In Temporal Labors

King Benjamin taught his people that God blesses the righteous “in all things, both temporal and spiritual” (Mosiah 2:41).

Temporal means “temporary” or “time-bound.” It refers to things which will eventually end.

Spiritual, on the other hand, refers to things which transcend this life, which we may experience here but will continue to experience after death.

God blesses us in many ways. He can give us knowledge, fortify our character, and help us strengthen relationships, all of which can endure beyond the grave. He can also help us in practical ways, with the temporary challenges and goals which are part of mortal life. That’s why Alma encouraged the people of Gideon to pray “for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal” (Alma 7:23).

In July 1830, just a few months after the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Lord gave Joseph Smith the following counsel:

Magnify thine office; and after thou hast sowed thy fields and secured them, go speedily unto the church which is in Colesville, Fayette, and Manchester, and they shall support thee; and I will bless them both spiritually and temporally.

Doctrine and Covenants 24:3

The Lord echoes Benjamin’s testimony that He blesses us both temporally and spiritually. He also instructs Joseph to sow and secure his fields (temporal work) before traveling to visit church members in three cities (spiritual work). And He assures Joseph that church members in those cities will support him, presumably both temporally and spiritually.

Later in the revelation, the Lord cautions Joseph, “In temporal labors thou shalt not have strength, for this is not thy calling.” Then, He adds, “Attend to thy calling” (Doctrine and Covenants 24:9). Obviously, the Lord wasn’t giving Joseph license to neglect his personal affairs. He had just told Joseph to complete his work on the farm before performing his church responsibilities. But He clearly wanted Joseph to keep all of these duties in perspective and to prioritize. His calling was to establish the church of Jesus Christ, and any temporary work he performed must be subservient to that overarching mission.

Of course the Lord was willing to bless Joseph temporally, just as He does for each of us. But Joseph needed to know that his primary accomplishments in life would not be temporal in nature, so that he could keep his priorities in order and use his time and energy wisely.

Today, I will be grateful for the temporal and spiritual blessings of God, and I will strive to keep my temporal and spiritual callings in perspective. I will remember that God is willing to bless me in all things and that I can pray for all kinds of blessings, both temporary and eternal. But I will remember to prioritize activities of eternal significance.