Jesus Parable of the Talent

[David Bokovoy]

Yes, this is yet another example of me leading this people into apostasy, but this issue could make for a great scriptural discussion if we could avoid the usual drama. It

[BookofMormonLuvr]

In all these discussion concerning wealth, socialism, the United Order, and the LoC has anyone quoted this scripture from Jacob? (sorry reading through the copious number of pages in the different threads doesn't interest me)...

Jacob 2:19

And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good

[David Bokovoy]

In all these discussion concerning wealth, socialism, the United Order, and the LoC has anyone quoted this scripture from Jacob? (sorry reading through the copious number of pages in the different threads doesn't interest me)...

Being rich, even seeking after being rich, is NOT a sin or against the way of God. It is our intentions and hearts when seeking after said riches.

I have cited it and believe it is one of the most important texts to consider in a discussion such as this. Thank you for bringing up this important verse.

[BookofMormonLuvr]

I would say, now, that mandated redistribution of wealth, as in Socialism, denies a man the possibility of seeking after riches and certainly prevents him using it to be engaged in a good cause. If I am giving of my wealth to the needy because it is mandated, am I really being charitable?

[David T]

In all these discussion concerning wealth, socialism, the United Order, and the LoC has anyone quoted this scripture from Jacob? (sorry reading through the copious number of pages in the different threads doesn't interest me)...

Being rich, even seeking after being rich, is NOT a sin or against the way of God. It is our intentions and hearts when seeking after said riches.

I think there are many applications for the Parable of the Talents.

For example, I find the Church's use of monies to purchase business investments that will yield more funds available for the service of the Church and its programs to be a wonderful application. The Church is acquiring wealth, and and is wisely acting in a way to make it worth more to further the work of ushering in the Kingdom.

The Jacob scripture is key. Why are we acquiring wealth (which really is just a stewardship of the Lord)? For me, when I work, I work in order that my family may have its necessities (which includes education and recreation), and to prepare in case of emergency (first, my family, second, for others we may feel led to assist), and to be able to contribute a generous fast offering to care for the poor and needy.

My Father in law owns a profitable company. His goal in acquiring wealth is not to live a cushy lifestyle, but in order to have enough saved up so he can use it fulfill his greatest wish - to, in addition to seeing to the needs of his family, create and sustain a not-for-profit corporation that assists in some substantial way in seeing to the needs of the poor and needy.

Mandated governmental redistribution of wealth is hurting his ability to fulfill this goal.

I recognize that acquiring wealth becomes a problem, and is scripturally condemned, when it is an end to itself. When it is done to gratify pride, and to and to choose to have unneeded luxuries at the expense of assisting the worthy needy.

[David Bokovoy]

I think there are many applications for the Parable of the Talents.

I agree and I think this is a helpful post. I do find it interesting, however, how perfectly the retelling in D&C 60 conforms with Jeremias

[BCSpace]

Yes, this is yet another example of me leading this people into apostasy

I think there is a sinister reason why you quickly diverge from the fact that in Jesus' parable, they increase the value of their original talents.

Hence, in D&C 60 the talent does not refer to money, but rather the religious knowledge and/or testimony given to the Elders in Zion.

It's all treasure/investment/capital of one form or another. Whether it's money (ala Luke 16) or souls we bring to Christ or spiritual gifts or actual God-given talents, we lay them up in store, we increase their value, and we might even use them in exchange for others.

According to the Gospel of Like, any rich man who uses his wealth to accumulate more surpluses, building bigger buildings to retain greater increase rather than care for the poor and needy faces a grave danger:

[Deborah]

I believe that in the context of Jesus

[David Bokovoy]

I think there is a sinister reason why you quickly diverge from the fact that in Jesus' parable, they increase the value of their original talents.

It's all treasure/investment/capital of one form or another. Whether it's money (ala Luke 16) or souls we bring to Christ or spiritual gifts or actual God-given talents, we lay them up in store, we increase their value, and we might even use them in exchange for others.

Not a problem. He just consecrates his surplus and that is between him and God, not you, me, or a government. He can still live very well (the laborer being worthy of his hire) and continue to retain profits and capital and not sin.

Well, BC, believe it or not, with the exception of the sinister comment, I really don't find myself in disagreement with this post. Must be a good day.

[David Bokovoy]

Hello Deborah,

I don't disagree with this at all. Part of the LOC is imparting of our talents and time as well as our material goods. But one talent, that admittedly not everyone has is the talent to gain wealth. I'm glad that there are people who have the talent to start businesses and run companies so that I can have a place to earn income to support my family and needs. I have no desire to have the kind of responsibility they have. And yes they, as all of us, will be held accountable for how they use their time, talents and wealth.

Having said that, it is not up to men to judge or determine where such talents or wealth should go, unless those men are authorized agents of God's church, who accept the voluntary gifts of those within their authority.

And as I said before, when the poor man covets what his neighbor has rather than humbly accepting what his neighbor is willing to give, then he is just as guilty of sin as the man who refuses to impart of his substance. We read this in D&C 56:17 "Wo unto you poor men, whose hearts are not broken, whose spirits are not contrite, and whose bellies are not satisfied, and whose hands are not stayed from laying hold upon other men

[Deborah]

In terms of the secular issue you raise, I can see why some people might advocate government intervention in order to ensure that the poor are taken care of by the wealthy. I believe that the book the Jungle provides a nice illustration of this important need in society.

No doubt there is some need for a plan to help those in need who may otherwise slip through the cracks. But this should be a hand up and temporary and should help those receiving become self-sufficient, much like the church's welfare plan. Unfortunately when a secular bureaucracy becomes involved abuses on both sides take place. The givers are taken advantage of and the receivers become greedy, demanding more.

Now I am speaking as a mother with four little children who was on welfare for a temporary time. It was great. I could pay my bills and had more money than I had when my slacker husband was around. But on the day my kids ran to wait at the mailbox for the welfare check along with everyone else in our impoverished neighborhood I knew it was time to get out. My kids were not going to become welfare dependent. Going to work was a big sacrifice and financially it was harder than when I was getting checks from the government. But my kids are grown now and have a very strong work ethic, something lacking in our give-me society.

So you see I have strong feelings on this and not because I'm ignorant of the need but because I've seen where it can lead.

[MorningStar]

I've never thought of it as a money issue. If we are blessed with good health, we should use that health to serve God and others. God gave me the ability to sing and I am expected to use it and improve it. He gave me the ability to carry a tune and I made it into more by practicing, taking lessons, listening to a lot of music for good examples, and being willing to sing in front of others.

A friend of mine was born with birth defects that affect her health a great deal, but she serves others more than anyone I know. She truly took the talents given to her and made it into more.

[David Bokovoy]

I've never thought of it as a money issue. If we are blessed with good health, we should use that health to serve God and others. God gave me the ability to sing and I am expected to use it and improve it. He gave me the ability to carry a tune and I made it into more by practicing, taking lessons, listening to a lot of music for good examples, and being willing to sing in front of others.

A friend of mine was born with birth defects that affect her health a great deal, but she serves others more than anyone I know. She truly took the talents given to her and made it into more.

This is beautiful. Couldn't agree more.

Much love,

--DB

[zerinus]

Yes, this is yet another example of me leading this people into apostasy, but this issue could make for a great scriptural discussion if we could avoid the usual drama. It

[MorningStar]

This is beautiful. Couldn't agree more.

Much love,

--DB

Thanks, David.