Lord’s Blueprint for Administration

In D&C 121:34-43 we read the Lord’s blueprint for administering His kingdom. This is also how we are to administer in our families, relationships, and specifically in our personal lives. The contrast between power and force is evident in this and other scriptures. The following list illustrates contrasting approaches to life, relationships, and our space with God.

Take a moment and contrast the words in the table. Each word found under the Power heading is self-evident. Read the word and become aware of your feelings and thoughts. The power words uplift, edify, and create an overall positive feeling.

Now read and ponder on the words under Force. Energy is reduced, negative, dark, and isolated feelings and eventually actions are the resulting symptoms caused by words or behaviors of force.

No power or influence[1] (force) can be maintained except by persuasion (teaching) and long-suffering (verse 41).

POWER

  • Revelation
  • Peace
  • Joy
  • Love
  • Understanding
  • Teaching
  • Trust
  • Respect
  • Forgiving
  • Optimism
  • Neutrality
  • Courage
FORCE

  • Pride
  • Anger/Hate
  • Craving
  • Control/Dominion
  • Compulsion
  • Telling
  • Seeking Agreement
  • Manipulation/Persuasion
  • Regret
  • Apathy
  • Guilt/Blame
  • Shame
[1] By definition influence and persuasion are synonymous. The contemporary usage of persuasion is different than the meaning intended in this passage. Persuasion has two definitions: 1) to teach, which means to delegate thought, to ask questions, and to edify through self-discovery. It also means: trust, confidence, or reliance. 2) to manipulate, to deceive, to corrupt, to bribe, and to seduce. It is also a euphemism for torture.

See pg. 818 of the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament.

Published by

Richard Himmer

Author, PhD in Organizational Psychology.

5 thoughts on “Lord’s Blueprint for Administration”

  1. The footnote about influence and persuasion was very enlightening. “It is also a euphemism for torture.”

  2. I am confused. You divide power and force, but the scripture quoted says power or influence, are you saying that influence is force? I’m at the airport heading to Vegas. For a conference.

  3. Many words are used interchangeably in scripture. As a way for me to better understand, I often search the different meanings for clarity. As a Rule of Thumb, power is divine and force is the natural man. Persuasion and influence share a dualistic meaning, both can be either power or force. Persuasion can mean to teach and it can mean to deceive. In the Doctrine and Covenants 121:41, it means to teach. As it’s used in the vernacular, it means to deceive, manipulate, and control.

    Have fun at the conference.

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