Greetings

Some have suggested that Wisdom has not been a part of our proceedings in fulfilling the assignment of coming up with a statement of principles. As it happens, we have Wisdom's council right before us, but have not put two and two together.

DEFINITION OF 'STATEMENT'
Account
Affidavit
Allegation
Announcement
Assurance
Charge
Comment
Description
Explanation
Presentation
Proclamation
Remark
Report
Testimony
Word

FROM D&C SECTION 89 (RE 31):
“Given for a principle…”

In other words, the Word of Wisdom is a “statement” (word) “given for a principle” [statement of principle(s)]. If we can consider it as a guide and a standard for how we put together our own 'statement,' then we would do well to look closely at its framework and history. Here are a few things I have found in the Word of Wisdom, but there could be others:

It is adaptable - "adapted to the capacity of the weak, and the weakest of all saints who are or can be called saints."

The council given to us in the Word of Wisdom has been customized to make sure it is understood by the broadest common denominator (the weak and the weakest). But at its root, the Word of Wisdom is "a principle." In the case of the assignment given to us, it would seem obvious that we have the permission, if not the commission, to adapt it to the audience which it is to be directed: those who know nothing of this work. I think this could mean that the language is such that it appeals to a wide group of people and cultures. There are those among us who could give great input as to what would appeal to their particular tradition.

In the case of Ammon, he tuned into the language of Lamoni, then let him ask the questions. He didn’t tell Lamoni to pull out his copy of the Brass Plates and quote it, although Ammon surely drew from it to put it into a language Lamoni understood. Once Lamoni got the general idea, the Lord took it from there. Perhaps that is something to emulate.

It is responsive - The Word of Wisdom is given “In consequence of evils and designs which will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days.”

While the purpose of the Word of Wisdom might be thought of as a response to Emma’s request to clean up the meetings, we are told that it is actually a response to the condition of the “hearts of conspiring men” in the last days. The Answer and the Covenant speaks of our hearts as well, in that if they are “right” before God, then it will be a “light thing” for the Gentiles to raise up the tribes of Jacob and begin to restore the preserved of Israel. Perhaps if we petition God, They, too, will respond to us.

It is not constrained - “to be sent greeting, not by commandment or constraint…”

We may look at our task of creating a statement as something we were commanded to do. Or we may think there may be only one possible statement, and if others don’t come on board with what we deem is the right (singular) statement, we are not in mutual agreement; thus, constraining others to see it our way. However, if we use the Word of Wisdom as our template, the statement will be “sent greeting.” In other words, it is not to be this imposing list of “to do’s” in order to be a part of a group who claims to know God; but rather, it will be an invitation. If we are sending out an invitation to folks, I would think they would be completely turned off by a list of demands. Instead, we could focus on the “thing” we have in common, which is hopefully the “light” of Christ. I’m sure this could be expressed in a myriad of ways. But again, there are many in our midst who could give valuable input as to what might be inviting to their particular tribe or other interested groups.

It is revelation – “…but by revelation and the word of wisdom…” and “…I have warned you and forewarned you by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation…”

God needs to be involved in this process, and what They give to us may even be something unexpected and not seen before (“revealed.”) This means we need to clear our heads of any expectations of what the statement has to look like. When Emma asked Joseph to inquire of the Lord, little did they know that it would be such a revelation! Not only does the Word of Wisdom address the particulars in staying healthy, but is also to benefit the saints in these last days (us) and also the saints in Zion (where we aspire to be). We have the means of knowing the “order and the will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints” through the Word of Wisdom. This is no small thing, as following Their standard will lead to “great treasures of wisdom and knowledge, even hidden treasures…” Who knows what God might reveal to us in the process of filling this one assignment!

My Invitation
I wonder…. If we “saints” were given a statement of principles which was adapted to our capacity with the Word of Wisdom, how can we expect that there would be a singular one which will cover all the rest of the nations, kindreds and people of the world? Wouldn’t we need to adapt each invitation to the capacity of the recipients? This was demonstrated with Ammon and Aaron, as well as Alma and others. They adapted accordingly.

Could we do the same? Could we have a statement of principles meant for, say… faithful LDS folks? What about for dissenters? Atheists? Native Americans? For example, with the Atheists, our language would necessarily replace "God" with "Science" in our description to them and give them an invitation to investigate, as is their MO. But native American tribes might be more akin to Mother Earth or whatever and look to see their prophesies fulfilled as the evidence.

The idea is to form enough belief in the recipient based on power they witnessed (like in the case of Ammon, being able to defend off so many attackers or with the father of King Lamoni who was flabbergasted at the deep love Ammon had for his son) that a person or group would approach the Eloheim in whatever way it works for them. A person doesn’t believe in "God?" Fine. When they see a miracle or marvelous work which causes wonder (curiosity, etc.), we speak of it in a way which invites them to investigate. If praying to God is out of their box, offer something else (I’m not saying I know what that is).

But our words won't be what convinces them. They need to see something marvelous and then know what to do with it. Where to take it. This way, there is some organization, or as the WoW says, order and the will of God. We want to go to the Hawaiians and convert the people there? Who among us knows what will appeal to them? How about ex-Mormons and dissenters? Do we have any in our group who will know what will trigger/repel them and what will attract? How about those who feel they must follow the letter of the law? Are there any who can relate to this sentiment?

Having a singular statement OR even adding what we feel are good principles to our individual scriptures might answer the A&C technically, but it does not address the spirit of the invitation. How will adding individual statements bless others? But also, how will a singular statement bless everyone without repelling those who might come aboard if they understood it? This is where Wisdom steps in. Knowledge helps us to understand what to do, but Wisdom lets us know why. And that changes everything.

I think a core statement could be, "Yes, as you can see (from this display of power), there is a 'God.' (aka Great Spirit, aka Buddha, aka Mother Earth, aka Science, etc.) Do you believe me? Okay. Go ask about it to get more info. Oh, you don't believe? That's fine. Have a great day!"

That's it. Easy as can be. Of course, in order to move them to investigate, there has to be some wondrous thing they experience, which will require faith, hope and charity on our parts.

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If we (anyone who reads this who has taken the covenant) can mutually agree that the Word of Wisdom is a template for creating a statement of principles as has been demonstrated, then I would suggest that there are different approaches we can take. But the main purpose is to agree on what to adapt and who the audience is.

In coming to understand the "how" of adapting, we could look at the Seven Pillars of Wisdom: Prudence, Knowledge and Discretion, Fear of God, Counsel, Sound Wisdom (Common Sense), Understanding, and Power; or even the Seven Sacraments (drawing on Catholic tradition): Baptism, Confirmation (Baptism of Fire), Repentance, Anointing/Healing, Holy Orders, Marriage, and Eucharist (Communion Meal/Feast). I'm not sure this part matters as much, but if there is Wisdom to be had, then let's seek Her.

A “light thing” doesn’t just have to do with the ease of how it comes together, but also the feeling one has when working on it. This task can be a light and fun experience, rather than drudgery and frustration. And who knows… maybe the Word of Wisdom was primarily given to assist us in the “last days,” as a standard to guide for THIS task.

Feel free to use the comments below to give your input or ask questions.


---Doug Larson




From the Word of Wisdom: 
“…adapted to the capacity of the weak, and the weakest of all saints who are or can be called saints.”

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From Ether 12 (RE 5):
“Thou hast also made our words powerful and great, even that we cannot write them; wherefore, when we write we behold our weakness, and stumble because of the placing of our words; and I fear lest the Gentiles shall mock at our words. And when I had said this, the Lord spake unto me, saying: 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 show 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 show unto the Gentiles their weakness, and I will show unto them that faith, hope and charity bringeth unto me—the fountain of all righteousness.”

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From Proverb 9 (RE 1:39)
He that reproveth a scorner (mocker) getteth to himself shame (shall mourn): and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.



Are we mockers or wise? Are we going to bring shame or are we going to increase in learning and become ‘strong’?

Comments

  1. I am intrigued by this idea. I feel it is indeed worth discussion.

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    Replies
    1. There has been mention of the sons of Mosiah and Alma. We might want to look into that story a little more closely. Especially their preparations, before going to the Lamanites (Ishmaelites). Here are some relevant passages:

      "...for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God."

      "...they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God."
      [The spirit of prophecy and revelation came to them through their diligence in prayer and fasting].

      "...yea, by the power of their words many were brought before the altar of God, to call on his name and confess their sins before him."
      [The purpose of the missionaries work was to bring them to God, to call on His name, and confess their sins].

      "and they fasted much and prayed much that the Lord would grant unto them a portion of his Spirit to go with them, and abide with them, that they might be an instrument in the hands of God to bring, if it were possible, their brethren, the Lamanites, to the knowledge of the truth..."
      [Fasting and prayer brought a portion of the Spirit]

      "Therefore they separated themselves one from another, and went forth among them, every man alone, according to the word and power of God which was given unto him."
      [The power given to them determined where they went. Obviously, they all had different gifts.]

      "Now Ammon being the chief among them, or rather he did administer unto them, and he departed from them, after having blessed them according to their several stations, having imparted the word of God unto them, or administered unto them before his departure; and thus they took their several journeys throughout the land."

      [They were blessed according to their unique gifts ("several stations")]


      More to come!

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