Sections 78, 82, 83

This set of revelations were given to Joseph Smith in regards to the Law of Consecration. The saints were asked to pool their resources; their knowledge, talents, money, etc. and then all of these things were redistributed as needed throughout the church. I was thinking how hard it would be to be asked to live the law of consecration now, in our day. That would certainly be a challenge for me to give up all that I had worked hard to earn. But then I realized that in a way we are asked to live the law of consecration now, by offering our time and talents to the church, paying our tithing and fast offerings and other donations, and by home and visiting teaching. Also, the Lord asks that we put Him first, which may involve giving up other things that we enjoy. It may involve not making idols out of our computers, television, and sports. I need to be willing to sacrifice my time and energy right now to the Lord! Also, when I have a calling that draws upon my talents I need to be grateful that I can serve the Lord using what I have learned. I really like verse 18 of section 82 where it says that we must improve upon our talents and gain other talents so they can be "cast into the Lord's storehouse, to become the common property of the whole church." My talents are to be used for the benefit of others (see also D&C 46:12, 29). I need to develop and share them! I need to cast them into the Lord's storehouse for the profit and gain of the whole. I think in this way I can live the Law of Consecration in my own way. Truly, the Lord has made us all different so that we can all help and bless each other.