Today in Elder's quorum the lesson was on a general conference talk about two principles: Work and learning.
Two principles for any economy by Uchtdorf was the talk the lesson was based on. The lesson quickly turned into a discussion about how if one were to observe both principles that material riches will be yours and that it's not bad to just want a Lexus out of life.
My first thought was when Jesus said in Matthew 6:26 "Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?"
And "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
And the further thought occurs: "And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?
And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible."
It is not that material wealth in and of itself is evil or wrong it's that the things you own end up owning you. You become bound to your possessions, you begin to love them because where your treasure is your heart will be also. You are afraid to park in or drive through certain parts of town for fear something may happen to that Lexus of yours.
You turn your home into a fortress for as protected and fortified as you make it because now you have to protect your wealth, you design the most posh of panic rooms.
So if we are not intended to become phenomenally wealthy in life, if we are not to value riches but rather build up our treasures in heaven, then what are we to live for?
23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offense unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 6:23-26)
It seems that Jesus is saying that if you love God and live by, lead your family by that principle of love that you will get what you needs as the fowls of the air do and much more because you are that much more important to God than birds. That is worth living for, that is worth dying for. Because if you find that as a reason to live you will find your purpose and it will turn your world upside down because from a worldly perspective the way of Jesus is upside down.
Think about what it did to Jesus. He devoted Himself entirely to The Lord so much so that He gave His life for The Lord rather than take a life in the name of The Lord. That is what it means to be a martyr, that is what it means to be Holy.
Think of the Law of Consecration.
Or performing healing miracles without charging a co-pay.
"You're not your job. You're not how much money you have in the bank. You're not the car you drive. You're not the contents of your wallet. You're not your frigging khakis." -Chuck Palahniuk
