Okay that was kind of a trick question.

In conversations I’ve had with other people, I’ve learned that there are some

BIG misconceptions about the Law of Consecration.

The Law of Consecration is in full effect today for those who have made sacred covenants inside of the temple.

Just as much as it was in the 1830s, and just as much as it was after Christ’s resurrection.

Have the applications looked different at various points in time?

Yes.

In Acts 2:44, we learn of one application:

“And all that believed were together, and had all things common”.

The people Peter taught and baptized were moved with love to share many things in common with each other.

Everyone was given what they needed out of love and compassion. ⁣

So how are you doing with living the Law of Consecration right now?

I think this is a place where we all have room for improvement. ⁣

We may not fulfill it in the same way Peter did.

But are we intentionally sharing and consecrating the things we ARE able to share?

Do we volunteer our time through callings or assignments, even when they get tough or boring?

Do we show up to church or other activities in order to share our light and help others feel love?

Do we give of our abundance in money or food to those who have less? ⁣

These are great questions to ponder!

But I think the root of all these questions comes down to our motivation. ⁣

Is it out of LOVE?⁣

Are we bitter about that money in our tithing check, or do we rejoice with gratitude and love?⁣

The Law of Consecration is one of those things that doesn’t work too well if our motivation is “fear” or “obligation”.

We’ve gotta be willing.

It’s honestly difficult to sacrifice in this materialistic and selfish world.

And I’ve found that the only lasting personal change of heart will come from LOVE. ⁣

I want to practice building so much compassion and love for others, that the Law of Consecration becomes a natural joy!

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post What is the Law of Consecration? first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

I’m sure that Bishopric was overwhelmed with having to meet 180 18-19 year olds all at the same time, and issue callings as quickly as possible. 

Of course, one of the questions was:

Do you play the piano?

I remember talking to a friend who immediately said:

“There is NO way I’m admitting that I can play the piano. Because that would get me stuck with a piano calling!”

I laughed and totally empathized with her not wanting to play the piano for everything at church.

And… I was even tempted to fill it out untruthfully too.

But I also remembered the lessons my parents had taught me about sharing my talents with everything at church. They were great examples of sharing their strengths with their ward.

I filled out the survey, saying that I did play the piano.

The Lord was talking to many of the men who had traveled to Missouri in D&C 60:2, he said that:

“But with some I am not well pleased, for they will not open their mouths, but they hide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear of man.”

These men were hiding their talents because of the fear of men!

I’ve learned that anything fear-based is not coming from God.

If I’m afraid of people judging me, or comparing me, or if I’m afraid of getting a certain calling, or if I’m afraid of being asked to volunteer in some way…

That doesn’t feel generous and loving to me.

It probably means that I have some jealousy to work on.

In fact, this makes me think of what I shared about the Law of Consecration a couple of weeks ago.

ALL of my talents and gifts come from God anyways.

Anything that I do to increase my talents and gifts, whether it’s a musical gift, or it’s just opening my mouth and talking about the gospel…

Anything that I can do to increase any gift, is showing gratitude to the Lord anyways. 

Gratitude is the key.

When I’m filled with gratitude, then I don’t have any fear.

I want to be so ridiculously generous with my time and all of my talents, because I want the Lord to know I would give it all back to Him!

No fear. Only gratitude.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Fear and talents first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.