G-d the Father

[Finrock]

I was reading from the Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetus. To give some background, the author of this epistle is believed to have almost certainly been a disciple of one of the twelve apostles after Jesus's ascension. This epistle is believed to have been written around A.D. 130 and is considered one of the works of the Apostolic Fathers. It was written during a time when most all of the apostles had been martyred. I add this to this thread because the author's words indicate an understanding of the Eternal Economy of God. I think it beautifully describes what God's work is and therefore what our work ought to be. God's work is one of lifting up those who are below (NOTE: When I have used the term "below" in this context and thread I have never been implying a position of pride or arrogance). God is constantly taking those who do not have a fulness and working to lift them up so that they might have a fulness. In the same sense, once we decide to join God's order we too must seek to lift others up so that they too can enjoy all of the blessings of the Father.

And if you love Him, you will be an imitator of His kindness. And do not wonder that a man may become an imitator of God. He can, if he is willing. For it is not by ruling over his neighbours, or by seeking to hold the supremacy over those that are weaker, or by being rich, and showing violence towards those that are inferior, that happiness is found; nor can any one by these things become an imitator of God. But these things do not at all constitute His majesty. On the contrary he who takes upon himself the burden of his neighbour; he who, in whatsoever respect he may be superior, is ready to benefit another who is deficient; he who, whatsoever things he has received from God, by distributing these to the needy, becomes a god to those who receive [his benefits]: he is an imitator of God. Then thou shalt see, while still on earth, that God in the heavens rules over [the universe]; then thou shall begin to speak the mysteries of God; then shalt thou both love and admire those that suffer punishment because they will not deny God; then shall thou condemn the deceit and error of the world when thou shall know what it is to live truly in heaven, when thou shalt despise that which is here esteemed to be death, when thou shalt fear what is truly death, which is reserved for those who shall be condemned to the eternal fire, which shall afflict those even to the end that are committed to it. Then shalt thou admire those who for righteousness’ sake endure the fire that is but for a moment, and shalt count them happy when thou shalt know [the nature of] that fire. (Emphasis added)

Source

EDIT: I also wanted to add here that from my research the word "imitator" as used in this epistle is not be understood in the sense that we might understand imitator today (generally an imitator in our day connotes one who is false or not the real thing). Imitator comes from the Latin root of imitatus. This means that imitator, in the context used in this epistle, has the same meaning as "image" as it is used in Genesis and other parts of the scriptures which in context means "exact likeness". But, I'm not an expert and I am open to being corrected.

Regards,

Finrock

Edited August 31, 2013 by Finrock
Added further clarification and substance

[Maureen]

Leah, I forgot that you had converted from Judaism to Mormonism. You are welcome to add your 2 cents to this thread. How would you compare Judaism's and Mormonism's beliefs in God?

M.

[Traveler]

Leah, I forgot that you had converted from Judaism to Mormonism. You are welcome to add your 2 cents to this thread. How would you compare Judaism's and Mormonism's beliefs in God?

M.

I have hoped that Leah would have responded to your offer. And so I with you look for a response.

The Traveler