I See...Multiplying and Replenishing the Earth

The core principle underpinning the sacred instruction to multiply and replenish the earth comes from revealled knowledge of the plan of salvation. Having children provides opportunities for spirits in the pre-earth life to participate in the plan of salvation; to obtain bodies, have their faith tested, and return to his presence with a perfect, resurrected body and a commitment to continue on the path to inherit all that He has. Practically, this translates into divine direction to have babies and raise as many children as circumstances permit. This is often broken down into more manageable components- do not postpone marriage and family, learn fundamental principles of child rearing, etc.

However, The Mormon Third Eye sees the beginning from the end, and contends that too often we overlook our “support crews” that make it more possible for us to keep this commandment. They make the world a better place to rear more children. I'm talkin' about:

• Corporations and businesses that sell goods and services at prices and offer salaries and benefits at levels that encourage couples to have more children;
• Primary, Sunday School, Young Men and Young Men, and especially Seminary teachers who emphasize both being good children and becoming good fathers and mothers;
• Scientists and researchers who continually work towards miraculous discoveries for growing more food on less land, thereby increasing the Earth's capacity to house more humans. “The enemy of human happiness as well as the cause of poverty and starvation is not the birth of children,” said Elder Henry B. Eyring of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “It is the failure of people to do with the earth what God could teach them to do if only they would ask and then obey.”

What about social workers promoting adoption services? Babysitters who give stressed parents a break from their busy anklebiters? The army of therapists and medical professionals that support families with special needs children? The school teachers, piano teachers, and tutors entrusted with educating our children? I submit they all are part of the scaffolding that builds and upholds our efforts to multiply and replenish the earth, and we all know that construction without scaffolding is too dangerous to even attempt.

This is how the Lord works. He includes everyone in bringing to pass His great works. What part will you play?