There's a question that pops up in my mind for about a week or month ago that I couldn't help but do research on the church standards and instructions. And here I would like to open up those questions, that perhaps could help us understand what God wants us to do or to establish.
Here are the questions that I think will help us to learn more -
- Does God teach the use of the right hand in performing any ordinances or in sustaining?
- Why do we use the right hand in sustaining and in partaking of the sacrament?
- Was a left hand allowed to do just as the right should do?
The word "Right Hand" was mentioned approximately for about 117 times in the Old Testament, 44 times in the New Testament, about 17 times in the Book of Mormon, 14 times in Doctrine and Covenants, and 3 times in Pearl of Great Price which includes the Joseph Smith - Matthew translation.
And as I had observed most of these lines were actually of different topics, scenarios, contexts, or usage with both left hands. I don't mind actually how the scripture used those words the only thing that bothers me was, does it meant something about orthodox teachings and how it was emphasized in its importance, especially the part as to why they used the term to sit in God's right hand in His kingdom, though some passages say to sit both sides either in the left or in the right hand.
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| Reaching in his Right Hand. Luke 20:42 And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, |
Sustaining
I'm not sure as to where the church got its common practice of using the right hand in sustaining a leader. Upon further study, it was already instructed for so long as if it was a solemn practice. One particular instruction found in John Taylor's message said this -
“We hold up our right hand when voting in token before God that we will sustain those for whom we vote; and if we cannot feel to sustain them we ought not to hold up our hands, because to do this, would be to act the part of hypocrites. … For when we lift up our hands in this way, it is in token to God that we are sincere in what we do, and that we will sustain the parties we vote for. … If we agree to do a thing and do not do it, we become covenant breakers and violators of our obligations, which are, perhaps, as solemn and binding as anything we can enter into” (Journal of Discourses, 21:207). Quoted by President Gordon B. Hinckley From a conference Message "God Is at the Helm"
It was the right hand as instructed in his message and there everyone follows as a standard in sustaining a leader. And, for me, whatever instructions in general just to have a house of order, then why not follow them?
And what are the General Instructions that we have today?
The Church is a community of love and support. You will not be alone as you strive to serve in your calling. After you accept a calling, members of your congregation will indicate in sacrament meeting that they agree to sustain, or support, you in your calling. Members indicate this support by raising their right hands when invited to do so by a member of the bishopric or branch presidency. ("How Can I Serve in the Church?", From Learning and Serving in the Church)
Sustain: To support others in their callings. Members acknowledge that they will sustain others in their callings by raising their right hand when invited to do so in sacrament meeting. ("List of Terms", From Learning and Serving in the Church)
In ancient times, the Lord instructed Moses to battle against the people of Amalek. Joshua was fighting with the Israelites while Moses receive instructions from God to hold up his hand to prevail over their Enemy. Moses as he left his arm felt that he couldn't take it longer with his strength stricken in years. This means he was not capable of raising his arms long enough while the war was still ongoing, and to survive the battle, there must be a need for assistance, or supports from someone on Moses' side and that's where Aaron and Hur went on lifting Moses Arms so they could win the battle.
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| Moses Lifting his staff with Aaron and Hur supporting his arms. |
While doing exactly what the Lord requires and with the help of those people who supported Moses in his task. The result was obvious, the battle was concluded with the Israelites leading the win.
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| Joshua with his Men Fighting the Amalekites |
Likewise, in these later times. We also had a lot of instructions received and had a lot of trials to lift while battling our spiritual battle. And there's one solution to win. And, as simple as the people of Israel in Moses' times, so it was in our days. Supporting or sustaining the leaders was the winning factor of this unseen battle. We may have questions such as "How and why is it important?" Or maybe, "Why this instruction seems like a burden in our soul?" yet like Aaron and Hur, never complained why Moses need to do it instead of God doing a battle for them. They did it patiently and humbly hoping the battle will soon end. And so they win.
There are some other references that I couldn't include in this article, actually I not planning to make a long post, but it seems it is then. 😂
Ordinances
Anyways, Here's another one that said not just sustaining but also some other practices that everyone adapted previously -
I will now say a few words with regard to partaking of the sacrament. This ordinance was instituted by our Savior, and his followers were commanded to partake of it in remembrance of Him. Luke 22:19 But how many of us partake of it regardless of Him in commemoration of whose death it is administered! I have seen some of the Saints take the cup very irreverently—blessed and consecrated as it is—and drink to quench their thirst. I do not suppose that such persons think any more about our Lord and Savior than they do when drinking on ordinary occasions. To say the least of such conduct, it is highly improper and irreverent. I have seen brethren and sisters partake of the sacrament with their gloves on, and in a very careless attitude, stretching out the left hand. You should always put forth the right hand when taking either the bread or the cup; and you should take off your hats if you have them on, and partake of the consecrated emblems with reverence, and remember that you do it in commemoration of the death, sufferings, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who will yet rule and reign on this earth, King of kings and Lord of lords. Rev. 19:16 Would I partake of the sacrament with my hat or gloves on? No; I would take them off, and let my soul ascend in prayer and thanksgiving to my heavenly Father that I had been permitted to partake [p. 135a]of the ordinance of the House of God.
This was from the topic titled "Eternal Life—How To Find Out The Truth—The Sacrament—Exhortation to The Young." by President Daniel H. Wells, delivered in the Bowery, Great Salt Lake City, August 18, 1867, And was reported By: David W. Evans. This was collected in a Journal of Discourses Archive and the Church has no official statement regarding some of the reports as part of Doctrines or perhaps documentary and/or opinion. Yet, about this subject and as I supposed this was also one of the sources of that practice in observing the Sacrament, in a solemn manner and orderly. It's good to have standards to keep in maintaining a reverent environment with humility and respect while partaking the sacrament. But what's the Church standing about it?
Here's what the General Handbook says -
7. Members partake with their right hand when possible. (General Handbook 18.9.4 Instructions)
This means YES, but there's a catch. We were instructed as of General Handbook, August 2022 that we have to use our Right Hand with the word "when possible", which leads us to our last question. Just to make it straight and simple, people with disabilities, or have trouble using their right hand or maybe a common arm condition. Then of course we don't need to judge them.
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| Partaking of the Sacrament. |
For me, I am not an antagonist but perhaps I could be a heretic to what I believe. But for me, God knows the desire of our hearts and he has the right to judge our desire. If I may mistakenly use the wrong hand in sustaining or observing the Sacrament, it is God who looks on me and my heart as he knows it. Of course, just as the title of this Article, it was instructed and we have to observe and obey. Amen.
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Thank you for taking the time in reading this article. I'll be posting some interesting topics whenever I have time. Have a blessed day.
Jerry N. Bustillo
