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Let's Talk About the Law of Consecration
What is the law of consecration, and who is required to live it? Is it a law relegated to past Saints, or does it apply to members of the Church today? In Steven C. Harper's book Let's Talk about the Law of Consecration , you will learn things about consecration that have stayed the same since the beginning and other aspects of the law that have changed over time. One thing that remains the same is the reason for keeping the love for God and others, including the poor. In light of temple covenants, we might wonder how else we live the law today. As we study the revelations to the early Saints and "seek, receive, and act on the Lord's revelations to [us] personally," we will know how to live according to the law of consecration today. Let's Talk about the Law of Consecration is part of the Let's Talk About series—small, approachable books on important Latter-day Saint topics, written by trusted, faithful scholars who can thoroughly explain crucial issues in a digestible way. For people who have sincere questions and are seeking answers, this series provides access to the some of the best thinking in the Church. Other books in the -Polygamy -Religion and Mental Health -Book of Abraham -Faith and Intellect
144 pages, Paperback
Published July 30, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 17, 2022
We would not have The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints without The Law of Consecration. That is the truth that I was blessed to feel and understand while listening to this book. I went in trying to seek and gain truth and understanding of this law and the difference of the law of the tithe vs the law of consecration. I gained that and much much more. To learn about what the early saints gave up in faith for us to gain what we have today was awe-inspiring. I didnt pick this book up thinking that I would leave with the knowledge I did or the feelings I did about The Law of Consecration... I was amazed at the spirit it brought into my life. I highly highly recommend it to all wanting to learn, grow and gain a stronger testimony.
July 31, 2025
This short booklet explains the context and specifics of the Law of Consecration vs the specific organization called the United Firm. It explains what the Lord’s law commands, how it condemned the Jacksonian beliefs in that day (and that still thrive today), and brings home to the reader the everyday decisions where we can choose to be governed by the law of God or not. There is no coercion.
January 9, 2023
“Abundance is not the problem. The problem is keeping abundance away from those who need it.”
This short, incredibly thoughtful, piece really exceeded my expectations. My interest in studying the law of consecration was piqued by Anthony Sweat’s chapter on it in his book, The Holy Covenants (which is also fantastic). I did not realize how much Harper’s fusing of historical perspectives on consecration with our modern-day executions of it would change the way that I approach my own dedication. I highly recommend it.
This short, incredibly thoughtful, piece really exceeded my expectations. My interest in studying the law of consecration was piqued by Anthony Sweat’s chapter on it in his book, The Holy Covenants (which is also fantastic). I did not realize how much Harper’s fusing of historical perspectives on consecration with our modern-day executions of it would change the way that I approach my own dedication. I highly recommend it.
September 24, 2023
A very thoughtful book. I especially liked the discussion in the epilogue. Our obedience to this law is completely up to us. It will never be forced on us and no leader or bishop will check up on us to see if we’re living the law correctly or completely or to some worldly standard. But God always knows our hearts, intentions and motivations. We have agency to choose. Just as we have agency to make covenants with Him in the first place.
June 21, 2024
4.5 stars. This short book covers a lot of ground. It discusses how the early Saints lived the law of consecration and what it looks like now. The consecrated perspective acknowledges that everything-- money, blessings, strengths--come from God, and we should seek His will on how to bless others with those gifts. The revelations on consecration emphasize the doctrines of individual agency, stewardship, and accountability (we exercise our “agency to acknowledge the Lord as owner and ourselves as stewards who are accountable unto Him”). The reason for keeping the law is love of God and others—“remember the poor, and consecrate of thy properties for their support” (D&C 42:29-30) and “moreover, it is still done ‘unto me,’ the Lord said, when ‘ye impart of your substance unto the poor’ (D&C 42:30-31). I have a hard time with economic disparity, both locally and worldwide (my son is serving a mission on a small island in Kiribati, so I hear about this disparity weekly). It hurts my heart. Trying to live the law of consecration helps, although it takes work to continuously figure out what that looks like. I liked the ending where the author talks about membership vs ownership mindset. I am seeking to have more of the ownership mindset—where I belong to the Lord and am consistently seeking ways to serve Him. To consecrate is to make something sacred—by trying to live this law, we allow God to make us holy.
Favorite quotes:
-“I feel willing to spend and be spent, in the cause of my blessed Master.” Bishop Patridge p. 3
-The New York Saints that sacrificed much to resettle were “yielding up their selves to God. They were making a bold, countercultural declaration. They were self-selecting—exercising their agency to receive the law of consecration.” p. 8
-The Law of Consecration (D&C 42:29-36) – “Verse 29 states the revealed reason for obeying it: love of God. If one loves God, then one remembers the poor and consecrates property for their support (v. 30). To consecrate is to make something sacred.” p. 12
-“I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land!” -MLK p. 21
-Joseph editing/amending revelations - “Joseph believed in his revelations, but he did not believe that they were literally pristine. He regarded his revelations as his best efforts to represent the voice of the Lord.” p. 38
-Newel feeling overwhelmed at the call to be Bishop prayed for confirmation and “heard a voice from heaven: ‘Thy strength is in me.’” p. 41
-“Holy cities are never established by those who wait faithlessly for the results before deciding whether to consecrate their lives to the cause. Zion always has been and ever will be built by ordinary people who are selfless hard workers, who are more in love with the possibility of Zion than any of the alternatives.” p. 70
-Brigham asked Joseph, “Who shall be the judge of what is surplus property?” Joseph answered, “Let them be the judges themselves.” p. 77
-“Tithing, it turns out, is part of, not instead of, the law of consecration, and obeying the law is prerequisite to establishing Zion.” p. 78
-“It is common to wonder why God tolerates suffering if He can prevent it. Perhaps one reason is that Saints sometimes do their consecrated best when suffering causes them to stop seeking their own opulence and remember the poor. Our heavenly parents seem less interested in preventing all pain than in the work of raising their children to be like them.” p. 81
-“When the Saints weren’t making the covenant to consecrate, they were acting on it.” p. 91; love the story of the Saints working tirelessly day after day to receive their endowments before they left Nauvoo (p 91-92)
-“A person can belong to the Savior’s Church like they might belong to a country club. That is membership. But a consecrated person chooses wholeheartedly to belong in terms of ownership, ‘to become the common property of the whole church’ (D&C 82:18). We belong because we ‘are not [our] own. For [we] are bought with a price,’ the ultimate price, the blood of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 6:19-20; see also Alma 34). In a membership mindset, we tend to ask what the Savior’s church has done for us lately. In an ownership mindset we ask what we can do for the Savior.” p. 101-102
Favorite quotes:
-“I feel willing to spend and be spent, in the cause of my blessed Master.” Bishop Patridge p. 3
-The New York Saints that sacrificed much to resettle were “yielding up their selves to God. They were making a bold, countercultural declaration. They were self-selecting—exercising their agency to receive the law of consecration.” p. 8
-The Law of Consecration (D&C 42:29-36) – “Verse 29 states the revealed reason for obeying it: love of God. If one loves God, then one remembers the poor and consecrates property for their support (v. 30). To consecrate is to make something sacred.” p. 12
-“I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land!” -MLK p. 21
-Joseph editing/amending revelations - “Joseph believed in his revelations, but he did not believe that they were literally pristine. He regarded his revelations as his best efforts to represent the voice of the Lord.” p. 38
-Newel feeling overwhelmed at the call to be Bishop prayed for confirmation and “heard a voice from heaven: ‘Thy strength is in me.’” p. 41
-“Holy cities are never established by those who wait faithlessly for the results before deciding whether to consecrate their lives to the cause. Zion always has been and ever will be built by ordinary people who are selfless hard workers, who are more in love with the possibility of Zion than any of the alternatives.” p. 70
-Brigham asked Joseph, “Who shall be the judge of what is surplus property?” Joseph answered, “Let them be the judges themselves.” p. 77
-“Tithing, it turns out, is part of, not instead of, the law of consecration, and obeying the law is prerequisite to establishing Zion.” p. 78
-“It is common to wonder why God tolerates suffering if He can prevent it. Perhaps one reason is that Saints sometimes do their consecrated best when suffering causes them to stop seeking their own opulence and remember the poor. Our heavenly parents seem less interested in preventing all pain than in the work of raising their children to be like them.” p. 81
-“When the Saints weren’t making the covenant to consecrate, they were acting on it.” p. 91; love the story of the Saints working tirelessly day after day to receive their endowments before they left Nauvoo (p 91-92)
-“A person can belong to the Savior’s Church like they might belong to a country club. That is membership. But a consecrated person chooses wholeheartedly to belong in terms of ownership, ‘to become the common property of the whole church’ (D&C 82:18). We belong because we ‘are not [our] own. For [we] are bought with a price,’ the ultimate price, the blood of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 6:19-20; see also Alma 34). In a membership mindset, we tend to ask what the Savior’s church has done for us lately. In an ownership mindset we ask what we can do for the Savior.” p. 101-102
March 6, 2025
Memorable Quotes
1. “The conscientious among us experience divine discontent because of progression mixed with procrastination.” (Elder Neal A. Maxwell)
2. “Our heavenly parents seem less interested in preventing all pain than in the work of raising their children to become like them. They and their Son, our Savior, suffer, sacrifice, and consecrate to bless others and to bring them to eternal life...Becoming like them includes remembering those who suffer and relieving them by living the law of consecration.”
3. Section 136 [of the Doctrine and Covenants] tells the Saints they will be accountable to the Lord for the way they act on what He gave them to act upon...one’s endowment of power is dependent on keeping the covenants made in the endowment ordinance.” (D&C 136:19)
4. “Saints can, should, and – if Zion is to be established – must keep the covenant to consecrate in different ways – some by earning more than they need and consecrating it to the Lord’s storehouse, and some by foregoing opportunities to earn in order to attend to other pressing priorities of Zion building.”
Essential Notes
1. In suggesting that the Lord describes a great future for Zion, a feast to which all would be invited, Harper quotes D&C 58:10-11: “First, the rich and the learned, the wise and the noble; and after that cometh the day of my power; then shall the poor, the lame, and the blind, and the deaf, come in unto the marriage of the Lamb, and partake of the supper of the Lord, prepared for the great day to come.”
2. Seems to me that this was true for the early Saints – first would necessarily come “the rich and the learned, the wise and the noble” to build up the church and prepare a solid foundation for when He would bring “the poor, the lame, and the blind, and the deaf.”
3. It also seems to me that pattern might still hold in different parts of the world where the Church isn’t strong, experienced, or well-established, where missionaries might need to first focus on those who can help build a strong foundation for those who will come later. The Czech/Slovak mission might be one of those areas.
4. The law of consecration has not been canceled; it remains in effect. The United Firm was ended, but not the law of consecration. The law of tithing is part and parcel of the law of consecration. All Saints who are endowed covenant to live the law of consecration. The revelation in section 119 of the Doctrine and Covenants does not replace the law of consecration that was already given to the early Saints; it simply added clarity and the precept of tithing to the already existing law. Tithing is part of, not instead of, the law of consecration.
1. “The conscientious among us experience divine discontent because of progression mixed with procrastination.” (Elder Neal A. Maxwell)
2. “Our heavenly parents seem less interested in preventing all pain than in the work of raising their children to become like them. They and their Son, our Savior, suffer, sacrifice, and consecrate to bless others and to bring them to eternal life...Becoming like them includes remembering those who suffer and relieving them by living the law of consecration.”
3. Section 136 [of the Doctrine and Covenants] tells the Saints they will be accountable to the Lord for the way they act on what He gave them to act upon...one’s endowment of power is dependent on keeping the covenants made in the endowment ordinance.” (D&C 136:19)
4. “Saints can, should, and – if Zion is to be established – must keep the covenant to consecrate in different ways – some by earning more than they need and consecrating it to the Lord’s storehouse, and some by foregoing opportunities to earn in order to attend to other pressing priorities of Zion building.”
Essential Notes
1. In suggesting that the Lord describes a great future for Zion, a feast to which all would be invited, Harper quotes D&C 58:10-11: “First, the rich and the learned, the wise and the noble; and after that cometh the day of my power; then shall the poor, the lame, and the blind, and the deaf, come in unto the marriage of the Lamb, and partake of the supper of the Lord, prepared for the great day to come.”
2. Seems to me that this was true for the early Saints – first would necessarily come “the rich and the learned, the wise and the noble” to build up the church and prepare a solid foundation for when He would bring “the poor, the lame, and the blind, and the deaf.”
3. It also seems to me that pattern might still hold in different parts of the world where the Church isn’t strong, experienced, or well-established, where missionaries might need to first focus on those who can help build a strong foundation for those who will come later. The Czech/Slovak mission might be one of those areas.
4. The law of consecration has not been canceled; it remains in effect. The United Firm was ended, but not the law of consecration. The law of tithing is part and parcel of the law of consecration. All Saints who are endowed covenant to live the law of consecration. The revelation in section 119 of the Doctrine and Covenants does not replace the law of consecration that was already given to the early Saints; it simply added clarity and the precept of tithing to the already existing law. Tithing is part of, not instead of, the law of consecration.
December 26, 2023
This book is probably the bookend of my focus on the Law of Consecration as a gospel study topic. It was focused more on the church history of the law consecration implementation. The last chapter asks an important question: are we a part of this church with a “membership” mindset, like a country club? Or do we have an “ownership” mindset, which suggests that we have been bought by Christ, we are not our own, and that we should spend and be spent in the service of His mission.
What I learned:
It’s a folk doctrine to believe that the early saints did not succeed in living the law of consecration and it is not required of us at this time. In contrast, the early saints made precious sacrifices and were blessed for their living of the law. And the law is still required to be lived today.
Agency, stewardship, and accountability are the three pillars of consecration.
We own nothing, we are just stewards over what God has given us. So we must give our surplus back to him after we provide sufficient for our needs. What does that constitute? There is no set amount. You will never be asked if you are giving your all or be coerced to. It’s up to you and the Lord. This is the question I’ll be asking myself for my whole life.
Section 42 and 105 of D&C explains the law. We all need to read that more.
In conclusion, I wonder what the church would be like today if all the saints truly gave of their surplus and only lived with sufficient for their needs. What careers would we choose? It’s possible some would be required to earn outsized amounts to provide for others. Or some to earn less but to do less lucrative work. It’s hard not to judge someone who lives in a mansion and says they are consecrated, but not judging is essential to creating Zion. The scriptures seem pretty clear though that dying rich does not put you in an ideal spot. Quite the opposite. But that’s all figurative, right??? Also, do we really need to go back to Missouri? Next study question.
What I learned:
It’s a folk doctrine to believe that the early saints did not succeed in living the law of consecration and it is not required of us at this time. In contrast, the early saints made precious sacrifices and were blessed for their living of the law. And the law is still required to be lived today.
Agency, stewardship, and accountability are the three pillars of consecration.
We own nothing, we are just stewards over what God has given us. So we must give our surplus back to him after we provide sufficient for our needs. What does that constitute? There is no set amount. You will never be asked if you are giving your all or be coerced to. It’s up to you and the Lord. This is the question I’ll be asking myself for my whole life.
Section 42 and 105 of D&C explains the law. We all need to read that more.
In conclusion, I wonder what the church would be like today if all the saints truly gave of their surplus and only lived with sufficient for their needs. What careers would we choose? It’s possible some would be required to earn outsized amounts to provide for others. Or some to earn less but to do less lucrative work. It’s hard not to judge someone who lives in a mansion and says they are consecrated, but not judging is essential to creating Zion. The scriptures seem pretty clear though that dying rich does not put you in an ideal spot. Quite the opposite. But that’s all figurative, right??? Also, do we really need to go back to Missouri? Next study question.
September 7, 2022
This was a great book about a topic quite misunderstood (including myself). The Law of Consecration is alive and well in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints today. Although not practiced as it was when revealed initially, we are expected (not coerced) to be living this covenant. "You mean I have to give up everything I own to my bishop and then he gives it out to others who really need it?" If this is your understanding of this covenant (as it kind of was my understanding) you need to read this book. The author helps us remember the larger picture that everything is God's and He has bought us with a price. Another theme is remembering to focus on loving God and our fellowmen and women. This book also spends some excellent time taking us through church history, when this covenant was revealed and how the saints did (or didn't) live it. It also discusses and clarifies that tithing didn't 'replace' the Law of Consecration. Tithing is not a lesser law, it is part of the law. Nowhere in the scriptures does it say that the Law of Consecration was revoked and it's also important to remember that many of the early saints lived this law but not enough for the Lord to establish Zion. A quick and highly-recommended read on this topic.
June 7, 2025
“Let's Talk about the Law of Consecration is part of the Let's Talk About series—small, approachable books on important Latter-day Saint topics, written by trusted, faithful scholars who can thoroughly explain crucial issues in a digestible way. For people who have sincere questions and are seeking answers, this series provides access to some of the best thinking in the Church.”
“Our obedience to this law is completely up to us. It will never be forced on us and no leader or bishop will check up on us to see if we’re living the law correctly or completely or to some worldly standard. But God always knows our hearts, intentions and motivations. We have agency to choose. Just as we have agency to make covenants with Him in the first place.”
“Our obedience to this law is completely up to us. It will never be forced on us and no leader or bishop will check up on us to see if we’re living the law correctly or completely or to some worldly standard. But God always knows our hearts, intentions and motivations. We have agency to choose. Just as we have agency to make covenants with Him in the first place.”
June 28, 2023
This book makes the point that we all covenant to live the law of consecration. Sometimes we tell the story that the early saints tried and failed and now we aren't really supposed to live the full law. That is not accurate. It goes through the history of the early saints receiving of the laws by revelation and attempts to live and various ways they attempted to live. It makes the case that we still commit to live the law and are to strive to do so. Nothing earth shattering here, but a nice history and a simple presentation of the law.
October 13, 2022
Probably the most historical of the “let’s talk about “books. Also one of the most cryptic as not everything could be said that needed to be. However, this is a great primer for the past, the present, and the future concerning consecration
February 15, 2023
Steve is a friend and mentor who is passionate about the law of consecration. This book provides an excellent early history of the law and how it was observed by the early Saints. Steve makes a strong argument for why we are still under an active covenant obligation to consecrate and outlines generally how and why we consecrate today. At times, I wish the book said more about the present day by balancing, say, it’s historical examples of consecration with modern-day ones. But this is a minor concern. The book is very well written and ideal for general readers who want to learn more about this little understood principle of the restored gospel.
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March 31, 2023I like this series that is trying to take topics that can be confusing for some and lay them out concisely. I thought this was a good discussion of consecration, with context and myth busting. 😊 A plus.
September 16, 2022
It's pretty rare that I wish a book were longer.
September 26, 2022
Excellent explanation/historical review. Anything Harper writes deserves to be read.
October 13, 2022
For anyone who really wants to know about the law of consecration--what it is and what is isn't--this is the book to read. I learned so much from this book!
October 14, 2022
This book was very interesting and cleared up some misconceptions I had.
November 20, 2022
Powerfully clarifying.
December 23, 2022
3.5 ⭐️I learned a lot about the law of consecration. I wished there was more discussion about living it but that is also a personal thing too. Good book.
May 26, 2023
Excellent discussion of the law of consecration, its history, and putting it into practice as believers.
July 16, 2023
This book is simple and clear. The stories taken from history were engaging. I will read this book again in the future.
Currently reading
July 21, 2023Thoughts I loved:
We don't need to scratch our heads and wonder about how we will live this law like the Saints used to do because we are not going to do it the way they did. Elder Orson Pratt
We don't need to scratch our heads and wonder about how we will live this law like the Saints used to do because we are not going to do it the way they did. Elder Orson Pratt
July 21, 2023
Really informative about the history and current reality of this doctrine.
July 31, 2023
Lots of excellent information about the law of consecration.
February 14, 2024
I thought this would be more earth shattering but it wasn't. It does provide some good information on how we should be living the law of consecration today.
February 26, 2024
This book was just ok. It focused a lot on the history of consecration, which is all fine and good but I wish it focused more on the application to today instead.
March 3, 2024
A deep history of the law of consecration.
July 21, 2025
How can I ever really do, give, be enough?
Thus clear description and definition of what the law of consecration means shouldn’t feel so new and unfamiliar, but I am humbled.
Thus clear description and definition of what the law of consecration means shouldn’t feel so new and unfamiliar, but I am humbled.
October 15, 2025
A thorough review of the history of the law of consecration in the latter-days and what it means for those who have covenanted to keep it.
August 12, 2024
To all my friends — I’d love to talk after you read this. HMU.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews