In this world, too many seem to get caught up with temporal mathematics in describing and formulating how to address many of the temporal conditions we find ourselves in. In so doing, they rely on supposition and theory as to what the problem is, then go on to create mathematical or computer models to come up with viable solutions.
Too often, it is difficult to separate fact from fiction, as so much of the approach to the issue is centered on different and competing objectives or desired outcomes. Some honestly seek truth and have a deep desire to improve the human condition, while others may seek to enrich themselves by riding the wave of popular consensus for their own power, popularity, and gain.
I have watched in wonder, for example, the debate on global warming, who or what is responsible and how to address it, assuming that it is a bad thing or that it bodes ill for humanity. The conflicting views are not always debated with the intent to seek truth, but to either gain some advantage or to seek to control the habits of others.
Too often, those who oppose the theory, in vogue at the time, are seen as heretics of a sort and their points of view are, therefore, dismissed out of hand, without serious consideration. Labels are thrown around such as global warming fanatics, or deniers, depending on which side of the issue one is on.
In all of this confusion and uproar, I wonder why so few have attempted to apply heavenly mathematics to address issues of concern about the mortal condition we find ourselves in?
We know that temporal mathematics, when appropriately applied, can help us to discover truth and help us arrive at solutions, which are true and accurate. Temporal mathematics, however, does have what are called unknown factors. Frequently, we label these as “X”. Some problems elude solution because we do not know enough about the unknown factors.
Here is where heavenly mathematics comes to the rescue, for this is a more exact science and it is, as Elder Maxwell states, “things as they really are.”
Take for example the issue of global climate change, considered to bode ill for humanity. The Lord has by direct revelation and commentary told us how to adjust the environment and climate for our good, thus mitigating any hazardous effects we may face.
The Lord states in Malachi 3:10-11 (and repeated in 3 Nephi 24:10-11) “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house, and prove me herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for you sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.” This sounds like a conditional blessing that will provide ample agricultural production.
In 2 Nephi 1:9 (and reiterated in Jarom, Mosiah, and Alma) the Lord states: “And if it so be that they shall keep his commandments, they shall prosper upon the face of the land…and there shall be none to molest them, nor to take away the land of their inheritance; and shall dwell safely forever.” This sounds like a solution to terrorists and other calamities we currently face.
We have some real life examples in the scriptures of this promise, but none greater than that found in 4 Nephi 1:23 …”and that they had become exceedingly rich, because of their prosperity in Christ.”
During this approximate 200-year era in Nephite history, the people multiplied, prospered and had such abundance beyond compare, but more important is that they did “have no poor among them” and they did “deal justly one with other” and “there could not have been a happier people upon the face of the earth”.
We are also told in the scriptures that “the whole earth groans under the weight of iniquity” and immorality of mankind. Perhaps this is a greater contributor to adverse climate conditions than we suppose. In fact, there are countless examples of how the earth and its climate are directly impacted by how we live our lives.
One could go on and on with example after example of how well heavenly mathematics solves our greatest problems, subdues the earth, tempers the climate and is made conducive to our well being and happiness, but even in heavenly mathematics there is an “unknown factor”.
The unknown factor, which is not unknown to God, for “He knows all things” but is sometimes unknown to us, is what we will choose and how we will decide to live our lives each and every day.
It is an eternal principle that when we behave, as God would have us behave and live as we have been counseled, we will be blessed. When we seek to obey some other voice, we will not do as well, will be “left to ourselves” and place ourselves at the mercy of the effects of broken eternal laws.
In both temporal and heavenly mathematics there are, however, some constants, which never vary.
The constant in heavenly mathematics is that our well being and that of those we live among, is directly proportional to our degree of obedience to heavenly laws and our righteousness.
So, what should our goal be, how can we best assist the human condition? I believe the answer lies in the account of Abraham and the Lord, debating the future of Sodom and Gomorrah.
In the Genesis account, we find Abraham asking “Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?” He and the Lord then go on to whittle down the number of righteous that it will take to tip the scales in favor of sparing the cities. They go from “per adventure there be 50” all the way down to 10 where the Lord states that “I will not destroy it for ten’s sake.”
Like the leaven in one of the Lord’s parables, and the salt that has not lost its savor, I would submit that if we do all we can to follow the Lord, follow his example and his counsel, we would contribute to the welfare of all. In so doing, It just may be that our contribution will help to increase the number of those that are needed to “per adventure” there be sufficient in the city, enough to spare the population from the ill effects of our environment or any other calamity.
Ron Forstner