There’s a limit to how much you can do alone. Scaling your efforts and engaging other people require delegation of authority and division of responsibility.
When Alma organized the church at the waters of Mormon, he “ordained priests … to preach unto [church members], and to teach them concerning the things pertaining to the kingdom of God” (Mosiah 18:18). When Jesus established His church in the Americas after His resurrection, He began by calling twelve disciples and giving them power to baptize. (See 3 Nephi 11:18-22.)
In 1829, nearly a year before the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery received authority to baptize from a heavenly messenger who identified himself as John the Baptist. (See Joseph Smith—History 1:68-72; Doctrine and Covenants 13.)
At about this time, Joseph Smith received revelations on behalf of several associates, calling on them to declare repentance and assist with the Lord’s work: Joseph Knight, Sr. (Doctrine and Covenants 12) David Whitmer (Doctrine and Covenants 14), John Whitmer (Doctrine and Covenants 15), and Peter Whitmer, Jr. (Doctrine and Covenants 16). Additionally, the Lord promised Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris that they would have the privilege of seeing the gold plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated and related artifacts (Doctrine and Covenants 17), so that they could add their testimony to that of Joseph Smith.
Priesthood authority and responsibilities allow many people around the world to contribute meaningfully to the shared work of bringing forth and establishing Zion. (See Doctrine and Covenants 12:6, Doctrine and Covenants 14:6.)
Here are some other lessons I’ve learned from these revelations:
Outline
- Joseph Knight: Be humble, full of love, and temperate in all things – Doctrine and Covenants 12
- John the Baptist gives Joseph and Oliver the Aaronic Priesthood – Doctrine and Covenants 13; Joseph Smith—History 1:68-75
- David Whitmer: Eternal life is the greatest of all the gifts of God – Doctrine and Covenants 14
- John Whitmer: Declaring repentance is the greatest work you can do – Doctrine and Covenants 15
- Peter Whitmer, Jr. – Declaring repentance is the greatest work you can do – Doctrine and Covenants 16
- Three witnesses of the Book of Mormon chosen – Doctrine and Covenants 17
Key Themes
- Part of Heavenly Father’s plan for our eternal happiness is to give us responsibilities and then to help us live up to the trust He has placed in us.
- Baptism by immersion is symbolic of a consecrated life.
- The Holy Ghost sanctifies us, enlightens us, and motivates us to action.
- The Savior’s light can help us overcome confusion and see more clearly. His word is “quick and powerful,” helping us make wise decisions and inspiring us to action.
- Angels minister to us, even if we can’t see them.
Book of Mormon Connections
- Moroni and Nephi declared that three witnesses would see the plates and testify to the world that the Book of Mormon is true (Ether 5:2-4, 2 Nephi 27:12-14). In Doctrine and Covenants 17, Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris were promised that they would be those witnesses.
- Jesus quoted the prophecy of Malachi that “the sons of Levi” would once again “offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness” (3 Nephi 24:3; Malachi 3:3). John the Baptist referenced this prophecy when he gave priesthood authority to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. (See Doctrine and Covenants 13:1; Joseph Smith—History 1:69, footnote.)
Applications
- Be faithful “at all times.” Your ongoing and continuous commitment to the truth may be more important than any single testimony you might share.
- “Declare repentance” by affirming to yourself and to others that we can change and that personal improvement brings joy.
- Be grateful for the good gifts you have received from God, including the greatest gift of all: eternal life.
- Follow the examples of others who have found joy in serving others. Be their “fellow-servant.”
Recommended Posts
- What Is a Priest?
- John the Baptist
- What Offering Will the Sons of Levi Make in Righteousness?
- Who Were the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon?
- The Work, the Sword, the Sickle, and the Prayer
Blog Posts: February 18-23
“Temperate in All Things”
The Lord told Joseph Knight, Sr. that no one can assist in His work without being “temperate in all things.” The apostle Paul compared disciples of Christ with elite athletes, who carefully manage their diet, sleep, and exercise. Elder Kent D. Watson compared a temperate soul to tempered glass, which does not shatter dangerously when…
Preface to Four Revelations, April-May 1829
Four revelations received by Joseph Smith on behalf of different people have nearly identical openings. These openings are derived from combinations of biblical passages, all of which appear in some form in the Book of Mormon. Here is how I would paraphrase the message of this recurring introduction: Big things are about to happen, so…
Priesthood Power
Authority gives us permission to do something. Power gives us the ability to do it. Priests and teachers were ordained anciently “by the power of the Holy Ghost.” Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery experienced spiritual gifts and power when they received the priesthood and were baptized. We also need to seek to receive God’s priesthood…
Avoiding Deception
We can avoid being deceived by (1) obtaining and remembering accurate information, (2) being vigilant but not paranoid, and (3) drawing closer to God, who can enlighten our minds and help us see more clearly.
The Holy Ghost “Giveth Utterance”
When we rely on our own knowledge, the content of our communication is limited. If we’re willing to trust God guide us, the Holy Ghost will give us utterance and help us say what needs to be said.
Faith and Witnessing
God told Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris that they would see the gold plates after they had obtained faith. Faith is a gift of God, but it still requires effort on our part to obtain it.
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