None Other Work

Millenia before Joseph Smith was born, God taught an important principle about his service. According to Lehi, the Lord told the ancient prophet Joseph that a future prophet, also named Joseph, would teach his descendants about the covenants God made with their ancestors. Then, the Lord said this: “I will give unto him a commandment that he shall do none other work, save the work which I shall command him” (2 Nephi 3:7-8, italics added).

That prophecy was partially fulfilled in March 1829, when the Lord gave Joseph Smith some scope-limiting counsel. Here is some of the guidance Joseph received at that time:

• “You should not show [the gold plates] except to those persons to whom I commanded you; and you have no power over them except I grant it unto you” (Doctrine and Covenants 5:3).
• “You have a gift to translate the plates; and … I will grant unto you no other gift until it is finished” (Doctrine and Covenants 5:4).
• “When thou hast translated a few more pages thou shalt stop for a season, even until I command thee again. … And except thou do this, behold, thou shalt have no more gift” (Doctrine and Covenants 5:30-31).

This week, I’ve thought a lot about the practical implications of this counsel in my life. I wrote earlier in the week about the importance of focusing on the assignments and the gifts we have been given, instead of spending time and energy imagining what it might be like to serve in other ways, with other gifts and abilities. But there is a danger of overreach even within our current assignments. For example:

• I currently have an assignment at church to work with a group of young single adults. It’s tempting for me, even unintentionally, to do their job for them instead of focusing on my job, which is to advise, encourage, and support.
• When I participate in meetings—at church, at home, and at work—I usually have something to say, often more than I need to say. I contribute better when I ask myself how my contributions are helping the entire group to be more productive. Sometimes, I contribute best by holding back and giving other people an opportunity to speak up.
• At work, I generally take the view that we’re all one team, and that we are most effective when everyone pitches in and does whatever is needed, regardless of their role. While this can be a useful attitude, it can be harmful if I don’t stop to ask, “Who is responsible for this, and how can I support them in fulfilling their responsibilities?”

Jacob taught that it’s important to “magnify our office unto the Lord” (Jacob 1:19; Jacob 2:2). I think that we magnify our callings by performing them to the best of our abilities, with an awareness of how they interact with the gifts and responsibilities of other people. Magnifying our callings does not mean increasing their scope beyond what we have been asked to do, particularly if we’re doing someone else’s job for them.

Today, I will fulfill my callings and assignments to the best of my ability, and I will do my best to support other people in fulfilling their callings and assignments. I will avoid overreaching by doing what the Lord has asked me to do and supporting others with their unique gifts and assignments.