The Law of Consecration
- J. Reuben Clark, "Private Ownership under the United Order and the Guarantees of the Constitution", Improvement Era, Nov. 1942
Property ownership fundamental to the Law of Consecration.
Laws governing consecration of property and how consecrated property is used.
"... he that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer."
The people converted on the day of pentecost had all things in common. (ie. they were living the law of consecration)
The saints had all things in common.
"neither said any of them that ought of the things he possessed was his own"
Joses Barnabas sets the example in laying his goods before the apostles.
It seems worth comparing this citation with the citation of J. Reuben Clark. President Clark states that property ownership is fundamental to the United Order and the law of consecration while here we see that ownership is a fuzzy concept. I say fuzzy and not non-existent, because it seems clear that people had property which they "possessed". A thought question I posit on this matter is, what is the difference between having a possession and claiming it as one's own? Perhaps it is worth comparing with the toddler who will not share and declares emphatically, "mine!"
Ananias and his wife Sapphira conspire to pretend to consecrate all of their property while holding some of it back. They are struck dead.
- Joseph Smith, compiled by Joseph Fielding Smith, "Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith", p. 20
Consecration must be done according to the law of mutual consent and not by constraint. To wit:
Bishops do not take extremely detailed inventories of consecrated goods, as consecrations are a free and good will offering.
Bishop not given sole power to judge offerings and the giver is not free to give however he likes, but the two must come to an agreement regarding what is reasonable. In the case that they cannot agree, the Bishop is to appeal to a council of 12 High Priests (the Bishop not being on the council).
- Joseph Smith, compiled by Joseph Fielding Smith, "Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith", p. 128
"When we consecrate property to the Lord, it is to administer to the wants of the poor and needy, for this is the law of God; it is not for the benefit of the rich, those who have no need ... Now for a man to consecrate hi property, wife and children, to the Lord, is nothing more or less than to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the widow and fatherless, the sick and afflicted, and do all he can to administer to their relief in their afflictions, and for him and his house to serve the Lord."