In Zenos’s Allegory of the Olive Tree, the first time the Lord of the vineyard and his servant return to see the results of their grafting efforts, they are pleased with what they see. The servant, who apparently had not seen all of his master’s grafting activities, is surprised at some of his prior decisions. “How comest thou hither to plant this…branch of the tree?” he asks, as they observe one tree that is flourishing. “For behold, it was the poorest spot in all the land of thy vineyard” (Jacob 5:21).
“Counsel me not,” the Lord of the vineyard replies; “I knew that it was a poor spot of ground” (Jacob 5:22).
If the intent of the servant’s question was to influence his master’s decisions, its timing was certainly awkward! The decision had long since been made, the action had been taken, and the tree was doing well. Perhaps the servant’s motivation was different. Perhaps he wanted to understand this non-intuitive strategy in order to better support his master going forward. Even then, the master’s response indicates that now was not the time to second-guess these earlier decisions. Observe the outcome and decide what to do next, but don’t relitigate these earlier decisions.
Just before sharing this allegory, Jacob shares with us one of its lessons. After reminding us that God’s knowledge is so vast that we can’t hope to understand all of His works and mysteries, Jacob concludes:
Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his works.
Jacob 4:10, italics added
Elder Dale G. Renlund has cautioned us against the tendency to ask God for answers He has already provided. He reminded us of Joseph Smith’s experience asking God repeatedly for permission to let his scribe borrow the first 116 pages of manuscript translated from the gold plates, only to find he would have been wisest to accept the first decision he had been given. Elder Renlund advised:
When we ask for revelation about something for which God has already given clear direction, we open ourselves up to misinterpreting our feelings and hearing what we want to hear….
If we have received personal revelation for our situation and the circumstances have not changed, God has already answered our question.
“A Framework for Personal Revelation,” General Conference, October 2022
In a footnote, Elder Renlund provided a specific example of this error: “When we continue to feel guilt and regret after sincere and intentional repentance, it is usually because of a lack of faith in Jesus Christ and in His ability to completely forgive and heal us” (ibid., footnote 28).
Today, I will trust the guidance I have already received from God and avoid second-guessing decisions previously made. Even as I strive to listen and follow His guidance, I will remember the importance of continuing to follow guidance I have already received.
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