AMK LEADERSHIP STUDIES
Heavenly Councils
Reference:
"God
himself, finding he was in the midst of spirits and glory, because he was more
intelligent, saw proper to institute laws whereby the rest could have a
privilege to advance like himself. The relationship we have with God places us
in a situation to advance in knowledge. He has power to institute laws to
instruct weaker intelligences, that they may be exalted with himself
. . ." (Teachings of
the Prophet Joseph Smith 354; 346-349; see also KJV Matthew 5:48;
John 17:9-11, 20-23; Romans 8:16-18; II Peter 1:11;
I John 3:1-3; D&C 76:92-95; 84:33-39; 130:18-21)
Commentary:
God is our ultimate leader because
of what he knows and because he uses his power to help us. He is the greatest
leader because he knows the most and does the most for those who follow him.
His laws are given so that we can learn to live like he does and share the joy
he has. Our love, obedience, and growth are engendered by the love, knowledge,
and example he offers us. Good leadership (starting with God) is based on
knowledge, service, and love.
Reference:
The Lord told Moses,
". . . worlds without number have I created; and I also created
them for mine own purpose . . . But only an account of this earth,
and the inhabitants thereof, give I unto you.
For behold, there are many worlds that have passed away by the word of
my power. And there are many that now stand, and innumerable are they unto
man; but all things are numbered unto me, for they are mine and I know them . .
.
"For behold, this is my work
and my glory -- to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of
man." (Moses 1:33-35, 39)
Commentary:
God
has created many worlds but gives us specific information regarding only this
earth. Creative power is the foundation of divine leadership. Righteous leaders
maintain a personal concern for everyone and everything under their direction.
The leader's most important job is to help each follower achieve his highest
potential.
Reference:
And the Lord said to Abraham,
". . . I rule in the
heavens above, and in the earth beneath, in all wisdom and prudence, over all
the intelligences thine eyes have seen from the
beginning; I came down in the beginning in the midst of all the intelligences thou
hast seen.
"Now the Lord had shown unto
me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and
among all these there were many of the noble and great ones: and God saw these
souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said:
These I will make my rulers; for he
stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he
said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast
chosen before thou wast born.
"And there stood one among them
that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go
down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we
will make an earth whereon these may dwell; and we will prove them herewith, to
see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them
. . . and they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their
heads forever and ever." (Abraham 3:21-25; see also KJV
Jeremiah 1:4-5; Acts 17:26-28; TPJS 345-349)
Commentary:
God governs in the wisest and best
way possible. He is the supreme leader of a vast number of dynamic individuals.
Among those who follow him are many who are great in goodness and ability.
These he promotes to positions of trust and responsibility. Among the leaders
God chose, there was one very much like himself who directed the construction
of the earth. One of the reasons for the organization of the earth is to prove
each individual's loyalty and obedience under conditions of maximum doubt and
adversity. Those who pass the mortality test with valiance and honor are to be
endowed with all the glory, knowledge, and power of God.
Reference:
". . .
this we saw also, and bear record, that an angel of God who was in authority
in the presence of God," (D&C 76:25-29) came before God saying,
" . . . Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and
I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will
do it; wherefore give me thine honor.
"But,
behold, [said the Father] my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from
the beginning, said unto me, Father, thy will be
done, and the glory be thine forever.
"Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy
the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given unto him,"
(Moses 4:1, 3) and ". . . also a third part of the hosts of
heaven turned he away from me because of their agency," (D&C 29:36)
[Therefore] ". . . I caused that he should be cast down; and he
became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to
blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not harken unto my voice." (Moses 4:3-4; see also KJV
Revelation 12:3-4, 7-9; Isaiah 14:12-16; Words of Joseph Smith 62,
68, 200-201, 207-208)
Commentary:
Before the creation of the earth one
named Lucifer, who was advanced in authority, came before God during a
leadership council meeting. He aspired to become the Son of God in the flesh,
claiming that he could redeem all mankind by coercion. He also asserted personal
superiority and attempted to usurp power. The essence of his plan was to use
deception and force to achieve personal advancement. Those who were most
attracted by this sort of thing chose to follow him. Satan and his followers
ceased to progress because they stopped obeying the laws which God instituted
for their benefit. Rather than coming to earth to gain bodies and continue
their progression these evil spirits were cast down and they continue to oppose
God, and attempt to satisfy themselves, by bringing men into captivity.
In the pre-mortal existence Christ
expressed voluntary submission to the wisdom and government of the Father.
Those spirits who valued freedom, responsibility, and progress trusted the
Father and the Son and were happy to follow their leadership. Later, these
spirits came to earth to receive bodies, experience testing, and continue their
progression.
God and Satan exemplify two very
different kinds of leadership. God tries to share his knowledge, power, and
happiness. Satan seeks to gratify his own selfish desires even to the point
that he will deceive, deprive, and destroy. One kind of leader upholds and
defends freedom. The other kind rules by force and compulsion. One kind of
leader is a builder, the other kind is a spoiler. One kind of leader is
righteous, the other is evil.
© 1996 by Ancient message Keeper™. May not be used as part of any
publication or commercial product.