Patterns are mental models that help us know what to do. In fact, when I teach my MBA class, I often suggest that there are only about seven mental models you need to master to be able to excel in the basics of successfully running and leading a team, however large and whatever setting you might be in.[1]

We find patterns, or mental models, everywhere. One very simple example was the morning I encountered my three-year old grandson hurriedly getting ready to go outside and play. I heard some frustration coming from the mudroom and, as I turned the corner, found him on the floor struggling to get his pants on… after putting on his shoes! That’s an important pattern, “pants before shoes!” It works for three-year old’s, as well as for 70-year old’s (it may be even more appliable at that seasoned age!).

Patterns in the scriptures are so prevalent that you have an 85% chance of encountering a pattern every time you pick up one of the standard works and start reading.[2] Elder David A. Bednar taught that “the scriptures are full of spiritual patterns.”[3] We can refer to these scriptural patterns as “divine patterns.” They serve the same purpose that any pattern would, helping us understand what to do and what to become to successfully live as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

For example, I recently read this pattern in my scripture study with “Come, Follow Me”: “…for them that honour me I will honour.”[4] Such a simple pattern with such profound implications. If we honor God—not just respecting Him, but showing “adherence” to his standards and teachings—then He will honor our prayers, our blessings, our pleas for help…the times we speak in His name, the times we represent Him with authority.[5] Patterns almost always promise blessings—it’s how The loving Father and His Son work: merciful, generous and anxious to bless.

These Divine Patterns, or mental models, suggest certain expected outcomes as a result of “doing” specific things and “becoming” in certain ways. However, this is not formulaic—we don’t earn blessings,[6] but we can “qualify” for them by putting forth what Elder Dale G. Renlund describes as the necessary “activation energy” which starts the process that allows God to grant blessings through His divine grace.[7]

Elder D. Todd Christofferson recently taught, “We ought not to think of God’s plan as a cosmic vending machine where we (i) select a desired blessing, (ii) insert the required sum of good works, and (iii) the order is promptly delivered. God will indeed honor His covenants and promises to each of us . . . , but not every blessing predicated on obedience to law is shaped, designed and timed according to our expectations. We do our best but must leave to Him the management of blessings, both temporal and spiritual.”[8] Divine patterns help us understand where to start. As we work with others, we should look to these divine patterns as a place to begin the conversation of inviting God’s blessings more fully into our lives.

Our expectations on when and how these outcomes, or blessings, present themselves must be tempered by how God works in the grand scheme of things.[9] Correct timing is not just important, it may be the primary guiding principle of divine intervention God uses in determining His blessings for us. One important role for all of us to play as leaders, parents or ministering brothers and sisters is to help others realistically, honestly and faithfully interpret God’s involvement, or seemingly lack of involvement, in their life and to trust in His timing and promises.

I have always felt that one of those principles of divine intervention used by God is the “Do No Harm” clause—the hypocritic oath for God. Even when it comes to blessing us, He will “take no thought” or preform no act that will result in hurting our chances to attain the highest degree of the Celestial Kingdom “to go no more out.”[10] Winning the lottery is not a blessing for everyone; for some, it could lead to their ruin. God knows what we need, and when we need it most. I frequently shared with my missionaries, “you can have what you want, or you can have something better.” If what we want isn’t best, God will always have something better in store for us.

Perhaps the best way to end our prayers is not only, “thy will be done,” but, as Elder Neal A. Maxwell suggests, also “thy timing be done.”[11] Seeking the will of God should be our most earnest desire. After all, he knows all things perfectly—his data is perfect data, which will lead to the very best of outcomes.

Any discussion about blessings must also consider those who feel that God has let them down, that He has not delivered on His promises. There may come a time when one may feel that they did their part, but God hasn’t done His. Plan “A” didn’t work for them, now they are on plan “B”, “C” or… “G”, how is that fair?

These very real feelings and questions require faith, but do have answers.

God has an explanation for everything that happens to us in our lives. He also has His reasons for why He did, or didn’t do, certain things for us. His explanations and reasoning are perfect, in every respect. Once we hear it, we will likely praise His name eternally for His wisdom and grace.[12]

Each of us should reach out to those around us and seek to restore faith that God will deliver His blessings to them; that He has not forgotten them and is not playing favorites, but is anxious to favor them. This realization can be life-changing. The divine patterns revealed in the scriptures will bring the blessings of Heaven, in the Lord’s perfect time and way. Be assured, God will deliver.[13]

Notes: 

[1] For example, Personality/Leadership Styles model, Performance Management model, Culture Management model, Team Ground Rules model , Coaching model, Conflict Resolution model, and Creating Positive Accountability model.

[2] Of course, this is understanding that 53% of all statistics are made up right on the spot!

[3] David A. Bednar, “A Reservoir of Living Water,” BYU devotional, February 4, 2007, https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/david-a-bednar/reservoir-living-water/

[4] 1 Samuel 2:30.

[5] Online dictionary for the word “honor.”

[6] Dale G. Renlund, “Abound with Blessings,” Ensign, May 2019. Authors note: D&C 130:20-21, D&C 82:10, Ex. 32:29, Deut 11:27, D&C 132:5, 1 Nephi 3:7, 1 Nephi 4:14 (among many others) all reinforce that God covenants to grant blessings to those who make the effort to seek them. Sometimes, these scriptures are misunderstood to imply the JG Wentworth “I want it now” approach; meaning, it’s a quid pro quo (this for that) arrangement and, that if we do our part, God has to deliver now. However, church leaders teach us this is an incorrect understanding and that the subject is much more nuanced than that. Blessings will come according to God’s wisdom for what will best help us and in the time they will most advantage us. Of course, we can also count on the fact that God is not fickle, he will grant blessings as we obey law and follow His appointed patterns, all subject to His infinite wisdom for what will best bless us.

[7] Ibid, pg. 71.

[8] D. Todd Christofferson, “Our Relationship with God,” Liahona, May 2022.

[9] “It shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will “ (D&C 88:68).

 

[10] Alma 7:25

[11] Neal A. Maxwell, “Plow in Hope,” Ensign, May 2001.

[12] 1 Chronicles 29:12-13, Psalm 9, Psalm 52:9, Isaiah 25:1, Alma 26:12

[13] Isaiah 43:2, Psalm 91:1-16, 2 Timothy 4:18, Psalm 50:15