by: Norberto Betita
 |
| Members and leaders preparing for community service |
Again Surigao Branch was returned to the Cagayan de Oro District for supervision when the Cagayan de Oro Mission was organized. When the Butuan Philippines District was established Surigao Branch automatically became part of it. During the creation of the Philippines Davao Mission, Butuan Philippines District became part of its boundary. In my term as Branch President, Surigao Branch was divided into Surigao 1st Branch and Surigao 2nd Branch. When the Butuan Philippines District became a stake on February 19, 1989, the two Surigao branches became wards with Enrique Y. Tandan and Doroteo F. Gilbero as the first bishops. About three years after, the two wards were dissolved and divided into four branches and with one existing branch at Placer, Surigao del Norte, the Surigao Philippines District was created. Not long after, Surigao Philippines District was again divided into two districts---the Surigao Philippines and Placer Philippines Districts. For about 20 years since, the Surigao Philippines District remained a district with six growing branches. Membership has reached more than 2,400 with Melchizedek Priesthood holder numbering 155. With such number the district should have already qualified to become a Stake of Zion except for one qualifying requirement---tithing faithfulness.
 |
| Relief Society anniversary celebration |
Why we need to become a stake of Zion?
In this troubled world we need to have a gathering place “upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes…for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth” (D & C 115:6). The ills of this world which do not only concern about the economic and other calamities, but also include the massive secularism, roll up as a result of man’s disobedience to God’s commandments. And, the only sure antidote to all these troubles will be for us to obey all that God commands and become “Zion---THE PURE IN HEART” (D&C 97:21). We need to be one with each other and love one another, and be united with God if we are to be a Zion people sheltered in a duly established stake of Zion.
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that “without Zion, and a place of deliverance, we must fall; because the time is near when the sun will be darkened, and the moon turn to blood, and the stars fall from heaven, and the earth reel to and fro. Then, if this is the case, and if we are not sanctified and gathered to the places God has appointed, with all our former professions and our great love for the Bible, we must fall; we cannot stand; we cannot be saved; for God will gather out His Saints from the Gentiles, and then comes desolation and destruction, and none can escape except the pure in heart who are gathered.
“We ought to have the building up of Zion as our greatest object. When wars come, we shall have to flee to Zion. The cry is to make haste. The last revelation says, Ye shall not have time to have gone over the earth, until these things come. …
“… The time is soon coming when no man will have any peace but in Zion and her stakes” (D & C Student manual Enrichment B, Establishing Zion, 2002).
Therefore, it is imperative upon us as a people in an organized district of the Church to labor together in righteousness and in obedience to the commandments of God to build a stake of Zion in our own place. We have to do it in haste that we may not be caught unaware when the desolation of the Lord shall come.
In this troubled world we need to have a gathering place “upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes…for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth” (D & C 115:6). The ills of this world which do not only concern about the economic and other calamities, but also include the massive secularism, roll up as a result of man’s disobedience to God’s commandments. And, the only sure antidote to all these troubles will be for us to obey all that God commands and become “Zion---THE PURE IN HEART” (D&C 97:21). We need to be one with each other and love one another, and be united with God if we are to be a Zion people sheltered in a duly established stake of Zion.
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that “without Zion, and a place of deliverance, we must fall; because the time is near when the sun will be darkened, and the moon turn to blood, and the stars fall from heaven, and the earth reel to and fro. Then, if this is the case, and if we are not sanctified and gathered to the places God has appointed, with all our former professions and our great love for the Bible, we must fall; we cannot stand; we cannot be saved; for God will gather out His Saints from the Gentiles, and then comes desolation and destruction, and none can escape except the pure in heart who are gathered.
“We ought to have the building up of Zion as our greatest object. When wars come, we shall have to flee to Zion. The cry is to make haste. The last revelation says, Ye shall not have time to have gone over the earth, until these things come. …
“… The time is soon coming when no man will have any peace but in Zion and her stakes” (D & C Student manual Enrichment B, Establishing Zion, 2002).
Therefore, it is imperative upon us as a people in an organized district of the Church to labor together in righteousness and in obedience to the commandments of God to build a stake of Zion in our own place. We have to do it in haste that we may not be caught unaware when the desolation of the Lord shall come.
Why we need to obey the law of tithing?
On two occasions during my visits in the branches, I was asked, “We are very poor people, while God has everything. Why should we have to be required to obey the law of tithing and give the tenth part of our meagre income? My answers were the same: “God does not need our money. We need His blessings, whether it be economic or whatnot.”
 |
| A family paying their tithing |
It is sometimes astonishing that many of us have to make different excuses and refuse to obey the law of tithing. Perhaps it is well to understand better why in the introductory verse to the law, God started with penetrating questions: “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.” Then He sternly reminded us, “Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation” (Malachi 3:8-9). We might ask, “Why did God charges us of robbing Him when all that we earned are products of our hard labors?” I have thought of the same question when I was yet a new member of the church. I found these verses as a fitting answer from God: “I, the Lord, stretched out the heavens, and built the earth,” He said, “… and all things therein are mine. And it is my purpose to provide for my saints, for all things are mine. But it must needs be done in mine own way; and behold this is the way that I, the Lord, have decreed to provide for my saints, that the poor shall be exalted, in that the rich are made low. For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves” (D&C 104:14–17). Indeed, everything is His---the air we breathe, the waters we drink, the food we eat, the very physical body which we used to labor and earn---they are all part of His grand creation. We have nothing to boast.
We are so lucky that as His agents or stewards we are only required to give a tenth part of our increase. What is even most surprising is that by our obedience He promised to pour out even more. He said: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse… and prove me now herewith…if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will 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 field… And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts” (Malachi 3:10-12). What a promise indeed, not only for the individual believers but for the land in which they live.
Our obedience or disobedience to the law of tithing affects our blessings in this life and in the life to come. We need to obey the law as a measure of our willingness to build the Zion that we want to establish in our place as a shelter and a refuge from the storms of life. President Joseph F. Smith testified: “By this principle (tithing) the loyalty of the people of this Church shall be put to the test. By this principle it shall be known who is for the kingdom of God and who is against it. By this principle it shall be seen whose hearts are set on doing the will of God and keeping His commandments, thereby sanctifying the land of Zion unto God, and who are opposed to this principle and have cut themselves off from the blessings of Zion. There is a great deal of importance connected with this principle, for by it shall be known whether we are faithful or unfaithful.” (Gospel Doctrine, p. 225.)
We are so lucky that as His agents or stewards we are only required to give a tenth part of our increase. What is even most surprising is that by our obedience He promised to pour out even more. He said: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse… and prove me now herewith…if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will 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 field… And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts” (Malachi 3:10-12). What a promise indeed, not only for the individual believers but for the land in which they live.
Our obedience or disobedience to the law of tithing affects our blessings in this life and in the life to come. We need to obey the law as a measure of our willingness to build the Zion that we want to establish in our place as a shelter and a refuge from the storms of life. President Joseph F. Smith testified: “By this principle (tithing) the loyalty of the people of this Church shall be put to the test. By this principle it shall be known who is for the kingdom of God and who is against it. By this principle it shall be seen whose hearts are set on doing the will of God and keeping His commandments, thereby sanctifying the land of Zion unto God, and who are opposed to this principle and have cut themselves off from the blessings of Zion. There is a great deal of importance connected with this principle, for by it shall be known whether we are faithful or unfaithful.” (Gospel Doctrine, p. 225.)
 |
| National day of service |
We may have somehow failed to obey the principle of tithing as to cut ourselves off from the blessings of Zion for so long a time. It is high time therefore to be more obedient to the law of tithing that the required sanctification of our district to become a stake of Zion unto God may soon be realized. It is only by our obedience to this law and doing the will of God that we can prove faithful for the blessing of Zion in our midst.
Rising above the challenge for our district to become a stake of Zion.
During those almost twenty years since the Surigao Philippines District was established, another district---the Placer Philippines District was created from it. Since Placer was separated from Surigao it has grown with membership already exceeding that of the mother unit and is now also preparing to establish a stake of Zion. Although this is not a contest, but I felt that Surigao, being the mother unit, should be the first to rise above the challenge of becoming a stake of Zion. With everybody working together and with inspiration from God, we cannot fail.
We need not have to suggest what our leaders should do. The Lord, whose church this is will reveal what would be necessary for the growth of the district to His anointed servants who hold the keys to preside. They have made their own inspired plans and goals for our district to move forward and receive the glory of Zion. However, their efforts may be in vain without members’ support.
Therefore, this will be a reminder for us to make our own individual resolves, how we might be contributors to the cause of Zion. We need to be reminded that the Lord is just waiting for us to prove that we are worthy to receive the needed blessings by obedience to His commandments. In this regard He is waiting for us to obey His economic law---the law of tithing---that He may pour out His temporal blessings individually and collectively upon us. He promised that He will open the windows of heaven to pour out His immeasurable blessings and make of our place a delightsome land. Such blessings may provide greater economic progress to our city and province and open many doors of opportunities for our people. Better still “the blessing that comes to us through heavenly windows may be greater capacity to act and change our own circumstances rather than expecting our circumstances to be changed by someone or something else” (Elder David A. Bednar, The Windows of Heaven, October 2013 General Conference). Besides, we will be blessed spiritually through the ordinances of the Holy Priesthood and become partakers of an inheritance in the celestial glory of God.
Elder Melvin J. Ballard gave this counsel: “Do we not hope and expect to have an inheritance in the celestial kingdom, even upon this earth in its redeemed and sanctified state? [D&C 88:25–26; 130:9.] What are the terms under which we may obtain that inheritance? The law of tithing is the law of inheritance. It leads to it. No man may hope or expect to have an inheritance on this celestial globe who has failed to pay his tithing. By the payment of his honest tithing he is establishing a right and a title to this inheritance, and he cannot secure it upon any other terms but by complying with this and other just requirements; and this is one of the very essential things” (In Conference Report, Oct. 1929, p. 51, quoted in Section 119, the law of tithing, D & C Student manual).
The law of tithing is a preparatory law or a lesser law so to speak. It was instituted as a temporary replacement of a higher law---the law of consecration. This lesser law is to prepare us to obey the law of consecration when it is to be practiced back in its fullness according to the Lord’s own timing. It is to help us develop humility and a willing desire to accept and acknowledge God’s sovereignty as against the philosophies of the world. It helps us to develop the character of one who is pure in heart and so live together in righteousness with one heart and one mind---the Zion of the Lord.
Rising above the challenge for our district to become a stake of Zion.
During those almost twenty years since the Surigao Philippines District was established, another district---the Placer Philippines District was created from it. Since Placer was separated from Surigao it has grown with membership already exceeding that of the mother unit and is now also preparing to establish a stake of Zion. Although this is not a contest, but I felt that Surigao, being the mother unit, should be the first to rise above the challenge of becoming a stake of Zion. With everybody working together and with inspiration from God, we cannot fail.
We need not have to suggest what our leaders should do. The Lord, whose church this is will reveal what would be necessary for the growth of the district to His anointed servants who hold the keys to preside. They have made their own inspired plans and goals for our district to move forward and receive the glory of Zion. However, their efforts may be in vain without members’ support.
Therefore, this will be a reminder for us to make our own individual resolves, how we might be contributors to the cause of Zion. We need to be reminded that the Lord is just waiting for us to prove that we are worthy to receive the needed blessings by obedience to His commandments. In this regard He is waiting for us to obey His economic law---the law of tithing---that He may pour out His temporal blessings individually and collectively upon us. He promised that He will open the windows of heaven to pour out His immeasurable blessings and make of our place a delightsome land. Such blessings may provide greater economic progress to our city and province and open many doors of opportunities for our people. Better still “the blessing that comes to us through heavenly windows may be greater capacity to act and change our own circumstances rather than expecting our circumstances to be changed by someone or something else” (Elder David A. Bednar, The Windows of Heaven, October 2013 General Conference). Besides, we will be blessed spiritually through the ordinances of the Holy Priesthood and become partakers of an inheritance in the celestial glory of God.
Elder Melvin J. Ballard gave this counsel: “Do we not hope and expect to have an inheritance in the celestial kingdom, even upon this earth in its redeemed and sanctified state? [D&C 88:25–26; 130:9.] What are the terms under which we may obtain that inheritance? The law of tithing is the law of inheritance. It leads to it. No man may hope or expect to have an inheritance on this celestial globe who has failed to pay his tithing. By the payment of his honest tithing he is establishing a right and a title to this inheritance, and he cannot secure it upon any other terms but by complying with this and other just requirements; and this is one of the very essential things” (In Conference Report, Oct. 1929, p. 51, quoted in Section 119, the law of tithing, D & C Student manual).
The law of tithing is a preparatory law or a lesser law so to speak. It was instituted as a temporary replacement of a higher law---the law of consecration. This lesser law is to prepare us to obey the law of consecration when it is to be practiced back in its fullness according to the Lord’s own timing. It is to help us develop humility and a willing desire to accept and acknowledge God’s sovereignty as against the philosophies of the world. It helps us to develop the character of one who is pure in heart and so live together in righteousness with one heart and one mind---the Zion of the Lord.
 |
| Young single adults activity |
President Joseph Fielding Smith explained: “Then again, we have those among us who are hoping for the coming of the law of consecration thinking that in that day they are going to profit by the equalizing of the wealth of other members of the Church. It is definitely true, however, that all those who will not obey the law of tithing, will not be entitled to enter into the covenants of consecration, but when the day comes for the establishing of Zion and the redemption of the earth, such people will find themselves removed” (Church History and Modern Revelation, 2:92, quoted in Section 119, the law of tithing, D & C Student manual).
We can choose to be tight-fisted with the Lord as regards our obedience to the law of tithing and accordingly allow God to hold back His blessings. Or we can choose to be more honest in our payment of tithing and consequently be blessed abundantly. As I see it our collective sincere obedience to the law of tithing is our best and last hope at this time for the Surigao Philippines District to become a stake of Zion. As we become more obedient to the law of tithing all other commandments and principles and doctrines of the kingdom will turn out easier to obey and follow. All other requirements then will end up simpler to comply. As in the words of Elder David A. Bednar, “Spiritual Illumination and perspective are poured out through the windows of heaven and into our lives as we honor the law of tithing” (Elder David A. Bednar, The Windows of Heaven, October 2013 General Conference). We sure can rise above the challenge for the Surigao Philippines District to become a stake of Zion. The choice is ours.
We can choose to be tight-fisted with the Lord as regards our obedience to the law of tithing and accordingly allow God to hold back His blessings. Or we can choose to be more honest in our payment of tithing and consequently be blessed abundantly. As I see it our collective sincere obedience to the law of tithing is our best and last hope at this time for the Surigao Philippines District to become a stake of Zion. As we become more obedient to the law of tithing all other commandments and principles and doctrines of the kingdom will turn out easier to obey and follow. All other requirements then will end up simpler to comply. As in the words of Elder David A. Bednar, “Spiritual Illumination and perspective are poured out through the windows of heaven and into our lives as we honor the law of tithing” (Elder David A. Bednar, The Windows of Heaven, October 2013 General Conference). We sure can rise above the challenge for the Surigao Philippines District to become a stake of Zion. The choice is ours.
No comments:
Post a Comment