From: Paul Gage
LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD SEPTEMBER 8, 2022
Doctrine and Covenants 56:1a Hearken, O ye people who profess my name, saith the Lord, your God, for behold, mine anger is kindled against the rebellious and they shall know mine arm and mine indignation in the day of visitation and of wrath upon the nations. 1b And he that will not take up his cross, and follow me, and keep my commandments, the same shall not be saved.
Sometimes the greetings of God are not sugar-coated, as we might like and He comes right to the point. He does this because He loves us and not to cause us to “feel bad.” Human nature is that we coast along when things are good and call on God when things get worse. Sunday, September 11, 2022, in America, is now called “Patriot Day.” I doubt anyone old enough to remember 9-11-01 has forgotten all the images of what happened that day in America.
We remember, but have we heeded God’s counsel? Are we living in the Kingdom of God, or just going through the motions? DC 56 was given in June 1831, only fourteen months after the Church was organized and rebellion was taking place, and this was not the first time. We might ask ourselves, “Are we, am I” in rebellion? Rebellion does not always mean taking up arms. It may mean simply not complying with God’s commandments. It might mean failing to “Put on” God’s whole armor every day and just pretending to be a “Soldier of the Cross.”
If we are “Living in the Kingdom,” how does it play out to those around us, ”whether they be family, friend, Saints, etc. or even to ourselves? Even in the Kingdom of God, we will be expected to do some things for ourselves rather than expecting God to do it all. While God, of course, could direct all or some of our friends, neighbors, etc. to come to us and ask about the Church, He has told us to warn our neighbors.” If we are “Living in the Kingdom of God,” don’t we want all others to experience that opportunity as well?
As one of our hymns challenges us, “Must I be borne to paradise on flowery beds of ease, while others fight (live) to win the prize, and sail through stormy seas?” Remain steadfast in your efforts of bringing the Kingdom of God and His will on earth as it is done in Heaven.
God Bless
Paul Gage
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