Benjamin's discussion of our indebtedness to God is by no means comprehensive. When we honestly begin to count our many blessings, the debt becomes astronomical. Benjamin discusses the debt which comes because the Lord has granted us our lives. He discusses the debt which comes when we are given great blessings for obedience. But what about the blessings of the scriptures, restored priesthood powers, and temple covenants? What about the blessings of a free nation, of wise men as leaders of the kingdom of God on earth, of technological advances designed to make our lives simple? We cannot take credit for any of these gifts of God, for none of them came by our righteousness, therefore, of what have [we] to boast?
The other debt which the meek are quick to identify is the debt which comes through the great Atonement. How can one begin to count the cost? How can one begin to pay the debt? The words of the hymns resound:
"What debt of gratitude is mine,
That in his off'ring I have part," (Hymn 187)
"I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt!
Such mercy, such love, and devotion can I forget
No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,
Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet." (Hymn 193)
Joseph Fielding Smith
"Do you think it will ever be possible for any one of us, no matter how hard we labor, or even if we should suffer martyrdom, to pay our Father and Jesus Christ for the blessings we have received from them? The great love, with its accompanying blessings, extended to us through the crucifixion, suffering, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, is beyond our mortal comprehension. We never could repay. We have been bought with a price beyond computation. Not with gold or silver or precious stones, 'But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish, and without spot.' (1 Pet 1:19)" (The Way to Perfection, p. 224)