In the April 2011 General Conference, Elder Chistofferson gave an address entitled, "
As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten." Herein, he presents a lists of forms and sources of possible chastening. Chastening may come through or in,
- Prayers (God speaks to our mind and heart through the Holy Ghost)
- Prayers that are answered "no"
- Scripture study (reminded of deficiences, disobedience, or neglected matters)
- Others (God-inspired: apostles, prophets, patriarchs bishops, etc.)
- Fellow church members
- Persons who have little regard or love for us
- Spouses and parents; i.e., family
I find the principle of
chastening a connection between the restored and ancient church of Jesus Christ. Jehovah was portrayed as a harsh judge of the fallacies of character and actions of the people of his interest, and frequently called out such deficiencies. In our day, we encounter requirements commensurate with those of the desert-strewn church of Israel. We believe in an inheritance, prophets, covenants, the Sabbath, tithes, a law of eating, commandments, holy places, anointing, care for the fatherless and the widows, and of particular interest to this post,
requirements.
The method of chastening is one of the ways in which the Lord
directs us toward the path which will produce the most sanctification on our behalf out of our efforts. Chastening, if heeded, will steer us toward becoming that person who would be the happiest, the most charitable, the most giving, the most lovely, and the most holy. Chastening, therefore, is the methodology of perfection. I hope not to neglect its lessons.
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