Contentions Over Doctrine & Contending with the Devil
The Doctrine of Christ
In the Book of Mormon, the Resurrected Christ appeared to the Nephites in the Americas, and ministered to them. During His time here, He ordained twelve apostles who would govern His Church in the Western Hemisphere.
"And Nephi arose and went forth, and bowed himself before the Lord and did kiss his feet. ...
"And the Lord said unto him: I give unto you power that ye shall baptize this people when I am again ascended into heaven.
"And again the Lord called others, and said unto them likewise; and he gave unto them power to baptize. And he said unto them: On this wise shall ye baptize; and there shall be no disputations among you."
-3 Nephi 11:19, 21-22
"And there shall be no disputations among you, as there have hitherto been; neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as there have hitherto been.
"For verily, verily, I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.
"Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away."
-3 Nephi 11:28-30
For the Master Teacher to instruct His disciples to not contend with each other over His doctrine is really the heart of the matter. Arguments that are had in anger actually offends the Spirit of the Lord, and He therefore withdraws His presence.
Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained metaphorically:
"The inspiring influence of the Holy Spirit can be overcome or masked by strong emotions, such as anger, hate, passion, fear, or pride. When such influences are present, it is like trying to savor the delicate flavor of a grape while eating a jalapeño pepper. Both flavors are present, but one completely overpowers the other. In like manner, strong emotions overcome the delicate promptings of the Holy Spirit."
-Elder Richard G. Scott, To Acquire Spiritual Guidance
A prophet from the Book of Mormon, Alma, while counselling with his son, Shiblon, lovingly taught him:
"See that ye are not lifted up unto pride; yea, see that ye do not boast in your own wisdom, nor of your much strength. Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness."
-Alma 38:11-12
In reading this message, this can also be applied in all of our endeavors as we interact with people from a day-to-day basis. The Lord has also given such instructions, or commandments, for these modern times through prophetic counsels.
The Prophet Joseph Smith received this from the Lord:
"He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and edifieth, the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances."
-Doctrine & Covenants 52:16
"And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness."
-Doctrine & Covenants 50:23
Contending Against the Devil
The only entity with which the Lord has instructed His disciples to contend against is the church of the devil.
"Contend against no church, save it be the church of the devil."
-Doctrine & Covenants 18:20
Through a sacred vision, another Book of Mormon prophet, Nephi, saw what constitutes the church of the devil.
"And it came to pass that I saw among the nations of the Gentiles the formation of a great church.
"And the angel said unto me: Behold the formation of a church which is most abominable above all other churches, which slayeth the saints of God, yea, and tortureth them and bindeth them down, and yoketh them with a yoke of iron, and and bringeth them down into captivity.
"And it came to pass that I beheld this great and abominable church; and I saw the devil that he was the founder of it.
"And I also saw gold, and silver, and silks, and scarlets, and fine-twined linen, and all manner of precious clothing; and I saw many harlots.
"And the angel spake unto me, saying: Behold, the gold, and the silver, and the silks, and the scarlets, and the fine-twined linen, and the precious clothing, and the harlots, are the desires of this great and abominable church.
"And also for the praise of the world do they destroy the saints of God, and bring them down into captivity."
-1 Nephi 13:4-9
The dichotomy is rather clear, and Nephi explains so. Again, quoting him below:
"And the righteous need not fear, for they are those who shall not be confounded. But it is the kingdom of the devil, which shall be built up among the children of men, which kingdom is established among them which are in the flesh--
"For the time speedily shall come that all churches which are built up to get gain, and all those who are built up to get power over the flesh, and those who are built up to become popular in the eyes of the world, and those who seek the lusts of the flesh and the things of the world, and to do all manner of iniquity; yea, in fine, all those who belong to the kingdom of the devil are they who need fear, and tremble, and quake; they are those who must be brought low in the dust; they are those who must be consumed as stubble; and this is according to the words of the prophet."
-1 Nephi 22:22-23
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
"Wherefore, take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."
-Ephesians 6:10-13
*Church, or churches, is used in the vernacular. (The American Heritage Dictionary, 901, 5th Ed.)
*Edify, "To instruct, esp. to encourage moral or spiritual improvement." (Ibid., 270)
Illustration: Lehi's Dream.
Comments
Post a Comment