The Paradox of Competence

For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. (Matthew 25:29)

The greatest paradox in the Universe is the paradox of competence. Most religions would have us believe that to be incompetent is to be blessed. Being lowly, meek, poor, lame, halt, blind, deaf, and otherwise lacking in ability is blessedness according to Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. 

The gospel is for the weak things of the earth. 

I raised you up, that I might show forth my wisdom through the weak things of the earth. (Doctrine and Covenants 124:1)

The gospel is preached to those who are poor and meek. 

And the poor and the meek shall have the gospel preached unto them, (Doctrine and Covenants 35:15)

The Lord talks about how those who are low will inherit eternal life in the kingdom of God. The children are the kingdom of God, the meek, the lowly in heart. 

...none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart; (Moroni 7:44)

The people of the Lord are sheep. Sheep have no defenses. They just follow. They can’t even run from a wolf or lion. They are easily caught and killed. They have no thoughts. They just follow. They do not lead. 

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (John 10:27)

The Lord gathers those who are handicapped, who are not the creators nor the leaders. He tells a parable of the Lord making a feast, and inviting His friends, but they won’t come, so He goes out into the streets and brings in homeless people. 

So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper. (Luke 14:21-24)

The gospel is for those who are weak. 

• Lame
• Poor
• Meek
• Halt
• Blind
• Deaf
• Children
• Sheep (lambs)
• Sinners
• Mentally ill
• Hated
• Lepers 
• Weak 
• Persecuted
• Humble
• Despised

What’s more, the Lord does not judge or condemn sinners, He only condemns those who are competent. Sinners come to Him and are forgiven outright, whereas those who are responsible are condemned:

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them. Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also. And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! (Luke 11:44-46)

God Loves Competence

Yet, on the other hand, the Lord has said that competence is essential. The world hates true competence. The world rejects those who are competent, who are true, who are faithful, who have standards. The world rejects the prophets who come in the name of the Lord. The world hates those who stand out and dare to be different. The world wants weakness and conformity. The world wants lemmings. The world wants sheep. Thus, it is easy for those of the world to think of themselves as blessed. 

The Lord loves the humble, and those with disabilities. And yet, paradoxically, He only associates with those who are competent. The people who do not understand His words go away. He heals the sick and sends them away saying, “Go, and sin no more.” He tells people not to sin. He does not gather around ignorant people. He calls His disciples -- they did not choose Him, He chose them -- and they had to be competent and have understanding. They had weaknesses, to be sure, but they were not lepers, lame, halt, blind, nor mentally ill. They were intelligent. They wrote books, or at least long letters. These are not stupid. 

In heaven only the competent can gather with God. Those few who find Eternal life are those who grow up, they learn, they become competent. They receive gifts of the Spirit because of their faith. They have: 

• Faith
• Hope
• Charity
• Love
• Intelligence
• Wisdom

These are hard things to learn! Faith is so hard! It is difficult to have faith. I must believe without seeing. I must put my trust in the Lord and act on a belief. I must invest my time, money, energy, intelligence, and whatever I have on the earth. For example, a test of faith is like the rich, young ruler who came to Jesus asking about what he lacked to gain Eternal life. Jesus said: 

Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. (Luke 18:22)

This is not easy at all -- it’s the hardest thing in the world! How hard is it for a rich man to waste his entire fortune by throwing it into a bottomless pit and making himself a beggar! This is an example of faith. Faith is hard! One must be very competent to have faith. 

Faith is required for hope. “without faith, there cannot be any hope.” 

Charity is the hardest thing in the world. Charity is being unselfish. Getting outside of yourself is impossible without help. It requires the greatest competence of all. 

Intelligence and knowledge require study, reading, pondering, praying, and searching. There is no incompetence in intelligence. Those with an I.Q. under 110 need not apply. The Army of the United States of America has a policy not to accept people with an IQ under 80 because they have no jobs for them to do. They cannot be trained to do the work. It seems God has a similar policy. 

Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come. (Doctrine and Covenants 130:18-19)

Not only do you need to know, but to do what the Lord asks. Living the gospel requires competence in all aspects of life. It requires focus, drive, organization, and ability. I must be able to do them, not just know. 

If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. (John 13:17)

Those who do these things are blessed. 

And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. (Mosiah 2:41)

Those who come to God must pass through hard things. They must be strong. They must take on the burdens of others. 

...now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life— (Mosiah 18:8-9)

This presupposes that you can bear the burdens of others. Lame people cannot. Blind people cannot. Those who are incompetent are not going to be able to comfort others because they need others to comfort them. Those who have not grown up are needy children. The needy do not go out and help others, rather the competent people prepare the feast for the incompetent to get nothing in return. The incompetent serve a purpose in allowing the competent to serve them. 

But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: (Luke 14:13-14)

Only Competent People Can Progress.

And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?  (1 Peter 4:18-19)

Those who come to God must be adults, mature, and they must be competent in all things:

• Spiritual
• Temporal
• Physical
• Financial
• Moral/Ethical
• Intellectual
• Social
• Psychological
• Mental

The path of Eternal life is hard. It is so hard. It is a battle. It is an uphill battle. It is rocky and treacherous. There are hazards like mists of darkness and floods, storms, wind, hail, lightning, thunder, and fiery darts. The forces of evil are against you. The world is against you. There are few places of peace and rest. It’s so easy to give up and give in to the world -- SO EASY! Floating downstream is an easy thing, a wonderful thing. You don’t need to paddle furiously to get upstream while people are pummeling you from the sides of the river. To get upstream you must be strong. You must be smart. Above all, you must be competent. Deficiencies are not tolerated. Those who are not competent in all areas are judged to be less. They judge themselves. They put themselves in a place with those who are incompetent like they are, where they will be comfortable. Nobody who is weak is comfortable with competence.

The Profit Motive

I don't think that God is motivated by profit, but He often speaks of it in terms of His people. 

But behold, this time it hath brought forth much fruit, and there is none of it which is good. And behold, there are all kinds of bad fruit; and it profiteth me nothing, notwithstanding all our labor; and now it grieveth me that I should lose this tree. (Jacob 5:32)

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. (Matthew 13:47-48)

As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. (Matthew 13:40-43)

The Lord pays for competence. He gives to the competent and takes away from those who are incompetent. 

For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have. (2 Nephi 28:30)

Those who are deaf do not “lend an ear” and do not receive more -- and then God takes away the little they have. They become totally incompetent. If I am not able to hear the word of the Lord, I will lose everything and be rejected from His kingdom. 

Competence improves everyone. Those who are talented improve the lives of those around them. Being good at business makes a profitable business that employs others who are not good at business. Having the talent to improve a motor makes motors cheaper so everyone can afford a car. Being able to build a bridge allows anyone who does not know how to build one to go over the river. People who do not know how to play music can enjoy music because others are talented. There is no substitute for talent. 

Hiring competent people makes my business better, whereas employing people who need employment will cause the business to decline. I always hired people who needed a job. I thought they would be grateful to have work to do because they were in such need. Instead, I found out that there is a reason they don’t have a job, that they are needy. It is because they are not competent. They do not know how to take care of themselves, and cannot care for others, they cannot help. They do not improve their position. They are there because they need a job, and they act accordingly. They do what it takes to keep their job, they are not there to help others, to improve their position, to learn, grow, or give. They are incompetent. This makes perfect sense, and yet we are told that it is moral to hire people who need jobs. The world hates competence. 

Morality

The most moral people are the most competent. They are competent because they are moral. They are not trying to get something for nothing. They want to earn their pay. They want to become more competent so they can get paid more. Paying people a full wage for doing half a job is not moral. Paying people who are not competent is also immoral. Giving money to the poor can cause more problems than it solves because it keeps them dependent and doesn’t allow them to grow up. 

Unfit for the Kingdom

I want to help people, but I can’t! I’m useless. I do nothing, and what I do is counter-productive. I try to help others, but instead I hurt them. I want to help others to come to Christ, but I push them away. I make myself competent so I can learn and grow. I want to grow in every way; I want to become mature to be able to help others, but instead I am competent so nobody can measure up. They feel worse in my presence because I put myself above them, thinking I know more than they do. Competence feels like rejection, judgment, or looking down on them. They could never be like me so they will never try, and will never do what I do. 

God has the same issue. His children, whom He loves, will not come to Him because He is competent, He is perfect. He knows everything. He is glorious and great. Nobody feels competent in His presence. Everyone is judged by His presence. Everyone feels small before Him. They fear Him. They reject Him. “I could never be like that.”

Therefore if that man repenteth not, and remaineth and dieth an enemy to God, the demands of divine justice do awaken his immortal soul to a lively sense of his own guilt, which doth cause him to shrink from the presence of the Lord, and doth fill his breast with guilt, and pain, and anguish, which is like an unquenchable fire, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever. (Mosiah 2:38)

Behold, I say unto you that ye would be more miserable to dwell with a holy and just God, under a consciousness of your filthiness before him, than ye would to dwell with the damned souls in hell. For behold, when ye shall be brought to see your nakedness before God, and also the glory of God, and the holiness of Jesus Christ, it will kindle a flame of unquenchable fire upon you. (Mormon 9:4-5)

Only the competent will be able to come into His presence. Those who learn and grow and seek and want to be like Him and rejoice in His presence. They will listen to Him and ask for help. They come knocking on His door. They want to know. They want intelligence, wisdom, love, and charity. They want to become like Him, and they believe they can. They work and pray and study. They repent of their sins. They become competent in every way. These will be able to endure His presence. 

God only has competent people in His presence. Those who learn and grow and receive gifts of the spirit through their work can enter the presence of God. 

Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come. (Doctrine and Covenants 130:18-19)

God allows no incompetent people to be in His presence. Only those who are diligent and obedient. You must be able to do something, not just sit around and ask for things. 

Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me. (Doctrine and Covenants 9:7)

Moreover, if you only do what is commanded you go to hell. Only those who do something on their own can be with God. 

For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward. Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward. But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned. (Doctrine and Covenants 58:26-29)

Only the competent will be blessed, while the incompetent are damned. You must be proactive. You must go out and do things on your own. You can’t sit around and wait for a commandment. You must get up and go. Be competent. Bring to pass much righteousness. Be engaged in a good cause -- or else you are damned. You cannot be lukewarm in anything. You must go all the way. 

I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. (Revelation 3:15-16)

God chooses people who are noble and great to be His rulers, to be in His kingdom. Abraham was chosen because he was noble and great. He was good. 

Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones; And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born. (Abraham 3:22-23)

Jesus requires that those who come to Him do the works of Abraham. 

Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham. (John 8:39)

What did Abraham do? He sought the Lord, happiness, knowledge, and righteousness. He wanted to be a father of nations and a prince of peace. 

And, finding there was greater happiness and peace and rest for me, I sought for the blessings of the fathers, and the right whereunto I should be ordained to administer the same; having been myself a follower of righteousness, desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge, and to be a father of many nations, a prince of peace, and desiring to receive instructions, and to keep the commandments of God, I became a rightful heir, a High Priest, holding the right belonging to the fathers. (Abraham 1:2)

This does not happen without a great deal of effort. Abraham was “noble and great” because he actively sought the Lord. He worked hard to get there. He sacrificed everything -- his home, family, and all he possessed -- to have knowledge, wisdom, and the blessings of God. 

What happens to those who are not noble nor great? They are lost. They are damned. They do not get to be in the presence of God, or they become servants to the gods. 

Therefore, when they are out of the world they neither marry nor are given in marriage; but are appointed angels in heaven, which angels are ministering servants, to minister for those who are worthy of a far more, and an exceeding, and an eternal weight of glory. (Doctrine and Covenants 132:16)

To reach the highest, you must be competent. To be “worthy of a far more, and an exceeding, and an eternal weight of glory” you must jump through all the hoops. You must be able to jump through them. You must have a noble and great spirit. You must understand the word of God, and do it. Mistakes are tolerated, but they must be confessed and forsaken, and then you must move on to learn and grow. You cannot be incompetent in anything. 

Paul glories in his weakness as a strength. Here is a very competent man who was actively engaged in a good cause, who was able to travel all over the world and preach the gospel, converting many. He healed the sick and raised the dead. He is not weak, but has weaknesses, which Christ helps him to overcome. 

Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (2 Corinthians 12:5-10)

Thus, through Christ we overcome all things. Paul continues to use his talents to bless others, even though his weaknesses might make it more difficult. But it is Christ that makes him fully competent. He has no weakness because the Lord gives him the strength that he lacks. This is the full measure of competence. 

For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. (Luke 19:26)

We must overcome. But, we don’t overcome incompetence. The servant who was given one talent, was only given a single talent because of his ability. The servant who was given five talents was more competent to manage five. They were given gifts according to their abilities. The less able was given less. Then, he showed his incompetence by hiding it and not using it to make more so that single talent was taken away from him and given to the one who was given five and now had ten. This competent servant now has eleven because of his competence, and the one who was given only one now has nothing. Those who are competent are given more through the Lord, Jesus Christ. Because they have faith in Him, He gives them more power than they have of themselves. 

Damnation refers to all those who do not seek eternal life. There are many other places to go, the path is broad and the way is wide. They all die, and are damned to be the same in eternity. He who is slothful is damned. The fearful are damned. Those who don’t love are damned. Those who do not receive the spirit are damned. Those who believe in false things are damned. No incompetence is allowed in the kingdom of God. 

The Many

Broad is the gate, and wide the way that leadeth to the deaths; and many there are that go in thereat... (Doctrine and Covenants 132:25)

Many go to destruction. Many. Many. Most. The majority. Destruction. Death. Hell. Suffering. They are the many. They go through the easy, wide, broad, and common gate. They are incompetent in some way that they do not seek, nor find, the narrow gate. When it is presented to them, they do not recognize it. They are not chosen. They are the wicked, the many, the majority. Death. Broad. Most. Many. Majority. This is horrible! It is a terrible thought. Why are there so many? Why do the majority find death and destruction? Most people cannot be saved!? How is that? I don’t get it. I feel so terrified! I want to be chosen, but not at the expense of others. I want to know God, but I want everyone to know Him. I don’t want there to be even one who is not saved! I want all to come to Him and know love, peace, joy, intelligence, happiness, and glory. I almost feel like, “If they are not going to make it, then I’m not going to go either! It’s not fair!” I want to sit down and stop. I want to be stubborn and just feel bad because I am so sad for them. The way is so easy; it’s so broad, and so wide. It’s not fair that they don’t get to go in the narrow gate. Sure they choose to go into the broad gate, but it’s just because it’s so easy! The whole system is set up for the majority to fail. God knows that most will take the easy way, and of course they do. It’s no big surprise. Then why make it so easy to die? Why not guide everyone to the narrow gate? Why is it so hard? Why do we not have explicit instructions? Why all the mystery? 

...because they receive me not, neither do they abide in my law. (Doctrine and Covenants 132:25)

The majority will stumble because of all the obstacles in the way, the seven veils that hide the truth. Why should they not have an open path if they are halt, maimed, blind, deaf, and debilitated? Why are all the disabled put in with the competent? It’s not a fair game!!! I want them to be filled with love. I want them to be a part of my love. I want all to come unto Christ and be saved with an eternal salvation! I am so sad for the many. I am so sad. My heart refuses to be comforted. I know that God loves all of His children, and I know that He weeps over them, as Enoch witnessed. It’s so sad. I feel like Enoch, my soul will not be comforted because of the many who lose all, who are cast out, and suffer, and die. They are damned forever because they take the wide gate that leads to death and destruction! He loves them, but they push Him away. They are not chosen because they cannot use power. When given power, they abuse it. 

Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness. That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man. Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints, and to fight against God. We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. Hence many are called, but few are chosen. (Doctrine and Covenants 121:34-40)

They are not meek and lowly in heart. They use their power to try to control others. Even God, the most powerful being in the Universe, never forces anyone to do His will. 

none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart; (Moroni 7:44)

Meek is having power, but not using it for your own purpose. Meekness is when an ant bites you and you carefully pick it up and return it to the anthill as it bites you again. Meek is powerful. Meek is gentle. Few are meek. Few are chosen. I am so sad! My heart refuses to be comforted in the knowledge that the incompetent choose their own suffering. It also refuses to be comforted in the knowledge that the Lord will save them and they will have some measure of glory. I still weep inside for the many. They get what they want, but not what they could have had. I see it as a loss. Each of those who are the many could have been one of the few. 

The Few

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (3 Nephi 14:14)

Life is rare. Few find life. There are few that find God. Why are there so few? Why?! I don’t like it. THE FEW. These are the competent ones. They are few. They do things. They get things done. They are able. They can serve. They have talents, many talents. They invest their talents and make more talents. Jesus comes to them and says: 

Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. (Matthew 25:23)

To be faithful is to be competent. These are they who overcome the world through their diligence and obedience. They don’t just hear the word, they do it. 

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 7:21)

Noah was one of the few. His family was with him. Eight people got into an ark while whatever thousands or millions of people were drowned in the flood. Eight. That’s a number. Few. Not eighty, or eight hundred -- only eight were saved, the rest died. What are the odds?

...wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. (1 Peter 3:20)

The purpose of the many is to be the support to the few. The competent ones must learn, and cannot learn alone nor in a vacuum. They must have opposition to grow. A muscle that is not stressed will not grow. Everything that is at rest will continue at rest and will not move nor grow nor improve, and will actually atrophy, wither and die. The wicked who go to death, hell, and damnation provide the stress for the competent. Only the competent survive. It is survival of the fittest. Those who are fit for the kingdom of God will find the narrow gate that leads to life. God will lead them to it. He will show it to them. Many who are not getting it will be beat over the head until they get it. They are the chosen ones, the few, and must be shown the strait gate, while the majority never even see it. It is presented to them, but they don’t understand. They are stupid. There is no room for stupid people in heaven. This is the tragedy of life. 

Satan’s Plan

No wonder people wanted the plan of Satan! His plan would save all, that not a single soul would be lost. It’s a great plan! 

And I, the Lord God, spake unto Moses, saying: That Satan, whom thou hast commanded in the name of mine Only Begotten, is the same which was from the beginning, and he came before me, saying—Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor. (Moses 4:1)

A LOT of people wanted his plan. A third of the hosts of heaven, in the presence of God, rebelled against God and followed Satan. This is not small. There was war in heaven. They lost the war. 

Everyone would have been redeemed under the plan of Satan. He had a plan to get everyone back to heaven. They would have come to earth, but would not be tested. The earth would have been as a paradise with everyone doing the right thing. We have seen pockets of such things in the City of Enoch, and also for two hundred years after the Lord visited the Nephites in the Americas. 

And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people. And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God. There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were in one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God. (4 Nephi 1:15-17)

We might have all lived such a life. These people lived this way for two centuries. Children were born, lived and died in a paradise of love, trust, honor, and righteousness. They were not exposed to any evil at all. Why couldn’t everyone have had that? Satan’s plan was rejected because it didn’t allow for agency so nobody would choose to go through the strait gate. Everyone would be the same, returning to heaven, but without glory. There would be no hierarchy. There would not be “any manner of -ites” all being one, the same. One is as another. No differences. Nobody would have glory, all would be servants. They would share everything in common. 

The Father chose Jehovah to carry out His plan for the few who would choose eternal life, the competent ones. They are the reason He creates, not the many. The many are necessary, but not the reason. The reason is the few. 

For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. (Moses 1:39)

His work is to bring the few to Eternal life. It’s all about the few. He created the heavens and the earth for the few. He created the many for the few. His work is to bring a few people to become as He is. There is so much that must be created, and so much loss for the few. There is so much death for the few. The wide gate is death, and many go in thereat. Many die so a few can live. I still hate the idea! It doesn’t seem fair that so many are lost just so a few can be gods and find the path of happiness. But, this is the glory of God, His work. I don’t want to be a part of that. I feel so sad for those who are lost, who die, who are marginalized, who receive the consolation prize of damnation and death, then becoming heirs of salvation, but they can never, worlds without end, reach their full potential. They will not progress, but will stay as they are in eternity, never learning or growing. It makes me sad. ☹  

THE PLAN: God vs. Lucifer

To analyze the difference we would have to see the options. In eternity there are three basic levels of existence, called telestial, terrestrial, and celestial. The telestial is a place of glory, the people there are heirs of salvation, and it is wonderful and glorious above all that we know on earth. The middle kingdom is the terrestrial, a place far above the glory of the telestial. The celestial is even more glorious, as the sun differs from the moon. 

In contrast, Satan’s heaven would be the same for everyone. There would be no wickedness to send anyone to a lower kingdom, nor would there be any competence to put anyone in a higher glory so everyone would be in the same realm. Everyone there will give glory to Lucifer, as they now give glory to Jesus. It is good enough for all. Everyone will have glory. Nobody is lost. It is all good. All is good! 

On the other hand, we have the plan of God to allow everyone to choose no matter what. They can choose any of the kingdoms. Everyone can choose. There is a real choice -- you actually get what you choose. Nobody is coerced in any way to choose one kingdom over another. All are free to choose what they want. Moreover, they MUST choose. Not choosing is a choice of damnation. 

Some will choose not to be in any kingdom, but to be outside of the kingdoms of God, staying forever with Satan in darkness and misery. This is sad! I weep at the thought! I hate that it’s an option! I hope everyone knows what they are getting into, but I know they don’t. We never know what we are choosing, not really. We didn’t know what life would be like on earth before coming here, but we chose to come. Before getting married we have no idea what it’s like to be married. Before having children we don’t know what that choice will bring. Before getting baptized we don’t know what it takes to repent and be on the strait path. Those who choose death don’t know what they are choosing beforehand. 

That is the really sad part. It doesn’t seem fair. Nobody knows what we are choosing. We have choice, in a way, but without full disclosure. It’s like you cannot choose because you cannot know what something is like until you experience it, but you cannot experience it until you choose it. We don’t get to go to exaltation in the celestial kingdom and experience it first to see if that is what we want. We don’t get to “try out” each measure of glory, or even damnation to make a decision on what appeals to us. Those who choose hell do not know what they are getting into. They cannot know until after they choose it. 

Wherefore, he saves all except them—they shall go away into everlasting punishment, which is endless punishment, which is eternal punishment, to reign with the devil and his angels in eternity, where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched, which is their torment—And the end thereof, neither the place thereof, nor their torment, no man knows; Neither was it revealed, neither is, neither will be revealed unto man, except to them who are made partakers thereof; Nevertheless, I, the Lord, show it by vision unto many, but straightway shut it up again; Wherefore, the end, the width, the height, the depth, and the misery thereof, they understand not, neither any man except those who are ordained unto this condemnation.  (Doctrine and Covenants 76:44-48)

Some will choose the lower kingdom by choosing to live selfishly. They will get what they want without knowing that they are choosing a lower kingdom of heaven. 

Some will choose the middle kingdom by being moral and ethical, living a “good” life. They do not use others nor hurt them, but are honorable in their dealings with others. But, they don’t choose to make covenants with God. It is enough to live a “good” life. They do not seek the Lord nor His righteousness, but go after their own ideas of what is good. 

Some will choose to make covenants with God. The celestial kingdom requires covenants. Baptism is the gate by which that kingdom is entered. It is the only way. It is strait, and narrow. Within that kingdom there are three levels. Those who are only baptized will be the majority, they are damned to be the same throughout eternity. They are servants. They are single. They do not achieve their highest potential. The middle of the celestial glory is for those who are honorable and make further covenants with God. They have more glory and are given more, but they do not reach their full potential as gods. All these previously mentioned are damned to live throughout eternity as servants to the gods, whereas the highest level of the celestial kingdom is for the few.

The top of the top is the highest of the celestial. These are the few, the only ones who live. Only those who make and keep the new and everlasting covenant of marriage are able to reach their full potential. These are the few. These are the ones for whom God created all things, and all people. This is the ultimate purpose of creation. This is the reason for everything to exist. They are so few. They are the only ones that do not die. They are the only ones who are not damned.  The few suffer loss, grief, and tragedy in their position. It is the extremes of life, the greatest joy, and the greatest grief. God has unspeakable joy over His children who choose Him. 

...yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (1 Peter 1:8)

On the other hand, there is weeping over the loss of every soul who chooses selfishness and suffering, as Enoch witnessed. 

Satan shall be their father, and misery shall be their doom; and the whole heavens shall weep over them, even all the workmanship of mine hands; wherefore should not the heavens weep, seeing these shall suffer? (Moses 7:37)

While the many receive their glory and are content in it, the few take responsibility for all. They love with a pure love. They care about all their brothers and sisters. They sacrifice, suffering for them, and then when the many choose pain and torment, the few suffer with them. They have compassion. They weep over each that is lost and must suffer because of their choices. The few have joy, but also suffering. This is what they have chosen throughout all eternity. They don’t know what they are choosing, they can’t know, as Paul tells us: 

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (1 Corinthians 2:9)

To summarize, the two plans are so very different. The plan of Lucifer has everyone in the same kingdom, not high, not low, just in the middle, but all have glory. Nobody is lost -- nobody suffers forever. Everyone has salvation. There is no choice. It is all good. Nobody is sad. There is no suffering on earth, nor in heaven. Everything is fair -- in advance. There is no loss or grief. There is no pain. Everyone returns together, all are one, meaning the same. Everyone obeys Lucifer who is the king of all -- meaning all. 

On the other side there is suffering, lots of suffering. All who come to earth suffer pain and grief. Even God must suffer for and with every one of His children. The children who do not choose Him will suffer even more for their sins. Those who choose hell will suffer Eternal torment forever. Even those who become the few, who choose to reach their full potential will suffer for and with others, but they also have a fullness of joy. They have more because of the contrast. The ability to achieve more is given only for those who choose, who are competent and productive. There is a hierarchy where every single person has more or less glory. We could line up in terms of glory. No two are exactly the same, numbering in a straight line from one into the billions. Each is an individual with talents and glory according to their diligence, faithfulness, and obedience. All are different. In heaven there are many mansions. Those in the celestial are under God, the Father, in the terrestrial they are under Jesus Christ, and in the telestial they are under the Holy Ghost. Those outside of heaven are under Satan. 

The simple plan of Lucifer is deceptive because nobody can achieve greatness, except Him. God is allowing His children to be like Him. This is an essential difference. God’s plan is what is required for any to reach the highest level of growth and glory, to be like God, while Lucifer’s plan lets nobody achieve greatness. God’s plan is a vertical plan. It puts everyone on a vertical plane. We are all in a line, and no matter where we are there is someone above (and below) us. 

...These two facts do exist, that there are two spirits, one being more intelligent than the other; there shall be another more intelligent than they; I am the Lord thy God, I am more intelligent than they all. (Abraham 3:18-19)

The other part of God’s plan is that it is not equal in outcome. Each must qualify for any level of glory. Those who do not qualify for a level of glory remain in outer darkness. To qualify for the lowest level of glory all that is needed is to submit to Jesus Christ. Everyone must confess Christ or they will not be allowed into any kingdom of heaven. The basic minimum is to “bow the knee” or submit to His will, and confess that He is Lord. 

I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. (Isaiah 45:23)

To qualify for the middle glory one must live a moral and ethical life. 

These are they who are honorable men of the earth. (Doctrine and Covenants 76:75)

To qualify for the Celestial glory we must make and keep covenants with God. 

They are they who received the testimony of Jesus, and believed on his name and were baptized after the manner of his burial, being buried in the water in his name, and this according to the commandment which he has given—That by keeping the commandments they might be washed and cleansed from all their sins, and receive the Holy Spirit by the laying on of the hands of him who is ordained and sealed unto this power; And who overcome by faith, and are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, which the Father sheds forth upon all those who are just and true. (Doctrine and Covenants 76:51-53)

In other words, we cannot passively receive glory in God’s plan. We must take an active part. The more spiritually competent we are the more glory we will receive. Every single blessing of God is predicated upon keeping the law. Jesus did not suffer for all sins, only those who repent. 

And surely every man must repent or suffer. (Doctrine and Covenants 19:4)

Every single blessing pronounced is conditional -- everything in the kingdom of God is conditional upon obedience. This is why “the cream rises to the top.” They accept the conditions, and receive the blessings, becoming competent. 

In contrast, Satan’s plan is a horizontal plan, putting everyone on a horizontal plane. Everyone is the same, everyone has the same glory. There is nobody above another. Satan is above all, and is the only one above all. Everyone is below Him. There is no choice to choose anything different from anyone else so everyone ends up the same. There is no effort needed. All are the same. There are no qualifications or conditions. 

Satan’s Job

Even though his plan was rejected, Satan still has a job to do in the eternal plan of God. A large part of his role is to weed out the weaklings. Those who are not totally competent must be taken out, they cannot be allowed in the presence of God. Without Satan, there could be many people who casually regard the Lord and are not really committed to Him and His will. Only those who understand are going to stay in the kingdom. 

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. (Matthew 13:19)

Satan is the one who culls the herd. He takes out the weak ones. Even the strong shall hardly be left -- in other words, with difficulty the strong remain, but they do stay. The devil plants the tares in the field of wheat. Wheat is good for food to make one strong, tares are not, they have no value and are burned. In the beginning, we cannot tell the wheat from the tares, but when the wheat is ripe, the tares are taken out easily. The tares are all those who are not competent, who do not understand the word of God, who offend, and do iniquity. 

The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. (Matthew 13:38-43)

Satan provides the wide road that leads to death, the one that the majority takes. He prepares the place for them to go when they have no other place. Heaven is not open to them because they have rejected it and refuse to do what it takes. They cannot receive a kingdom of glory because they will not submit to the King and Lord of glory. They must have somewhere to go. They need Satan. 

The incompetent serve a purpose in giving the competent someone to serve. The leaders in heaven are servants. They must learn to serve others. 

But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: (Matthew 20:25-27)

The wicked and evil also have a purpose in giving opposition. The children of the devil need to be there to show the people of the Lord what evil is. They need to know darkness and hatred, and evil, and wickedness. If there were no children of Satan in the world, the competent people, the few, would not be able to learn that aspect of life. We learn by experience. 

And the Lord spake unto Adam, saying: Inasmuch as thy children are conceived in sin, even so when they begin to grow up, sin conceiveth in their hearts, and they taste the bitter, that they may know to prize the good. And it is given unto them to know good from evil; wherefore they are agents unto themselves, and I have given unto you another law and commandment. (Moses 6:55-56)

Evil people are necessary. The people of God, the few, could not understand good and evil, and would not have a choice to choose God if there were no evil around. There must be opposition. 

For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my firstborn in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility. Wherefore, it must needs have been created for a thing of naught; wherefore there would have been no purpose in the end of its creation. Wherefore, this thing must needs destroy the wisdom of God and his eternal purposes, and also the power, and the mercy, and the justice of God. (2 Nephi 2:11-12)

Indeed, God created evil when He created good. Opposition is in all things -- everything. He created the evil in opposition to the good. There cannot be good without evil. The wicked, the evil, the children of the devil are not mistakes, they are an essential part of the plan. 

The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. (Proverbs 16:4)

The purpose of evil is to give those who are the righteous, the intelligent, the competent ones knowledge and wisdom. They must experience evil to have understanding of it. There is a big system set up to teach and accommodate the few, to give them a choice. There can be no agency without a choice. 

Accepting the Call 

Those who accept their calling from the Lord will be made strong. The Apostle Paul glories in weakness. Nephi bemoans his weakness, as do most of the prophets. When Moses is called to deliver the children of Israel, he objects because of his weakness. 

And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. (Exodus 4:10)

Moses was also meek. 

Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth. (Numbers 12:3)

Other prophets objected to their calling based on their weakness. 

Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. (Isaiah 6:5)

Jeramiah objected to his calling because he was very young. 

Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. (Jeremiah 1:6)

The weakness of the prophets makes them palatable to us as prophets. We can identify with them in our own weakness. We can understand that the Lord will help those with weakness. 

The Salt of the Earth

When men are called unto mine everlasting gospel, and covenant with an everlasting covenant, they are accounted as the salt of the earth and the savor of men; (Doctrine and Covenants 101:39)

It just takes a little salt to flavor your food. This same concept is found in leavening of bread. 

A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. (Galatians 5:9)

It takes microscopic amounts of leavening to make the bread rise. All the bread is affected. Jesus indicated that this is an analogy of the kingdom of heaven. 

Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. (Matthew 13:33)

Those who are competent, who keep the commandments, who love the Lord, are the leavening of society. They raise the whole community, giving benefit to everyone because of their competence. The same issue is found with evil. It takes just a few evil people to make a whole society or group to be evil. 

he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. (Luke 12:1)

The hypocrisy of the leaders of a nation will cause all to sin. Thus, the incompetent are easily led to either good or evil, depending on who is in charge, or who they choose to follow. These sheep are those who need good people in charge. When there are righteous people in a community, they help the rest. God cannot randomly give blessings to those who do not keep the law. 

There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated. (Doctrine and Covenants 130:20-21)

There is no way to receive a blessing if you do not obey the law upon which that blessing is predicated. If you keep another law, you get a different blessing. Those who are not keeping the law cannot receive the blessing. The Lord can bless His children in different ways. 

That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. (Matthew 5:45)

The unjust get the benefit of the rain that the Lord gives to the just. This is being the salt of the earth. God can bless His children according to the law, even though they are not keeping the commandments. They get the sunrise and the rain that is given to the just. A whole society has freedom because of a few who are righteous. 

...the foundation of liberty which God had granted unto them, or which blessing God had sent upon the face of the land for the righteous’ sake. (Alma 46:10)

The many children of God who are wicked receive the benefits of those few who are righteous. They even have the benefit of the word of God, though they may not understand it. Their children can be exposed and then seek Him because of those few who are righteous, and can then become one of the few. Isaiah explains. 

The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen. (Isaiah 43:20)

Dragons (lizards) and owls inhabit deserts. A desert represents a place where there is very little of the word of the Lord. The wilderness is wild, and dead, God is not there. Those who are always hungry will lift up their voices and praise His name because He has found a way to bless them. They will have joy in the Lord because He will bring His word flowing forth from the rocks. He will make the desert blossom as a rose. He will bring life to the dead. Not just a little rain, but rivers of water will flow through the desert. The word of the Lord will not be held back, but will flow into the people who are without knowledge of Him. The purpose of the river is to give drink to Israel, the people of the Lord, those who have covenants with Him to obey His word and keep His commandments, but those who are around will also benefit. God gives blessings to those who keep His commandments, and those blessings flow to those of His children who are not of the covenant. The wealth of a city is made by a few, and the rest benefit from it. The word of the Lord is given to a few, and everyone else lives in peace. God is merciful. He has grace. He sends His people out to be the salt of the earth, so the whole society may profit thereby. They are they who bless the whole earth, who are the salt of the earth. They love and bring the example of love to everyone, even though they aren’t aware of it. The Lord blesses His people and the rest ignorantly receive benefits intended for His chosen. 

This is true in all the world, in all areas. The few who are competent will improve the whole society. The few will invent things that benefit everyone. A few will engineer roads that everyone can drive on. A few will make phones that everyone can use to connect with others. A few will create beautiful artworks that everyone can enjoy. A few will create businesses where others can work and earn a living. Likewise, the few who come to know God will increase the spirituality of everyone as the Lord blesses them with light and knowledge that is dispersed among everyone so anyone in society can obtain the knowledge of God. Thus, the whole society is protected from death and destruction by a few who love the Lord and keep His commandments. They are the salt of the earth; they are the leavening that raises everyone, and they are the ones that bring rivers of water into the wilderness. Because they obey the law, they are able to receive the blessings from God. 

In societies where there is nobody seeking the Lord, and nobody keeping His commandments there is no way for Him to send down blessings upon them, it is against the law. Thus, they are destroyed as Sodom and Gomorrah. They self-destruct because there is no truth, wisdom, nor love. It is said that God destroys them, but they destroy themselves with evil as the blessings of the Lord are not available to them. 

Yea, and I say unto you that if it were not for the prayers of the righteous, who are now in the land, that ye would even now be visited with utter destruction; yet it would not be by flood, as were the people in the days of Noah, but it would be by famine, and by pestilence, and the sword. But it is by the prayers of the righteous that ye are spared; now therefore, if ye will cast out the righteous from among you then will not the Lord stay his hand; but in his fierce anger he will come out against you; then ye shall be smitten by famine, and by pestilence, and by the sword; and the time is soon at hand except ye repent. (Alma 10:22-23)

Amazing Grace

Grace is helping someone who does not deserve it. The “many” who seek the broad paths of life do not deserve any gifts from God. They do not seek Him, but rather their own selfish interests. They cannot receive any blessings because they will not keep the law that pertains to it. However, God has found a way to bless them anyway, lawfully. Those who have a covenant with God and keep His commandments can receive His blessings of love, light, and knowledge. Those who receive such intelligence are then able to share this with everyone around them and bless those who do not deserve it. This is a wonderful manifestation of the grace of God. He loves all His children, and desires to bless them. He takes those who are competent, like Abraham, and makes them fathers of nations, spiritually. He blesses everyone according to the laws by sending His righteous children out into the world to bless those who are not able to make the grade. Common people are sheep who only need a shepherd to guide them in the right way, the ways of righteousness. They will not be able to find their own way, they need those who are competent to help them along the path. God guides them on the path they choose, giving them blessings through those who receive His Spirit, who work hard and do things -- the inventors and creators. This is amazing grace. They can continue to receive such grace as long as they allow the righteous, the salt of the earth, the few who seek the Lord, to remain among them. 

Abraham was a righteous man who sought the Lord, and because of this one man, all the families of the earth are blessed -- from beginning to end. 

My name is Jehovah, and I know the end from the beginning; therefore my hand shall be over thee. And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee above measure, and make thy name great among all nations, and thou shalt be a blessing unto thy seed after thee, that in their hands they shall bear this ministry and Priesthood unto all nations; And I will bless them through thy name; for as many as receive this Gospel shall be called after thy name, and shall be accounted thy seed, and shall rise up and bless thee, as their father; And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse them that curse thee; and in thee (that is, in thy Priesthood) and in thy seed (that is, thy Priesthood), for I give unto thee a promise that this right shall continue in thee, and in thy seed after thee (that is to say, the literal seed, or the seed of the body) shall all the families of the earth be blessed, even with the blessings of the Gospel, which are the blessings of salvation, even of life eternal. (Abraham 2:8-11)

Those who are not righteous, who do not seek the Lord and become mature in the Gospel are blessed because of Abraham. Abraham is one who manifests the grace of God, giving blessings to those who do not deserve them. He does deserve them. He has sought them. He has received a promise. The promise is given by God and cannot be revoked -- even by the children of Abraham who are not righteous. 

Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land. The land also shall be left of them, and shall enjoy her sabbaths, while she lieth desolate without them: and they shall accept of the punishment of their iniquity: because, even because they despised my judgments, and because their soul abhorred my statutes. And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I am the Lord their God. But I will for their sakes remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the heathen, that I might be their God: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 26:42-45)

God had a covenant with Abraham, and because of the covenant, and the righteousness of Abraham, his children are blessed with the priesthood and are not completely destroyed -- even though they are not worthy of the blessing. For Abraham’s sake, they are blessed -- not for their own righteousness. He blesses them though he has been dead a thousand years. His righteousness blesses his posterity, and through them, everyone on the earth. This is the grace of God. The Lord makes promises to those who seek Him and through those promises others are blessed. It is the covenants that give God power to bless His children. The covenants are the grace of God. They are His power. 

And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God. Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest. And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh; For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live. (Doctrine and Covenants 84:19-22)

The power of God is given through promises. He makes promises to those who are righteous, who follow His ways, who seek Him as Abraham. He makes promises to them, and must keep His promise. The oath and covenant of the priesthood is that those who seek, as Abraham, to be a follower of righteousness and receive the power of God, will be given a promise to be given in the future. They then exercise faith in His promise and endure on the covenant path until they obtain the prize that was promised. Along the way, they have  a spouse, and friends, and children and grandchildren -- who are promised to them. By remaining faithful all they who are of the promise are saved, though they are not righteous. Ishmael did not keep the promise, but for the sake of Abraham, and the promise made to Him, the Lord will have grace on all his children. 

Lehi was promised that His children would inherit the land of America, and though Laman an Lemuel did not believe in the Lord nor in the prophecies of Lehi, yet, for his sake, they were taken to the Promised Land. They did not stay back and die or be taken captive into Babylon with the rest of Jerusalem. They received the blessing of the Promised Land because they followed one who is competent. However, though they are figuratively in the celestial glory, they are not spiritually competent to obtain eternal life, so they likely remain separate, single, servants of the gods who are spiritually competent. 

Absolute Competence is the Grace of Christ

Ultimately, there is only one source of all grace. The promises, covenants, oaths, and priesthood given to man are only possible through the great and last sacrifice of the only begotten Son of the Father. It is His grace that allows those who desire righteousness to repent. It is His grace that allows the promises to be given in the first place. Without Him there is no righteousness, nor grace, nor mercy, nor love, nor blessings, nor salvation. Nobody merits salvation of themselves. Abraham did not in any way earn salvation by seeking the Lord and His righteousness. Abraham does not merit the promises given to Him. They are given only in and through the grace of the Lord, Jesus Christ. There is no other way. 

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23)

Nobody deserves any blessing from God. Nobody is worthy of themselves. Everyone who is worthy to receive the covenant of the priesthood does so through the grace of Jesus Christ. His love is grace. He suffered for the sins of all mankind. He provided the way. He is the way, and there is no other way. It is through His grace that the competent are enabled to bless their neighbors. Nobody could become competent without the grace of God. Our competence is dependent on His. He has power. He has ability. He has might. He has all knowledge and wisdom. He is all things to all people. He is our all in all. Because of this His grace is sufficient for anyone, and everyone, to become competent, if they desire. He gives His grace to all, blessing everyone with the blessings of eternity that they can never achieve or merit on their own. We do not deserve any part of His blessings -- they come out of pure grace through His love. His love is pure, and there is not a single selfish motive in it. Ultimately, He is the only competent One. We must depend on His competence to become competent ourselves. 

Grace explains the paradox of competence. Nobody is competent of themselves. Only those who turn to the Lord can become competent, and only those who are meek, humble, patient, and lowly in heart will turn to the Lord. The meek inherit the earth because they rely on the grace of God, while the proud will not turn to Him, and remain incompetent. Faith is active, not passive. The man who was given a single talent did not do anything, he just sat there and did nothing. The other two actively traded theirs, and grew. The proud who are passive will remain incompetent, while the humble people who actively ask, seek, and knock become like Abraham; they receive the grace of the Lord, Jesus Christ and become competent.