Hebrews 4

Paul explained to the Hebrews that -

"...the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (New Testament Hebrews 4:12)

Paul makes it very clear what the word of God or the scriptures will do for us and our faith in Christ. I doubt Paul could have used any better description than a two-edged sword that would that the saints understood could quickly cut our very soul.

One of the points he makes is the word of God is "quick". According to Merriam-Webster, "quicken" means to make alive. I see "quick" to mean make alive or enlighten. But not only make alive but dividing asunder. Joseph Smith's translation clarifies -

"... of body and spirit..." (New Testament:Hebrews 4:12)

Which suggests in my mind the seperation of the body or flesh and the spirit or the things of this world and the things of God.

To Ezra Thayne and Northrup Sweet, the Lord said -

"...open ye your ears and hearken to the voice of the Lord your God, whose word is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of the joints and marrow, soul and spirit; and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 33:1)

The Savior's words to these brethren help us understand that "the Lord your God" is the "discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" which maybe somewhat confusing as the translations of Paul's writings appear to me that he is suggesting that "the word of God" is the discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart".

Is there any question why Paul admonishes Timothy that it is -

"...the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." (New Testament 2 Timothy 3:15)

Titus 2

Paul instructed Titus -

"Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;
10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity..." (New Testament Titus 2:9 - 10)

I looked up purloin in the Merriam-Webster dictionary which provided this definition -

"...to appropriate wrongfully and often by a breach of trust..."

It also said, purloining is synonymous to stealing. The point here is that when we enter into certain contracts, employee agreements, or acceptance of employment, we agree to not misappropriate our time, misuse employers resources, and even misrepresent information or provide false data. Paul says we are to do "shewing all good fidelity". Again, Merriam-Webster dictionary defines fidelity as -

"...the quality or state of being faithful" and "...accuracy in details..."

Paul teaches us that these principles are essential in -

"...that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things." (New Testament Titus 2:10)

In modern day, Lord has said -

"...let every man deal honestly, and be alike among this people, and receive alike, that ye may be one, even as I have commanded you." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 51:9)

As latter-day saints -

"We believe in being honest..." (Pearl of Great Price Articles of Faith 1:13)

I close with the theme of our stake youth conference this year -

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (New Testament Philippians 4:8)

2 Timothy 2 & 3

As Paul recognized -


"...the time of my departure is at hand..." (New Testament 2 Timothy 4:6)


he provides to some of his faithful associates and leaders his last and most sincere counsel. It is to Timothy he teaches -

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (New Testament 2 Timothy 3:16 - 17)

Joseph Smith clarified -

"...all Scripture given by inspiration of God, is profitable..." (New Testament:2 Timothy 3:16)

The scriptures are profitable or "beneficial or useful for instruction". They are given that man may know the way to perfection and how we are to behave in doing good works. They are the very thing -

"...which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
(New Testament 2 Timothy 3:15)

Knowing that, Paul's final counsel includes -

"...continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures..." (New Testament 2 Timothy 3:14 - 15)

Therefore -

"...Study to shew thyself approved unto God..." (New Testament 2 Timothy 2:15)

It is essential that we diligently study for Paul forewarns that for many -

"...the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." (New Testament 2 Timothy 4:3 - 4)

For he knew that in the last days -

"...perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." (New Testament 2 Timothy 3:1 - 7)

Studying the scriptures is important for as Paul prophesies -

"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first...." (New Testament 2 Thessalonians 2:3)

Therefore, as the Savior said -

"Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them." (New Testament Luke 21:8)

We "take heed" as we study and ponder his words which "will make thee wise unto salvation".

Titus 1 & 2

Paul teaches throughout his writings -

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." (New Testament Romans 10:9 - 11)

And -

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God..." (New Testament Ephesians 2:8)

That is the doctrine we teach that we are saved by the grace of our Savior. There is nothing we can do to be saved by ourselves. Alma taught his son, Shiblon -

"...there is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ." (Book of Mormon Alma 38:9)

But nonetheless, Paul explains to Titus that there is an obligation on our part saying -

"Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate." (New Testament Titus 1:15 - 16)

Works seem to demonstrate unfeigned faith. Paul summarizes this doctrine as he instructs Titus -

"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (New Testament Titus 2:11 - 14)

It was then Titus's duty to -

"These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority..." (New Testament Titus 2:15)

1 Timothy 4

Paul addresses Timothy with a great deal of counsel regarding priesthood leadership. Timothy seems to have been much younger than many of the saints over which he was called to preside. Paul counsels Timothy -

"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." (New Testament 1 Timothy 4:12)

This counsel seems to again address principles related to "the end of the commandment" of charity, purity of heart, clear conscience, and faith unfeigned in chapter one, verse five of which I blogged about yesterday. But herein, Paul counsels Timothy to be an example of how believers are to behave. But not only behave, but in "word" and "conversation". But not only be an example of such, but priesthood leaders -

"These things command and teach." (New Testament 1 Timothy 4:11)

Paul instructs -

"...give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine." (New Testament 1 Timothy 4:13)

And also -

"Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them..." (New Testament 1 Timothy 4:15)

So -

"...that thy profiting may appear to all..." (New Testament 1 Timothy 4:15)

Paul emphasizes the importance of magnifying our callings saying -

"Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery." (New Testament 1 Timothy 4:14)

In modern day, the Lord said much the same thing -

"Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence.
100 He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 107:99 - 100)

We do this as we -

"...labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe." (New Testament 1 Timothy 4:10)

And as we do this, as we -

"Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine..." (New Testament 1 Timothy 4:16)

Then -

"...in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." (New Testament 1 Timothy 4:16)

For what it's worth, as I read these words, I kept thinking about the stake high council.

1 Timothy 1

Paul seemed to summarize the very purpose of life in one verse to Timothy -

"Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned..." (New Testament 1 Timothy 1:5)

He suggest for things we are striving to achieve. First Charity - Paul wrote to the Corinthians -

"THOUGH I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Charity never faileth..." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 13:1 - 8)

Mormon explained that -

"...charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him..." (Book of Mormon Moroni 7:47)

For -

"...if ye have not charity, ye are nothing..." (Book of Mormon Moroni 7:46)

Second is a pure heart. In psalm, David wrote -

"Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart" (Old Testament Psalms 24:3 - 4)

The Savior himself declared -

"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God" (New Testament Matthew 5:8)

Third is a good conscience. In my mind the way a man may have a clear conscience is if he has done what he can in the service to his fellowman including magnifying whatever office or calling his has been given -

King Benjamin said -

"...I tell you these things that ye may know that I can answer a clear conscience before God this day.
16 Behold, I say unto you that because I said unto you that I had spent my days in your service, I do not desire to boast, for I have only been in the service of God.
17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 2:15 - 17)

And finally, "faith unfeigned". Unfeign meaning -

"Not hyprocritical, genuine, or sincere" (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

Where -

"...faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true." (Book of Mormon Alma 32:21)

Hope is the process of action - moving forward. Continually doing the will of our Father in Heaven in all things. This is faith unfeigned.

This all is the "end of the commandment".

Ephesians 2 & 4

Paul tells those who had been baptized and were then members of the Church -

"...ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God..." (New Testament Ephesians 2:19)

The very covenant we make at baptism is what Alma stated as he said to his people -

"Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light;
9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—
10 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?" (Book of Mormon Mosiah 18:8 - 10)

I like the quote given by Marion D. Hanks of what a young convert from England said -

"...You feel like you never are going to be lonely again,’ she wrote. And she shouldn’t ever be lonely again in this Church because she had become, as Paul wrote to the Ephesians, ‘fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God." (Hanks, The Gift of Self, pp. 105–7.)

Paul explains that the household of God or His Church is -

"...built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone..." (New Testament Ephesians 2:20)

In addition -

"...he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers..." (New Testament Ephesians 4:11)

For the purpose -

"...the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ..." (New Testament Ephesians 4:12 - 13)

Is there any question what the mission and the Church and its priesthood leaders are? To help us to become more like Christ. Each of these priesthood leaders have different assignments. Some are to travel as the apostles and prophets which are -

"...a Traveling Presiding High Council, to officiate in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the Presidency of the Church, agreeable to the institution of heaven; to build up the church, and regulate all the affairs of the same in all nations..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 107:33)

This would include the Seventy. There are those who pastors and teachers that -

"...are ordained to be standing ministers to my church..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 124:137)

This would be those of the priesthood in local stakes. And there are evangelical ministers whom Joseph described as Patriarchs saying -

“there should be a patriarch for benefit of the posterity of the saints, as it was with Jacob in giving his patriarchal blessing unto his sons.” (Teachings, p. 151.)

Each priesthood holder doing their part -

"...speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." (New Testament Ephesians 4:15 - 16)

All priesthood offices given again for -

"For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive..." (New Testament Ephesians 4:12 - 14)

Ephesians 6

Paul taught the Ephesians -

"Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free." (New Testament Ephesians 6:5 - 8)

In our day, I see servants being synonymous to employees. We should honor our commitments to our employers with "singleness of your heart, as unto Christ". In other words, with honesty and integrity. I happened to see an article this morning on msn.com suggesting "10 Fatal Career Moves". One of those being -

"Conducting Personal Business on Company Time. The company e-mail and phone systems are for company business. Keep personal phone calls brief and few -- and never take a call that will require a box of tissues to get through."

It is frustrating when employees take advantage of committed and compensated time doing personal business and entertainment. Many believe they deserve it. Paul suggests that the employers have the same responsibility of fair compensation, honesty and integrity when he wrote -

"...ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him." (New Testament Ephesians 6:9)

At the time he wrote "Miracle of Forgiveness, Elder Spencer W. Kimball taught -

“Paul speaks of ‘unholy masters’ and surely has reference to those who would defraud servants or employees and would not properly compensate for labors done or goods furnished. He likely has in mind men who are unkind, demanding and inconsiderate of their subordinates.

In short, the employer should treat his employees according to the golden rule, remembering that there is a Master in heaven who judges both employer and employee. Paul likewise enjoined a lofty standard upon employees:

We may take this to mean, on modern terms, that the servant and employee should consistently give honest service, full and complete, and do for his employer what he would want an employee to do for him if he himself were the employer. Any other course calls for repentance.” (Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 51.)

Ephesians 3 & 5

Paul wrote to the Ephesians -

"Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ..." (New Testament Ephesians 3:7 - 8)

Paul, who said he was -

"...a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God..."
(New Testament Romans 1:1)

tells us that he is less than the least of all saints. I've thought a great deal about this. It appears that within the priesthood, the attitude of priesthood leaders should be that of total opposition to that of how we see powerful leaders of the world. We learn that -

"...He that is ordained of God and sent forth, the same is appointed to be the greatest, notwithstanding he is the least and the servant of all." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:26)

This is the whole intent of the priesthood - to bless the lives of others. We see this in Paul's attitude. To be the head, to preside, seems to suggest being the servant of all. Paul reflects this same attitude to the husband, who is head and presides over the home. Paul explains -

"...the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church..." (New Testament Ephesians 5:23)

Could their be any better example than to instruct the husband to be the head as Christ was to the Church. Christ -

"...loved the church, and gave himself for it..." (New Testament Ephesians 5:25)

The Savior never forced, coerced, or controlled the Church in any manner. All was done by love and agency for -

"...No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;
42 By kindness, and pure knowledge..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 121:41 - 42)

For -

"...when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 121:37)

Therefore -

"...Husbands, love your wives..." (New Testament Ephesians 5:25)

Grant them agency by the righteous principles of the priesthood. So let every husband -

"...every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself..." (New Testament Ephesians 5:33)

In other words -

"...he is the least and the servant of all." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:26)

Ephesians 1

Paul wrote the Ephesians -

"Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself..." (New Testament Ephesians 1:8 - 9)

As I read these verses this morning I thought of the message I delivered last evening in a high priest quorum meeting:

As many of you already know, I tend to see the world through the eyes of a contractor.

A significant portion of my business’s construction work comes as a result of being the successful low bidder. Each of the projects we bid are different and so are the requirements that must be turned in or submitted with each bid. A contractor runs the risk of having his bid rejected if that which he submits is incomplete or not in compliance with all bid requirements. I have to admit that over the years we have had one too many bids rejected. Nonetheless, no matter the reason, it is the contractor’s burden and responsibility to search the bid documents, determine, and be in compliance with each and every bid requirement.

So is the case in spiritual matters, or in a sense, our bid for eternal life. In this our second estate, our Father in Heaven has specifically stated that it is the burden and responsibility of each of his children to –

"...work out [their] own salvation…" (Book of Mormon Mormon 9:27)

According to His words, the failure to do so will result in the rejection of ones bid for Eternal Life.

Three gospel writers recorded the event of a certain ruler that came running then kneeling before the Savior, asking Him –

"...Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" (New Testament Mark 10:17)The Savior answered – "...if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." (New Testament Matthew 19:17)This young man seemed quite sincere as he asked "Which?” of all the commandments, to which the Savior answered -"...Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (New Testament Matthew 19:18 - 19)Many of us here this evening could give the same answer as the young ruler. But what the young man asked next maybe the greatest and most important question of all, as he said – "...All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?" (New Testament Matthew 19:20)

The Savior then kindly responded to him –
"...If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me." (New Testament Matthew 19:21)I believe this commandment was given personally just for the young ruler. It was probably was what he needed to be perfect. It may have been the very thing "which he lacked" most. For we know –"...he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions." (New Testament Matthew 19:22)

The scriptures do not reflect what became of this young wealthy man, but in all fairness to him, the Savior later, in parable, taught the Pharisees –

“But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father?...” (New Testament Matthew 21:28 - 31)

Of course the Pharisees had no choice but to answer – “the first”.

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (New Testament Matthew 7:21)

We must understand that in order for us to be in compliant in our bid for eternal life, the burden is placed on each of us to seek out, learn, and know the will of our Father in Heaven concerning ourselves. In a sense, we too must regularly approach our Father in Heaven with the all searching question "What lack I yet”" Elder Richard G. Scott taught in this past general conference –

"…A key to improved prayer is to learn to ask the right questions. Consider changing from asking for the things you want to honestly seeking what He wants for you. Then as you learn His will, pray that you will be led to have the strength to fulfill it." (Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer Elder Richard G. Scott Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)

Many of us are quite fearful to ask in prayer "What lack I yet". Who knows where that could lead? Like the rich ruler, the answer may not be what we want to hear. Whether we want to hear it or not, the answer is still important and essential to our salvation. Maybe that is why Paul, Alma, and Moroni specifically said as they told us we must "...work out [our] own salvation” that we are to do it with –

“…with fear and trembling…" (Book of Mormon Mormon 9:27)

As we strive to seek out that which we lack, there maybe a few that feel somewhat like Laman and Lemuel. When Nephi asked them if they had inquired of the Lord, they answered –

"We have not; for the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us." (Book of Mormon 1 Nephi 15:9)

But Nephi reminded them as well as us that –

“…the Lord hath said?—If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you.” (Book of Mormon 1 Nephi 15:11)

Elder Scott promised –

“…When you are living righteously and are acting with trust, God will not let you proceed too far without a warning impression if you have made the wrong decision...”
(Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer Elder Richard G. Scott Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)

I testify that our Father in Heaven loves us, that Jesus is the Christ. We will be blessed as we seek out and do their will as we strive to receive guidance and personal revelation through the Holy Ghost which is –

“…the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints” (New Testament Colossians 1:26)

Like Paul of old, we as the presidency of this High Priest Quorum –

“…do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding…” (New Testament Colossians 1:9)

Colossians 3

Just a few thoughts -

Paul counseled the Colossians -

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (New Testament Colossians 3:16)

We are to dwell richly in the word of Christ, not only in verse but also in song. Nephi spoke of how essential it is to dwell richly in the word of Christ -

"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 31:20)

"Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 32:3)

Paul also counsels -

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." (New Testament Colossians 3:17)

The comments of Elder Bruce R. McConkie are thought provoking -

“Any word which cannot be spoken in the name of Christ should be left unsaid, any deed that cannot properly bear our Lord’s name should be left undone.” (McConkie, DNTC, 3:38.)

"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives..." (New Testament Colossians 3:18 - 19)

I appreciate the condition for wives submitting unto their husbands - "as it is fit in the Lord". This means to me as husbands live and preside righteously according to the Lord's will. Paul also taught the Ephesians -

"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it..." (New Testament Ephesians 5:25)

I don't think it could be more clear. At that time, Elder Spencer W. Kimball said -

“There are those married people who permit their eyes to wander and their hearts to become vagrant, who think it is not improper to flirt a little, to share their hearts, and have desire for someone other than the wife or the husband, the Lord says in no uncertain terms: ‘Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shall cleave unto her and none else.’ (D&C 42:22. Italics added.)

And, when the Lord says all thy heart, it allows for no sharing nor dividing nor depriving. And, to the woman it is paraphrased: ‘Thou shalt love thy husband with all thy heart and shall cleave unto him and none else.’ The words none else eliminate everyone and everything. The spouse then becomes preeminent in the life of the husband or wife, and neither social life nor occupational life nor political life nor any other interest nor person nor thing shall ever take precedence over the companion spouse. We sometimes find women who absorb and hover over the children at the expense of the husband, sometimes even estranging them from him. The Lord says to them: “. . . Thou shalt cleave unto him and none else.’

Marriage presupposes total allegiance and total fidelity. Each spouse takes the partner with the understanding that he or she gives self totally to the spouse: all the heart, strength, loyalty, honor, and affection with all dignity. Any divergence is sin—any sharing the heart is transgression. As we should have ‘an eye single to the glory of God’ so should we have an eye, an ear, a heart single to the marriage and the spouse and family.” (Spencer W. Kimball in CR, Oct. 1962, p. 57.)

Colossians 1 & 2

Paul tells the saints of Collose -

"For this cause we also...do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding..." (New Testament Colossians 1:9)

Paul's desire was that the saints would be guided by the Holy Ghost in coming to know and understand the will of God concerning them. In other words, that they would come to know the will of God by revelation. Which such revelation is a mystery to those who never experience the spiritual things of God -

"Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations..." (New Testament Colossians 1:26)

"...but now is made manifest to his saints..." (New Testament Colossians 1:26)

Which mystery is given -

"To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus..." (New Testament Colossians 1:27 - 28)

The mystery, hope, and riches of his glory are given -

"That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:" (New Testament Colossians 1:10 - 14)

This spiritual understanding or mystery includes a knowledge of the Savior that becomes clear as we ponder -

"Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight..." (New Testament Colossians 1:15 - 22)