CH4 - The Spiritual Gift of Criticism: A story from the Old Testament

[Erudite]

I came across this in the Old Testament Student manual and I thought it was went perfectly with our discussions from this book that we're ready. It is long but worth the read.

The account of Uzzah being smitten dead while attempting to save the ark of the covenant from toppling over raises questions in the minds of most readers. It seems so harsh, when all he was doing was trying to save a holy object from being harmed. Or so it seems on the surface. But reflect for a moment on the incident. The ark was the tangible object that symbolized the presence of God, his throne, his glory, his divine majesty. When first given to Israel, the ark was placed in the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle, and not even the priest was allowed to approach it. Only the high priest (a type of Christ) could approach it and then only after going through an elaborate ritual of personal cleansing and propitiation for his sins. The holiness of God is clearly taught in scripture. No unclean thing can dwell in his presence (see Moses 6:57). Those who bear the vessels of the Lord must be clean (D&C 133:5).

However well meaning his intentions, Uzzah approached casually what could only be approached under the strictest conditions. He had not faith in God’s power. He assumed that the ark was in danger, forgetting that it was the physical symbol of the God who has all power. What man can presume to save God and his kingdom through his own efforts?

“Uzzah’s offence consisted in the fact that he had touched the ark with profane feelings, although with good intentions, namely to prevent its rolling over and falling from the cart. Touching the ark, the throne of divine glory and visible pledge of the invisible presence of the Lord, was a violation of the majesty of God. ‘Uzzah was therefore a type of all who with good intentions, humanely speaking, yet with unsanctified minds, interfere in the affairs of the kingdom of God, from the notion that they are in danger, and with the hope of saving them’” (Keil and Delitzsch, Comentary).

In modern revelation, the Lord made reference to this incident to teach that very principle (see D&C 85:8). The Lord is in his heavens and does need the help of men to defend his kingdom. Yet in our own time we see those who fear the ark is tottering and presume to steady its course. We hear of those who are sure that women are not being treated fairly in the Church, of those who would extend some unauthorized blessings to those not yet ready, or of those who would change the established doctrines of the Church. Are these not ark-steadiers? The intentions do not justify such interference with the Lord’s plan. Elder David O. McKay and President John Taylor applied this lesson to modern Saints.

“It is a little dangerous for us to go out of our own sphere and try unauthoritatively to direct the efforts of a brother. You remember the case of Uzza who stretched forth his hand to steady the ark. He seemed justified, when the oxen stumbled, in putting forth his hand to steady that symbol of the covenant. We today think his punishment was very severe. Be that as it may, the incident conveys a lesson of life. Let us look around us and see how quickly men who attempt unauthoritatively to steady the ark die spiritually. Their souls become embittered, their minds distorted, their judgements faulty, and their spirits depressed. Such is the pitiable condition of men who, neglecting their own responsibilities, spend their time in finding fault with others” (CR April 1936 as cited in McKay Gospel Ideals).

“We have more or less of the principles of insubordination among us. But there is a principle associated with the kingdom of God that recognizes God in all things, and that recognizes the priesthood in all things, and those who do not do it had better repent or they will come to a stand very quickly; I tell you that in the name of the Lord. Do not think you are wise and that you can mange and manipulate the priesthood, for you cannot do it. God must manage, regulate, dictate, and stand at the head, and every man in his place. The ark of God does not need steadying, especially by incompetent men without revelation and without knowledge of the kingdom of God and its laws. It is a great work that we are engaged in, and it is for us to prepare ourselves for the labor before us, and to acknowledge God, his authority, his law and his priesthood in all things.” (Taylor, Gospel Kingdom)

[Erudite]

When I read this, I was thinking on a day-to-day level, that we too often think we need to steady others' arks. God has a plan for them too and when we think we need to adjust the plan...or catch it because it clearly is failing in someway...we are steadying the ark as Uzzah did. I guess it also hits home the reason for personal revelation and the trait of long-suffering in waiting for the time to be right and the direction to be from God. How often do we hit a brick wall when we don't do this...ey? Presidents McKay and Taylor both tell us that doing this causes a spiritual wall that we certainly don't want in our lives. Oh to learn not to criticize or find fault or even inappropriately correct.

I was also struck by the idea that the big problem was that Uzzah was "casual", "profane" (which in this case means unclean), "forgetful", and "presumptuous". All of which are ideas from the world's perspective that make it idiotic for us to criticize. When in that state, we just don't have what it takes to be effective in delivering a message of change to someone else.

Remember, remember, remember, (she said to the mirror).

[5ft Diva]

Thank you for sharing this story and what our prophets have said about this story. As I read it I couldn't help think, what do you think would've happened if Uzzah hadn't steadied the ark? I'm sad to say that we'll never know because he did indeed reach out to steady it but we can find out for ourselves what would happen if we'd stop trying to steady another's ark.

It really comes down to trust and love, doesn't it? Almost always the other party (and ourselves - when we've become aware of what we've done) ends up feeling worse about themselves and lack confidence and an opportunity for growth.

This has been an important principle for me to remember. I know what it feels like to be on both sides of that coin. Thank you, Erudite, for the opportunity to reflect on my choices and how I want them to align w/ the lesson of this story. It's been good for two reasons. I can see that I've come a long way in my lifetime and I can see what I would like to improve on.