A certain trait of social psychology intrigues me and the more I observe peoples and nations and religions and politics the more convinced I am that it is in our very eternal nature to divide into interest groups and then collect with those who are most like us. We gravitate toward those who share important characteristics and ideologies with us.
We see in the human predicament, a model of human behavior, throughout history men and women have rebelled against their oppressive rulers only to find themselves in the bondage of anarchy. Since anarchy is just as intolerable and oppressive as a tyrant individuals quickly found themselves in history after history dividing into interest groups that supported their own views and which provided a certain measure of protection. In some variations these were called tribes. In other variations we call them gangs, parties, clicks, sects, guilds, churches, armies, camps, kingdoms, neighborhoods, communities, trades, classes, companies, teams, and the like.
We divide and then gather for many reasons, based on many factors including language, ethnicity, race, religion, education level, socioeconomics, political views, values, interests, and such. We separate from or gather toward others based on how comfortable we are in their company.
Now, saying this I realize that here are untold millions in this life who experience no mobility based on preference. They are bound by political boundaries, or economic circumstances, and are unable to go where they wish to be. They may be imprisoned or in bondage of some kind and unable to gather based on laws under which they live. Nevertheless, if they were free to choose, i would fully anticipate that they would gather with those who are like them. They would surround themselves by those that they were like and comfortable with. Some, unable to find their type but being free to move isolate themselves and live a life of solitude.
Scripture suggests as a matter of principle, "intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence; wisdom receiveth wisdom; truth embraceth truth; virtue loveth virtue; light cleaveth unto light; mercy hath compassion on mercy and claimeth her own; justice continueth its course and claimeth its own..." (D&C 88:40)
Every once in a while I hear someone phrase our quest for heaven in such a way as to suggest that if we're not careful we might end up where we don't want to be. These statements always worry me because I feel what I have learned about the eternities suggests that above all else we will find ourselves in a glory the fits us like a glove. We will be exactly where we fit and feel at home. Joseph Smith described in many places, but particularly a heaven that was multifaceted and suited to the infinite complexity of the human family. C.S. Lewis described something similar when he said, " Your place in heaven will seem to be made for you and you alone, because you were made for it -- made for it stitch by stitch as a glove is made for a hand.” ― C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain
For this reason I have never been one to try and strong arm anyone into accepting my beliefs, or forcing another to do what I do. Instead, I believe fully in the principle of sharing, inviting, welcoming, and allowing all who are genuinely interested in what the gospel of Jesus Christ has to offer a chance to fully embrace it. I am more than happy to share my views and to debate their virtues if someone is inclined toward them, I am even anxious to help someone see what I feel is the error of their ways. But when they are determined and resolved to be who they are, and that person is not comfortable with me and mine, then I am happy to let them be.
John of old said it best when he declared, "he that hath an ear, let him ear." I believe this to be a call to gather. Similarly, God says "Even as you desire of me, so shall it be done unto you." (DC 11:8). Nephi tells us that "men are free to choose liberty and eternal life... or captivity and death." (2 Nephi 2:27). Alma tells us that if we know the difference between good and evil then we will recieve according to our desires (Alma 29:5 and Alma 41:5). Mormon tells us that the way we are in this life will be the way we are in eternity (Mormon 9:14). But perhaps best of all is DC 88:32 where God says that he would have given way more to those who inherit lesser glories, but "They shall return again to their own place, to enjoy that which they are willing to receive, because they were not willing to enjoy that which they might have received."
Along a similar string of thought, Mosiah talks about how the guilt of the wicked ultimately will cause them to "Shrink from the presence of the Lord." (Mosiah 2:38; 3:25) Referencing those scriptures, my father put it this way, "Ultimately we remove ourselves away from God to that distance where we are most comfortable, and that it is our choice. Sinful souls will not want to remain in His presence, or anywhere near. The judgment is simplified, in that we are not cast out; we choose to leave of our own accord."
God, in eternity will invite all to come unto him, knowing full well that some will gather toward, and others will gather away. That is the eternal nature of our souls. Those willing to abide a celestial law gather together and to the degree these souls are like God, the father, they will be closer to him in proximity. To the degree they desire distance he will give according to their desires. Same with those who inherit Terrestrial and Telestial glories. No one will be forcing them there. They will go happily and freely. We are who we have been for eons of time, perhaps even for always.
Truly when all is said and done, God will force no man or woman to abide his presence, but he anxiously awaits those who desire him as much as he desires each and every one of his children.
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