In Haste / Not in Haste

Last week, I wrote a blog post about being anxiously engaged, but not in haste, based on guidance the Lord gave to church leaders in 1831, recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 58.

However, in several subsequent revelations, the Lord instructs church leaders to do some things “in haste” and others “not in haste”. Here are some examples:

• He tells some of them to “journey from St. Louis, two by two, and preach the word, not in haste” (Doctrine and Covenants 60:8).
• He directs W. W. Phelps and Sidney Gilbert to “be in haste upon their errand and mission” and to “take their journey in haste” (Doctrine and Covenants 61:7, 21).
• After church leaders arrive in Ohio, He instructs them to organize all church members in migrating to Missouri, but “not in haste, lest there should be confusion, which bringeth pestilence” (Doctrine and Covenants 63:24).

Clearly, there are some circumstances where we should be in a hurry, and others where we need to move more slowly.

Yesterday, I was listening to these passages while running. I had gotten started at a faster-than-usual pace, and as I listened to section 60, I recognized the wisdom of pacing myself. However, when I got to section 61, it started to rain. Suddenly, being “in haste” seemed like a pretty good idea!

When Alma and his people fell into captivity, “they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord” (Mosiah 24:15). Their escape was also calm and measured due to the miraculous slumber of their guards. However, the following day, the Lord warned Alma, “Haste thee and get thou and this people out of this land, for the Lamanites have awakened and do pursue thee” (Mosiah 24:23). The time for patience had passed; it was time for prompt action.

Here are some examples of activities in my life that may require me to adjust my pacing:

1. When I’m talking with someone, particularly my children, it’s important for me to be “not in haste.”
2. When my children ask me to do something for them, it’s often best to do it right away rather than delay.
3. When I’m in a meeting at work, I often need to slow down, focus, and ensure we accomplish the goal of the meeting.
4. When I come out of the meeting, it’s usually effective to complete my action items as quickly as possible.

Today, I will monitor and manage my velocity to match the needs of the moment. I will slow down or speed up throughout the day as my circumstances require.