Act...As for Years
I believe it was fall 2015 when I was reading Doctrine and Covenants section 51, when verse 17 really jumped out at me. I've included the preceding and subsequent verses as well.
16 And I consecrate unto them this land for a little season, until I, the Lord, shall provide for them otherwise, and command them to go hence;
17 And the hour and the day is not given unto them, wherefore let them act upon this land as for years, and this shall turn unto them for their good.
18 Behold, this shall be an example unto my servant Edward Partridge, in other places, in all churches.
19 And whoso is found a faithful, a just, and a wise steward shall enter into the joy of his Lord, and shall inherit eternal life.
20 Verily, I say unto you, I am Jesus Christ, who cometh quickly, in an hour you think not. Even so. Amen.
(https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/51?lang=eng)
We are to be watching and praying, always striving to be led by the Spirit in our lives. However, we are not live our life our in fear.
A big reason we are so often advised to become prepared is because real preparation helps mitigate against fear, as well as the those feelings which may be symptomatic or different manifestations of fear, such as anxiety, concern, or worry.
If we are becoming spiritually prepared, we will want to become physically prepared as well, and will work towards becoming so.
Wherever we are, if we are striving to follow the commandments and to be guided by the Spirit, we are where the Lord wants us to be. The land (location) where you are is where you should be for however long the "little" season might be.
The advice we are given is to "act upon this land as for years." Some will say to "plant your cherry trees."
We cannot afford to think that some big catastrophic event will be happening and thus give up future planning.
As mentioned in previous posts, I believe the Lord will eventually begin a more concentrated gathering of his saints, those who will listen to his voice and be guided by the Spirit. When that will be, I don't know. My guess--and that is all that it is, based on trying to piece together a variety of factors, but realizing I don't have all the pieces--is the most likely time for a gathering call will be in the spring time, probably in 2020 or 2023 or 2024. For me, the 2023-24 time is a toss so I include both. But it could happen sooner or later than that.
The reality is, it doesn't matter when. What matters is that I and my family are prepared for that time, whenever it might occur. But we still need to live our lives, and plan for the future because it may be years to come before our preparations are needed. It may even be that we are just planting the seeds of preparedness in our children so they will be prepared for that time.
If we are faithful, just, and wise, and act "as for years" "this shall turn unto [us] for [our] good."
We need to also understand that to "act upon this land as for years" does not imply that we are not planning. It does not mean we believe things will always be "normal" and that we should not expect change to occur.
To "act...as for years" implies planning and preparation. What do you expect in 1, 2, 5, 10 or more years from now? What do you need to do now, next year, and in the future to reach those goals and expectation? Planning and preparation is not a single plan, but involves contingencies. It includes flexibility and agility in adapting to whatever comes. It involves "what if" scenarios. Thus, to "act...as for years" mean we plan for what we expect but are also prepared for change, if needed.
16 And I consecrate unto them this land for a little season, until I, the Lord, shall provide for them otherwise, and command them to go hence;
17 And the hour and the day is not given unto them, wherefore let them act upon this land as for years, and this shall turn unto them for their good.
18 Behold, this shall be an example unto my servant Edward Partridge, in other places, in all churches.
19 And whoso is found a faithful, a just, and a wise steward shall enter into the joy of his Lord, and shall inherit eternal life.
20 Verily, I say unto you, I am Jesus Christ, who cometh quickly, in an hour you think not. Even so. Amen.
(https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/51?lang=eng)
We are to be watching and praying, always striving to be led by the Spirit in our lives. However, we are not live our life our in fear.
A big reason we are so often advised to become prepared is because real preparation helps mitigate against fear, as well as the those feelings which may be symptomatic or different manifestations of fear, such as anxiety, concern, or worry.
If we are becoming spiritually prepared, we will want to become physically prepared as well, and will work towards becoming so.
Wherever we are, if we are striving to follow the commandments and to be guided by the Spirit, we are where the Lord wants us to be. The land (location) where you are is where you should be for however long the "little" season might be.
The advice we are given is to "act upon this land as for years." Some will say to "plant your cherry trees."
We cannot afford to think that some big catastrophic event will be happening and thus give up future planning.
As mentioned in previous posts, I believe the Lord will eventually begin a more concentrated gathering of his saints, those who will listen to his voice and be guided by the Spirit. When that will be, I don't know. My guess--and that is all that it is, based on trying to piece together a variety of factors, but realizing I don't have all the pieces--is the most likely time for a gathering call will be in the spring time, probably in 2020 or 2023 or 2024. For me, the 2023-24 time is a toss so I include both. But it could happen sooner or later than that.
The reality is, it doesn't matter when. What matters is that I and my family are prepared for that time, whenever it might occur. But we still need to live our lives, and plan for the future because it may be years to come before our preparations are needed. It may even be that we are just planting the seeds of preparedness in our children so they will be prepared for that time.
If we are faithful, just, and wise, and act "as for years" "this shall turn unto [us] for [our] good."
We need to also understand that to "act upon this land as for years" does not imply that we are not planning. It does not mean we believe things will always be "normal" and that we should not expect change to occur.
To "act...as for years" implies planning and preparation. What do you expect in 1, 2, 5, 10 or more years from now? What do you need to do now, next year, and in the future to reach those goals and expectation? Planning and preparation is not a single plan, but involves contingencies. It includes flexibility and agility in adapting to whatever comes. It involves "what if" scenarios. Thus, to "act...as for years" mean we plan for what we expect but are also prepared for change, if needed.
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