During our suppertime scripture study tonight, I decided to read from D&C 59:18?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú20. While reading through it before it, I noticed that the few verse previous also discuss the idea of everything on the earth being for our benefit.
“And inasmuch as ye do these things with thanksgiving, with cheerful hearts and countenances, not with much laughter, for this is sin, but with a glad heart and a cheerful countenance?¢‚Ǩ‚Äùverily I say, that inasmuch as ye do this, the fulness of the earth is yours, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which climbeth upon the trees and walketh upon the earth; yea, and the herb, and the good things which come of the earth, whether for food or for raiment, or for houses, or for barns, or for orchards, or for gardens, or for vineyards.” (D&C 59:15?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú17)
I noticed, however, that the beginning of verse 15 points to the idea that these blessings are conditional to something. So I decided to read some more.
“Thou shalt offer a sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in righteousness, even that of a broken heart and a contrite spirit.
“And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day; for verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High; nevertheless thy vows shall be offered up in righteousness on all days and at all times; but remember that on this, the Lord?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s day, thou shalt offer thine oblations and thy sacraments unto the Most High, confessing thy sins unto thy brethren, and before the Lord.
“And on this day thou shalt do none other thing, only let thy food be prepared with singleness of heart that thy fasting may be perfect, or, in other words, that thy joy may be full.
“Verily, this is fasting and prayer, or in other words, rejoicing and prayer.” (D&C 59:8?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú14)
So, it seems that all these blessings seem contingent on us going to church and keeping the Sabbath holy. Interesting.
