Section 76

SongsByMike

Section 76

During this past 2006-07 school year, I was privileged to be able to teach early-morning seminary. It was an experience I will long cherish and I am grateful to those students and what I learned from them (a huge shout out my students from Yuma High School, Kofa High School, and Yuma Catholic High School – I know you all check my website at least once a week, right? – remember to keep that eternal perspective). I am signed up to teach again this next year.

This past year we were able to study Doctrine & Covenants/Church History, which was marvelous. I remember the day we studied Section 76, which is an amazing revelation about the final destiny of mankind. Some of the language used in this section is remarkable. I have long associated Section 76 with the discussion of the degrees of glory, but I was especially impressed this time as we studied the first ten verses, before even entering into that discussion. He “delights” to honor us when we are obedient and our final reward is beyond our current comprehension – “never entered into the heart of man”. Similar wording is used by Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:9.

I remember being frustrated while serving as a missionary and at other times of my life and wondering if it is really worth my time and effort to try to serve those around me when it doesn’t seem to be making much of a difference. Sometimes we are tempted to let our obedience and worthiness slide because it just seems easier. Other times, once in a while, He may allow us momentary glimpses of those things that “never entered into the heart of man” and shows us that we are making progress. Section 76 reminds me that it will all be worth it if we endure to the end.

Words and Music by Michael Squires (See D&C 76:1-10; 1Corinthians 2:9)

Why do I choose to fight these battles?

And struggle to help others do what’s right?

Can I begin to comprehend my wager?

Is it really worth serving with all my might?

Eye hath not seen nor hath ear heard the things he’s

Prepared for those servants that for him do stand.

Great is their reward and eternal their glory,

Such as never entered into the heart of man.

He delights to honor those who serve Him.

The wonders of eternity shall they know.

Their understanding then can reach to heaven,