Treasure

In D&C 111 the Lord tells us that His treasure has always been people. 

Joseph Smith and the early church were in debt. Building the Kirtland temple and other endeavors put the early church members in a difficult financial spot. 

This wouldn’t be the first time or the last that Joseph faced questions about money and making ends meet. 

The Lord told Joseph He would help. 

Concern not yourselves about your debts, for I will give you power to pay them.

Concern not yourselves about Zion, for I will deal mercifully with her.

Joseph took a small group with him to Salem, Massachusetts to look for treasure. They had heard rumors of a hidden treasure, and they were willing to do anything to help the church’s financial state. 

At first glance this section and their trip seem strange. Pointless even. 

They don’t even find any treasure. 

In Section 111 the Lord said, 

I have much treasure in this city for you, for the benefit of Zion, and many people in this city, whom I will gather out in due time for the benefit of Zion, through your instrumentality.

For there are more treasures than one for you in this city.

Joseph looked for money, though the Lord made it quite clear what treasure waited for them in Salem. 

People. 

It took a long time. Erastus Snow, the missionary sent back to Salem, wanted to give up. 

​The promise of the Lord sustained him though. 

He looked for treasure. 

For people. 

Over time, citizens of Salem were converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ and became contributing members of the church. 

Through their sacrifice and sacred tithes, many helped to pay the debts of the church. 

There was treasure there after all.

I love the Lord’s pattern. 

When the church had a problem to be solved, He led them to people. 

That’s His resource. 

His strategy. 

Gather more in. 

They are the treasure. 

A few years ago, when my birthday rolled around, Jake asked me what I wanted. 

I requested a love note from him. 

His counter offer was to write hundreds. 

I have 191 notes from him so far. 

I read them when I miss him. 

I read them when I feel discouraged or alone. 

I remember before he was mine, I felt like there was a lot missing in my life. 

I felt like the early church- on the cusp of great things but figuratively “in debt”. 

Looking for treasure. 

I prayed for the things I lacked. 

The attributes I didn’t have. 

Guess how the Lord answered. 

What treasure He sent. 

Jake. 

He was everything I wasn’t and more. 

The Lord promised He’d fill in my gaps. 

I never imagined he’d do it like this. 

Now Jake’s my treasure. 

The best thing that has ever happened to me. 

He makes me happy.