Traveler

For sake of discussion, I will put forward some ideas.  There is a title of Messiah or Christ that goes beyond the person that receives that title.  The ancient meaning of Messiah or Christ was the anointed one.  In addition, there is also a mention of the spirit of Christ.  My personal thinking is that this is something other than the spirit person of Jesus that was our older brother in our first estate.  Perhaps the attitude and persona that Jesus took upon himself in our first estate that distinguished him there as The Son of G-d - the only begotten of the Father.  In terms of Jesus Christ or Jesus the anointed - has unique and singular meaning directly associated with the “plan of salvation” and the atonement, in that all that are anointed for any divine cause must be anointed according to the order of the priesthood of Christ.
The title of Christ is appointed to the name of Jesus by which he was anointed and by which we know him and partake with him in the plan of salvation.   There are scriptures by which Jesus presents himself as our covenant proctor in the Father’s plan thereby under the covenant he has the role and title of father by which we partake of the covenant and Jesus becomes the unique and only way or path to return to the kingdom of heaven to be a citizen and agent that is one with the Son and the Father (See the gospel of John chapter 17).
 
The Traveler

For sake of discussion, I will put forward some ideas.  There is a title of Messiah or Christ that goes beyond the person that receives that title.  The ancient meaning of Messiah or Christ was the anointed one.  In addition, there is also a mention of the spirit of Christ.  My personal thinking is that this is something other than the spirit person of Jesus that was our older brother in our first estate.  Perhaps the attitude and persona that Jesus took upon himself in our first estate that distinguished him there as The Son of G-d - the only begotten of the Father.  In terms of Jesus Christ or Jesus the anointed - has unique and singular meaning directly associated with the “plan of salvation” and the atonement, in that all that are anointed for any divine cause must be anointed according to the order of the priesthood of Christ.
The title of Christ is appointed to the name of Jesus by which he was anointed and by which we know him and partake with him in the plan of salvation.   There are scriptures by which Jesus presents himself as our covenant proctor in the Father’s plan thereby under the covenant he has the role and title of father by which we partake of the covenant and Jesus becomes the unique and only way or path to return to the kingdom of heaven to be a citizen and agent that is one with the Son and the Father (See the gospel of John chapter 17).
 
The Traveler

https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2023/12/8/23993658/elder-patrick-kearon-called-and-ordained-as-a-member-of-the-quorum-of-the-twelve-apostles
 

I am convinced that there is very little in scripture that can be understood except by and through the spirit of G-d ---- especially those things that relate to eternal life.  I do not want to pretend that I have the concepts of wealth all figured out – however, perhaps I have some ideas to be considered.
First – I would submit that there is a spiritual difference between riches and wealth.  But this is not so obvious because we do not read scripture as they were written but rather as they are interpreted and translated.  It is quite possible that our translations state riches when wealth was spiritually intended and vice versa.  All this leaves enough ambiguity that anyone can rationalize whatever they wish concerning wealth and riches – not just now in mortality but in the eternities.
Second – I would suggest that when the scriptures refer to “Glory” of the resurrection that one could understand that a reference is being made to eternal riches (wealth and power) which is in essence a form of eternal money.  All the references to kingdoms of “Glory” are in essence a form of eternal spiritual wealth and money.  Thus, the mansions of the Celestial Glory display a much greater wealth than the living quarters of the Telestial Glory.
Third – Our president, prophet and current proxy of Christ has admonished us to “think Celestial”.  Jesus taught that the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven is the servant.  This means that in the eternal scheme of things the greatest accumulation of spiritual money comes from service – which is contrary to non-Celestial thinking that wealthy individuals heir servants to serve them.  I would submit that even in this mortal world that anyone that accumulates riches by not serving others – is doing so through the lie of sin and rebellion against G-d the Father.
Fourth – the accumulation of wealth through any other means other than eternal service is sin, the beginning of lies and is outright rebellion against G-d the Father.  Because Lucifer desired the Glory (eternal money and wealth) of G-d the Father without offering himself in service is what turned Lucifer into Satan – the father of lies.  Getting rich without true service (providing eternal benefit to others) is acting as an agent of evil (in the greatest service of Satan).   
Perhaps I could explain these 4 thoughts better.  Surely, I can continue to learn and better serve my G-d and fellow men.
 
The Traveler

It is what it means.  The "small gate" called the eye of the needle didn't exist at the time of Christ.
Yes, some rich people will say "oh we only need to..." then don't actually do that.
No, the issue is two fold. 
The interpretation is usually wrong.  Even with the right interpretation, people don't actually abide by the counsel the Savior was trying to convey.

Obviously, there is more to this than people committing some alliance of sin – other wise it is unlikely that the human species would have survived this long.  The term ripe in iniquity is very ambiguous.   It seems that whenever someone draws a “red” line that it somehow gets crossed, and the prophesy is not fulfilled.  I would submit that the red line of ripe in iniquity is the endangerment of children. 
From the flood to Sodom and Gomorrah to the Tower of Bable to Ninevah to the destruction of the wicked at the end of times – I would suggest that when the voice of the people allows the offences of abuse of children (especially young children under that age of accountability) that the laws and covenants of heaven require that G-d intervein to save the children.
Wars have always taken place – as well as violence and other acts of abuses deliberately targeting young children that ought to be protected by society – I speculate that the keys of destruction lay when the lives of children are sacrificed for pleasure, profit and power – that G-d will destroy such a society.
 
The Traveler

Milton Friedman has already been referenced – I will reference him again especially for the benefit of @Carborendum .  But I would bend the idea of basic income to what Milton calls the negative income tax.  For those interested here is a video of Milton explaining his negative income tax:
 
 
The Traveler

Obviously, there is more to this than people committing some alliance of sin – other wise it is unlikely that the human species would have survived this long.  The term ripe in iniquity is very ambiguous.   It seems that whenever someone draws a “red” line that it somehow gets crossed, and the prophesy is not fulfilled.  I would submit that the red line of ripe in iniquity is the endangerment of children. 
From the flood to Sodom and Gomorrah to the Tower of Bable to Ninevah to the destruction of the wicked at the end of times – I would suggest that when the voice of the people allows the offences of abuse of children (especially young children under that age of accountability) that the laws and covenants of heaven require that G-d intervein to save the children.
Wars have always taken place – as well as violence and other acts of abuses deliberately targeting young children that ought to be protected by society – I speculate that the keys of destruction lay when the lives of children are sacrificed for pleasure, profit and power – that G-d will destroy such a society.
 
The Traveler

Obviously, there is more to this than people committing some alliance of sin – other wise it is unlikely that the human species would have survived this long.  The term ripe in iniquity is very ambiguous.   It seems that whenever someone draws a “red” line that it somehow gets crossed, and the prophesy is not fulfilled.  I would submit that the red line of ripe in iniquity is the endangerment of children. 
From the flood to Sodom and Gomorrah to the Tower of Bable to Ninevah to the destruction of the wicked at the end of times – I would suggest that when the voice of the people allows the offences of abuse of children (especially young children under that age of accountability) that the laws and covenants of heaven require that G-d intervein to save the children.
Wars have always taken place – as well as violence and other acts of abuses deliberately targeting young children that ought to be protected by society – I speculate that the keys of destruction lay when the lives of children are sacrificed for pleasure, profit and power – that G-d will destroy such a society.
 
The Traveler

I believe it is important to do research before we settle upon an opinion.  Here is a sketch of my research.  There is in history a few examples of successful programs for a stable society dealing with their poor.  The problem we have with the few examples that exist is that we have little information about the policies or the implications of policies and principles.  The one example that specifically states that poverty was illimited is in the Book of Mormon of the society of the Nephites following the appearance of Christ.  We therefore do know that poverty can be eliminated.
We also know that the economic policy that we have information on, with the most success in advancing economic development, technology, education and increased living standards is capitalism.  Many (including myself) believe that the current economic system employed in the USA is not capitalism but rather a corrupted version of capitalism.
Let us take a look at our current poverty program, where it came from and what are its flaws.  The beginning of the poverty programs in the USA began with the 1960 census.  This census was the most complete census ever undertaken and recorded in human history.  It is from this census that the progressive liberals developed a theory to eradicate poverty.  They demonstrated from the 1960 census that if 2% of the nation’s GDP was transferred to the poor that poverty would be eradicated.  In other words that all the individual falling under their definition of economic poverty could be financially lifted out of poverty.
In 1965 then President Johnston launched in congress what was called “The Great Society”.  With the backing of the 1960 census Johnston and the Democrats created programs to end poverty and create an environmentally friendly (pollution free) society.   The 2% of the GDP needed to end poverty since then has increased to over 20+% since I last checked over a decade ago.  Now with over 25% of our GDP siphoned off for poverty the result today is that poverty in the USA is even worse now than before any of the programs of the Great Society were even initiated.
I have been unable to determine how much has been spent on environmental programs since 1965, but the results of all that has been spent – according to Democratic propaganda (Please note my use of the terms propaganda and Democrat we could just say Political rhetoric) – our environmental concerns (currently global warming and climate change) have increased substantially and our environment is in more danger now than in any time of human history.
Might I suggest that seeking any government solution in such manners is counterproductive.
 
The Traveler

It tracks.  Here's the most extreme example I can come up with: 
Woman escapes from abusive controlling relationship, adequately described as kidnapping and slavery, and gets her first bit of healthcare since the pregnancy.  The exam reveals she's malnourished, in borderline shock, and any attempt at vaginal birth will likely kill the mother.   Just for moral certitude, we can add that the woman is 14 yrs old, the baby is a product of both rape and incest, and has little or no chance of surviving outside the womb.
Answer: Immediate c-section.  No killing the baby necessary.  It may or may not live, but there's nothing about an immediate c-section that requires killing the child.

This is an indicator of three social phenomena.
Ignorance will tend to lead people to the worst path. If we don't learn what is right, we will tend to choose the wrong. The greater population of Jews in the US have ignored Niemoller's poem First they Came... A shame when it was meant to encourage protecting the Jews.  But have they spoken up to protect Christians? Good for Professor Hassner for bringing this up.  But I wonder if he (as a Jew) has considered if his focus on religious violence would have reflected the things Jews have ignored when it only effected others.

I can't speak to that ward, nor am I casting judgement.  I will, however, share my experience as a member of the bishopric and the struggles we have with serving the one vs the many.  
I'm in a small ward, so it may be different here.  We have several children that require special attention.  They are often loud and boisterous.  Some families have several of these children in the same family.  The parents walk in and you can see the weariness in their face.  They've probably spent the entire morning trying to get those children dressed, fed, and to church.  They do this faithfully every week.  Then they spend the entire Sacrament meeting trying to keep those children quiet and in their seats.   They know other people are looking at them disapprovingly.  They get up and walk the halls with their children, hovering at the door during moments their children are quiet, trying to get some of the message they need but they miss most of it.  We try so hard to get them help, but it rarely works out.  
My heart breaks for those parents and I've spent many hours on my knees asking for ways to serve them and the ward.   

Do you plan to ski this winter without gloves?
 
The Traveler

Moses 5: 23-24 implies that Cain will rule over Satan.
I don’t tend to do much speculation about Lucifer.
He only has as much power as we are willing to give him.
Isaiah 14: 15-16 to me reads that once we see Lucifer bound and imprisoned.  We will see him for his real self and will not be terribly impressed.

Season’s Greetings Johnson Jones:
I appreciate your input and I read it with interest.  I wish I knew for sure if I agree or disagree with your post.  I have had long discussions with my doctor – we are on very good terms.  I had COVID during the first year and long before the vaccine.  Though he initially recommended that I get the vaccine, he admits now that it probably did not improve my chances (immune system that produced antibodies so that I never spread the virus or had any symptoms) as originally advertised – just that it was the best information that we had at the time.  I wonder.
The problem I have is that the pharmaceuticals made billions.  This is billions above all their costs.  Many think that the vaccines were free – not true, the pharmaceuticals charged extra for their expedited effort, and it was paid for from taxpayers’ funds.  This was too much incentive, both within the medical community and the government to take advantage of the profits and run (this includes the CDC and anyone else exposed to their lobbyist).  Realize that these are the lobbyists that have convinced the US government to allow the advertising of prescriptions drugs to the general public – why would our government allow this.  With incentives of billions – I do not trust anyone in the medical profession or government that can profit.  I believe that the institutions of the world during the latter-days are not to be trusted.  But I also want to get along with responsible people. 
As a side note I was traveling for work in Asia during SARS and I never got that either, even though I was an American that did not know to wear a mask.
I hope that the lawsuit forces the pharmaceuticals to make public all their development, testing and profits (economics) of their involvement in COVID.  If nothing else it should allow us to know what happened behind the scenes.
 
The Traveler 

This is the best thread we’ve had in months.  Awesome!!! 

Hummmmmm -- maybe I whould have better luck training your cat.
 
The Traveler

Hummmmmm -- maybe I whould have better luck training your cat.
 
The Traveler

You greatly underestimate my ability to feign stupidity while letting you vacuum my carpet.   And I only have one cat, with short hair.   But I do have 6 vacuum cleaners, so it may take you several visits to demonstrate their various technical advantages.

I know there is a new movie out in the Equalizer series.  They have been quite popular – I just think they are a little unrealistic.  At least these kind of heroes.  Having been in the military, assigned to work with military intelligence and having in the Defense Department for a number of years – anyone expert in their craft are seldom retired while at the pinnacle of their expertise. 
There is something else – often in the entertainment world the hero takes on many and dispenses of them with little effort.  There can be 50 expert bad guys firing on the good guy and missing while the good guy takes out a bad guy with every shot.  In reality world none of the elite special teams attack as a single individual with a hand gun. 
One thing I learned during my military experience – if I am ever in a life-threatening combat situation, I will avoid going it alone – especially with inferior weapons (handgun or anything inferior to my opponent’s weapons).  A single individual is no match for a team working together – ever.  Even the classic story of David facing Goliath often misses the most important notion that David had divine assistance and that it was that assistance and not David’s exceptional abilities that was the difference.
My whole point is that we should never attempt to tackle anything of importance on our own.  As much as we think we ought to be up to outstanding tasks – if something is important we should always think in terms of seeking and accepting help.  All too often we think to do too many things by ourselves – even when we are giving a calling – it is seldom a good idea to much of anything all on our own.
 
The Traveler

I think it is sad (especially among LDS) to define success in terms of worldly achievements – especially money.  The second problem is in defining success in terms of others (our children, family or friends).  Perhaps the strangest is defining one’s success in terms of heroes – like your favorite sports team, celebrity or following the initial op – tribe association.   The flipside of this is the inability to realize the shortcomings of ourselves or those in our tribe – or until your enemy does it.
I have often thought about determining my personal successes.  I hold two patents from work, but the reality is that the patents were not really my ideas but came as inspiration from a source outside of myself.  I cannot take credit for something that is not mine.
I mentioned what I am thinking about success to my wife, and she said that I am an amazing husband – but the truth is that she is an amazing wife that makes me a better husband.
I am thinking that determining personal success is a trap similar to humility.  The more you think you are a master of it the more you are failing at it.  And if you think you have failed – it is likely that you have.  The one thing I believe; is that if you love someone unselfishly – that truly is one thing in which you have indeed succeeded.
 
The Traveler

You greatly underestimate either my teaching abilities or your learning abilities. -- but then you have cats -- it may take more than once or twice.  😉
 
The Traveler

I'd be perfectly happy if @Traveler wanted to drop by once a week and demonstrate the finer techniques of carpet and hard floor cleaning.  I think after a hundred or so lessons I might be ready to try it myself.

Meanwhile, here's the page showing Henry and all his friends: Hetty, James, George, Charles, (and various other forms of Henry).  Given the names, one might think this company is trying to suggest that kings suck...