...All people cannot be brought to the same living standards. And all needed things cannot be achieved by goods or gold.
To care fully for the poor, we must help the poor to change. As they are taught and abide doctrines of Deity, spiritual strength will come that enlightens the mind and liberates the soul from the yoke of bondage. When people of the earth accept the gospel of Christ, their attitudes change. Their understanding and capabilities increase.
A poet sensed the
great power of the Spirit of the Lord to lift an individual when he wrote:
- "The chief of all thy wondrous works,
Supreme of all thy plan;
Thou hast put an upward reach
Within the heart of man."
(author unknown)
That upward
reach, drawn from a knowledge of divine doctrines, transforms souls!
May I share an illustration
with you? Once, Sister Nelson and I were invited to the humble home
of Polynesian Saints who had relatively recently joined the Church.
By walking carefully on wooden planks, we approached their house, built
on wooden piles emerging from the floor of the sea. We climbed a
ladder to enter their little one-room dwelling. As we were invited
to be seated on freshly woven grass mats, we could
peek through holes in the floor and view sea water below.
That home was starkly devoid of furniture, except for a used sewing machine
provided by sisters of the Relief Society. But the love and warmth
of this special family were apparent as our visit continued.
"We would like to sing for you," the father said through an interpreter. He put one arm about his wife and the other about the children, as did his wife. Five little ones, dressed in newly sewn clothing, joined their parents in singing songs the father had composed.
Concluding, he said: "These songs express our feelings of deep gratitude. Before we joined the Church, we had so little. Now we have so much!"
While wiping tears from our moistened cheeks, Sister Nelson and I looked at each other, comprehending that the gospel brings spiritual wealth which may bear little relation, at first, to tangible abundance. Conversely, people with plenty can be spiritually poor. Yet the Lord is concerned for them all!
Missionary work throughout the world is part of his plan. It brings the light of the gospel to those who embrace the truth. Then, as Saints learn and obey the commandments of God, they will prosper. This promise has been recorded by prophets throughout time and in diverse places. (see Josh. 1:7; 1 Kgs. 2:3; 2 Chr. 24:20; 31:21; Ezra 6:14; 1 Ne. 2:20, 4:14, 2 Ne. 1:9, l:20; 4:4; Jarom 1:9; Omni l:6; Mosiah 1:7; 2:22, 31; Alma 9:13, 36:1, 30, 37:13, 38:1, 48:15, 25.)
Working with a will, Saints gain a new appreciation of who they are and of their eternal worth. Righteousness, independence, thrift, industry, and self-reliance become personal goals. These qualities transform lives. In time, in the Lord's "own way," the poor will no longer be poor.
The Church of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth. The power of God is among men. Angelic ministrants communicate to legal administrators once again. A living prophet, the everlasting priesthood, covenant people, and the Lord's "own way" are upon the earth to bless mankind, all races, in every clime--yes, all people, young and old, wealthy and poor, now and forever more.
This I testify, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Other General Conference Quotes:
Russell M. Nelson: At least once a month, fast and pray and contribute generous fast offerings. We will be blessed and protected from apostasy by so doing.
James E. Faust: Payment of our tithes and offerings can help us become independent.
President N. Eldon Tanner said:
"Paying tithing is discharging a debt to the Lord...
- "If we obey this commandment, we are promised that we will 'prosper
in the land.'
This prosperity consists of more than material goods--it may include enjoying
good health and vigor of mind. It includes family solidarity and spiritual increase."
It is my firm belief, after many years of close observation, that those who honestly
pay their tithes and offerings do prosper and get along better in almost every way.
It is my testimony that in discharging this debt to the Lord, one enjoys great personal
satisfaction. Unfortunately this great satisfaction will be known only by those who
have the faith and strength to keep this commandment."