My Mormon Third Eye: I See... The Lord's Math

Sunday, September 20, 2015

I See... The Lord's Math

Old Math. New Math. Algebra. Calculus. Is 2 + 2 still 4? One respected author describes math as “an atomic-powered prosthesis that you attach to your common sense, vastly multiplying its reach and strength.” Very few of the masses, however, mention the most influential arithmetic of all- the Lord's Math!
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Basic Math

The Lord's basic math refers to relatively simple but powerful if/then doctrinal statements that can be easily reduced to a straightforward mathematical formula:

(keep my commandments) + (endure to the end) = eternal life. (D&C 14:7)
(repent) + (baptized in my name) + (endure to the end) = salvation. (D&C 18:22)
not equal in earthly things = not equal in obtaining heavenly things (D&C 78:6)
(not hearken unto his voice) + {not believe on his Only Begotten Son) = God cursing the earth with a sore curse. (Moses 5:55-56)

Advanced Math

Advanced math refers to either more specific or veiled versions of the if/then formula for rendering gospel truths. Many of these advanced formulas rarely add up correctly for those trapped in the carnal, physical world. In advanced math, 1 + 1 = 100:

(revile not against your enemy (1)) + (bear it patiently (1)) = reward shall be an hundred-fold (100). (D&C 98:25)

How about:

be of good cheer = (being led along by the Lord) + (the kingdom) + (the blessings of the kingdom) + (the riches of eternity) (D&C 78:18)
all the tithes into the storehouse = pour out blessings that there shall not be room enough to receive (Malachi 3:10)

Or, two of my favorite divine math equations from Isaiah:

(deal bread to the hungry) + (bring the poor that are cast out to thy house) + (cover the naked) + (hide not thyself from thine own flesh (support your own family)) = (light breaking forth in the morning) + springing forth speedily) + (righteousness going before thee) + (the glory of the Lord) + (answers to prayers). (Isaiah 58: 7-9)
(turn away thy foot from the sabbath) + (turn away from doing thy pleasure on my holy day) + (call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord) + (honor him not doing thine own ways) + (not finding thine own pleasure) + (not speaking thine own words) = (delight thyself in the Lord) + (ride upon the high places of the earth) + (feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father). (Isaiah 58: 13-14)

The bottom line? I encourage you to look for more of the Lord's Math in the scriptures; you find them in almost every chapter!

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The Mormon Third Eye Quote of the Week

"As men of the priesthood, we have an essential role to play in society, at home, and in the Church. But we must be men that women can trust, that children can trust, and that God can trust. In the Church and kingdom of God in these latter days, we cannot afford to have boys and men who are drifting. We cannot afford young men who lack self-discipline and live only to be entertained. We cannot afford young adult men who are going nowhere in life, who are not serious about forming families and making a real contribution in this world. We cannot afford husbands and fathers who fail to provide spiritual leadership in the home."

Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Priesthood Session Conference, October 2012

Why My Mormon Third Eye?

When I politely excused myself in the middle of dinner to make a bathroom stop, how did Mom know that I had uneaten peas in my pocket to flush down the toilet? When I came home late from a youth dance and slid quietly into bed to avoid waking parental units, how did Dad know, without looking at the car, that I smashed in the front bumper? When I watch my daughter play a video game, how do I know that she's not ready for her Geometry final?

Its the Third Eye. The notorious eye in the back of the head, the extra view of life that God blesses parents striving to do the right thing so they can see more of life than the children they chase after.

Our third eye also permits us to see things and feel emotions that are too refined, too far on the edge of our standard two-eyed peripheral vision to enjoy in its fullness. I've learned that I have a Mormon Third Eye; that is, as a life-long, fully-dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have unique perspective on how the doctrines of the gospel and the demands of my faith in them intersect every other part of my mortal existence to create the entertaining, self-deprecating kaleidoscope of my life.

So... for those of you bold and bored enough to read this far, every so often I'll be sharing here what my Mormon third eye sees. Third eyes are relatively huge; they see the humorous, the entertaining, the embarrassing, the beautiful, the inspirational, and even the moral and political; however, they tend to ignore the evil, depressing and destructive: there is enough of that in world already!

The Four Secrets to Successful Living

Always Go Where There is Free Food - This includes ward and work parties, wedding receptions and missionary open houses; the money you spend to buy the ingredients for the world-famous triple chocolate cake you bring doesn’t count.
Never Pay Full Price for Anything – See my posts on Black Friday escapades for more information on this.
Never, Ever Press the Red Button - Usually, if you are faced with a red button somewhere, don’t press it – it usually means trouble. For example, the red button launches the missiles. Do yourself a favor and don’t press it.
Any Problem You Face Can Be Solved With Bungee Cords and Duct Tape - Bungee cord and duct tape technology has saved many marriages and ward parties. I’m not just talking about problems with plumbing or keeping groceries from bouncing around the trunk; I know of relationship and family issues that have been solved with creative applications of these two substances.