Men and Women's specific roles are important to Heavenly Father's Plan
In 2 Nephi 13:12 it says: " And my people, children are their oppressors and women rule over them. Oh my people, they who lead thee cause thee to err and destroy the way of thy paths."
These words in our scriptures from Isaiah are a witness of God's prophets seeing our day. It would have been unfathomable when this was written for anyone to claim that someday " women would rule over them ". As we know, through out history women were given little authority outside of the home. Perhaps this began to shift in the year 1920 when women were permitted to vote on their choice of leadership?
This scripture we read today should be true testimony of the scriptures truth. We do live in this day Isaiah spoke of; both comparatively speaking as to attributing childlike behaviors to our political figures, and as well literally speaking that women rule over us - the outcome of which produces children literally learning to be oppressive, as a result of a Mother not being around to teach their children. Instead of staying home teaching their children morals, values, tradition and love; Mother's are working outside the home, many time by choice. They have left the future leaders to be raised by a stranger. Children may also leave many parents feeling subject to their every want and will; even by force, as a result of divorce, thus, their offspring is presented with the choice to partner up with one or the other parent in a manipulative emotional battle.
The truth of this scripture being fulfilled is not foreign, yet many will look past so many of the scriptures being fulfilled as coincidence or chance. In the year 2009, Marcus Buckingham wrote an article on a special that was put on by Time Magazine; called " Why men are becoming more like women. " In this article we read, " Men's attitudes more and more resemble women's attitudes. In 1977, for example 72 percent of men believed that men should be the primary breadwinners and women should be primary caretakers of home an family. Today only 42 percent of men hold those opinions."
To those whom do not hold very much value in the forewarnings of prophets it might do them some good to see that not only was Isaiah telling the truth of the things that he foresaw in our day, but that he's was the first one to say it; as we know many have been noticing these trends in the role that men play in our society. Isaiah clearly knew this transformation of men would be part of satan's attack on God's plan for his children, to be happy and help each other become closer to Christ in their homes.
In an article by Paul Joseph Watson , written Feb. 19 2014 titled " The war on Men " , he claims that it is the governments plan is to emasculate men in order to fulfill their desires to gain totalitarian control. He states, " A Totalitarian society can only survive if the male population has been gelded, emasculated and disenfranchised. With this natural bulwark against tyranny removed the elite can centralize power and pursue collectivist tyranny unopposed."
These words are essentially echoing the same warnings given of Isaiah when he says, " they who lead thee cause the to err and destory the way of thy paths." What a great reminder to me that the prophets warnings come first always because they are endowed with power from God, and they have the authority to warn and coucil His children.
Isaiah has not been the only prophet to warn us of these attacks on men from Satan. In an Oct.2012 talk that Elder D. Todd Christpherson wrote titled, " Brethren we have a work to do " he says, " A common thread running through these analysis is that in many societies today men and boys get conflicting and demeaning signals about their roles and value in society."
Lastly, I will not forget the charge that Lehi gave his sons in 2 Nephi 1:21 Lehi says, " And now that my soul might have joy in you, and that my heart might leave this world with gladness because of you, that I might not be brought down with grief and sorrow to the grave, arise from the dust, my sons, and be men, and be determined in one mind and in one heart, united in all things, that ye may not come down into captivity."
These words in our scriptures from Isaiah are a witness of God's prophets seeing our day. It would have been unfathomable when this was written for anyone to claim that someday " women would rule over them ". As we know, through out history women were given little authority outside of the home. Perhaps this began to shift in the year 1920 when women were permitted to vote on their choice of leadership?
This scripture we read today should be true testimony of the scriptures truth. We do live in this day Isaiah spoke of; both comparatively speaking as to attributing childlike behaviors to our political figures, and as well literally speaking that women rule over us - the outcome of which produces children literally learning to be oppressive, as a result of a Mother not being around to teach their children. Instead of staying home teaching their children morals, values, tradition and love; Mother's are working outside the home, many time by choice. They have left the future leaders to be raised by a stranger. Children may also leave many parents feeling subject to their every want and will; even by force, as a result of divorce, thus, their offspring is presented with the choice to partner up with one or the other parent in a manipulative emotional battle.
The truth of this scripture being fulfilled is not foreign, yet many will look past so many of the scriptures being fulfilled as coincidence or chance. In the year 2009, Marcus Buckingham wrote an article on a special that was put on by Time Magazine; called " Why men are becoming more like women. " In this article we read, " Men's attitudes more and more resemble women's attitudes. In 1977, for example 72 percent of men believed that men should be the primary breadwinners and women should be primary caretakers of home an family. Today only 42 percent of men hold those opinions."
To those whom do not hold very much value in the forewarnings of prophets it might do them some good to see that not only was Isaiah telling the truth of the things that he foresaw in our day, but that he's was the first one to say it; as we know many have been noticing these trends in the role that men play in our society. Isaiah clearly knew this transformation of men would be part of satan's attack on God's plan for his children, to be happy and help each other become closer to Christ in their homes.
In an article by Paul Joseph Watson , written Feb. 19 2014 titled " The war on Men " , he claims that it is the governments plan is to emasculate men in order to fulfill their desires to gain totalitarian control. He states, " A Totalitarian society can only survive if the male population has been gelded, emasculated and disenfranchised. With this natural bulwark against tyranny removed the elite can centralize power and pursue collectivist tyranny unopposed."
These words are essentially echoing the same warnings given of Isaiah when he says, " they who lead thee cause the to err and destory the way of thy paths." What a great reminder to me that the prophets warnings come first always because they are endowed with power from God, and they have the authority to warn and coucil His children.
Isaiah has not been the only prophet to warn us of these attacks on men from Satan. In an Oct.2012 talk that Elder D. Todd Christpherson wrote titled, " Brethren we have a work to do " he says, " A common thread running through these analysis is that in many societies today men and boys get conflicting and demeaning signals about their roles and value in society."
Lastly, I will not forget the charge that Lehi gave his sons in 2 Nephi 1:21 Lehi says, " And now that my soul might have joy in you, and that my heart might leave this world with gladness because of you, that I might not be brought down with grief and sorrow to the grave, arise from the dust, my sons, and be men, and be determined in one mind and in one heart, united in all things, that ye may not come down into captivity."
I hope to share my testimony about this scripture fulfilled with my non-member husband when the timing is right...
Gifts of the Spirit are given to strengthen us
In 2 Nephi 16:10 it says that the Lord will, " Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes—lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and be converted and be healed."
These blessings reminded me of the gifts of the spirit that we as members of His church can ask to receive more of, and that we will be blessed with each person
individually. Spiritual gifts can help us bless others, and as well can help us have the necessary strength to avoid sin.
When He promises to make " their heart fat " this is the gift of charity- the pure love of Christ.
Galatians 5:22-23
When he promises to make their " ears heavy " this is the gift of knowledge
1 Corinthians 12:8
“For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
To " understand with their heart, that they may be healed " is a gift of Faith.
Moroni 10:11
"And to another, exceedingly great faith; and to another, the gifts of healing by the same Spirit "
It seems to me that Isaiah witnessed what was also explained in this quote:
As the world grows darker, the light of the truth shines brighter. As the hearts of men become colder, the warmth of the Savior’s peace burns stronger. As the noise of tempting voices shout louder, the still, small voice of the Spirit comes with even greater clarity. As evil increases in the world, the Lord sends the power of revelation and spiritual gifts for the righteous.
Elder Neil L. Andersen
S&I Evening with a General Authority
Feb. 28, 2014
In my own life I have seen the Lord strengthen me through blessing me with spiritual gifts. I have felt that whatever my weakness is when I earnestly pray to overcome it, I may not completely do better, but I seemed to be strengthened by a spiritual gift that counter acts the characteristics of my weakness.
Treasure can become our God if we do not give to the poor
In 2 Nephi 9:30 it says,
" But wo unto the rich, who are rich as to the things of the world. For because they are rich they despise the poor, and they persecute the meek, and their hearts are upon their treasures; wherefore, their treasure is their god. And behold, their treasure shall perish with them also."
I appreciate this scripture as Jeffery R. Holland also gave us council on this principle in the most recent general conference. In his talk Are we not all beggars he said,
"Down through history, poverty has been one of humankind’s greatest and most widespread challenges. Its obvious toll is usually physical, but the spiritual and emotional damage it can bring may be even more debilitating. In any case, the great Redeemer has issued no more persistent call than for us to join Him in lifting this burden from the people. As Jehovah, He said He would judge the house of Israel harshly because “the spoil of the [needy] is in your houses.”
In a place full of wealth sometimes it is hard to know how we can help the needy, but I am certain that if we were the ones suffering we would be more diligently searching for ways to help ourselves. I think to myself should I not then search diligently for others as I would for myself?
I was introduced to a charity program this past week for local members of my community that suffer financially. I asked the owner if she had programs for those outside our country and was disappointed that so many efforts were not going outside our country, since I feel we are so blessed, however I can see that in a sense I am turning away a person in need even as I speak now. I will commit to helping even those here whom I feel aren't as needy.
I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Elder Neil L. Andersen
S&I Evening with a General Authority
Feb. 28, 2014
In my own life I have seen the Lord strengthen me through blessing me with spiritual gifts. I have felt that whatever my weakness is when I earnestly pray to overcome it, I may not completely do better, but I seemed to be strengthened by a spiritual gift that counter acts the characteristics of my weakness.
Treasure can become our God if we do not give to the poor
In 2 Nephi 9:30 it says,
" But wo unto the rich, who are rich as to the things of the world. For because they are rich they despise the poor, and they persecute the meek, and their hearts are upon their treasures; wherefore, their treasure is their god. And behold, their treasure shall perish with them also."
I appreciate this scripture as Jeffery R. Holland also gave us council on this principle in the most recent general conference. In his talk Are we not all beggars he said,
"Down through history, poverty has been one of humankind’s greatest and most widespread challenges. Its obvious toll is usually physical, but the spiritual and emotional damage it can bring may be even more debilitating. In any case, the great Redeemer has issued no more persistent call than for us to join Him in lifting this burden from the people. As Jehovah, He said He would judge the house of Israel harshly because “the spoil of the [needy] is in your houses.”
In a place full of wealth sometimes it is hard to know how we can help the needy, but I am certain that if we were the ones suffering we would be more diligently searching for ways to help ourselves. I think to myself should I not then search diligently for others as I would for myself?
I was introduced to a charity program this past week for local members of my community that suffer financially. I asked the owner if she had programs for those outside our country and was disappointed that so many efforts were not going outside our country, since I feel we are so blessed, however I can see that in a sense I am turning away a person in need even as I speak now. I will commit to helping even those here whom I feel aren't as needy.
I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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