Responsibility

Today's scripture mastery tells us of the responsibility that comes with the knowledge of the gospel.  It is found in Doctrine and Covenants 82:3:

 3 For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation.

Along with the marvelous blessings of the gospel comes a great responsibility.  The responsibility is to keep those commandments--and to share the gospel with those around us.  We are to teach our families the gospel, and help them to live it (not by force, but out of love and persuasion).  An example of that responsibility can be found in Doctrine and Covenants 68:25, which says:

 25 And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents.

It would be easy to say to ourselves that "I don't want that greater responsibility--so I will avoid learning about the gospel"  There is danger in that as well.  See what the Lord says about those who are slothful (Doctrine and Covenants 58:29)

 29 But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned.

It is much better to seek out the blessings of God, and live the commandments (and accept the additional responsibility) than it is to be lazy in the gospel, and avoid learning new things, and sharing the good news of the gospel with others.  The Lord tells us to "Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" (Doctrine and Covenants 4:7)