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 it is subjected to extreme stress.
Doctrine and Covenants 12–17; Joseph Smith—History 1:66–75: “Upon You My Fellow Servants” (February 17-23)
1. God gives us responsibilities and helps us live up to that trust. 2. Baptism by immersion is symbolic of consecration. 3. The Holy Ghost sanctifies, enlightens, and motivates us. 4. The Savior's light can help us see clearly and overcome confusion. 5. Angels minister to us, even if we don't see them.
“Generations Yet to Be”
Enos prayed for people who would live in the distant future. The Lord answered his prayer, in part, by bringing us the Book of Mormon thousands of years later. As we grow closer to God, our thoughts and prayers turn not only to our ancestors but also to our descendants: "generations yet to be."
“Hold Your Peace”
The phrase "hold your peace" means to remain silent and calm. The Lord instructed Joseph and Hyrum Smith to hold their peace in 1829. A number of people in the Book of Mormon remained silent for long periods of time. We can often communicate more effectively and feel less anxious by slowing down and not rushing to speak.
Not to Destroy, but to Build Up
The Savior told Joseph Smith that the Book of Mormon and the church are intended to build up what people already have, not to destroy it. As we interact with others, we must be careful not to disparage or minimize the good things they bring to the table, but to build upon them.
Wickedness
The Book of Mormon teaches several principles which can help us navigate environments where people are making wrong choices. 1. We are all wicked. 2. Wickedness is not binary. 3. Wickedness need not be permanent. 4. As we become less wicked, God can entrust us with more responsibilities.
“In Their Own Snare”
The Lord taught Joseph Smith that you can't justify dishonesty by arguing that your victim is also dishonest. He said that the devil causes us "to catch [ourselves] in [our] own snare." Those who attempt to deceive others only harm themselves in the end.
“His Own Received Him Not”
Jesus "came unto his own, and his own received him not." It's tragic to think that we would fail to receive the greatest gift ever offered to us because we failed to greet and welcome the Giver. We receive salvation when we receive the Savior.
Doctrine and Covenants 10-11: “That You May Come Off Conqueror” (February 10-16)
1. God's wisdom is greater than Satan's cunning. 2. Even when we are surrounded by darkness, we can be filled with the Savior's light. 3. Repentance is a central theme of the gospel. Everyone needs to repent. 4. We make better decisions when we love God and our neighbor. The Spirit of the Lord leads us to "do justly, walk humbly, [and] to judge righteously,."
Doubt Not
We all have questions. That's a feature of being human. Approaching them with faith in God is a source of power. Approaching them with doubt can cause us to miss the answers. Jesus urged Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to "doubt not." Amplifying our fears and our doubts may inhibit us from taking the very actions which will enable us to resolve them.