Posted on 03/12/2010 7:02:37 AM PST by Colofornian
Women have a sacred role in the sanctification and purification of men, Elder Glenn L. Pace of the Seventy told students and faculty during the campus devotional in the Marriott Center at BYU on Tuesday, March 9.
Reflecting on the love he felt from his mother, sister, wife and daughters, Elder Pace spoke of the positive influence women have had on his life.
Speaking specifically about a time when his daughter fell asleep in his arms, Elder Pace noted the comfort it must have brought his daughter to be held by her father. He realized afterward that even greater was the peace and comfort she brought to him.
Looking to the Savior as an example, Elder Pace spoke of the love and respect He bestowed upon women.
"As we read about these associations, our focus is generally on what He teaches them and the love and understanding He gives them," Elder Pace said. "Have you ever considered the possibility that these women provided immense comfort to His burdened soul? It is my belief that He needed them as He journeyed toward living a perfect life in order that He could provide the ultimate sacrifice."
Just as the Savior needed righteous women, so do men today in purifying and sanctification in their lives.
Sharing excerpts from the story of the creation found in the book of Abraham, Elder Pace told of how the earth was created — before Eve — where Adam had been placed in the Garden of Eden. In the garden, Adam was enjoying a utopia in physical surroundings as well as open communication with God. Still, it was not complete without Eve.
"I believe the Father's statement 'It is not good that the man should be alone' (Genesis 2:18) had a much more profound meaning than the obvious biological implications," he said. "It also went further than providing Adam with company. Adam's ability to obtain the purification necessary to get back into the presence of God was dependent upon his continuous association with Eve."
In order for men and women to obtain the highest degree of celestial glory, there is need to be married, Elder Porter said.
"There is a limit to our spiritual development as long as we are single. There is a spiritual development which can only be obtained when a man and a woman join their incomplete selves into a complete couple," he said. "Just as conception requires the physical union of male and female, perfection requires the union of the very souls of male and female."
Although single men and women can accomplish great things on their own, they are incomplete until united intellectually, emotionally, physically and most important, spiritually, he said.
"The world we live in has gone awry with its focus on the physical part of the male and female relationship. If there is too much focus on the physical, the vital areas of intellectual, emotional and spiritual union are not being placed in an environment where they can flourish and grow."
Elder Pace spoke of the obsession the current society has on "making love," rather than developing a complete relationship that enables "expressing love." Because melding divine natures is a necessary element in bringing about perfection, Elder Pace said, individuals must guard against any deterioration of those natures.
"If the world keeps chipping away at the divine nature of women, it is probable that our relationships in marriage will not bring about the sanctification necessary for exaltation or, at a minimum, the process will be delayed," he said.
Referring to the phrase, "men have the priesthood and women have been given the blessing of procreation," Elder Pace spoke of the importance of each role in a relationship, and the ability couples have to complement one another in their eternal roles.
"It is the marriage ceremony in the temple where husband and wife receive the power to perfect their relationship and, thereby, obtain their exaltation."
As individuals work together to become a whole, as the Lord has commanded, they work together to become a combination of complementary capacities and characteristics.
"Sisters, I testify that when you stand in front of your heavenly parents in those royal courts on high and you look into Her eyes and behold Her countenance, any question you ever had about the role of women in the kingdom will evaporate into the rich celestial air, because at that moment you will see standing directly in front of you, your divine nature and destiny."
Thanks verity - a comment worth repeating.
That is low, EW and also shows you have no real defense.
We have name calling on here, but, seriously, accusing an honorably discharged military vet of being DC’d? That is unconscionable and shows how little respect you have for this country and our vets. Shame on you. Go back to DU where you belong, troll.
BTW, EW, did you serve in the military or did you serve an LDS mission instead?
50 references from the best biblical scholars in the world who ALL AGREE
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BZZZZT. Wrong on all 3 counts.
First - not 50 references.
Second - Not the ‘best’ biblical scholars (some are, some aren’t)
Third - They do not all agree.
Next...
Based on all the evidence I find Zillas intellect and analytical skills are far higher than yours just based on your religious posting alone. For the sake of our country and now you client base I will assume that only holds true for spiritual endeavors. As it is I have found in spiritual matters some times the brightest can be lead down very precarious and fanciful paths. I will attribute your RF posting to such.
As for your comment to my friend Godzilla, You have no integrity sir.
His problem appears to be that EW cannot reconcile ‘divine council’ with the Trinity or anything else but LDS polytheism.
Some people tend to forget that the Bible, especially the OT, is as much about history as it is dogma.
I can see where Mormons would have issue with that of course...
That he embraces LDS “theology” no longer surprises me as well.
Very true and am I relieved Noel (David Noel Freedman) isn’t around to see his work so blatantly misused by the LDS.
As it is he is probably ‘spinning in his grave’. He didn’t like Mormons, AT ALL.
That he embraces LDS “theology” no longer surprises me as well.
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Nor me.
Thank you for your service to our Country, Godzilla. Edward Watson is certainly no gentleman! He should stick to Canada where he belongs.
(I’m not really surprised.)
Quite an assumption on your part and TOTALLY uncalled for.
You attempt to smear him failed big time, but it IS quite a demonstration of your character, however.
thank you for your comments. Canada is where he is - and canada is where the little troll should stay.
What? Are you the "mighty scripture quoter" now arguing with Joseph Smith?
Did not the "canonized" Smith say: "And let them journey from thence preaching the word by the way, saying none other things than that which the prophets and apostles have written... (D&C 52:9)
"...the day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord...neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles, shall be cut off from among the people. (D&C 1:14)
Since you apparently don't give much "heed" to "apostle" McConkie, and "preach other things than which" the apostle McConkie has "written," are you at risk of being "cut off" from Mormons?
As these verses show, LDS deem apostles & prophets as interchangeable -- something confirmed by this BYU prof. [Therefore, Mormons are to "heed" the words of McConkie]:
"...the LDS believe that ALL apostles are prophets in the former sense ["prophets who hold the apostolic keys of the kingdom and preside over the whole church,"] and therefore we often do not distinguish between apostles and prophets, but customarily use the term prophet for both." (BYU prof Stephen Robinson, How Wide the Divide, p. 62)
So you not only take issue with Smith & Lds canonized "scripture," but also BYU profs, eh? Funny to watch Mormons squirm when they realize that apostles like McConkie preside over them in this "spiritual" sort of way!
Yes, thank you for your service Godzilla.
Indeed, they stand up before ldsdom for their General Conferences and mormons world wide are on the edge of their seats to hear the latest 'word from God'
Tsk, tsk, going after a man’s service like that. I think you’ve proved that my retarded cat is your ontological superior.
Stanley? Definitely.
Maligning an honorable veteran regarding his military service certainly puts the lie to the oft-repeated mantra seen here that "Mormons are just the NICEST people!"
Of course, if Watson's comment on his profile page is honest, he is not even a US citizen and almost certainly not a military veteran of any country...at least under THIS FR identity.
OMG. Deep cutting, like a razor.
You sure you used both sides?
ROTFLAICGU
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