Monday, January 21, 2019

D&C 5:9 -- On Future Generations

"Behold, verily I say unto you, I have reserved those things which I have entrusted unto you, my servant Joseph, for a wise purpose in me, and it shall be made known unto future generations;"
Doctrine and Covenants 5:9


When I read things like this--predictions for future generations even at the time of Joseph Smith, and other scriptures that haven't been fulfilled yet, it reminds me that God isn't finished, and that there is still much more to do.

I think, knowing that we live in the last days, sometimes we get worried that they are the very last, and that the world is going to collapse around us... one of the reasons that the youth were reassured in general conference that "You can look forward to . . . getting married, having a family, seeing your children and grandchildren, maybe even great-grandchildren" (October 2011: Boyd K. Packer, "Counsel to Youth").

This doesn't mean that I am predicting when any of the huge events of the last days are going to happen.  No idea.  Hopefully it means that we can step back and relax a little about this, but I think the idea is that we shouldn't be stressing about it anyway.  God's timing is impeccable, and he knows what he is doing, and he has promised us a happy ending.  The thing is, even if it was all going to end next week, I think that God would want us to keep doing what he asks, and keep building things, not giving up or tearing them down.  Throughout the scriptures we are asked to fear not, and to not be dismayed.  Instead of freaking out about the world melting down, God wants us to make the world better, and prepare it for the "future generations" that this verse talks about.

Another thing I love about the idea of future generations is that there are so many cool things to look forward to.  More scripture, more revelation, more miraculous everything.  God will do his work, and we can be a part of it... be a part of the miracles that happen every day.  Even if we're only a tiny part, it's amazing to be *any* part of the tapestry of God's plan.  Kind of like Psalms 84:10, which I love.  Better to be a doorkeeper in God's house than be a rich or cool somebody, anywhere else. 

Today, let's listen to God and look ahead and build the kingdom.  Let's think about how we can make a difference.  Even if it is just keeping a journal, we can impact future people's lives in a positive way.  Let's prepare for things to come, open our hearts to God's instructions, and live our lives well, trusting in God's timing.  Let's be a part of God's "wise purpose" and make a difference now, and in the future. :)

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