17 August 2009
Topic: Exit strategy: How to leave this world as intelligently as possible.
(Definition of “this world:” This fallen state where Satan controls most of what goes on.)
Main goal: To be “unworldly.” To love God with all of our heart, might, mind and strength. (D&C 59:5)
(Definitions: Heart is our desires. Might is all we own or have power over. Mind is what we think and believe. Strength is our physical body and its powers.)
Heart:
- Want and pray of only that which is good before God. (D&C 88:65)
- Live by every word that proceeds forth from the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4)
- Add to our faith, virtue … (2 Peter 1:4–8)
- Forgive others any and all trespasses we have suffered. (D&C 64:10)
- Repent of every evil desire. (Mosiah 16:12)
- See the good in everything and everybody, and pass over the evil unless we are assigned to remedy the evil. (Articles of Faith 13)
Might:
- Possess only that which we need. (D&C 82:17)
- Have all that we need in place, in order, our stewardship ready to present to the Savior. (D&C 107:84, 128:24)
- Minister to the widows and orphans, keep ourselves unspotted from the world. (James 1:27)
- Use our power to support good causes in this world. (D&C 58:27)
- Complete all legal arrangements for the handing on of our estate.
- Restore four-fold to anyone and everyone we have defrauded. (Luke 19:8)
Mind:
- Don’t believe anything not attested to by the Holy Spirit. Get rid of every false idea. Do believe all that is attested by the Holy Spirit. (Moroni 10:5)
- Seek to understand all the ways of the Lord. (Deuteronomy 10:12)
Strength:
- Eat for nutrition, not just for taste. (D&C 89:10–21)
- Exercise/work hard enough to perspire and breathe hard every day (except Sunday). (Mosiah 13:17–18)
It is impossible to be saved in ignorance. (D&C 131:5–6)
Seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience we may possess our own souls. (D&C 101:35–37) If we don’t possess our souls, who does?
Remember: To be prepared for death is not the goal. The goal is to be prepared for disability.
Questions:
- Is chastity a matter of heart, might, mind or strength?
- How can we leave this world a better place for our having lived in it?
Exit strategy checklist:
- Have I put my heart, might, mind and strength in order, ready to depart this world?
- Do I have a will or trust with power of attorney for health and estate?
- Have I paid all my legitimate debts?
- Have I put all my property in order, ready to present my stewardship to the Savior?
- Have I restored fourfold to anyone whom I have defrauded?
- Have I apologized to all whom I have wounded?
- Have I established an eternal bond of love with my spouse?
- Have I taught my children the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ?
- Have I witnessed of the truthfulness of the Restored Gospel to all my neighbors?