Scripture study requires time and effort but leads to personal revelation and spiritual growth. Prophets like Nephi, Jacob, and Benjamin emphasized diligent searching of the scriptures. Jesus commanded us to study Isaiah and the other prophets. By dedicating time daily to the scriptures, we gain insights, improve decision-making, and prepare ourselves to share true principles.
In Temporal Labors
God blesses us both temporally and spiritually, but it's important for us to keep those blessings, and our corresponding responsibilities in perspective. Eternal things are more important than temporary ones. Our temporal blessings and efforts must be subservient to our spiritual ones.
Your Privileges
Prophets elevate our vision and make us aware of blessings which are available to us. President Russell M. Nelson invited the women of the church to study Doctrine and Covenants 25. Joy D. Jones and Emily Belle Freeman both testified that accepting and acting on that revelation changed their lives.
Thy Calling, Thy Duty
God's callings serve two purposes: giving us opportunities to serve others while simultaneously opening our hearts to receive the sanctifying power of Jesus Christ.
Doctrine and Covenants 23-26: “Seek for the Things of a Better World” (March 17-23)
1. God's approval gives us confidence and helps us overcome anxiety. 2. Voting to sustain church leaders can be an experession of unity. 3. When we realize how freely God has blessed us, we are inclined to be more generous. 4. Temporal things can serve spiritual purposes.
Weeping for Zion
An essential characteristic of a Christlike leader is love for those they serve. God explained that He called Joseph Smith to establish His church because of his "weeping for Zion," praying with diligence and with deep desire for the eternal welfare of others.
Grace and Agency in Doctrine and Covenants 20
Doctrine and Covenants 20 teaches us about the relationship between grace and agency. Jesus Christ suffered so that we could be saved. We can choose to accept that gift (justification) and retain it over time (sanctification). Baptism enables us to accept it. The sacrament helps us retain it.
Book of Mormon Elements in Doctrine and Covenants 20
The Articles and Covenants of the Church (D&C 20) outline core doctrines and priesthood duties, drawing heavily from the Book of Mormon. Some passages are quoted directly, while others synthesize multiple passages to affirm core doctrines. By relying on the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery grounded the restored Church on Christ’s gospel.
Walking in Holiness
God wants us to become holy. In 1830, he instructed church members to "[walk] in holiness before the Lord." Walking in holiness includes avoiding the profane, but it also includes inviting good and virtuous things into our lives and finding joy in our daily activities.
Strengthen Them
A teacher in the restored Church of Jesus Christ has a responsibility to strengthen others. We do this by being with them, listening to them, expressing confidence in them, testifying of true principles, and inviting them to exercise faith in Jesus Christ.