Principles with Promises

There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—

And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated. [D&C 130:20–21]

“For all who will have a blessing at my hands shall abide the law which was appointed for that blessing, and the conditions thereof, as were instituted from before the foundation of the world” (D&C 132:5).

Concerning law Elder McConkie has written:

All things are governed by law; nothing is exempt. In the eternal perspective there is no such thing as chance; in the divine economy the same in varying result always flows from the same cause. These principles are immutable, eternal, everlasting; they apply to all things both temporal and spiritual. . . .

There is no whim, chance, or caprice in the operation of gospel law. Divine blessings always result from obedience to the law upon which their receipt is predicated. . . .

[In this same discussion Elder McConkie said,] Once a law has been ordained, it thereafter operates automatically; that is, whenever there is compliance with its terms and conditions, the promised [blessings]accrue. . . . [Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 395]

Usually when we consider laws we are inclined to think of them as being something very restrictive, something that holds us down. We frequently think of law as the opposite of liberty. That is not so; law is the basis of freedom.

You may be thinking of someone you know who is misbehaving yet seems to be happy and to have no problems. You wonder how this principle can possibly be true. Does it apply to everyone? Remember, God does not balance his books in October, but balance them he will. We look at things with limited vision; he judges things in eternal perspective. The decisions between the way of the flesh and the way of the spirit have eternal implications. They become the most crucial decisions you will ever make. You will not only reap what you sow in kind; you will reap what you sow abundantly. Nature provides bountiful blossoms from only a few seeds. The law of the harvest is unfailing. Plant only what you will be willing to harvest abundantly.

And from the pages of the Book of Mormon comes Moroni’s promise that through prayer, real intent, and faith in Christ, we may know the truth of these promises “by the power of the Holy Ghost” (see Moroni 10:4–5). [Precious Promises of the Book of Mormon, Thomas S. Monson]

PRINCIPLES WITH PROMISES

1. Family Home Evening

"Family Home Evening: Counsel and a Promise" by the First Presidency of the Church, 1915.

Principle:

Hold a family home evening that "should be devoted to prayer, singing hymns, songs, instrumental music, scripture reading, family topics, and specific instruction on the principles of the gospel and on the ethical problems of life, as well as the duties and obligations of children to parents, the home, the Church, society, and the nation."

Encourage the young people to remain at home that evening. [Many more specifics in the talk]

Promise:

Great blessings will result. Love at home and obedience to parents will increase. Faith will be developed in the hearts of the youth of Israel, and they will gain power to combat the evil influences and temptations which beset them.

2. Mothers staying in the home

For Principles and Promises related to mothers choosing to stay at home full time, see this article in Building An Eternal Marriage Teacher Manual. Also see Student Manual.

3. Law of the Word of Wisdom D&C 89:

Promise:

Health in the navel and marrow to their bones (marrow -- long been a symbol of vibrant, healthful living - James E Faust, "Spiritual Healing").

Wisdom and hidden treasures of knowledge (Testimony of the divinity of the gospel of Jesus Christ, Eldred G. Smith "The Law of Obedience").

Run without wearying and walk without fainting

Destroying angel will not slay you

Principle:

Wine and strong drinks, coffee and tea are not for the body.

Use all wholesome herbs and fruit in season and with thanksgiving. Any

All grain is staff of life.

Eat beasts, fowl, and animals only in times of famine and excess of hunger.

4. Tithing

Theodore Tuttle "Principles and promises":

Principle:

Pay 10% of income in tithing

Promise:

1. Open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

2. Rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the fields. . . . [What is the devourer? It is anything that devours your substance and keeps you from prospering.]

3. And all nations shall call you blessed, for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts. [3 Nephi 24:10–12]

4. “For he that is tithed shall not be burned . . .” (D&C 64:23).

5. Sabbath Day

Theodore Tuttle "Principles and promises":

Principle:

Go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day [a sacrament is a spiritual covenant]

For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High. (To “rest from your labors,” you stop the regular weekly routine in order to have time to do the work of the Lord and to worship the Lord on the Sabbath day).

Promise:

And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world;

The fullness of the earth is yours . . .

6. Peace

Theodore Tuttle "Principles and promises":

Principle:

Do the works of righteousness

Promise:

Peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come. [D&C 59:9–10, 16, 20, 23]

"Do you want to miss this promise? All mankind is seeking for peace. Yet peace—inner peace—and eternal life are within your grasp if you will but reach out and claim them by doing the works of righteousness."

7. Pray

Thomas S. Monson "Precious Promises of the Book of Mormon":

Principle:

As we pray unto the Father in the sacred name of Jesus Christ

Promise:

Our families will be blessed [3 Ne. 18:21]

Teachings of Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 191:

Principle:

Go to God in prayer

Promise:

Best way to obtain truth and wisdom

8. Read the Book of Mormon

Gordon B. Hinckley, "A Testimony Vibrant and True":

Principle:

Read the Book of Mormon

Promise:

There will come into your lives and into your homes an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God.

Ezra Taft Benson The Book of Mormon---Keystone of Our Religion

Principle:

I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children

Promise:

The spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness

9. Serve God

Ether 2:12

Principle:

Serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ

Promise:

Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven

10. Obedience

From James E Faust, Obedience: The Path to Freedom:

Principle: obey the laws of God and the whispering of the spirit.

Promise:

Freedom and liberty

Principle:

Obedience

Promise:

Peace in decision making, true freedom

Also, from Ezra Taft Benson

Principle:

Obedience to all of God’s laws