Section 163:7a-b
An Indispensable Witness

For Further Reflection and Discussion

1. David Brock refers to the parable of Jesus recorded in Luke 18:9–14 of a Pharisee and a tax collector in the temple before noting that this scripture “asks me to confess my sins, not the sins of others.” Why is it often so much easier to judge others than ourselves?

2. When have you witnessed misuse of scriptural passages? What role did the authority of priesthood play in those episodes? Were there short-term or long-term effects resulting from that? What, if any, redemptive ministry was offered?

3. When have you or those close to you been marginalized or wounded by words of scripture? How was it possible to move beyond those experiences (if, in fact, that was the case)?

4. Read through the five “guideposts for reading Holy Scripture” cited by the author which began to emerge in his life as he matured. Which ones in particular speak to you? Why?

5. The story of Jacob wrestling with an angel (Genesis 32:22–32) is cited as a model for one way to deal with a scriptural text. Why is it important to note that Jacob was forever wounded by his experience and that he emerged with a new name?

6. Jonah did not want to go to Ninevah, as God called him to do, because he was afraid the despised Ninevites would actually repent and follow God’s ways. Why do you think David Brock referred to this familiar Old Testament story in commenting on Doctrine and Covenants 163:7c?

7. Several common scriptural misinterpretations are listed as bullet points in this commentary. What additional ones can you identify?

8. The author admits there is “no easy way to apply ancient texts, or even modern counsel in the latest sections of the Doctrine and Covenants, to our daily living.” Yet it is commonplace today to hear people quote scripture as answers to a wide range of questions, or to state simply (and often forcefully), “Because the Bible says so.” How do you respond when that happens?

Discernment Activity

When reading the words “confess and repent of such attitudes and practices,” one wants to just keep moving on to the next sentence or the next thought. Yet each one of us is called to face ourselves; to grow and become—even if it is difficult. To confess by saying words silently or out loud is to acknowledge one’s sins to God. To repent is to turn from sin and resolve to reform one’s life and humbly ask God’s forgiveness. These two related acts are cornerstones for spiritual growth. To practice them on a regular basis will strengthen one’s relationship with the Holy and with others.

This particular examen (a spiritual discipline practiced for centuries) is a way of telling God you are serious about cooperating with God’s plan of salvation and holiness for you (see Ephesians 1:3–10). The focus is on one specific area of your life that needs attention.
Find a quiet place to be by yourself for twenty minutes. Sit comfortably, take two deep breaths, and let them out slowly.

Begin by giving thanks to God, our Lord, for the benefits you have received from him. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide and bless you in your prayer.

• Recall the blessings and graces you have received from God during this day or the previous day. Recall the blessings and graces God has offered others through you. This step focuses on gratitude and increasing your wonderment at God’s constant presence in your life.

• Recall the instances during your day when you were absent from God. Focus on your mistakes, your missed opportunities, your resistance to doing God’s will in daily tasks and invitations.

• Ask God to make you aware of ways you may have diminished the life of another through the misuse of scripture or otherwise. Ponder how one might feel when sacred text is used to exclude and control others.

• Make a sincere act of repentance and once again ask the Holy Spirit for guidance, strength, and wisdom as you return to your everyday life.

• Close by saying aloud the Lord’s Prayer.

—Discernment activity by Margaret Swartzendruber