentle, patient and full of love unfeigned. He persuades me to desire his righteousness and to seek after holiness. He teaches me to repent. In fact, He has never ceased in the enticings of the Holy Spirit for me to put off the natural man and become a Saint.

Treasures on Earth

Lay not up for yourselves treasure upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Source: Matt 6:19-21 (LE) or Matthew 3, Sentences 83-85 (RE)

the-rich-young-rulerCouple this instruction from the Lord with these words of counsel to the rich young man, who, the scripture reports, went away sorrowing, for his much wealth. I also wonder very seriously if what I have laid up in store will vanish away as the slippery treasures of the Nephites in their days of wickedness. (Hel 13:31-32 LE)

Sell All That Thou Hast

If thou wilt be perfect, go, sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Source: Matt 10, Sentences 34-35 (RE) or Matt 19:21-22 (LE)

I think those scriptures provide sufficient background for what I desire to share. I am in a conundrum. I have worked all my life to lay up for myself treasures on earth, as in the Great American Dream, in preparation for my retirement. Now I am confronted with the understanding that in order to become individually qualified for Zion, I must sell all that I have and give to the poor. Or have I misunderstood?

Provide For His Own

worse-than-an-infidelConsider these words: “Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else.” (D&C 42:22 LE) and “Women have claim on their husbands for their maintenance, until their husbands are taken.” (D&C 83:2 LE).

Also, “…if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” (1 Tim 5:8) “And again, verily I say unto you, that every man who is obliged to provide for his own family, let him provide, and he shall in nowise lose his crown; and let him labor in the church.” (D&C 75:28 LE)

As I have pondered and prayed about these scriptures, I have felt impressed that all I have is given me to take care of my family, especially my dear wife, whom I love with all my heart. Yet I desire to enter into a covenant to build up Zion. What am I to do? I also desire to contribute to the building of the temple and helping the poor.

Zion Established for Protection

IndependenceTempleSignIn the spirit of prophecy and revelation, backed up by many scriptures, Zion is to be established before the Lord returns. It is established specifically as a place to provide a refuge from the deterioration, collapse and eventual destruction of this and all other nations. We will want to gather there. It is a specific place and from everything I have read it is in the tops of the mountains and not in flat Missouri.

I very much desire to go to Boise for the Conference in September with the intent to cast my vote and let my voice be heard. I want to enter into the covenant offered by the Lord with the anticipated benefit of obtaining the right to dwell here in this land in safety and to assist the remnant of Jacob build the Holy City in preparation for the return of the Lord before that Great and Terrible Day of Destruction.

The Gathering May Soon Be Upon Us

zion-place-of-refugeNot to get too personal or share too much information, most of my long-time readers know Carol and I do not see eye to eye on this subject. In fact, she was quick to point out many years ago the end result of the path I have chosen to follow, that of believing the scriptures in regards to the literal gathering of the house of Israel and the believing Gentiles who desire to assist them is NOW.

I do not see things unfolding in the orthodox viewpoint of the LDS Church in this manner. They provide no timeline. From everything I have observed, teachings about the gathering have been watered down until they are meaningless. The standard teaching of gathering in the Stakes of the Zion, interpreted to be the LDS Church, is bland and without any requirement of sacrifice. I hope that’s not harsh.

Behold, I Come Quickly

CityOfZionI believe we have an opportunity NOW to open the heavens and to call down the Powers of Heaven to join us. Specifically, I am convinced the return of the City of Enoch is nigh at hand, and, as we know, the Lord has made that His abode forever. That is why I desire to gather to Boise for this conference. I believe for we who enter into and accept this covenant, things will begin to move very, very quickly.

Because Denver has stated it will be years before the people become fully ripe in iniquity, I have decided to forego my plans for retirement. I have been seeking new opportunities and am very close to deciding between several prospects that will likely result next week in multiple offers of long-term employment. Conceivably, I will work in another twelve years in order to build up more treasures on earth.

A Few Questions In Conclusion

doctrine-of-christ-boise-Sep2017I’m still seeking definitive answers to a few questions: Must one be there in person at the Boise Conference as a sign in order to demonstrate a desire and willingness to enter into the covenant and obtain the promised blessing of protection? What about those who simply cannot attend due to distance and travel expense? Will there be some arrangements made for streaming the conference over the Internet? [Edit – Yes]

Once the covenant is accepted by the Lord and by those who desire to enter into such a covenant, I am convinced an announced gathering place will shortly be forthcoming. That is a big deal and will cause all kinds of opposition. I have to answer for myself if my plans to spend most of my energy to labor in this world is the best thing for me and my family. Nobody can answer this for me but the Lord.

Reality of These Prophesied Events

restoration-scriptures-infoAm I alone in these thought and questions? Have any of you pondered the reality of what we will be called upon to do once we accept and enter into this covenant? Am I missing the big picture or is it clearer to you how things will come to pass after the conference this September? What are your plans in regards to how you will respond to an announcement of a gathering to a specific place? Am I way off?

I’m not trying to create division. I desire unity. Carol says she doubts she will live more than a few more years. I disagree. While none of us can predict with any degree of certainty how long we will live, in my conversations with the Lord, I have seen myself participating in many of the winding up scenes in my mind’s eye and in the dreams of the night. In most of them, gratefully, Carol was by my side.

An Invitation to Dialog

Your thoughts?

 

20 thoughts on “What To Do With Your Treasures”

  1. Virginia Wegner

    Thank you for sharing I agree with everything you said, I just don’t know how to word it like you did it was I who was one of the many who needed to hear this thank-you and God bless

  2. Victoria Greer

    Yes Tim these same thoughts have passed thru my mind a number of times. I feel certain many share these concerns. In particular if, like my husband and I, they own a local business. Just keeping a small business afloat during the past eight years was a struggle. But the Lord has a plan and I pray He will aid us with a clear understanding of His will as time draws nigh.
    Look forward to your insightful posts when you feel moved to share. So happy to hear new employment is forthcoming.

  3. I believe a temple must be built and accepted before any real gathering will take place. This will take money, which means most of us will have to remain employed for the foreseeable future. I believe your decision to continue generating income is not a selfish one, and is, in fact, the most appropriate course of action.

    1. Adrian, your counsel is greatly appreciated. It warms my heart and has helped me feel more confident about my plans going forward. As much as I hate the long drive back to the San Fernando Valley, a hundred-mile round trip drive each day from Ventura / Camarillo, it appears two offers will probably be forthcoming in the scheduled third interviews. One is with the Valley Presbyterian Hospital. I think I will like that.

  4. In a way, you put your uncertainty as an either/or proposition. I say you need only consecrate what you already have to the Lord. He will then direct you how to use his finances while also keeping you clothed and fed, as the birds and flowers. This may require a change in our expectations as to what are truly the necessities of life. Tough for old codgers like us. Thus, we begin to live the law of consecration as it was intended: individually and not collectively. Now, good brother, if you have desires to live the United Order, I know a guy with vexatious debt grievous to be borne that could use relief from suffering…

  5. I was thinking a commandment to build a temple might come next and then instruction received there and then an eventual gathering. But I cannot say for sure! 🙂

  6. I have certainly thought on these questions a number of times, and your additional thoughts are now provoking new inquiry in me. Questions I have asked:
    Since I have no family which is needful for me to support, do I sell all I have now and give to the poor?
    I only make $12 an hour, but have a house which is affordable that I’m able to barely make by month to month. I have no excess to contribute to the temple, but I regularly give my excesses(tithes) to the poor. Should I sell my house and move into a cheaper situation(rent) so I can contribute to the temple now? Do I not give to the poor and rather give to the temple(anointing of Christ or selling of the ointment as a parable)? I use my mortgage as a form of saving until the time comes to sell the home and give the excess to the Lord.
    Granted, all these questions are very temporal in nature. If there was any literal gathering to take place, my plans are to sell my house and treasures, take up my provisions, and lay up my treasure for the house of the Lord, wandering through the wilderness until I am purified and am invited to enter Zion and help build.

    These are a lot of the thoughts that have been on my mind.

  7. Yes, dear brother, We too have been given same notice through the spirit. The ripening can be as sudden as the people in BOM. It was only 3 yrs for some. We have been led throughout yrs to downsize our treasures. From the beginning of our marriage the Lord has moved my heart bit by bit to come out of Babylon. Last yr, He had me purge. I feel as well as soon as we show Father we are willing to embrace His covenant, and gather slowly at first. Things will be very bad. Heart wrenching! Stay close to Him, you are doing this. He is leading you!

  8. Every word of the commandment is relevant to the commandment.

    “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth…”

    If you have built up treasures unto the Lord, you don’t dip into them; they are the Lord’s. On the other hand, if you’re dipping into them, like, for example, by supporting yourself in your retirement out of them, then they’re clearly for yourself.

    It’s like Commandment Two. “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image…” There is nothing in Commandment Two stopping the Lord from commissioning a representational object or picture from a man, like, say, an Ark of the Covenant or a brazen serpent, but if a man is without such a commission and crafting them to show, keep, sell, or otherwise profit from, he has made them unto himself.

  9. These are very interesting thoughts and questions. I believe we are still a little in shock. Are we really witnessing these last of the last days? My questions and random thoughts: What about our Lamanite brothers? Am I prepared spiritually? How will my children fare who are not on this path? This proposed temple is important for me to support. We will no doubt receive more instruction in Boise than we bargained for – similar to the 10th talk! Remember to NOT be in haste, but be steady. Love others to create the one heart. Am I willing to suffer and sacrifice joyfully? Tim, thanks for posting and best wishes in your work!

  10. The best reason [for saving money] may be for your health. That’s right, your physical and mental health. According to a recent study, financial stress negatively affects our sense of well-being and our physical health (see John A. Sturgeon, Anne Arewasikporn, Morris A. Okun, Mary C. Davis, Anthony D. Ong, and Alex J. Zautra. “The Psychosocial Context of Financial Stress,” Psychosomatic Medicine, vol. 78, no. 2 [2016], 134–43).

    The simple act of putting money away in a savings account every month for emergencies significantly reduces financial stress. In fact, in a 2013 survey, 84 percent of the respondents said that having money saved up did more for their sense of well-being than diet, exercise, or having an enjoyable job (Jenna Goudreau, “Saving Money Could Make You Happier,” Business Insider, Nov. 26, 2013.

    1. Some of the most wonderful teachings on learning to be a financial steward for the Lord were presented by a Pentacostal truck driver back in the 90’s. My life was totally changed and, a great gift given to me by Heavenly Father. It was apparent that this man was receiving much truth, by the way he taught and what he taught. The Lord took him step by step from being totally in the world, to forsaking all and working for the Lord full time. It is all laid out in the talks that are available at his web site, and everthing is free. If this is something that might interest you please e-mail me. Would love to share.

      1. I’m intrigued. Just accepted a new employment offer so I’m coming out of retirement specifically to build up treasures on earth for my family over the next ten or twelve years. I’d be interested in what you have proposed to share. My email address is prominently displayed onthesidear. Thanks for the offer.

      2. Dean, I would be interested in reading this material if you are willing to share. Thank you for offering.

  11. And from a contemporary Christian point of view: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:19-21

    This passage has a “Do Not” and a “Do”. We’ll take them in order.
    First, the “Do Not”. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth.”
    Is this an absolute prohibition against any form of savings? Is it sin to have an IRA or 401K plan? Is Jesus forbidding the accumulation of material possessions? Should Christians take a vow of poverty, giving away all of their belongings, and keeping just the bare minimum needed for survival?

    We could all give away our gold wedding rings, sell our late model cars, take our suits and dresses to the Salvation Army, hold a yard sale for our TV’s and stereos and furniture, sell our houses, give all the proceeds to charity and move in with our parents. Is that what Christ is calling us to do?

    No. As usual, Jesus is concerned with our hearts. External things, like material possessions, matter only because of what they reveal about what is internal, what is in our hearts. Jesus cares about our wealth, not for its own sake, but because it both has an effect on our hearts and reflects what is already in our hearts.

    Let me give some support for this argument that Jesus in not forbidding us to acquire possessions.

    “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! . . . It stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” — Proverbs 6:6-8 (NIV)

    Here the Scriptures commend the ant because it makes provisions for the future. A wise man is one who follows this example. So a 401K plan is not sin, it is a prudent ant-like preparation.

    “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:23 (NIV)

    Source: https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/treasure-in-heaven-alan-perkins-sermon-on-kingdom-of-god-35725

  12. “Treasures” is the key word…it’s where your heart is. As Jacob counseled…

    18 But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.

    19 And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.

    What is the “kingdom of God” and the “hope in Christ”? The treasures you gain will be given you by Him whom is the giver to build his kingdom which includes your loved ones. Be a wise steward and the Lord will multiply you a hundred fold. Don’t “toil” or “spin” but be as the Lily that obeys the Lord in all it does.

    1. Thank you Leonard, for adding to my understanding of treasures. I have reconsidered carefully what I treasure. Elaborating: I treasure my relationships with those in the heavens and so very many on the earth, especially my dear wife, for whom I am honored to sacrifice and serve. Why is it a sacrifice to work? It shouldn’t be when our bodies are young and we are full of energy.

      As we get older, labor becomes more of a sacrifice, and yet it is a commandment. Of course, the labor I do is not physically taxing, but it surely is mentally exhausting. I work by faith and treasure the result, being able to be an instrument in the hands of the Lord to bless my family, especially my wife, with some measure of security she desires. I treasure the ability to offer sacrifice in this way.

  13. If a person is living well making 1000 a week and then gets a promotion that doubles his income, is it ok to move into that new home and buy that new car and all those other things that would make life more comfortable?

    A better question might be, when is enough, enough?

    What is the difference between our provision, and our stewardship?

    That is totally between you and the Lord.

    It takes personal revelation to find these things out.

  14. Dean: Love those questions. Well worth pondering. Applying these excellent questions to my current situation, I have accepted full-time regular employment, but have no intention of changing my lifestyle. We are grateful my retirement only lasted three months. It was a good rest.

    As long as I continue to work, we plan to put every possible dollar into the retirement account, which is intended to provide security, or in other words, to pay the normal day-to-day living expenses when I am no longer able to labor due to age and health, in maybe ten more years.

    Should I leave this frail existence first, the money is Carol’s to do with as she pleases. Should Carol return home to her Heavenly Father first, I intend to sell all that I have, give the money to the poor or the temple fund and find my way to gather to Zion. It all depends on world events.

    We have asked many times in prayer and this is what we feel directed to do: to work until we are no longer able to work, to incur no debt (gratefully we have almost none), and to live humbly within our means. We feel it is pleasing to the Lord that we also pay tithing as we go.

    We keep a close watch on the events of the world around us. We are optimists in that we feel there is yet time to participate normally in a civilized society for at least a few more years, but remain convinced that society and the rule of law will someday fail. It is so prophesied.

    When that day comes, it will no longer be safe to attempt to carry on a normal lifestyle of daily labor and saving wages in financial institutions that will fail. We pray constantly that our eyes may be open so that we may clearly see when the time is upon us to gather to Zion for safety.

    The Lord has said we are not to gather in haste, yet he also has said that he comes quickly, in an hour when we least expect Him. We are to pray that our flight be not in winter, neither on the Sabbath day. We are to be ready at any hour and not think the Lord is delaying His return.

    The last days are upon us. Events will soon overtake us for which we need to be prepared. We should prepare every needful thing. For me that means lightening our load of stuff now. We can’t take it with us and such stuff will only hamper us in our preparations to flee to Zion.

    May God bless each of us in our individual circumstances that we may know what He would have us do to both contribute to the building up of Zion in these last days and to be prepared ourselves to flee when the time comes. Zion is to be built in the tops of the mountains, but where?

    Surely the Lord God will do nothing but he reveals his secret, or in my words, his plans, unto his servants in the last days. As a Gentile, I desire to participate in the promises made to the Fathers regarding the family of God in the Last Days. I desire to receive promised protection.

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