Summary Lesson 14: “The Law Of Consecration”

FIRST MODERN KIBBUTZ: The significant difference between the “United Order” and the “Law of Consecration,” is that the “United Order” is like the modern version of the Jewish Kibbutz, reflecting similar “legislated” cooperative efforts as was done anciently. “In 1909, on land purchased by the Jewish National Fund, the first kibbutz, Deganyah, was established. By 1914, the yishuv . . . the Jewish community . . . numbered some 85,000.” (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)
A UNITED ORDER PRIOR TO JESUS’ TIME: The Essenes scroll called the Manual of Discipline described their organization with a Teacher of Righteousness and two assistants and a council of twelve overseers. An Essene’s membership in a kibbutz-like “united order” came into effect only after a two-year trial period.
A UNITED ORDER AFTER JESUS’ TIME: A similar unity and community bond is in the scriptures. “And all that believed were together, and had all things common . . .” (Acts 2:44-47) (Acts 4:32) “And they taught, and did minister one to another; and they had all things common” (3 Nephi 26:19)

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UNITY WITH FAITH IN THE LORD: We learn that unity represented in the scriptures is connected with a central belief and faith in the Lord. That focus assures a unity because His directive powers are the same for everyone. “In all thy ways acknowledge him.” (Proverbs 3:6) “Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee . . .” (Alma 37:37)
UNITY IN JEWISH PRAYER: A beautiful principle of Jewish unity can be sensed in the repeated prayers of a “prayer circle” (minyan). “Almost all prayer . . . was written in the first person plural – ‘Forgive us,’ ‘Teach us, ‘Bring us to our Land.’ Although private prayer was certainly permitted, the individual was urged to join a congregation (minyan) when he prays and to incorporate the needs of the minyan in his prayers.” (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)
HOW TO REACH CONSECRATION: The law of consecration, in a celestial sense, is a stewardship of doing without being instructed to do so. Those who have to ask, “What must I do to inherit life?” must reach higher so that the spirit can dictate the “Law of Consecration.”
THE LORD ANSWERS RICH MAN, LAWYER: In Jesus’ day, two men asked what they should do to inherit eternal life. Jesus gave each one an answer because each had to learn a principle he needed most. The rich young man was told to keep the commandments and when he answered that he observed them all, he was told to sell what he had and give to the poor. On the other hand, a lawyer was asked a question and when he answered correctly Jesus told him to follow his own answer. In other words, “Do it.” (Mark 10:17-20) (Luke 10:25-28)
WHOLENESS OF CONSECRATION: The Law of Consecration includes more than a guideline on riches, wealth or worldly aspects. It is a guideline in stewardship, humility, and a fervent purpose of service to others guided by mercy, piety, wisdom, humility, gentility and understanding.