In the old days, princes and princesses had to learn certain manners they should have to be royal family in those days. They had special way of talking, acting, behaving, and doing every little thing in the palace. The most prominent example was that they should not act as if they were in urgent need to do something. However they are in a hurry, they should never run around; however they are hungry, they should not gulp down food or drink. Whatever they do and whatever situation they might be in, they should act in reserved and courtly manner to show decorum and dignity. If they lost their manner in front of others, it was considered as disgrace, lowering themselves to the position of common people.
Through this customs of the world, Heavenly Mother also told us that there are heavenly customs and manners that we should learns as citizens of heaven who are considered as princes and princess of the royal family in heaven.
1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
As a royal priests and citizens of heaven, what kind of manner and customs should we have? How can we know what is the proper way of talking, acting, and treating each other? Just as princes and princesses had special books explaining the courtly manner in the times of dynasties, we also have guidebook and guidelines given to us so that we may learn the heavenly culture: that is, the Bible. The bible teaches us the attitudes of people of heaven. They should have love, endurance, peace, contentedness, etc…
When Mother taught this for the afternoon sermon of the Sabbath, I came to realize how much Mother wants us to change. If it is not necessary for us to go to heaven, why would Mother told us to learn the heavenly culture and practice all the godly behaviors. She was emphasizing that it is necessary for us to learn all those good attitudes. Through this teaching I come to realize many things. Mother is still on this earth in the world of pain and suffering for her and it is because we are still not ready. We did not change our sinful and worldly nature completely and in this condition we cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven and receive salvation. And Mother is waiting until we are ready to go.
Long time ago I once read a story of a mother swallow and babies. As the winter is drawing near, all the migrant birds including other neighbor swallows left the place one by one, but one swallow family could not go back to the south to find a warmer place to spend the winter. And it was because one baby swallow was not ready to take the long travel to the south. It was sick in bed and the whole family had to wait until it got well. Finally, just before the cold wind blew and the first snow came, they could make journey to the south long after everybody left the town.
Our Heavenly Mother is also waiting because we are not ready and still we are weak to make the journey. And because of us, our older brothers and sisters are all waiting too so that we can get ready. Now I think I should learn all the heavenly customs and make it into a habit to practice them so that I can be accepted as God’s children in heaven. Now I can feel how the mother swallow must have felt as the winter was drawing near, bringing cold wind and heavy snow. All the family could be in danger if they did not head toward south immediately. Our Heavenly Mother must be feeling the same way as the appointed time for the prophecy is drawing near. Everybody should be ready to make the journey, but Mother is worried because her children are still not ready. Now we should realize what Mother wants and comfort her by changing ourselves to resemble heavenly citizens, God’s holy sons and daughters.
Mother does not want to leave any of us behind and that is why she is still waiting.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.