The Purpose of Prosperity
The Lord gives abundance not so we can boast, but so we can bless. Jacob taught:
“Before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God... and after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good.”
True prosperity means utilizing our resources to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, and bless those in need.
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​A Promise That Stands Today
The promise is clear and eternal:
“Inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall prosper in the land.”
This applies to individuals, families, and nations. Heber C. Kimball reminded the Saints:
“Brethren and sisters, remember all your duties and perform them, and the Lord Almighty will bless you and prosper you in all things which you set your hands to do.”

God’s promise has never changed. 
When we love Him, keep His commandments, and remember those in need, He blesses us with true prosperity—peace, safety, joy, and the ability to serve.

​The pattern is clear: Obedience brings prosperity.

When God’s people kept His commandments, they were blessed. When they forgot Him, they fell. The same promise is alive today—for you, your family, and your nation.

“Inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall prosper in the land.”

Discover more of God’s promises in Bill Wylson’s book: Give Place in Your Heart. Click here: https://books2read.com/u/mYzjDW

“Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ, who hath been manifested by the things which we have written.”  Ether 2:12

The land we inhabit, the land of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, is a testament to our unique religious and patriotic identity. The United States of America, with its singular purpose ordained by God, stands as a divine creation. As Mark E. Petersen eloquently stated: “There is a United States only because God planned to restore the gospel in the last days and he had to have a free country in which to do it, with freedom of worship, freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and freedom of assembly.”  

Joseph F. Smith has acknowledged that: “This great American nation the Almighty raised up by the power of his omnipotent hand, that it might be possible in the latter days for the kingdom of God to be established in the earth…. His hand has been over this nation, and it is his purpose and design to enlarge it—make it glorious above all others, and to give it dominion, and power over the earth, to the end that those who are kept in bondage and serfdom may be brought to the enjoyment of the fullest freedom and liberty of conscience possible for intelligent men to exercise in the earth.”   

In 1973, the First Presidency issued a call to action, urging “members of the Church and all Americans to begin now to reflect more intently on the meaning and importance of the Constitution, and of adherence to its principles…. In these challenging days, when there are so many influences which would divert us, there is a need to re-dedicate ourselves to the lofty principles and practices of our Founding Fathers.”   This is not just a suggestion but a solemn responsibility we all share, a responsibility that empowers us to shape the future of our nation.

Maintaining this country’s freedom is an ongoing responsibility. Liberty and democracy are worthy of our continued and constant support. Freedom has always been part of the American dream, and freedom has been promised on the condition that the people in this land serve the God of this land. The Book of Mormon reminds us that “this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound, cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever.”   

President J. Reuben Clark, a prominent leader of the Church in the mid-20th century, has stated: “The Constitution of the United States is a great and treasured part of my religion…. The overturning, or the material changing, or the distortion of any fundamental principle of our constitutional government would thus do violence to my religion…. My faith teaches me that the Constitution is an inspired document drawn by the hands of men whom God raised up for that very purpose; that God has given His approval of the government set up under the Constitution ‘for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles’: that the constitutional ‘principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before’ the Lord.  …. So far as my knowledge goes, this is the only government now on the earth to which God has given such an approval. It is His plan for the government of free men.” This divine approval should fill us with pride and a deep commitment to uphold the Constitution.   

President John Taylor said: “It has been asked whether this kingdom will fail. I tell you in the name of Israel’s God it will not fail. I tell you in the name of Israel’s God it will roll forth and that the things spoken of by the holy prophets in relation to it will receive their fulfillment.”  

Our nation has a prophetic history established on a spiritual foundation. It is the Lord’s center of operations in the last days. Our responsibility is to strengthen and safeguard the freedoms that will allow the gospel to move toward its ordained purpose.

President Harold B. Lee has proclaimed: “The Constitution will stand even if it must be saved by the elders of this Church. This nation, founded on the principles laid down by men whom God raised up, will never fail. I have faith in America, and you and I must have faith in America if we understand the teachings of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.”   

The Constitution of the United States of America, which is ordained of God and was brought about through men whom God raised for that purpose, is not just a legal document but a sacred covenant that we, as citizens and members of the Church, should re-dedicate ourselves to. Upholding its principles and practices is a civic duty and a religious obligation that will safeguard our priceless freedom. Our liberties as a church and nation depend on obeying the God of this land.
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Brigham Young said: “When the day comes in which the Kingdom of God will bear rule, the flag of the United States will proudly flutter unsullied on the flag staff of liberty and equal rights, without a spot to sully its fair surface; the glorious flag our fathers have bequeathed to us will then be unfurled to the breeze by those who have power to hoist it aloft and defend its sanctity.” ​

​Read more of God's promises to His children here: ​https://books2read.com/u/mYzjDW

“But behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction.”
 
The Savior of all humanity uttered a tender and heart-rending supplication in a revelation given through the prophet Joseph Smith in 1831: “Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him—saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified; wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life.” 

The Book of Mormon, an additional witness of Jesus Christ, invites us to experience the mercy and love our Redeemer imparts to everyone who accepts him as their Savior. Alma’s invitation to the people of his time is still open to all of us today. “Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you. Yea, he saith: Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life; yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely.” 

Certainly, afflictions and hardships fall like torrential rains in the lives of every mortal traveling the terrestrial road toward eternity. The occasional sunshine that breaks through the storm, offering us respite from our worries and unrest, is a blessing from beyond this world. 

As followers of Jesus Christ, we should embrace the concept that the Lord knows our hearts, will plead our specific and personal cause and contention, and will deliver justice to those who seek to harm us.
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Christ suffered for all, but he particularly pleads the plight of the righteous who repent and follow his teachings. The Son of God’s mediation is offered to those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit—to those who have become the children of Christ.

Clearly, there is sin in this world. The Book of Mormon teaches of the chains of hell and the captivity of the devil. It also teaches that there is power to overcome sin in the atonement of Jesus Christ.
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As Moroni watched the destruction of the Nephite civilization, he wrote these words to “all the ends of the earth--and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you.” 

“And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.” Moroni 7:33.

God’s love for us is not just a mere sentiment, but a transformative force that empowers us to fulfill our purpose on Earth. This divine power, generously shared with us, is a beacon of hope that guides us in carrying out His will. As we diligently learn to harness this power through faith and obedience, we are blessed with even greater capabilities and strength. This process of growth and empowerment deepens our connection with God, aligning us more fully with His plan. With each step taken in faith and trust, we discover new potentials within ourselves and a heightened ability to positively impact those around us. Embracing this gift of power from God allows us to overcome obstacles, bring about positive change, and spread love and light in the world.

More than merely claiming to believe in Christ is needed for our salvation. Our faith in Christ should not be a passive belief, but an active force that guides our actions and interactions. True faith is not just a set of words, but a way of life that reflects our commitment to follow Christ’s teachings and example with sincerity and obedience. 

David O. McKay explained that any “inclination to do is worth all of the good thoughts, warm feelings, and passionate prayers in which idle men indulge themselves.” We must strive to embody the values and principles Jesus teaches in our daily lives. This requires a genuine commitment to aligning our actions with our professed beliefs. Salvation comes not from verbal professions of faith but from a deep-rooted conviction that transforms how we think, speak, and act.

Authentic faith moves us toward acts of love, kindness, forgiveness, and service to others. It involves making sacrifices for the greater good and seeking positive change in our world. Ultimately, it is through our deeds that we demonstrate the sincerity of our belief in Christ’s teachings.

Our faith should inspire us to be better individuals and contribute positively to society. It is not simply about attending religious services or reciting prayers but about being a living embodiment of Christ’s message of love and compassion. True salvation stems from a holistic integration of our beliefs into every aspect of our existence.

The Lord graciously bestows upon us the priceless gift of faith, a powerful force that moves mountains and strengthens our hearts in times of trial. However, this divine gift is not a passive endowment, but a seed that requires our active participation to reach its full potential. It is through our own efforts of prayer, study, and obedience that we cultivate and nurture the seed of faith planted within us, allowing it to grow and flourish.

Just as a garden needs tending to bear fruit, so too must we tend to our faith by continually seeking God’s presence and guidance. Our daily choices and actions are crucial in shaping and strengthening our faith journey. By aligning our will with God’s will and surrendering ourselves to His divine plan, we allow the gift of faith to bloom and flourish in every aspect of our lives.

As we take intentional steps toward deepening our relationship with God, the seeds of faith within us begin to sprout and grow into a resilient tree of trust and belief. This growth process requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to let go of doubt and fear. Through prayerful reflection and spiritual practice, we can activate the gift of faith and experience the abundant blessings of walking in alignment with God’s perfect love.​

Plato wrote, “The first and best victory is to conquer self—to be conquered by self is, of all things, the most vile.” This underscores our responsibility for salvation, and each of us has been endowed with the power to do what is expedient in Christ. 

​​Read more of God's promises to His children here: ​https://books2read.com/u/mYzjDW