Tuesday, May 22, 2018

D&C 82:18-19 -- On Seeking the Interest of Our Neighbors

"And all this for the benefit of the church of the living God, that every man may improve upon his talent, that every man may gain other talents, yea, even an hundred fold, to be cast into the Lord’s storehouse, to become the common property of the whole church—
Every man seeking the interest of his neighbor, and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God."
Doctrine and Covenants 82:18-19


These verses are talking about aspects of establishing a Zion community.  Even though we're not currently commanded to hold our property in common, the whole idea here of working for the community good is still an excellent one, and I think just a part of what God already asks us to do in loving other people.

Too often I think that we fall into an insular mindset, concerned only with the good of ourselves, or sometimes a step up to our immediate family.  It's an understandable thing, because we have real, individual and family concerns and we are trying to meet our obligations and to be self-reliant, which is also a very good thing.  I submit though, that there is more good to be had, the larger that we can make our circle, and the more people we join with in building community.  The more we open up to others and concern ourselves with their needs, the better we can all become, together.

I love that the pooling of resources here  is really all-inclusive.  It isn't just monetary, but it is a pooling of talent, teaching, and service ... a serious, real-world effort at establishing God's kingdom and doing his will.  Today, perhaps we can serve God by learning how better to reach out to others, and working together to improve all of our talents and seeking each other's interest, becoming successful as a group, and learning to be united.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Total Pageviews