C.F.M Nugget of the Week - D&C 3, 4, 5

 I know this post is late, but I still wanted to get it uploaded. I have been thinking a lot about what stood out to me in this week's reading, and I was amazed at how they all intertwined with each other. 

I was first intrigued by the word temperance. I had always assumed it had to do with temper and controlling any anger we felt. I guess, to some extent, it does, but the true meaning is a lot more profound. When you type in temperance definition into google, this is what you will read : abstinence from alcoholic drink. I thought that was weird because it had nothing to do with temper. Back in 1829, and for Joseph Smith Sr, that would have made complete sense. For me; however, I suspected there was probably more to it. Temperance means self-restraint or self-control. It reminds me of a verse in Alma 38:12, ". . . see that you bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love. . ." There is a great talk by Kent D. Watson entitled "Being Temperate in All Things." He says, " a temperate soul—one who is humble and full of love—is also a person of increased spiritual strength. With increased spiritual strength, we are able to develop self-mastery and to live with moderation. We learn to control, or temper, our anger, vanity, and pride. With increased spiritual strength, we can protect ourselves from the dangerous excesses and destructive addictions of today’s world" I also loved that he said, "Security for our families comes from learning self-control, avoiding the excesses of this world, and being temperate in all things. Peace of mind comes from strengthened faith in Jesus Christ. Happiness comes from being diligent in keeping covenants made at baptism and in the holy temples of the Lord." With a better understanding about the word temperance, I can see why it is a Christlike Quality. 

Another thing I learned in this week's reading was that my Heavenly Father truly does know me. Taylor and Tyler from Book of Mormon Central pointed out that when Christ was on the earth, he called fisherman to become fishers of men. Now, in Doctrine and Covenants 4, he is calling a farmer to essentially become a farmer of men. Isn't it amazing that the Lord invites and reveals to us in ways we will understand. The way the Lord speaks to me is completely different from the way he speaks to my husband. Every time, I "Hear Him," I am reminded of his love for me and knowledge of me. 

Lastly, I want to mention D&C 5:33-34, "And there are many that lie in wait to destroy thee from off the face of the earth; and for this cause, that thy days may be prolonged, I have given unto thee these commandments." Isn't amazing that as we practice temperance we will be protected. I love what we are told in verse 34, "Stop and stand still." I love that! Just wait and listen for the Lord to direct us. He truly will provide the way. I think this is where the importance of personal revelation comes into play. Sometimes, we are going to be asked to stop and stand still and other times we are going to be asked to take a leap of faith. Either way, if we do it with the Lord, we will be blessed!