D&C 78:1-10

Section 78 is the beginning of a series of 4 revelations comprising sections 78-81. The IM gives background information saying, “During the early part of the year 1832, the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon continued the work of the revision of the scriptures. At the time the Prophet was still residing in the house of Father John Johnson, at Hiram. It was during this time that this important revelation was given to the members of the Priesthood who were assembled imparting instructions in relation to the plan of the ‘united order’ or ‘order of Enoch,’ on which the promised Zion should be built. The Lord had revealed that it was only through obedience to his divine will, the celestial law, that Zion could be built. The members of the Church rejoiced when the Lord revealed to them the site on which the New Jerusalem, or City of Zion, should be built. Their enthusiasm, however, was not sufficient to carry them through to a conclusion in strict obedience to the divine will. In this revelation the Lord revealed his will in words of wisdom to all those holding the High Priesthood.’ Joseph Smith wrote of this time: ‘besides the work of translating, previous to the 20th of March, I received the four following revelations: (D&C 87-81).’” 78:1-10 - The Lord says an interesting phrase in verse 2 that DJR picks up on, the Lord says “listen to the counsel of him who has ordained you from on high.” As far as I know, those who were being counseled were not ordained by Jesus Christ himself, but rather by someone else who help the authority. DHR says, “Did you notice, in verse 2, above, that when hands are laid upon our heads by faithful priesthood holders here on earth, it is the same as it the Savior himself had done it?” I would assume that that goes for being set apart, or priesthood blessings, or patriarchal blessings, etc. The Lord says that “the time has come… that there be an organization of my people, in regulating and establishing the affairs of the storehouse for the poor… That you may be equal in the bonds of heavenly things, yea, and earthly things also, for the ordaining of heavenly things… For if ye are not equal in earthly things ye cannot be equal in obtaining heavenly things.” Again, we’ve covered this before, it’s not a matter of everyone having exactly the same things, it’s everyone having sufficient for their needs, not that some have much and other don’t, just that everyone has enough, and grow wealthy together. The IM teaches, “The principle is here taught that the Latter-day Saints must be equal in things pertaining to this Earth. In celestial glory there is perfect equality. But if they have not practiced equality here, they are not prepared to live under that law there.’ It should be noted, however, that the Lord has a special definition of equality in the united order.” The Lord continues, “it is expedient that all things be done unto my glory.” Does this mean that God is so obsessed with himself that he wants everyone to focus on making him look good? Not at all. It means that if we live our lives with God being at the forefront of our minds or our greatest motivating factor, then it will focus our attention, energy, and attitudes on doing the right thing. Really if we think about it, God’s “work” and his “glory” is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. If our whole lives are dedicated to God’s glory, then our whole lives will be dedicated to bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of our fellow beings.