To the Point

What is the law of consecration? How does it affect me?

The law of consecration is a principle the Lord gives to His covenant people. To live this principle, men and women dedicate themselves completely to building up God’s kingdom and ensuring that there are “no poor among them” (Moses 7:18). They give their time, talents, and material resources to serve the Lord, His Church, and His children.

In the early days of the restored Church, the Lord instructed Joseph Smith on a particular way the Saints were to live this law (see Doctrine and Covenants 42:30–42). The Saints were to “consecrate” (sacrifice or donate) their property to the Church by giving it to the bishop. He would then give them back what they needed (their “stewardship”). The rest was used to help the poor.

Today, we live this law in different ways. For instance, we serve others, accept callings and assignments in the Church and do our best at them, and pay a full tithe and a generous fast offering. When we do what the prophets and the Holy Ghost direct us to do to build up God’s kingdom and help the needy, we are living the law of consecration.