The Anointing

Our family sat around, each with an obscene pile of colorful wrapped boxes beside us, and opened them one at a time. There were games, toys, clothing, useful household items, books, food, and so forth -- mere tokens of true gifts. Then games were played, the television blared with shooting and destruction. Meanwhile a feast of the most delectable treats filled with all of the best-tasting ingredients was prepared. All of the best was there -- the sweetest, saltiest, most savory, and fattiest foods to titillate the taste buds and fill the belly. It was a day of indulgence and revelry. But this was not a feast for kings, but rather a Saturnalia of peasants.

The feast ordained of the Lord is not one of self-indulgence, but rather gratitude. The festivities and joy are found in the gifts given to us by God. We share His gifts with one another in acknowledgement of the greatest gift of all: "God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son..." The gift of love is the sacrifice we make for the benefit of others as God sacrificed his Son. Moreover, the feast of kings is the acknowledgement of the bounteous blessings He gives to us.

All things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul. And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man; for unto this end were they made to be used, with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion. (D&C 59:18-20)

This causes me to ponder on the difference between kings and peasants. The Church of Jesus Christ recognizes only two kinds of people: those who are becoming kings and priests unto the most high God, and those who will be servants to them. There are many levels of servants, peasants, or serfs, but only one level of kings. Those who go to the Temple are anointed to become kings and priests unto God. The purpose of the Church is not to instruct in any of the lower levels of servitude, but rather it is the training ground of those who are chosen to be magistrates.

A king is one who dictates the actions of others. He directs those in his kingdom to do the work he desires to be done. He takes responsibility for all within his kingdom. He organizes society and industry, choosing those who lead under him by making all the laws that govern them. All must do his will for society to work together. Those who refuse to obey him can be thrown out of his kingdom, or killed.

A king is not a commoner; they are very different, even opposites. Those who are common are base, vulgar, and selfish. Kings do not think of themselves -- ever. Everything they do is for the benefit of their subjects. Their thoughts and efforts are all directed towards the growth and nurturing of the people they serve. The king cannot be selfish because he knows he will suffer for his subjects. They will make choices that cause him and those he serves to suffer. He may not welcome suffering, but he accepts it as part of the service he provides. The king is a servant -- the ultimate servant.

"Many are called, but few are chosen..."

The proletariat, on the other hand, must be shown what to do. Without constant direction they easily fall into base and vulgar habits. They want to play, party, and live for the moment. They become selfish and seek their own. They avoid pain and suffering. They have needs, which come first before others. They have weaknesses that lead to suffering and rebellion because they seek immediate gratification, living by the feelings of the moment. They do all the base and low things of the world such as giving in to carnal lusts -- eating for taste instead of for nourishment, as well as indulging themselves in gluttony, sensuality, indolence, and vice. They don't have a long-term picture of the plan and can't see what's ahead.

Many are called to be kings, but are not chosen for that position because they want to be like everyone else. They want to indulge their appetites and avoid discomfort. Because they put their own needs and desires ahead of others they cannot become kings -- they choose to be serfs. The willingness to go through the long and arduous training process is what determines who is "chosen."

Those who desire to become kings must be trained. The ability to direct work requires instruction in how the work is done so a good ruler must first be a perfect subject. Complete submission to the King of kings is the beginning of the training. Apprentice kings learn the rules and laws of Eternity by obedience to them. They learn the laws of each kingdom below them as well. They learn patience by suffering. They learn love by sacrifice. They learn to keep commitments through covenants. They submit to all things their Teacher sees fit to inflict upon them. Total submission is required.

Throughout his education the acolyte is tested and tried in the furnace of affliction. He must suffer pain, hunger, fatigue, and all manner of affliction. Moreover, he must be offered all that he desires. As Christ, the Lord, "Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil and to choose the good." (2 Nephi 17:15) A king must know how to sacrifice his wants and needs, refusing the evil so he is not bound by his desires, giving him the option of choosing the good. The life of a king is one of unselfishness. King David passed the first tests, but failed the second. When offered what he wanted and the power to get it -- he took it -- and lost his kingdom! The Lord indicated the tests would not be easy.

"My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them, even the glory of Zion; and he that will not bear chastisement is not worthy of my kingdom." (D&C 136:31)

The training isn't over until we die so we must endure to the end -- the end of our lives, and the end of the training. If we quit at any time, give up, or for any reason don't finish school, we don't get a diploma, a license, and a commission. We won't be kings. Only those who complete all courses actually become kings and priests unto the most high God.