Part 1: General Commandments and Personal Commandments

Part 1:

I sustain and support those who have been called to lead in the church organization by common consent. I believe they (men and women who humbly seek inspiration and guidance) are entitled to inspired guidance. I believe the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve are men who do their best in a very challenging position - which they never looked for in the first place. I've had the chance to interact closely with several of them and I know people who work with them on a daily basis.  Although certainly not perfect, that particular group (as I know them) are humble  men who are constantly participating in quiet acts of service and kindness on a daily basis. They're asked to lead a multi-million member organization, spread through countless cultures.  I can't imagine the burden on their shoulders. Most of them have missed weddings, reunions, birthdays, baptisms, etc. They have sacrificed their life in many cases.  

Though I support and sustain them, it's not by them that salvation comes (2 Nephi 9:41 ). The Lord Jesus Christ is the keeper of the gate and he employeth no servant there.  We know by looking through history that it's possible to participate in the ordinances and rites, yet be hard-hearted and far from God (Israelites in the wilderness, Pharaoh, the Scribes and Pharisees, etc.).  The church and the authority vested in it (a preparatory gospel) will show us the way and point us in the direction to Christ. I'm the first to acknowledge that without the organization of the gospel to include wonderful home teachers, a faithful mission president, the opportunity to visit families with my father, etc. I wouldn't be here today and I'd certainly have taken a different path in life.

With that being said, according to the Lord, we as a church are still under condemnation for handling lightly the things of the Lord, more specifically the Book of Mormon.  This according to the Lord in D&C 84:54-57 and again re-affirmed by President Benson. Without providing an answer, I simply ask, what does that mean and how should it motivate you and I? If we're under condemnation as a whole, what have we forfeited? If this is the case, then what are we to do?

In Part 2, I'll try and answer that last question and provide my approach, which certainly may not fit everyone. We can do our part, but we can't force anyone. Following this course, I feel at peace and it allows me to focus on what's within my control. What I can't control are the decisions of others, to include those at every level in the church, whether right or wrong. I still firmly believe that no matter who you are, the Lord honors those who honor him.