This Is My Work and My Glory: Understanding God's Purpose and Our Potential
This Is My Work and My Glory: Understanding God's Purpose and Our Potential
This article explores the profound meaning behind the phrase "this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man," found in Moses 1:39. We'll delve into the Latter-day Saint perspective on this declaration, examining its implications for our understanding of God's nature, our divine potential, and the path to exaltation.
The statement "this is my work and my glory" isn't simply a declaration of God's activities; it's a revelation of His ultimate purpose. It unveils a grand design, a plan of progression meticulously crafted for the benefit of His children. This isn't a static achievement but a dynamic, ongoing process.
The concept of "one glory upon another" (Moses 1:39) highlights this progressive nature. It illustrates a journey, not a destination – a continual ascent toward a higher state of being. This contrasts sharply with the notion of a single, final act of salvation. Instead, imagine a staircase that reaches the heavens. Each step represents a stage of growth, each level a higher glory, building upon the previous one until we reach the ultimate goal.
This continuous progression emphasizes the importance of personal growth and ongoing effort. Exaltation is not passively received; it's actively pursued, requiring our commitment and obedience to God's divinely instituted laws. These laws aren’t arbitrary restrictions but vital tools designed for our education and growth, guiding us along the path toward our full potential. This is not about blind obedience; it's about understanding the purpose of the laws and actively participating in our own spiritual development.
The Benevolent Nature of God’s Power
God's power to institute laws isn’t an exercise of dominance but an act of profound love. His inherent superiority in intelligence doesn’t lead to isolation but inspires Him to actively seek ways to uplift and elevate His children. He didn't remain aloof in His pre-mortal glory; instead, He proactively created a system of laws to facilitate the progress of less developed intelligences.
This active involvement in our spiritual growth reveals a God who is not only omnipotent but also deeply compassionate, actively engaged in the journey of His children. The establishment of these laws isn't a punitive measure but a loving invitation, offering structure and direction on the path toward our own divine potential. It's a testament to His desire to share His glory, helping us achieve our own magnificent destinies. This highlights the personal and intimate nature of God's relationship with each of us.
Moses 1:39 in Context: Immortality and Eternal Life
The phrase "this is my work and my glory" within Moses 1:39 is not isolated but forms the climax of a powerful narrative. The revelation recounts Moses' encounter with God, a transformative experience that profoundly shaped his understanding of divinity and his own purpose. This encounter highlights the importance of faith, obedience, and resistance to temptation.
Moses' subsequent confrontation with Satan underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the importance of choosing righteousness. He faced temptation directly, drawing upon his newfound understanding of God's glory to resist evil's allure. This confrontation emphasizes the constant need for vigilance and the strength that comes from faith in God and His plan. His successful resistance to Satan demonstrates the power of invoking the name of God's Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ.
Following this victory, Moses receives a profound vision of God’s creation, witnessing countless worlds and understanding the immensity of God’s power and purpose. This leads directly to the declaration: "For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." This statement frames God's overarching plan, emphasizing that His ultimate goal is our progression toward immortality and eternal life, a state of being that transcends mortality and approximates His own glory.
The Importance of Personal Effort
The passage in Moses 1 doesn’t suggest a passive role for us in this process. It's not simply about God doing the work; it requires our active participation. While God initiates and provides the means, our cooperation is essential. This involves:
Faith: A steadfast belief in God's plan and His power to guide us.
Obedience: Willingly following God's commandments, seeing them not as burdens but as pathways to growth.
Repentance: Actively seeking forgiveness and striving to overcome weaknesses.
Service: Reaching out to others, sharing the love and light we have received.
These are actions that demonstrate our commitment to the process of becoming more like God, actively participating in His grand design. This is not a passive journey; it requires active participation, effort, and a desire to grow and learn.
This Is My Work and My Glory: A Personal Application
Ultimately, understanding "this is my work and my glory" transforms our perspective. It shifts our focus from a limited, earthly existence to an eternal perspective, recognizing our divine potential and our crucial role in God's grand plan. This understanding inspires us to:
Embrace our divine heritage: Recognize our inherent worth as children of God, worthy of His love and attention.
Strive for continual growth: Embrace the journey of progression, continually seeking knowledge and spiritual development.
Share the gospel: Spread the message of hope and salvation, helping others understand their own divine potential.
This understanding isn't just a theological concept; it's a personal call to action. It's an invitation to participate in God's work, to contribute to the ultimate purpose of bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. This is a journey of growth, a process of becoming more like our Heavenly Father, and this understanding is central to a life of purpose and fulfillment. It is a journey where each step, each achievement, each act of service brings us closer to the ultimate glory that awaits all who strive to follow God's plan. And in that striving, we find our own individual glory, reflecting the divine light within us.
Frequently Asked Questions: “This Is My Work and My Glory”
What does the phrase "This is my work and my glory" (Moses 1:39) mean in the context of Latter-day Saint theology?
This phrase, central to Latter-day Saint belief, encapsulates God's overarching purpose: to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of humankind. It signifies that God's work is not merely a task, but a glorious expression of His divine love and power, focused on the eternal progression and exaltation of His children. It emphasizes the inherent worth and potential of each individual to achieve a state of godhood.
How does the concept of "one glory upon another" relate to the idea of exaltation?
The phrase "one glory upon another" describes a progressive, ongoing process of spiritual growth and development, leading to exaltation. It's not a single, sudden attainment of perfection, but a journey marked by successive stages. Each stage brings increased understanding, capacity, and glory, building upon previous achievements. This dynamic view contrasts with a static understanding of heaven, portraying exaltation as a continuous, upward movement.
What role do divinely instituted laws play in achieving exaltation?
God's laws are not restrictive, but enabling mechanisms. They're educational tools designed to guide and assist individuals in their spiritual progress. These laws provide structure, direction, and understanding, fostering growth and helping individuals develop their potential to reach their full divine potential. Obedience to these laws is not merely about compliance; it's an active participation in the process of self-improvement and spiritual ascension.
How does the passage in Moses 1 illuminate God's character?
The passage reveals a God who isn't distant or unapproachable but actively involved in the lives of His children. His superiority doesn't lead to isolation, but motivates Him to actively seek ways to uplift and elevate others. The creation and implementation of laws is an expression of His love and compassion, demonstrating His desire to share His glory and help His children achieve their own divine potential. This highlights God’s benevolent nature and His intimate involvement in the process of exaltation.
What is the significance of Moses' encounter with Satan in the context of this lesson?
Moses' confrontation with Satan emphasizes the importance of faith, obedience, and the power of Christ in resisting temptation. Satan's attempts to diminish Moses' divine heritage highlight the ongoing struggle between good and evil. However, Moses' resolute refusal and ultimate victory underscore the power available to individuals who rely on God's strength and the Savior's atonement to overcome adversity. The encounter emphasizes that while temptation is inevitable, succumbing to it is a choice.
How does this passage challenge worldly perspectives on humanity?
The passage directly counters the worldly view of humanity as insignificant, accidental beings destined for oblivion. It emphasizes our divine parentage and inherent worth, asserting that human existence has a profound and eternal purpose – to become like God. This challenges secular perspectives that deny the existence of a divine plan or inherent purpose in human life, presenting a contrasting narrative of significance and eternal potential.
