"Living Far Beneath Your Privileges"-How Are You Supposed To Know?

[Duncan]

I hear or read the phrase "living far beneath your privileges" sometimes or variations of it, my question is how are you supposed to know what these "privileges" are? if you are let's say less active is the Spirit whispering to you 'you should be a Bishop or you should have gone into dentistry or you should have moved to Tulsa"? How are you supposed to know what these are and if you are living below or beneath them?

[Questing Beast]

Think big. That seems to be a safer way to live. That is especially true when thinking about "God". Mormons, everyone adhering to a dogmatic, limited/limiting theology, are not thinking big enough and will settle for a much lower self image than they might otherwise, if they just think as far outside of the dogmatic "box" as they possibly can. Thinking big is an acquired skill/talent. I am sure that "God" will help out as required!...

Edited March 19, 2013 by Questing Beast

[Duncan]

Think big. That seems to be a safer way to live. That is especially true when thinking about "God". Mormons, everyone adhering to a dogmatic, limited/limiting theology, are not thinking big enough and will settle for a much lower self image than they might otherwise, if they just think as far outside of the dogmatic "box" as they possibly can. Thinking big is an acquired skill/talent. I am sure that "God" will help out as required!...

I guess but say you think big about becoming a dentist in Tulsa and it just doesn't happen, isn't trying and thinking a waste of time and energy when you could have been thinking and trying something else?

[Ahab]

I hear or read the phrase "living far beneath your privileges" sometimes or variations of it, my question is how are you supposed to know what these "privileges" are? if you are let's say less active is the Spirit whispering to you 'you should be a Bishop or you should have gone into dentistry or you should have moved to Tulsa"? How are you supposed to know what these are and if you are living below or beneath them?

The way you could know is by having the Holy Ghost with you enough to help you know what you could do to make your life better. That's generally what is missing. With the Holy Ghost as your constant companion and your tutor, I mean, come on! What else could you ask for than to have God with you to help direct every step you take so that you do what is the best thing you could do.

I look back on my life and I can see the mistakes I made which if I hadn't made them would have made my life much better than it is now. Getting into debt was a biggie for me. At one time I had a very nice house fully paid off, and yet I still had about $30k in debt for some other things. I figured it was a smart decision to get an equity loan to pay that 30k off, and heck, while I'm at it why not get a little bit more to put in the bank so I'd have a decent amount in savings to boot. And hey, how about just a little more, too, for a travel trailer so my family could go camping. By the time we (me and my wife) got the loan we had added 45k more for a total loan of 75k figuring it would be best to get things that way rather than having save up for the things we wanted, which we figured would take us a long time. The interest rate we got was very low, so the payments didn't seem like much of a problem. It only escalated from there though and by the time we stopped using debt to finance our spending spree we had about 250k in debt. It would have been much better to just make the payments on the 30k we had left in debt at one time and just saved for the things we wanted.

Looking back I can also remember hearing teachings from our prophets about both getting out and staying out of debt as soon as possible. I know the Holy Ghost was giving us promptings to listen to what we were being told but for some reason it just didn't click for us, though. We had our minds on another agenda, so we had to learn the hard way. And we're still in debt and not as well off as we would have been had we never made all those bad decisions. We could have been millionaires by now doing whatever we wanted to do with all the money we had. I hate money now and I want as little to do with it as possible.

Edited March 19, 2013 by Ahab

[Hamba Tuhan]

How are you supposed to know what these "privileges" are?

The scriptures give some indication:

• tongues
  
• prophecy
  
• revelation
  
• visions
  
• healings
  
• interpretation of tongues
  
• power in the priesthood
  
• the ministration of angels
  
• etc.
  

None of which has anything to do with where you live or what you do for work.

Edited March 19, 2013 by Hamba Tuhan

[Duncan]

The scriptures give some indication:

• tongues
  
• prophecy
  
• revelation
  
• visions
  
• healings
  
• interpretation of tongues
  
• power in the priesthood
  
• the ministration of angels
  
• etc.
  

None of which has anything to do with where you live or what you do for work.

hmm, never thought of that! Thank you!

Edited March 20, 2013 by Duncan

[CV75]

I hear or read the phrase "living far beneath your privileges" sometimes or variations of it, my question is how are you supposed to know what these "privileges" are? if you are let's say less active is the Spirit whispering to you 'you should be a Bishop or you should have gone into dentistry or you should have moved to Tulsa"? How are you supposed to know what these are and if you are living below or beneath them?

I think the phrase is often used to invite the saints to do better--to start with repentance, study, pondering, and prayer; and then move on to fasting and service, and then on to whatever the Spirit or Church leaders ask. This is why "What privileges?" is an excellent question. We have the privileges to repent, study, pray, fast, serve, obey, etc. in an environment of the Restored Gospel with all its resources.

[volgadon]

Think big. That seems to be a safer way to live. That is especially true when thinking about "God". Mormons, everyone adhering to a dogmatic, limited/limiting theology, are not thinking big enough and will settle for a much lower self image than they might otherwise, if they just think as far outside of the dogmatic "box" as they possibly can. Thinking big is an acquired skill/talent. I am sure that "God" will help out as required!...

Perhaps one of the more dogmatic statements I've seen recently.

[mapman]

Here are some things that the scriptures tell us to seek:

Learning by study and faith (D and C 109:7)

Kingdom of God (Jacob 2:18)

The Face of the Lord (Psalms 24:6, 27:8, 105:4, 1 Chronicles 16:11, Hosea 5:15, D and C 101:38)

"Obtain my word" (D and C 11:21)

Peace (Psalms 34:14)

"Bring forth and establish the cause of Zion" (D and C 11:6)

There are plenty more if you want to search for them. These are things that God wants to give us, but we have to put in the effort.

[Nathair/|\]

The scriptures give some indication:

• tongues
  
• prophecy
  
• revelation
  
• visions
  
• healings
  
• interpretation of tongues
  
• power in the priesthood
  
• the ministration of angels
  
• etc.
  

None of which has anything to do with where you live or what you do for work.

Or even what calling you have.

[Avatar4321]

I hear or read the phrase "living far beneath your privileges" sometimes or variations of it, my question is how are you supposed to know what these "privileges" are? if you are let's say less active is the Spirit whispering to you 'you should be a Bishop or you should have gone into dentistry or you should have moved to Tulsa"? How are you supposed to know what these are and if you are living below or beneath them?

Being Bishop is a privilege now? I thought it was a burden and responsibility.

[MorningStar]

One thing that comes to mind is the privilege of attending the temple. If we live in a way that we can't have a temple recommend, I would say that is living beneath our privileges.

Anytime we are handed a gift in life and we don't take advantage of it, I think that would apply.

[Avatar4321]

The scriptures give some indication:

• tongues
  
• prophecy
  
• revelation
  
• visions
  
• healings
  
• interpretation of tongues
  
• power in the priesthood
  
• the ministration of angels
  
• etc.
  

None of which has anything to do with where you live or what you do for work.

That's precisely what I was thinking. And those blessings also have little to do with what calling you have as well.

[Duncan]

Being Bishop is a privilege now? I thought it was a burden and responsibility.

well, some folks line up how well their lives are going by what callings they have, my Mom was asked by a member of a stake presidency if my Dad was "ready" to be a Bishop, and she gave him her answer but ready? I dunno about that!

[Duncan]

One thing that comes to mind is the privilege of attending the temple. If we live in a way that we can't have a temple recommend, I would say that is living beneath our privileges.

Anytime we are handed a gift in life and we don't take advantage of it, I think that would apply.

that's true!

[rpn]

Beneath our privileges has nothing to do with temporal things: it involves access to our Heavenly Father's guidance and the Savior's grace, and the Holy Ghost's inspiration.

[Hamba Tuhan]

My suspicion is that this is one of the main ways we lose members. People can spend years just going through the motions but missing out on all the miracles and blessings -- 'privileges' -- which inevitably come from being 'anxiously engaged' and genuinely faithful. Then they conclude there's no 'there' there. I guess we occasionaly lose members who've experienced what God intends for the Saints (people like the Three Witnesses come to mind), but those are usually the ones we get back ... or at least the ones who remain friends of the Church despite being outside it (again the Three Witnesses come to mind).

[Okrahomer]

I guess but say you think big about becoming a dentist in Tulsa and it just doesn't happen, isn't trying and thinking a waste of time and energy when you could have been thinking and trying something else?

I say "Go for it!" Especially if it's Tulsa!

[Nathair/|\]

Reminds me of this song:

Also, in a seminar on effective ritual (here, it's episodes 20 and 21), Isaac Bonewits suggested that after describing the gifts being offered, the ritual leader ask the participants, "Do you accept and receive the blessings?" I note that this is also a part of the sacrament prayer. By taking the sacrament, if we are paying attention, we acknowledge and accept the blessings associated with it.

[changed]

...is the Spirit whispering to you 'you should be a Bishop ...

This has been going around on fb:

http://www.russhillm...-mormon-bishop/

The link is a little hard to open, so I'll post it:

I pulled into my driveway at 12:30 this morning.

I sat in the car in front of our dark house for a few minutes. Everyone inside was asleep. The whole neighborhood was still. And yet my mind was racing. So many questions. So many emotions. Sadness. Hope. Inadequacy.

Welcome to the life of a Mormon bishop.

Like pastors, priests, and clergy in other religions, those of us asked to serve as a bishop in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spend hours behind closed doors meeting with people who allow us into the darkest corners of their lives.

They come to us for various reasons. Because of guilt. Because they have lost hope. Because they have been betrayed. Because they don’t know where else to go. Because they feel worthless. Because the person they are isn’t the person they want to be. Because they have questions. Because they have doubts. Because they believe in a forgiving God yet feel disconnected from Him.

They come and sit in front of me. Some hesitate. Take a deep breath. And grasp for courage to say out loud what they have been hiding inside for days, weeks, or years.

Others almost run in. They spill before I sit. They’re anxious to clear their conscience or announce their doubts.

Each one is different.

For hours every week I sit. And listen.

I did not ask for this opportunity. I never considered I might someday have an office in a church. I have no professional training for this position. I am not a scriptural scholar. I have not walked through vineyards with robe-wearing monks. And, if you’re wondering about vows of celibacy let me introduce you to my four kids.

All I did was answer a phone call. Show up for a meeting. And nod when asked if I would serve.

I don’t sometimes wonder why me. I always wonder why me.

And yet they come. Share their stories. And look to me for wisdom.

I’m not sure any of them have learned from me. But, I have learned so much in the hours I’ve sat in that office listening to them.

I have learned that we believe it is a strength to conceal weakness.

I have learned that it is easy to want others to overlook our flaws as we expect perfection in them.

I have learned that it is hardest to show compassion and grant forgiveness to those closest to us.

I have learned that while curiosity is a strength it can also be a curse.

I have learned that we are creatures of habit.

I have learned that faith is a muscle.

I have learned that it is far easier to deny deity than to deny desire.

I have learned the mystery surrounding death forces a consideration of spiritual matters.

I have learned that observance of the Sabbath recalibrates perspective and improves judgment.

I have learned that most of us bare scars from the failure, disappointment, and fear in our lives. And, we prefer to wear long sleeves.

I have learned that to deal with life’s pain we all choose one of the following: alcohol, drugs, pornography, or spirituality.

I have learned alcohol and drugs are the easiest path. As long as you’re willing to never stop drinking, smoking, or swallowing.

I have learned pornography is highly addictive and has nothing to do with sexual appetites and everything to do with escape. And that the habit is never overcome in isolation.

I have learned that we feel like a failure when we make mistakes even when we profess a belief that the purpose of this existence is to make and learn from them.

I have learned that forgiveness is the greatest gift we can offer someone. And ourselves.

I have learned that many know about Jesus Christ but more of us could make an effort to know Him.

I have learned that the strongest among us are those with the cleanest mirrors.

I have learned that the sins of parents profoundly affect children. And are often repeated by them.

I have learned that affection from parents profoundly affects children.

I have learned that most communication between parents and children is what psychologists call “superficial.” Strong relationships are built on the “validating” variety.

I have learned that children desperately desire parents who listen.

I have learned that churches are not museums or catwalks for perfected saints but rather labs for sinners.

I have learned that “tolerate” and “love” are two very different verbs despite what popular culture professes.

I have learned that there’s more sadness in this world than I had realized.

I have learned there is more goodness in this world than I had realized.

I have learned that to be happy is a choice.

I have learned those preoccupied with serving others have less time to count their problems.

I have learned that a habit of one brief moment of spirituality a day can alter one’s entire direction.

I have learned that we want God to grant us space to make decisions but step in to stop others, nature, mortality, or illness from hurting us or those we love.

I have learned those who have made more mistakes have a great gift. Empathy. Now to the matter of searching out someone who hungers for it.

Indeed, I have learned I have much to learn.

The names of those I meet with will never be known. Confidentiality demands I never disclose their stories.

But, late last night as I sat in my car on the driveway I decided I should compile a list of what the people I meet with are teaching me.

And, I wanted to share it.

I post the above in this thread, because I believe that living in accordance to our privileges is living with the greater understanding that comes with spiritual eyes. It's not living grander - it's seeing the beauty in the simpler - it's understanding the people who are around us, it's seeing beyond the superficial surface of the world, and feeling overwhelming gratitude and awe over what is around us.... I admit, I do not go through life feeling in awe or thankful every moment of every day, but there are times where I have felt this - I think most people, at one time or another, have felt the awe/peace/joy/gratitude that comes from living where we are supposed to be - it's how to maintain that sense of wonder to be your constant companion, rather than just a momentary glimpse, that I would like to know.

If I had to guess, I would guess it has something to do with going above and beyond in every little task that we are called to do. If we just put our shoulder to the wheel, the more of our heart we put into whatever we are doing - no matter what it is - if we do our absolute best at it, I think we'll feel that thrill that comes from delving below the surface, and finding meaning and beauty in everything.

Edited March 20, 2013 by changed

[Ahab]

Beneath our privileges has nothing to do with temporal things: it involves access to our Heavenly Father's guidance and the Savior's grace, and the Holy Ghost's inspiration.

They want us to do well in this world as well as the next, which is why they give us guidance on how to be saved temporally as well as eternally.

[Duncan]

This has been going around on fb:

http://www.russhillm...-mormon-bishop/

The link is a little hard to open, so I'll post it:

I post the above in this thread, because I believe that living in accordance to our privileges is living with the greater understanding that comes with spiritual eyes. It's not living grander - it's seeing the beauty in the simpler - it's understanding the people who are around us, it's seeing beyond the superficial surface of the world, and feeling overwhelming gratitude and awe over what is around us.... I admit, I do not go through life feeling in awe or thankful every moment of every day, but there are times where I have felt this - I think most people, at one time or another, have felt the awe/peace/joy/gratitude that comes from living where we are supposed to be - it's how to maintain that sense of wonder to be your constant companion, rather than just a momentary glimpse, that I would like to know.

If I had to guess, I would guess it has something to do with going above and beyond in every little task that we are called to do. If we just put our shoulder to the wheel, the more of our heart we put into whatever we are doing - no matter what it is - if we do our absolute best at it, I think we'll feel that thrill that comes from delving below the surface, and finding meaning and beauty in everything.

very moving! thank you!

[changed]

very moving! thank you!

Thank you for this thread! Sorry for the big wall of words. In short: ...by small and simple things are great things brought to pass;(Book of Mormon | Alma 37:6) ... I need to plaster that scripture somewhere that I can see it every day.

[Duncan]

Thank you for this thread! Sorry for the big wall of words. In short: ...by small and simple things are great things brought to pass;(Book of Mormon | Alma 37:6) ... I need to plaster that scripture somewhere that I can see it every day.

no charge!

[Hamba Tuhan]

Brigham Young: 'It is your privilege and duty to live so that you know when the word of the Lord is spoken to you and when the mind of the Lord is revealed to you'.

Joseph Smith: 'If you live up to your privilege, the angels cannot be restrain’d from being your associates'.

Jesus Christ: 'And again, verily I say unto you that it is your privilege, and a promise I give unto you that have been ordained unto this ministry that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently humble, the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am—not with the carnal neither natural mind, but with the spiritual'.