Hearken!

Definition from “Guide to the Scriptures is “To hear and obey the voice or teachings of the Lord.”

In my Teachings of the Book of Mormon class, I learned about a new study skill called “Cause and Effect”. I learned to identify if/then statements to help make the context more clear. I applied this while studying Doctrine and Covenants 103:44 ,”And that those who call themselves after my name might be ^achastened for a little season with a sore and grievous chastisement, because they did not ^bhearken altogether unto the precepts and commandments which I gave unto them.”

The marker or indicator there will a cause in this particular group is:

Marker:  “Because they did”

Cause: Because they didn’t hearken unto the precepts and commandments

Effect: They will be chastened for a little season

This was an interesting scripture.  It is a warning that members of the church, “those that call themselves after my name” are not perfect, and will not listen at times.  If they don’t listen, the Lord will chasten, which could mean a call to repentance, or a natural consequence. This is meant to remind the members to PAY ATTENTION to the prophet and leaders counsel.

I believe I do have pride and think because I go to church and generally do good, I don’t need to listen to every little thing. It is not a big deal, and I have so many other things to worry about. This scripture hit hard, that I will be chastened if I don’t listen. The word chastened doesn’t have to be bad. I think about my own children, and I loving them enough to want to correct and remind them to save them from natural consequences. I feel the Lord loves me enough to want to do the same!