Summary Lesson 24: “The Kingdoms of Glory”

Building a Security Wall: My Father’s example taught me, “Never let what you cannot do, get in the way of what you can do.” I’ll add, “Never let what you do not know get in the way of what you do know.” Hold fast to the truths that have already built part of a solid wall of security, without excuses!
Dealing with a Gap in the Wall: In building terrace rock walls, sometimes a gap must be left until the right rocks are found to fit. It is similar to our gospel study. There are times that we just don’t understand. With patience there comes a moment in time when we have extra “rocks” that will fill the gap. Is it possible that pride creates some of those gaps in our rock walls of understanding?
Tower of Babel and Making a Name: According to some . . . “the building of the tower was an example of man’s extreme pride in his own ability. The building became such an obsession that, according to the Midrash, when a builder fell off the tower to his death, the other builders paid no attention, but when a brick fell, they would cry: ‘When shall another come in its place?;” (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.) The tower people wanted to ‘make a name’ for themselves rather than take upon themselves, the ‘name of God’.

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God’s Name: In Hebrew, the name of God, “Jehovah,” (English spelling) is unmentionable. It means “I AM.” That conjugation is not even used in modern Hebrew. Ancient Joseph overcame his “pride” and served his brothers forgivingly (at first without identifying himself). He thereby established a pattern for a latter-day Joseph, who for the time being is keeping his identity from Judah and should avoid all forms of pride as he serves his family.
Special Counsel on Pride: In 1989, President Ezra Taft Benson said, “Pride is ugly.” There is no justifiable use of the words pride or proud. Apparently every mention of pride in the scriptures is negative. As a replacement for the word pride or proud let us consider the highest compliment and honor as stated in the scriptures. “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased . . .” (Matthew 17:5)
Live Together or Live Alone? Consistent study, abandonment of pride, and following a true order of God increase our security from deception and increase our capacity for Godlike love. In moving away from what they perceived as wickedness, the Dead Sea Scrolls “Essenes” established a singular community of righteousness. They shunned others and probably evoked one of the Savior’s comments in the Sermon on the Mount. “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:43-46)