From: Paul Gage
LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD MAY 12, 2022
Prayerful thoughts and God’s Best Wishes to all the Saints Everywhere,
As most of us know and believe, we are in the last days. Some will say, yes, but people have been saying that almost since Creation. It seems to be a needful thought in our kingdom lives that regardless of when we live, it is the last days for us. The last days can come to an end in two ways. As we are appointed a time to die is one and the return of Jesus in His glory coming is the other. One concern, in our daily living should be, are we, am I ready for either of those events?
We have heard the parable of the Ten Virgins so many times maybe we have the tendency to think, “Surely, I am one of the wise.” But the chances are 50-50. Which does our daily living in the Kingdom while in the world, reflect. Members of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Restoration Branches) are very familiar with Doctrine and Covenants 140:5c in which God speaks to “My Saints,” and “My people.”
How are we working on the perfecting and preparation, in our daily living, to exhibit and bring forth Zionic conditions? In his book, “Square Blocks,” written in 1921, Elbert A. Smith has a chapter entitled, “The Deification of Humanity.” The chapter begins with these two verses: “Glory to Man in the highest, For Man is the Master of Things.” He goes on to talk about how the world at that time, 1921, was turning way from God and exhibiting the words of those two verses. In other words, mankind, as from the Garden, is still trying to be equal to God and do everything our own way. Some years ago, at least three very well known singers made a lot of money singing a song with the title, “I Did It, My Way.” I think all of those singers have passed on and if were given the chance to sing that song again, they would change the words to “I Should Have Done It God’s Way.”
That is the thrust of the message by Brother Smith and the challenge each of us faces every day. We can look around us at the world, and what we call the “Church” and see evidence of people still trying to do things their way. Brother Elbert concludes the chapter with these word of wisdom; “It is man’s province-to cooperate with God. He cannot be a god; but he can be friend of God. We hold that the highest development of man will be found in recognition of God and obedience to God. That is the lesson. We can still afford to trust God to administer the affairs of man. We can still be thankful that there is a great God to rule the universe, and that it is our privilege to learn of Him and keep His commandments.
As stated in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter; Fear God, and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ also said, in John 14:15, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
God Bless
Paul Gage
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