Saturday, April 15, 2017

Deception

I have been studying a few tactics that the Devil uses to deter us from our ultimate goal of eternal life.  In the book “Following Christ” it mentions three tactics he uses.  First, affliction then deception and finally iniquity.  I wanted to focus on the second, deception.

In Alma 12:9 there is an insight that helps illustrate this topic, it says:

“And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying: It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him.”

It mentions quite clearly that the mysteries of God are revealed to individuals.  Although they must follow strict command from God that “they shall not impart.”  In other words they are to keep their mouths SHUT!  They can share with others what God has already revealed to the Church in the scriptures and through his prophets, but the rest is private.  Stephen E Robinson says, “keeping it private is a sacred obligation.”

This is such an interesting obligation, but really puts in perspective the line of authority of revelation from God.  We are to receive revelation from the Prophet as well as Stake Presidents and Bishops as well as personal revelation for ourselves.  Others cannot receive any such revelations for us.  It definitely can clear us so much confusion if others begin to teach things they have experienced or witnessed, we will know that they are not for us.  Satan uses this tactic so that there is almost confusion within the safety zone of the Church.  If he can’t get us from the outside he’ll get in and have us impose our opinion or point of view on others through “revelations.”  We are warned to stay away from those using our religion to alter us or our thinking.

This begs the question whether I am keeping my personal revelation personal.  Or have my personal revelations become public?!  This concept creates an almost more sacred feeling to my personal revelations and instructions from the Savior.  These personal revelations are like tiny treasures that accumulate throughout a lifetime.

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