Principle of Consecration

Behold, thou wilt remember the poor, and consecrate of thy properties for their support that which thou hast to impart unto them, with a covenant and a deed which cannot be broken. Doctrine & Covenants 42:30

Once individuals have enjoyed the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in their lives, even “that Spirit which leadeth to do good—yea, to do justly” (D&C 11:12), they feel compelled to look to the welfare of their fellow beings. Because “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof” (Psalm 24:1), because all things really do belong to God, it is natural that regenerated souls desire to confess the hand of God and to surrender all that they possess to the proper Owner. This is the principle of consecration. Because we are agents, not owners, we are designated as stewards, assigned to manage our affairs in a way that would be fruitful and beneficial to the larger kingdom. The pure in heart rejoice in this system, “every man seeking the interest of his neighbor, and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God” (D&C 82:19). (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 111)