Path to Perfection

Joseph Smith, Teachings of the prophet Joseph Smith. Section 2: 1834-1837

We consider that God has created man with a mind capable of instruction, and a faculty which may be enlarged in proportion to the heed and diligence given to the light communicated from heaven to the intellect; and that the nearer man approaches perfection, the clearer are his views, and the greater his enjoyments, till he has overcome the evils of his life and lost every desire for sin; and like the ancients, arrives at that point of faith where he is wrapped in the power and glory of his Maker and is caught up to dwell with Him. But we consider that this is a station to which no man ever arrived in a moment: he must have been instructed in the government and laws of that kingdom by proper degrees, until his mind is capable in some measure of comprehending the propriety, justice, equality, and consistency of the same.

Where is the spirit world?

Brigham Young, Discourses of Brigham Young, selected and arranged by John A. Widtsoe, p.376

When you lay down this tabernacle, where are you going? Into the spiritual world. . . . . Where is the spirit world? It is right here. 3:369.

Brigham Young, Discourses of Brigham Young, selected and arranged by John A. Widtsoe, p.376

But where is the spirit world? It is right here. Can you see it with your natural eyes? No. Can you see spirits in this room? No. Suppose the Lord should touch your eyes that you might see, could you then see the spirits? Yes, as plainly as you now see bodies, as did the servant of Elijah. If the Lord would permit it, and it was his will that it should be done, you could see the spirits that have departed from this world, as plainly as you now see bodies with your natural eyes. 3:368.

Harold B. Lee, The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, edited by Clyde J. Williams, p.58

The spirit world is round about us. Where is the spirit world? Is it away up in the heavens? That isn’t what the scriptures and our brethren explain. They have told us the spirit world is right here round about us, and the only spirits who can live here are those who are assigned to fill their missions here on earth. This is the spirit world. And if our eyes could be opened we could see those who have departed from us-a father, mother, brother, a sister, a child. We could see them, and sometimes when our physical senses are asleep, sometimes our spiritual self-and we have ears, spiritual ears, and spiritual eyes-sometimes they will be very keen and awake, and a departed one may come while we are lying asleep and come into our consciousness. We’ll feel an impression. We’ll wake up. Where does it come from? It comes from the spirits of those whom we are sealed to. (58-10)

Joseph Smith: History of the Church 4:588.

Either we are “drawing towards God” or we are “drawing towards the devil.”

Greater knowledge yields greater meekness

Neal A. Maxwell, Meek and Lowly, p.117

For serious disciples, the greater their knowledge, the greater their meekness. The more such individuals associate with and are taught by the Lord, the more they strive to become like Him and the more they wish to declare His gospel. They rejoice exceedingly when the message is heeded, like the outreaching sons of Mosiah: “Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble.” (Mosiah 28:3.) As Joseph Smith taught, either we are “drawing towards God” or “drawing towards the devil.”

Things to consider

Neal A. Maxwell, If Thou Endure It Well , p.129

Mitigating factors to be considered include these: (1) In the justice and mercy of God, everyone will-at one point or another-have had an adequate opportunity to choose their futures according to the acted out “desires of their hearts.” (2) Having chosen for ourselves that which we will be allotted in eternity, we will not later complain about God’s mercy or justice (see Mosiah 27:31; Alma 12:15; Mosiah 6:1). Brigham affirms: “If we fail to obtain the salvation we are seeking for, we shall acknowledge that we have secured to ourselves every reward that is due to us by our acts, and that we have acted in accordance with the independent agency given us, and we shall be judged out of our own mouths whether we are justified or condemned.” 11 (3) Each post-resurrection kingdom is a kingdom of glory that is far better than this world we now know. Even “the glory of the telestial” will surpass “all understanding” (D&C 76:89). (4) The family circle, when finally completed in time for the world to come, may yet be larger than we may now imagine; late arrivals, after having paid a severe price and thus being finally qualified, may be more than a few.

Change We Desire

Jeffrey R. Holland, However Long and Hard the Road, p.84

Through repentance, we are changed to what Alma calls “new creatures.” (Mosiah 27:26.) We are “born again; yea, born of God, changed from [our] carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters.” (Mosiah 27:25; see also 5:1-12.) Repentance and baptism allow Christ to purify our lives in the blood of the Lamb and we are clean again. What we were, we never have to be again, for God in his mercy has promised that “he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.” (D&C 58:42.)

We love the things we serve & we serve what we love

Elder Marvin J. Ashton (tracked into the quote, looking for reference still)

We learn to love that which we serve, and we serve that which we love. …We must constantly emphasize the truth that we love that to which we give time, whether it be the gospel, God, or gold. Often we hear expressions of love for the scriptures, including Jesus’ teachings. Those who study, practice, and apply the truths not only know them best, but are fortified to use them for guidance all along life’s paths…Many today are caught up in their love for worldly goods which they think will bring them fame, fortune, and popularity. They, too, reap the rewards of loving incorrectly. In these cases also, that which they serve they will learn to love. What we learn to love can make or break our lives…

Seeking truth

Jeffrey R. Holland, However Long and Hard the Road, p.20

In our dispensation the Lord has defined truth as “knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come.” (D&C 93:24.) To his disciples in the meridian of time he said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32.) The prescribed method for coming to knowledge (and subsequent freedom) is to “give diligent heed to the words of eternal life” (D&C 84:43), yet many of us spend precious little time with those words.

Education for real life

President Spencer W. Kimball, Seek Learning, Even by Study and Also by Faith. 1983 Sept. Ensign

As a people, we Latter-day Saints have been encouraged by the Lord to progress in the learning of God as well as in the sound learning of the earth. Too many of us spend far too much time watching the television or in habits and activities that do not enlarge ourselves or bless others. Would that we might lift ourselves to higher visions of what we could do with our lives! There should be no people who have a higher desire to obtain truth, revealed and secular, than Latter-day Saints.

Foundations built on truth

President John Taylor (Sermon, 20 Sept. 1857.)

“You mark my words, and write them down and see if they do not come to pass. You will see the day that Zion will be far ahead of the outside world in everything pertaining to learning of every kind as we are today in regard to religious matters.”