Posted on Facebook by Samoa Lualim
paralleling ASFG 1 lesson on “VIRTUE AND UNDERSTANDING”
ASFG Text: Virtue Is a Defense; Understanding Is a Weapon
(The Effect of Virtue and Understanding on Ourselves and Others)
(pages 50 to 52)
1. Why Jesus Was Called the Son of David
Paul often referred to Jesus as the Son of David rather than Son of Judah or Son of Joseph because David’s name carried weight and recognition among the people — especially the Romans, who admired power and conquest. By connecting Jesus to David, Paul spoke in a way that would capture the attention of a world impressed by worldly success.
However, the lesson goes deeper: we too often try to justify spiritual truth by material standards, wanting divine truth to appear “impressive” to human eyes.
In reality, the divine is not recognized by power or heritage but by virtue and understanding — the very qualities that connect us directly to God.
“For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7
2. Lessons from Moses and Mount Sinai
In Exodus 19–20, when God gave the Ten Commandments, the Israelites were afraid to approach God. The thunder, fire, and trumpet blasts made them tremble. God’s holiness exposed their lack of virtue — they feared His voice because their hearts were not pure.
The people asked Moses to speak to God for them, seeking an intercessor rather than approaching God directly. This shows a lack of spiritual courage and purity. The passage reminds us that fear often separates us from divine communion, whereas virtue (purity of heart) and understanding (spiritual insight) bring confidence in God’s presence.
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy.” — Hebrews 4:16
When virtue is weak, we lose our defense, and when understanding is clouded, we lose our weapon. But when both are strong, we become aligned with divine law — able to perceive God not as dreadful, but as loving and ever-present.
3. God’s Simplicity and Accessibility
God’s command for a simple altar without steps (Exodus 20:26) symbolizes that everyone should have direct access to Him, regardless of status. Religion should not elevate a few but draw all people closer. God wanted worship to be humble, not ornamental — spiritual, not ceremonial.
This connects directly to the ASFG text’s teaching: virtue and understanding must be personal and internal. Our spiritual “temple” is built within us, and its quality depends on the materials we use — faith, love, patience, and forgiveness.
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” — 1 Corinthians 3:16
4. The Defense of Virtue and the Weapon of Understanding
The passage in the ASFG text teaches:
Virtue protects the soul from corruption and condemnation. It is a defense against criticism and moral decay.
Understanding is the weapon that conquers ignorance and error. It allows us to rise above fear and confusion, recognizing divine truth.
Virtue without understanding can become rigid morality; understanding without virtue can become intellectual pride. But together they enable us to walk confidently through life’s trials, as when the ASFG text says, “With the Master, pass through the midst of it and go our way.”
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” — Proverbs 4:7
5. The Example of Jesus
Jesus perfectly united virtue and understanding.
When the woman caught in adultery was brought to Him (John 8:3–11), He neither condemned her nor excused sin. His virtue — purity of heart — gave Him defense; His understanding of divine law gave Him authority as a weapon. With one sentence — “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone” — He silenced hypocrisy and revealed truth.
True understanding sees not outward acts but inner motives. Therefore, as the ASFG text says, “With virtue within, we never retard the development of others.” Jesus did not shame the woman; He enlightened her conscience.
6. The Rich Young Ruler and Spiritual Readiness
The rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16–22) thought he had kept all commandments, but Jesus revealed that virtue in form only is not enough — it must be in spirit. His attachment to wealth showed his understanding was still limited.
When we cling to material things or appearances, we build on sand rather than stone. Jesus invites us to build spiritual mansions through love and service — the “house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Corinthians 5:1).
7. Living by Divine Law and Passing from Death to Life
When our actions are motivated by love rather than by self-justification or fear, we pass “from death unto life” (1 John 3:14). Spiritual understanding opens us to the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit. We act not for recognition but out of compassion — and that is eternal life already begun.
“Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only.” — James 1:22
“Perfect love casteth out fear.” — 1 John 4:18
Integrated Reflection
The teaching from both the lesson and the Virtue and Understanding passage [ASFG text] can be summarized this way:
Concept - Symbol - Spiritual Function
Virtue - A Shield - Protects from sin, criticism, and fear
Understanding - A Sword - Cuts through ignorance and reveals truth
Faith - A Channel - Opens us to divine power
Love - The Source - Reflects God’s nature in action
Affirmation: “Virtue Is My Defense, Understanding My Weapon”
Today, I walk in the light of divine understanding.
Virtue shields me from fear, and wisdom guides my way.
The same Spirit that strengthened David strengthens me.
I do not judge, for I see others as children of the same Creator.
With a pure heart and a clear mind, I pass through life’s battles in peace.
God’s truth is my armor; His love is my strength.
I rise above confusion, knowing that within me dwells the power of the Holy Spirit.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” — Psalm 27:1
Prayer: “The Prayer of Virtue and Understanding”
O Lord, my Redeemer,
Let virtue and understanding be in me.
Make my heart pure that I may stand unafraid before Thy presence.
Teach me to see others as Thou seest them —
with mercy, compassion, and love unfeigned.
When fear surrounds me, remind me that my defense is in Thee,
and that understanding, born of Thy Spirit, is my weapon of peace.
As Jesus forgave and understood, may I do likewise.
As He spoke truth with gentleness, may my words heal and not wound.
Let my life be a living altar, simple and sincere,
that all who draw near may feel Thy love.
Strengthen me to build my mansion within Thee,
for in my Father’s house are many mansions —
and I would dwell in the one prepared by faith, virtue, and understanding.
In the name of the Holy One,
Amen.
“Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God.” — Doctrine & Covenants 121:45
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:7
Meditation: “Passing Through the Midst of It”
Sit quietly and breathe deeply.
Imagine yourself standing before a mountain — thunder rolls, clouds gather, and light flashes.
At first there is fear. But then you remember: the mountain is not wrath — it is power and presence.
Feel the stillness grow within your heart.
Whisper softly: “God is not outside me; He lives within me.”
With each breath, see the storm calm.
You stand now in sunlight, clothed in light, defended by virtue, armed with understanding.
You see those around you not as enemies or strangers, but as travelers on the same holy path.
Let this realization sink into your soul:
“With the Master, I pass through the midst of it and go my way.”
Rest in that peace. Know that your virtue and understanding make you one with divine love —
and that love is eternal life.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
“Perfect love casteth out fear.” — 1 John 4:18
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