Doctrine and Covenants 81-83: Where “Much Is Given Much Is Required” (July 19-25)

81 – Frederick G. Williams becomes a counselor to Joseph Smith

The president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has two counselors. Together, they form the First Presidency of the Church.

In March 1832, Jesse Gause was called to serve as a counselor in the First Presidency. A year later, he was replaced by Frederick G. Williams. This revelation, addressed first to Brother Gause and then to Brother Williams, explained the Lord’s expectations of a member of the First Presidency. Most significant to me is the instruction, borrowed from Isaiah, to “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees” (Doctrine and Covenants 81:5). (See Isaiah 35:3.)

Blog posts relating to this revelation:

• We serve one person at a time: Notwithstanding There Being Many Churches They Were All One Church – Mosiah 25:19-21.
• We should proactively look for ways to serve others: Love One Another and Serve One Another.
• Serving others brings us closer to the Savior: How to “Come unto Christ”.

82 – More instructions about the United Firm

In March 1832, the Lord instructed church leaders to organize themselves more fully to care for the poor and the needy among them. (See Doctrine and Covenants 78.) The following month, the Lord provided additional information to help them in this effort. Here are some of the principles taught in this revelation, together with relevant blog posts:

Where much is given, much is required (Doctrine and Covenants 82:3, Luke 12:48):

• We need to use the blessings we have been given to bless other people – They Did Not Send Any Away – Alma 1:30.
• We ought to hold ourselves to a high standard, recognizing how blessed we are: It Shall Be More Tolerable for Them – Alma 9:14-16.
• We should be humble when we are tempted to judge others and focus instead on living up to the blessings we have been given: Had the Mighty Works Been Shown Unto Them – Helaman 15:15-16.
• Gratitude naturally leads to action: Doctrine and Covenants 82:3 – “Highly Favored” – Alma 9:20-24.

Commandments are actually instructions to help us live successfully (Doctrine and Covenants 82:8-9):

• The challenges we face and the assignments we receive from God are customized for us personally: I Am the Law, and the Light – 3 Nephi 15:9.
• Heavenly Father wants us to be successful in life: 1 Nephi 20:17 Who Teacheth Thee to Profit.

God always keeps His promises (Doctrine and Covenants 82:10):

• We can trust that God will bless us, because He has promised to bless us: So Great Was His Faith in God – Ether 12:20-21.
• If we continue to keep the promises we have made to God, we can have confidence that He will strengthen us and help us overcome every obstacle we face: Because of the Fulfilling the Oath – Alma 56:6-8.

83 – Welfare principles

A few days later, the Lord clarified an important principle: Members of the Church should look first to their families for financial support. The Church is available to help when family is unable to do so, including for widows and orphans.

Here are some blog posts about financial management and caring for the needy:

• What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Finances?
• They Were Liberal to All – Alma 1:29-32