D&C 98:11-22
Doctrine & Covenants > Section 98
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Contents
Questions
- What challenges face Latter-day Saints seeking to obey the commandment to "forsake all evil and cleave unto all good" (verse 11) in our modern world?
- Does the Lord really expect us to do whatever it takes to obey his word, even to the laying down of our lives, if we are to be found worthy?
- Why shouldn't Latter-day Saints be afraid of our enemies (verse 14)? What application might this have for Saints living in a world filled with wars and terrorism?
- In what ways might we be willing to lay down our lives, but not willing to otherwise "live by every wod which proceedeth forth out of the mouth of God"?
Lexical notes
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Exegesis
After setting clear and unambigous standards for civil laws and the selection of leaders, the Lord sets forth the standards of behavior expected of those who seek to be "worth of [the Lord]" (verse 15). These standards require not only a willingness to lay down one's life to follow the word of the Lord, but to live "by every word which proceedeth forth out of the mouth of God" (verse 11).
Verse 11
This verse sets forth the standard of living for all Saints. First, we are expected to "forsake all evil." Some of the things that come of evil, such as bad laws and wicked rulers, were outlined in previous verses. Here we are told to forsake all evil. And more than that, we are told to "cleave unto all good." It isn't enough to avoid evil, we have to actively embrace that which is good.
Beyond forsaking evil and cleaving unto the good, the ultimate standard of behavior for Latter-day Saints is living by every word which proceedeth forth out of the mouth of God." This implies following the words of living prophets, as well as trying to best apply scriptural counsel given to Saints in past dispensations.
Verse 12
After proving his standard for our behavior, the Lord explains his purpose in setting this standard--to try us and prove us. While the Lord expects us to do everything he commands, he here reminds us that he doesn't expect us to do everything at once, but that if we are faithful, we will be given hiw word "line upon line." As we are faithful in living by his word, he gives us more of his word, to "prove us" or test how much we are willing to accept.
Verse 13
Here the Lord shows us how far this testing may go--all the way to our potentially being called to lay down our lives. While many Saints may be willing to lay down their life, it appears here that this is only expected in extreme cases as an ultimate test. What seems to be more important here is to make the sacrifices needed to "live by every word" as we are given it "line upon line." We can't short cut the process of gradual and increasing obedience by a one-time sacrifice or martyrdom. What is important are the day to day trials and tests.
Those that are called to lay down their lives, or lose their lives while following the Lord, are promised eternal life. Not as a call to self-sacrifice oneself, but as a comfort, a reminder, to ease the hearts of those who might be suffering.
Verse 14
Here the Lord seems to shift the focus of the revelation. While the prior verses are explaining the importance of obedience, here he takes that promise of eternal life for those who lose their lives while following him, and uses it to give peace of heart to those worried about their enemies. Here he says, don't worry about your enemies. If we are killed while "abiding" in his covenant, then we will have proven ourselves worthy. So, true Saints aren't to be afraid if they follow the Lord. The worst that enemies can do to them is to kill them and send them to their eternal reward.
Verse 15
While the Saints shouldn't fear death or their enemies, here the Lord outlines the true nature of the test, and perhaps something to be more afraid of: if we don't abide in the covenent, if we don't live by every word, then we will not be found worthy of him. This is the true test. Will we do whatever he says, even if it means laying down our life, or will we fail to do that and be found unworthy.
Related links
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