Why Do We Trouble Ourselves With Such Things?

Did Adam and Eve Have Belly Buttons?

I Thought We Were Beyond It.

But I guess not!

We have all been there. In Relief Society, Sunday School, or Elder’s Quorum.

Someone raises their hand and asks the question of whether or not Adam had a belly button. Or something similar.

I have been a member of the Church my whole life.

Yet, unsolvable mysteries and similar wearisome topics surface regularly.

Are we really unable to progress beyond such trivia?

But then, this kind of cultural nonsense has been going on since the restoration.

In 1895, President Woodruff counseled:

“I want to say this to all Israel: Cease troubling yourselves about who God is, who Adam is, who Christ is, who Jehovah is. For heaven’s sake, let these things alone. Why trouble yourselves about these things? God has revealed himself, and when the 121st section of the Doctrine and Covenants is fulfilled, whether there be one God or many gods, they will be revealed to the children of men, as well as all thrones and dominions, principalities, and powers. Then why trouble yourselves about these things? God is God. Christ is Christ. The Holy Ghost is the Holy Ghost. That should be enough for you and me to know. If we want to know any more, wait till we get where God is in person. I say this because we are troubled every little while with inquiries from elders anxious to know who God is, who Christ is, and who Adam is. I say to the elders of Israel, stop this. Humble yourselves before the Lord; seek for light, for truth, and for a knowledge of the common things of the kingdom of God.” 

[1] [MS 57:355-356, April 7, 1895] [Durham, G. Homer. Discourses of Wilford Woodruff. Salt Lake City, Deseret Book Company, 1946. Pp 175-176]

Our Father’s plan of happiness provides EVERY element necessary for exaltation.

Per the Father's plan, the Savior created this perfect earth, a lovely dwelling place providing for all our temporal needs and more.

If we walk the required path, we have access to all the priesthood authority and ordinances necessary to gain exaltation.

There is more, of course. An eternity more.

Like the many wavelengths of light we know exist but cannot see, such as microwaves, infrared, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays. Yet, due to our creator’s wise design and purpose, our eyes can only comprehend the single band of light needed to function in mortality. 

So why do we get caught up in the minutia and confusion of wanting more temporal stuff?

Why do we seek out and try to understand the obscure mysteries of heaven?

What does it matter to our eternal salvation to know if Adam had a belly button?

We would be better off embracing the counsel of President Woodruff.

That is, to be humble and focus on the common things of the kingdom of God necessary for our eternal salvation and leave the rest for later.

Now is the time to simplify and focus on getting this life right to the best extent possible.

Less really is more!

Thanks for reading and thinking for yourself! Be sure to subscribe to not miss out on future posts.

Russell Anderson
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