Note: while this post is not dependent on Part 1, that would provide context not included here.
The Glory of God is Intelligence…
The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth. (Doctrine and Covenants 93:36)
So, what did I really learn at the conference?
Well, as usual, it is somewhat embarrassing: intelligence is more than being smart.
What do we think this,
…I am the Lord thy God, I am more intelligent than they all (Abraham 3:19)
means?
Being logical, analytical, creative, witty? Do we include “emotional intelligence,” “social intelligence,” “spiritual intelligence,” “physical intelligence, etc?” We have “talked” here in the past about dimensions and the idea that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are the epitome of every virtue. That isn’t new. So, how is it that I never connected that concept with “the glory of God is intelligence?”
Looking back at the conference, and using Romans 2:1 as a lens/mirror, I must conclude that I have spent far more energy cultivating (admittedly not very successfully) intellect and in doing so, demonstrated the “strong arm metaphor (the idea that when one acts, they default to their strong arm, which further strengthens it, while denying the weaker arm growth).”
We live in a society that is readily defined by the words:
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. (Matthew 24:12)
So, is it surprising that love isn’t our strong arm, the one we default to in a pinch? Is it surprising that if we attend a conference, we see intellectualism and sociability?
How does one develop love (part of emotional intelligence?)? By baking cookies and brownies and taking them to the inactive or to a fireside? Perhaps one does this in elementary school, but what about in High School?
We know that many have failed to obtain Zion through “intellectual” means. That shouldn’t be surprising, should it? We might expect that Zion can’t be obtained through social means, either. If we expand the concept of “intelligence” to include a broad spectrum of virtues and associated skills, might we better understand and see what is required to become Zion? Then, perhaps, we will find that rather than being set apart and called to leave our worldly goods and walk to Zion, we will already be Zion. Living in the place called Zion will then be the natural consequence of who we are. And, are we not already called to become Zion? What are we waiting for, permission to develop greater faith and to perfect ourselves? What a cop out!
But, if we have no living examples to model our behavior upon, then how do we learn?
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 12:9–10)
And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them. (Ether 12:27)
Our Holy, Righteous and Eternal Father, please, please, please grant us the wisdom, understanding, and humility to see ourselves with Thine eye. Show us our iniquity(s), our unbelief(s), our infirmity(s), our pride(s). Bless us with the opportunities to develop that which is weak thin us. Help us to transform our weaknesses into our strengths. Create Zion here, now, within us, within each of us. Thus, glorify Thou us, that we might more perfectly praise, honor, and glorify Thee. ITHNOJCA&A&A