Thursday, September 25, 2014

D&C 136:31-33 -- On Placement Tests and Zion

"My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them, even the glory of Zion; and he that will not bear chastisement is not worthy of my kingdom.
Let him that is ignorant learn wisdom by humbling himself and calling upon the Lord his God, that his eyes may be opened that he may see, and his ears opened that he may hear;
For my Spirit is sent forth into the world to enlighten the humble and contrite, and to the condemnation of the ungodly."
D&C 136:31-33


When I read scriptures that talk about being tried, I always come back mentally to the idea of our Earth lives as a giant open-book placement test for the afterlife.  And I wonder if God shakes his head at us sometimes because we keep doing so poorly when he has done *everything* possible (within the bounds of free agency) to help us to pass.  Life is a test, and not only is it open book, but we are getting tips and hints from the instructor all the time.  We get feedback as we go about how well we are doing and whether we should re-think part of the test.  If we don't know the subject at all, we can learn it as we go.  If we rip us the test and stomp off in a huff, we can come back and ask for a new test and actually get one.  We're encouraged to help each other.  It isn't cheating... in fact, it is part of the test to help each other. :)  The only thing that God hasn't done is force us... because he would never do that.  Our free will is sacrosanct.
As we go throughout our day today, let's remember the open book nature of this test.  Let's remember to humble ourselves enough to get help.  Let's listen when God corrects us.  He does it to help us succeed, and because he loves us.  Only a false friend would say nothing as we destroy ourselves.  Let's accept chastisement.  Let's correct our ignorance.  Let's listen to the Spirit, and heal where we have hurt, and do what we can to solve the problems that we have caused.  And where we can, let's help other people.  Help them to be whole and well and happy.  Help them with the answers that they don't know.  Let's, together, pass this test and be prepared for Zion.

2 comments:

  1. I like open-book tests; and with study and enough time, I can learn and improve myself. In Colorado, teachers (and now students) are protesting the possible white-washing of history books, which would tend to limit facts and knowledge (presenting mostly the positive and righteous actions of Americans). I like the "learn wisdom by humbling ..." so that we can fully understand what righteousness is; and hopefully choose to act accordingly (despite mistakes made). Our conviction to do what is right should be at our core ... so that no matter what chastisement or ridicule that we may get ... does not break our foundation.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for your comment. Yes, if we have that conviction, then we will continue to learn and move forward. Sometimes we make mistakes before we get it right, and we need to repent, but we shouldn't be ashamed of learning. Especially learning from God.

    ReplyDelete

Total Pageviews