One will be above the other

I was reading in Abraham 3:22-23 that Abraham was one of the chosen spirits. We are told that the youth of today—Today’s missionary force and all of the members—are part of that chosen group. We were valiant.  We were reserved for the Last Days.

 

Abraham 3:18 also says that if there are two spirits, one will be more intelligent than the other.  The Lord’s been talking about a hierarchy (vs. 16) – if two things exist, one will be above the other.  But God is above them all.  

 

I’ve struggled with how pride, humility and confidence work within this framework.  At times I’ve told myself I’m no better than anyone else.  But here is the Lord saying there is a hierarchy.  Some of us are more faithful, more intelligent, more talented and so on than others.  So how do we deal with this?

 

As we teach others, we find some are more intelligent than others. Some are more faithful than others.  Missionaries know some of their investigators are more faithful, more intelligent, harder working, etc. than others.  I think we have to accept that this IS.  It is true.

 

So how do we handle it?  We look at the example of the Savoir who is over all—who is the best of all.  What does he do?  Does he respond with pride, arrogance, condescension?  Does he only spend time with people like him?  Neglect those beneath him?  No.

 

When we see that we may be more advanced than others in any way that creates a duty and responsibility for us.  We need to be loving, kind, caring and helpful in helping those less advanced to grow.  They may have limited capacity. They may never be able to do what you do.  So then you have to love them where they are, help them be the best they can within their abilities.  And you need to thank God he has given you so many blessings.

 

At the same time, we’ll look around and see others more advanced than we are.  There may be more talented, more faithful, more skilled people.  What do we do?  Feel inferior, useless, or stupid? No.  We feel grateful for the blessings the Lord has given us, and we work to improve ourselves. 

 

We need to understand we may never match the level of some of the people around us. And that’s okay.  The Lord is not judging us against them.  He is only judging us against the standard he knows we can achieve.  We can feel humble, but not inferior.  We can gain confidence in knowing that it’s possible to be better. And incentive to work harder.

 

What is important is not where we are in the line-up of spirits.  What matters is how we treat those above and below us.  May we rid ourselves of envy for those above us. Can we foster a spirit of joy for their successes? May we humbly seek to improve and recognize that because of their example, it might be possible for us to do better?

 

And me we rid ourselves of pride or distain for those below us. Who are we to criticize what God has made?  May we be patient with shortcomings and rejoice in every progress.  Can we feel the duty and obligation to help them be the best they can.  May we master the art of love and compassion and follow the Savior’s example.

 

May we be humbly grateful for all the Lord has blessed us with.