Monday, November 6, 2000

Doctrine and Covenants 101:37-38

"Therefore, care not for the body, neither the life of the body; but care for the soul, and for the life of the soul.
And seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life."
Doctrine and Covenants 101:37-38


Now, I don't think this means to not take care of your body. :)  our bodies are our temples, after all... but here God is talking to the saints in Missouri that were being persecuted and threatened with their lives.  They were afraid.  As we all are at times, of losing people and things that are important to us.  And God tells us what is most important... our souls.  Our bodies will be restored.  In 3rd Nephi we are counseled to take no thought for our life, or for our body (13:25), and in all of this, I think that God is telling us... listen, your body is cool and all, and something to be valued... but your soul is your primary concern.  Your life is in my hands... think about what you can do for your soul.  And then, of course, there is the possibility that soul here doesn't mean just our spirits, but the spirit and the body together... so then God would be saying, don't care *just* about your body, but about the combination of your spirit and your body which you will have eternally.  Either way, it serves to re-focus our attention on our immortal being.  It is so easy to focus on this life, on earth and everything that takes place here... and forget that we are eternal, immortal beings, with a chance to learn independence and self-control.  So, God tells us to retain an eternal perspective... seek his face always... look heavenward.  That way, we'll have patience with the temporary things of this earth... we'll be able to cope with the pain and heartache... and all of the temporary things of this earth.  We'll be able to build each other up, and inspire each other to become better.  When we have that focus in our lives... looking to God instead of looking to the earth... then we can find that patience that we need to deal with the day-to-day challenges, and move towards our eternal goal.

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