Wages

By Larry D. Crenshaw

MeditationsInLight.blogspot.com

Over the years I’ve had many interviews with youth who would argue that they were or wanted to be free from the influence or control of others. Often parents or teachers would be mentioned. I’ve had similar conversations with adults who, likewise felt they were independent of everyone and that they directed the course of their own lives.

Upon closer examination of their goals, plans, and motivations, we would ultimately discover that they were nearly always under the influence of some set of beliefs obtained from others. Such beliefs were absorbed from or being dictated by popular culture, influential friends, or the individual was simply rebelling and moving purposefully in the opposite direction of what they were being told or counseled to do.

In short, it seems that we are ALWAYS being led, motivated, prompted, and influenced by a set of beliefs we have learned and accepted from others.  The question is, “From whom have we obtained our beliefs and which set of “voices” do we listen to or obey?”

This week’s meditation couches the discussion in terms of employment and the wages we receive from those we “listeth to obey.”  The question is, “From whom do we receive wages?”  Which voices do we listeth to obey – those to the right, or left, or front or behind?  For there are always voices calling to us – trying to enlist us – influence us – and some voices are even trying to seduce and capture us. Our meditation suggests that one of the purposes of this life is to learn to recognize and bend our will to the voice of the Spirit- a still and peaceful and enlightening voice that will lead us in the way of truth.  May the Lord be the voice whom we listeth to obey.

Wages

And in one year were thousands and tens of thousands of souls sent to the eternal world, that they might reap their rewards according to their works, whether they were good or whether they were bad, to reap eternal happiness or eternal misery, according to the spirit which they listed to obey, whether it be a good spirit or a bad one.  For every man receiveth wages of him whom he listeth to obey, and this according to the words of the spirit of prophecy; therefore let it be according to the truth….

Book of Mormon   Alma 3:26-27

“How much do you earn?” is oft a query

Of those nosey and meddlesome of mind

But there may be a more vital inquiry

When asking questions of this kind

“From whom do you receive your wages?”

May be more probing and concerning

When heaven's angels and prophet-sages

Ask, "From whom are you earning?"

By whom am I engaged and assisted?

Who is my benefactor and employer?

In whose cause am I recruited and enlisted?

Is the Holy Spirit or a nether-spirit my payer?

We receive wages for our toil and labor

From the employer we listeth to obey

Misery to suffer or happiness to savor

Are the wages our employer will pay

Such wages are earned by everyone

Of him whom we worship and listeth to obey

Whether Satan’s minions or God’s Begotten Son

Depends on to whom we listen and to whom we pray

May we work for wages pure and holy

May such an income be our righteous reward

Whether our station be high or lowly

May our true employer be the Lord

Larry Doyle Crenshaw

Liberal to All

By Larry Doyle Crenshaw

MeditationsInLight@blogspot.com

Anyone care to join me in declaring independence from the current media-defined, almost useless, meaningless, confusing, and extremely divisive political labels of liberal and conservative?

These labels and their philosophical underpinnings of liberalism and conservatism are so culturally diluted, semantically convoluted, and politically polluted as to consign them to that ever-growing heap of words, terms, and concepts that have changed or been hi-jacked over the years as to make them useless and at worse, misleading. It was not always so.

At my last count there were about eight or ten philosophical variations for each of these terms, such as conservative liberalism, libertarian conservatism, fiscal conservatism, social conservatism, social liberalism, radical liberalism, progressive conservatism, religious conservatism, and the list goes on. It is almost like looking at an ideological pizza menu and ordering only the political or socio-economic ingredients that you like. In the current political climate, the terms divide political parties, platforms, legislative bodies, and nations-at-large.

For Christians wanting to align themselves with God’s sovereignty and His divine ideology, the worldly concepts of liberalism and conservatism are wholly inadequate. For example, we are to “liberally” consecrate our time and money to assist the poor and needy. We also want to “conservatively” promote the old principles of industry, self-reliance, and the value work for every person. For years our government leaders have battled and debated how to provide for the poor and needy - usually finding themselves fortified and secure in one end or the other of the liberal – conservative continuum. Unfortunately, the means and methods of providing care have often ranged from the punitive to the unprincipled. In the process liberalism and conservatism have become banners under which politicians fight endless battles which, even if one side or the other wins, the poor and the needy ultimately lose.

It would appear that God’s economy requires work, service, sacrifice, consecration, and “an eye singled to His glory.” Someday, when we as children of Our Heavenly Father, have truly consecrated ourselves we will arrive at a station where, “every man (will be) equal according to his family, according to his circumstances and his wants and needs.” D&C 51:3 This condition will move us toward a celestial economy where unity prevails and all are blessed according to “family, circumstances, wants, and needs.” Such was the status of the City of Enoch where we learn, “And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them.” Moses 7:18

This week’s meditation comes to us from a day long ago when words were less convoluted. It encourages us to be “Liberal to All” and thus fulfill the Law of Christ wherein the Apostle Paul tells us, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2. Such was likely the motivation of the “Good (and obviously Liberal) Samaritan.”

Liberal to All

And when the priests left their labor to impart the word of God unto the people, the people also left their labors to hear the word of God. And when the priest had imparted unto them the word of God they all returned again diligently unto their labors; and the priest, not esteeming himself above his hearers, for the preacher was no better than the hearer, neither was the teacher any better than the learner; and thus they were all equal, and they did all labor, every man according to his strength…. And thus, in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon riches; therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need.

Book of Mormon    Alma 1:26, 30

Liberal, a word oft used and much abused

But here, meaning free or freely given

A term with goodness and power suffused

To those kind, generous and Spirit-driven

With no deference to people

As to souls who stand in need

All are treated alike and equal

According to this liberal creed

Both old and young, both bond and free

Male or female, out of the Church or in

Liberal to all, without a price, without a fee

Liberal always – not just now and then

The teacher is no better than the learner

Nor the shepherd-pastor above his sheep

Refined stalwart souls, stronger and firmer

In the faith with sacred covenants to keep

May we be liberal to all according to this creed

Purveyors of service to our fellow man

Offering succor and solace in word and deed

Like unto the Good and Liberal Samaritan

Larry Doyle Crenshaw

Priestcraft

By Larry Doyle Crenshaw

MeditationsInLight.blogspot.com

Growing up in the rural South, I frequently found myself sitting in a church pew, listening to a preacher talk about Jesus, the bible, hell, heaven, salvation and then, a lot more about hell.  It seemed to me, at the time, that we were all going there – hell, that is, according to the preacher.  He would describe that place in great detail and then tell me what I needed to do in order not to go there.  Being a young boy easily subject to sunburns, I determined early that the "fires of hell" would not be good for my delicate skin.   Unfortunately, my vision of heaven was much more sketchy other than the standard "streets paved of gold and a land flowing with milk and honey."  That was a lot to take in for a young boy – sounded rather sticky and strange to me - but better than the alternative.

Inevitably, the deacons would come down the aisles and pass the “plate.”  I always felt bad that I didn’t have any spare change – just my quarter that was devoted to next Saturday’s movie at the Alhambra Theater.  The Alhambra weekly movie was always worth more to me in entertainment value than the preacher – but not by too much.  Whether it was a Sunday service, a revival, a funeral, or other preaching service, I came to value the value of “the word” from the mouths of these Godly servants.

Even today, I enjoy the occasional radio or TV sermon.  I have my favorites.  Unfortunately, it seems much has changed from my childhood experiences.  Today, almost all of the televised preachers (not all – but most), leave me feeling like they want to entertain me.  The simple message of salvation delivered simply but powerfully has been replaced by expensively produced televised religiously-oriented variety shows.  The call to “come forth” and confess Jesus has been replaced by the call to “pay up.”  After all, I guess the TV producers, directors, the orchestra, the cameras, the overseas marketing, the preacher’s clothes, cars, mansions, and private plane do add up.

I now belong to a church that has no “paid ministry.”  Ministers and pastors (of which I am one) serve without pay.  The Church, its buildings and materials, are funded as scripturally ordained by the tithes of the people – 10% of one’s annual increase.  The poor are provided for by the work of the members and the offerings that come from the Law of the Fast, spoken of in Isaiah 58. 

In this week’s meditative verse we find that “Priestcraft” – preaching for money, power, and glory – is not a new institution.  I still enjoy those few preachers of various faiths, who preach the word of God humbly, sincerely, insightfully, and with power – and not for their “gain.”  But they are becoming an extinct species.  I will miss them when they are finally gone and we are only left with religious entertainers,  for as this week’s verse proclaims, “When doctrine is preached for a pence, both doctrine and people are cheated.”

Priestcraft

  But Alma said unto him: Behold, this is the first time that priestcraft has been introduced among this people. And behold, thou art not only guilty of priestcraft, but hast endeavored to enforce it by the sword; and were priestcraft to be enforced among this people it would prove their entire destruction…And it came to pass that they took him; and his name was Nehor; and they carried him upon the top of the hill Manti, and there … he suffered an ignominious death…Nevertheless, this did not put an end to the spreading of priestcraft through the land; for there were many who loved the vain things of the world, and they went forth preaching false doctrines; and this they did for the sake of riches and honor.

Book of Mormon    Alma 1:12-16

When doctrine is preached for a pence

Both doctrine and people are cheated

Ministry surrenders to dollars and cents

And spiritual growth is defeated

Some preachers are misinformed but sincere

Lacking key eternal truths and Godly power

Neither fortune nor fame do they revere

Only to minister, pastor and empower

But when false clerics and preachers perform

They preach for glory, status, honor and riches

Unholy homilies that neither redeem nor reform

Devoid of doctrine that saves and enriches

When people love what is popular and vain

They will pay well to hear it preached

Sermons to mollify, soothe and sustain

Behavior they do not want impeached

Priestcraft prospers and thrives today

Among preachers popular and renowned

Upon the spiritually sensitive they prey

Trumpets blaring but with an uncertain sound

Larry Doyle Crenshaw

The Bondage of Pain

By Larry Doyle Crenshaw

MeditationsInLight.blogspot.com

This week’s meditative verse reacquaints us with the timeless truth that, “Pain wears an teacher’s crown.”  Those things that we will not learn from parents, wise teachers and advisors, and in the daily school of living, will oft be learned in the crucible of pain and suffering.  We have sometimes dubbed it, “The School of Hard Knocks.” 

Even Jesus, the Perfect One, was enrolled in this academy, “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” (Hebrews 5:8-9)  Pain, when endured well, is indeed a sacred seminar in perfecting patient humility.  One wonders if Jesus had  this form of learning in mind when He told us to, “Be ye therefore perfect even as your Father in Heaven is perfect. 

On our way to perfection, our rough corners are honed and polished by pain and misfortune day after day.  While not to be invited nor envied, neither should we be surprised by pain – it comes with the human condition.  When it does come to us in its many forms, does it teach us or just terrorize us?  Does it break us or make us…….stronger – more resilient.  Does it only persecute us, or does it purify us?

As you ponder these questions, I invite you to consider with me this week’s meditative verse, “The Bondage of Pain” at MeditationsInLight.blogspot.com.     

 The  Bondage  of  Pain

And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.  And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.

Book of Mormon   Mosiah 24:14-15

Life is a mixture of joy and pain

Elements of the plan of salvation

Where both freedom and bondage reign

Regardless of our creed, status, or station

Pain wears an exacting teacher’s crown

Where suffering and patience intertwine

And burdens of its bondage can break down

The strongest, best and noblest of mankind

The bondage of pain is oft alleviated

When it meets its remedial cure

But some pain goes unmitigated

And that pain we must endure

When our pain is not easily discharged

Our capacity to endure and survive

May be strengthened and enlarged

By Christ, in whom we can be alive

All are taught by the bondage of pain

A sacred seminar in patient humility

A required course, with credits to gain

Before graduation to Heavenly Tranquility

Larry Doyle Crenshaw

The Fold of God

By Larry D. Crenshaw

MeditationsInLight.blogspot.com

The Shepherd’s Fold is a common theme throughout the bible and Middle-Eastern literature.  It is the name given to the sheep in the Shepherd’s care.  He tends to the sheep; sees that they have pasture, looks after the new lambs of the fold and whatever else is needed for their welfare.

I once saw an experiment with a fold of about 50 sheep in a pasture.  Some local students came out to his farm to learn about sheep.  The Shepherd told the students the word or words used to call the sheep.  He practiced with the students so that they could say the words correctly, with the right tone and inflection.  Then, each student, in turn, went to the large fence enclosure and, using their new-found “sheep language,” call to the sheep out in the large field.  Much to their surprise not one of the 50 or so sheep came, or even looked up from their grazing.  Student after student tried and tried in vain, but failed to even get the sheep’s attention.

Then, the Shepherd came forward and called to the sheep using the same words.  Suddenly, several of the sheep looked up toward the new and different and familiar voice. He called again and at first five or six started toward him and then the whole fold came quickly.  If you would like to see a demonstration of this, go to the following site on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=e45dVgWgV64

Like sheep, we too respond to our master’s voice.  Some would like to think that they follow no master but themselves. Others follow a voice or voices that are hollow, subtle and deceiving being lulled into what is called carnal security. (Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 28:21) These voices speak to the worldly, undisciplined parts of our being. They speak things we want to hear – easy and inviting – and we become mesmerized by their titillating sounds.

However, deep within all of us is a distinctly different and familiar voice that speaks to our soul.  The voice of the Holy Spirit speaks not loudly, but with warmth, soft and small. I’m not sure why, however.  Perhaps it is because to hear Him we too must slow down, be “softer,” and “smaller” and more humble than our egos that we project out into the world. 

We, as Christians, are born into the fold of man.  This fold has many masters and shepherds.  With so many voices in the world calling after us, it is no wonder that we are “tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine.” (Ephesians 4:11-14)   However, for many who listen carefully, there is a persistent voice, warm and firmly persuasive, even familiar who calls us to “come home to a familiar place, family, and fold - and we are reborn into the Fold of God.  

It is the voice of the Good Shepherd, our wise and Oldest Brother to whom we listened in the world before this world.  His voice became a familiar, hopeful, inspiring, and instructive voice who taught us in the way of truth and light under the direction of His Father, and Our Father - for there we were family and in the Fold of God.

This week’s meditative verse, introduces us to one who has seen the light and heard the voice of the Good Shepherd calling.  We find this person standing by a pool of water awaiting the immersion of redemption known as baptism.  As we listen to the baptismal candidate’s thoughts, we too are carried back to sacramental moments of reflection of our own conversion into the Fold of God.

The Fold of God

And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light;  Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life.  

Book of Mormon    Mosiah 18:8-11

By the Waters of Mormon I stand by a fountain pure

Seeking forgiveness, and the immersion of redemption

To walk in a newness of life with promises to procure

God’s ordinances for me - and all - with no exemption

I desire to come forth and enter into God’s fold

And be called one of the Children of the Lord

 To care for others and their burdens hold

Worshiping and singing praise with one accord

My heart, mind and soul unites

As in Mormon’s Waters I am baptized

The Power of God in my soul ignites

A flame burning, cherished and prized

Love, truth and light brightly burns

In God’s Fold of the saved and reborn

To the service of others my heart turns

As I mourn with those that mourn

I’ll witness of God at all times and places

Even until death, that I may be esteemed

Worthy to be counted among those He embraces

At Heaven’s Veil - sanctified, and redeemed

Larry Doyle Crenshaw

Steadfast and Immovable

By Larry Doyle Crenshaw

MeditationsInLight.blogspot.com

In a world of shifting values and morals, where beliefs are measured by political correctness and the winds of change seem to blow in every direction at once, it is rare to find individuals who are steadfast and immovable as far as values and principles are concerned.   We seem to be living in a new and increasingly worrisome world where values are being devalued and discounted in the market of ideas.  We seek after political leaders to follow, but often find their vision is ill-defined and even unprincipled.  Many Christians look to the pulpits of Churches for guidance only to find the latest marketing pitch in the world of “ministry for money.” Many ask, “Where can I find peace in today’s troubled world?”

Through all of this, there is always one who was and is forever steadfast, always immovable.  He who “…. ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth;  Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ.” D&C 88:6-7.  May we learn from His example how to be more steadfast and immovable as we confront the storms that are coming our way.

This week’s meditation gives us a glimpse of one who is brought to Judgment’s Bar and weighed and measured prior to final judgment.

Go to MeditationsInLight.blogspot.com

Steadfast and Immovable

Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen.

Book of Mormon Mosiah 5:15

To heaven at last I was brought

To the bar of divine subjugation

 And final judgment was wrought

Upon the measure of my creation

God was all and above all

As I bowed before His throne

I stood anxious and small

But familiar and known

Justice and mercy were weighed

Faith and works measured before the stand

My sins had been purchased, remitted and paid

Through Christ and His atoning plan

One day we’ll stand at Judgement’s Bar

And be accountable for word and deed

 For what we believe and who we are

Judged by our actions and by our creed

May our faith and works abound

Standing immovable and steadfast

As Satan’s plan we confuse and confound

And be sealed by the Holy Promise at last

Larry Doyle Crenshaw

A Mighty Change

By Larry Doyle Crenshaw

MeditationsInLight.blogspot.com

For those who seek the Godly path through faith and obedience to His laws and ordinances, blessings will come and we can experience a mighty change of heart.  Please note that faith, obedience, laws and ordinances are necessary precursors to His blessings.  Even then, it is by grace that our salvation comes, after all we can do.

This week’s meditation notes the power of such a personal mighty change of heart.

A Mighty Change

And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually… and were it expedient, we could prophesy of all things….  And we are willing to enter into a covenant with our God to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments in all things that he shall command us, all the remainder of our days… And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters…. I say unto you, I would that ye should remember to retain the name written always in your hearts, that ye are not found on the left hand of God, but that ye hear and know the voice by which ye shall be called, and also, the name by which he shall call you

 Book of Mormon    Mosiah 5:2-3, 5, 7, 12

I must receive a mighty change of heart

Bestowed by the Lord Omnipotent’s hand

To change my disposition and set me apart

That I may be sanctified and evil withstand

I've been taught faith, obedience and truth

Taught by prophets and the King of Kings

I've taught my children to learn in their youth

The mighty change that the gospel brings

I seek prophecy and truth of every needful thing

Things that were, things that are, or are to be

Making covenants with my God, Savior and King

To obey His laws and follow His every decree

Retaining the name written in my heart

Not to be found on God’s left hand

I seek for blessings the Lord imparts

His thoughts and intents to understand

Such mighty change comes highly priced

As I strive the remainder of my days

To become a begotten Child of Christ

Basking safe and warm in heaven’s rays

Larry Doyle Crenshaw