The great imitations

Reading time: 5 – 8 minutes

Don't get led astray

And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

This post was brought about after reading about a bill that would in essence force people to be charitable, which got me thinking about all the things that Satan has mimicked. By this is I mean all those things that God has given us that are direct gifts from Him. Without further todo, the list.

Priesthood vs Priestcraft

Priesthood – The priesthood is the eternal power and authority of God. Through the priesthood God created and governs the heavens and the earth. Through this power He redeems and exalts His children, bringing to pass “the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). God gives priesthood authority to worthy male members of the Church so they can act in His name for the salvation of His children. Priesthood holders can be authorized to preach the gospel, administer the ordinances of salvation, and govern the kingdom of God on the earth.

Priestcraft - 2 Nephi 26:29, we read: He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts, for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.

It seems like a no brainer, right? On the one hand you have an eternal power and authority, this is what created the universe! Then on the other you have people mimicking a power and authority that wasn’t bestowed upon them, and in some cases they will even say they don’t have it nor do they need it to perform miracles.

Charity vs Selfishness

Charity – Charity is the pure love of Christ. It is the love that Christ has for the children of men and that the children of men should have for one another. It is the highest, noblest, and strongest kind of love and the most joyous to the soul (see 1 Nephi 11:23).

Selfishness – I know this is like the polar opposite here, but think about it. What are some of the root causes of today’s problems? In the Topical Guide we can read that selfishness, also goes with Covetousness, Greed, Lust, and Pride. But these are promoted as good things!

There’s been a round of commercials on lately, I don’t recall the name of them or who’s putting them on, but they’re about couples or families. Basically the premise is they take the phrase “Mine and Yours” and convert it to “Ours”, or the word “Me” and convert it to “We”. Truth is, I know a lot of people who have gotten into a mindset that what’s theirs is theirs and that’s all their is to it. I also have a sneaking suspicion that this is one of the reasons (along with others listed up there) that marriages fail so often – people aren’t willing to be charitable in their relationships.

Love vs Lust

Love - I know, this was mentioned above, but I think it takes a closer look. Love is a feeling of deep devotion, concern, and affection. The greatest example of God’s love for His children is found in the infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ. Love for God and fellow men is a characteristic of disciples of Jesus Christ.

Lust – And what does Satan come up with as a knock-off, lust. Lust can destroy families, where Love promotes families. Lust is dark, and dirty and gives into cravings, where Love is bright and give power to overcome and strengths out of our weaknesses.

I see a trend here. But another reason for the ailments in the world can be chalked up to lust. Lusting for riches, power, reputation, people. If a person was truly a loving person there would be none of that. I’ve always maintained that if a person was truly living a Christ like life, the side-effects would be these attributes listed here. The world wouldn’t be the way it is.

Consecration vs Socialism

Consecration – The United Order exalts the poor and humbles the rich. In the process both are sanctified. The poor, released from the bondage and humiliating limitations of poverty, are enabled as free men to rise to their full potential, both temporally and spiritually. The rich, by consecration and by imparting of their surplus for the benefit of the poor, not by constraint but willingly as an act of free will, evidence that charity for their fellowmen characterized by Mormon as “the pure love of Christ.” (Moro. 7:47.) ¹

Socialism - Socialism, wholly materialistic, is founded in the wisdom of men and not of God. Although all socialists may not be atheists, none of them in theory or practice seek the Lord to establish his righteousness.²

Of course Consecration only works when we are truly living a Christ like life (remember, you gotta have those side-effects!). Socialsm is just a fake way of trying to make it happen, except it really is nothing like it. Being forced into giving up my extra is nothing like loving my fellow man and giving him of my extra. Compassion does not equal compulsion.

I know there’s more of these out there, I’m always thinking to myself “look another imitation” but wouldn’t you know it, my mind has gone blank. So if you have any suggestions, let me know – and I’ll update this post with additional items.