Last night at institute we were talking about D&C 84. A friend commented about verses 43-44:
The footnote refers to Deuteronomy 8:3, "Man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live."
What does it mean to live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord? It's such a beautiful parallel, to think that his grace grants me breath every minute of every day, but also that I can choose to nourish my soul with just as much care as my body.
He said something to the effect that the word of God isn't a commandment, it's a blessing. Or maybe that commandments are blessings, not burdens. I don't remember which. It just got me thinking. What is the difference between the commandments of God, and the Priesthood blessings we receive? The scriptures are full of if/thens (my institute teacher has us look for them all the time). If we do specific things, specific consequences will result. My patriarchal blessing also has if/thens. With a few rare exceptions, commandments always have named consequences for obeying or disobeying. How is that not a prophetic map for my life, as well as for mankind? The word of God is a blessing in many respects.
43 And I now give unto you a commandment to beware concerning yourselves, to give diligent heed to the words of eternal life.
44 For you shall live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.
The footnote refers to Deuteronomy 8:3, "Man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live."
What does it mean to live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord? It's such a beautiful parallel, to think that his grace grants me breath every minute of every day, but also that I can choose to nourish my soul with just as much care as my body.
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