Doctrine and Covenants 51-57: “A Faithful, a Just, and a Wise Steward” (May 17-23)

This week, we will study seven revelations on various topics received between May and July, 1831. For each revelation, here is a brief synopsis with key principles taught and relevant blog posts.

Section 51 – The Bishop’s Storehouse

The Lord instructs Edward Partridge, the bishop, to establish a “storehouse” consisting of everything the members possess beyond what they need.

• If we have more than we need, we should give the excess to those who need it more: Impart of Your Substance.
• We should do this in an organized way: “Faster Than He Has Strength” – Mosiah 4:27

Section 52 – A Conference in Missouri

The Lord called specific men to travel to Missouri, two by two, and hold a conference there. Others were called to travel east, and others were to stay in Ohio and watch over the church.

• The Lord calls different people to serve in different ways: “Another Way” – Alma 22:4.
• We should be grateful for the callings we have been given and supportive of the different callings other people have been given: The Success of My Brethren – Alma 29:14-16

Section 53 – “Take upon You Mine Ordination”

Sidney Gilbert was called as an elder and assigned to serve as an agent to the bishop.

• We should approach our church service with maturity and seriousness: What Is an Elder?
• We need to sustain our faith over time: What Does It Mean to Endure to the End?

Section 54 – The Colesville Branch’s Quandary

The members of the church from Colesville, New York arrived in Kirtland, Ohio to discover that the land they were to inhabit was no longer available. The Lord instructed them to keep moving and establish themselves in Missouri.

• We should trust the Lord when we encounter obstacles: How Can I Be More Patient?
• We need to learn to overcome discouragement and keep moving forward: How Can I Teach My Children to Be Resilient?

Section 55 – A Printer in Missouri

W. W. Phelps was instructed to be baptized and confirmed, after which he would be ordained an elder. He was instructed to “do the work of printing” in Missouri.

• We should serve God with pure motives and without distractions: “If Thine Eye Be Single” – 3 Nephi 13:22.
• Clear responsibilities enable us to do the work of the Lord more effectively: What Does It Mean to Be Ordained?

Section 56 – “I, the Lord, Command and Revoke”

God revised some of His prior instructions, because circumstances had changed. Thomas B. Marsh was given a new missionary companion, and Newel Knight was now to lead the members of the church from Colesville to Missouri instead of serving as a missionary.

• The rich must humble themselves and be willing to share. The poor must also humble themselves: Are We Not All Beggars? – Mosiah 4:19-21.
• We need to repent of our selfishness: “They Became for Themselves” – 3 Nephi 1:29.

Section 57 – The Temple Lot

In Jackson County, Missouri, the Lord revealed the location where the temple should be built. He called W. W. Phelps to serve as a printer, Edward Partridge to oversee the acquisition and distribution of land, and Sidney Gilbert to establish a store.

• We should work hard to establish sacred spaces for worship: A House of Prayer.
• We should work to promote unity, purity, and kindness: What Is Zion?