Sustaining the Brethren

According to Webster's dictionary, the definition of the word sustenance is: means of support, maintenance, or subsistence, food, provisions, nourishment, supplying or being supplied with the necessaries of life; something that gives support, endurance, or strength.

The dictionary also defines sustenance to be the act of sustaining.

The scriptures testify that in Christ we live, and move, and have our being. (Acts 17:28) At the Last Supper Jesus Christ said to his twelve disciples:

Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
(John 6: 54-56)

The scriptures declare all things are composed and made of Jesus Christ. (John 1:3)

In all things both physical and spiritual, Jesus Christ is our sustenance and he is perfect in every way. For we are made of him and abide in him and he abides in us. (John 15:4)

The root word of the word sustenance is the word sustain. It is Jesus Christ who sustains each of us. The dictionary defines the word sustain as, to give support or relief to; to supply with sustenance; to nourish, to keep up, to prolong, to prop, to carry or withstand; to buoy up, or to suffer.

When you choose to sustain another, you now have chosen to become that one’s sustenance you have chosen to become that one’s food. As members of the body of Christ it is Christ who sustains each one of us. Jesus Christ never asked any of his disciples to sustain him. Beware of those who ask you to sustain them.

The Apostle Paul wrote, I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; Acts 20:29

Jesus warned the members of the Church to, Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous (which means hungry) wolves. (Matthew 7:15)

Latter-Day Saints, please remember this each time you are asked to sustain “the Brethren” for those who seek to be sustained by you are seeking to make you their sustenance.