Mormon and Moroni both warned us to “deny not the gifts of God” (Moroni 10:8; see also 3 Nephi 29:6). Jesus assured us that God gives good gifts to those who request them. (See 3 Nephi 14:11; Matthew 7:11.) The apostle Paul even encouraged us to “covet earnestly the best gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:31).
Yet while Joseph Smith was translating the Book of Mormon, the Lord set some clear boundaries around his gifts:
You have a gift to translate the plates; and this is the first gift that I bestowed upon you; and I have commanded that you should pretend to no other gift until my purpose is fulfilled in this; for I will grant unto you no other gift until it is finished.
Doctrine and Covenants 5:4
In everyday English, the word “pretend” means to make believe or to give a false appearance. But the word can also mean “to aspire,” “to undertake,” or “to intend.” The context here suggests that the Lord isn’t warning Joseph against claiming to have a gift that he doesn’t have. Instead, he is warning Joseph not to seek additional gifts until he has completed the assignment associated with his current gift.
Alma wrote movingly about his desire to be an angel, so that he could be more persuasive as he preached the gospel. But he quickly checked himself:
I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me. …
Why should I desire more than to perform the work to which I have been called?
Alma 29:3, 6
It’s easy to look “beyond the mark” (Jacob 4:14), to let our minds wander, to imagine what it might be like to serve in other ways, with other gifts and abilities. But it can be a distraction from the opportunities we already have to use the gifts we have already been given.
Both Joseph and Alma both went on to serve in other ways and, presumably, to receive many more gifts. Focusing on our current responsibilities doesn’t preclude other opportunities in the future. In fact, by complete the assignments we have been given, we invite the Lord to give us additional assignments.
Today, I will “pretend to no other gift” than the ones I have already received. I will be grateful for the unique opportunities I have to serve, and I will focus on fulfilling my responsibilities well, trusting that the Lord will provide additional opportunities in His own time and in His own way.