SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

In our Sunday School class today we discussed the Law of Consecration and the United Order. It seems we, the Saints, like the Children of Israel in the Old Testament stories, were incapable of living the Law of Consecration that was given to us in the early days of the Church [LDS], which means giving ALL we have to the church to be doled out as needed to the members. Because the Saints/church memebers couldn't live this higher law at the time, the law of tithing was given to replace it. Now, you know, even that lesser law is quite difficult or impossible for many to adhere to. But we try. Some have a longer way to go than others.
Living the United Order requires that one give all that one has in a communal spirit to be shared or distributed to fellow members as needed. It was interesting that in the scriptures, the word 'want,' is also included in this context. I think that shows compassion.
As we listened and discussed this subject, what became clear to me was this: This law is not to take everything you have away from you to be given to someone else. This law can be simplified into the concept of family living.
And living as family is just what the Lord has planned for all of us together. In a family, everything is collectively 'owned'. And the needs and/or wants of each member of the family is taken from what the family has, the collective stash or storehouse. No single family member has everything or great amounts more than the other. Each person is provided for as equally as possible. Each person loves and wants the others to have what they want or need as well as for him/herself. My parents gave us what we needed or wanted, although of course it was not always exactly what the others wanted. It's family.....simple as that. If we are going to live with our Father, who lives in Heaven, we must be willing...and able...to live within a family structure. It's the best for all of us and we will be happiest that way. I love the simplicity of the gospel.