In September 1830, the Lord gave 25-year-old David Whitmer some corrective feedback. He framed it through three related contrasts, each highlighting how David’s focus had drifted from spiritual priorities to earthly concerns.:
| Earthly Focus | Eternal Focus |
|---|---|
| “You have feared man…” | “…and have not relied on me for strength as you ought.” |
| “Your mind has been on the things of the earth…” | “…more than on the things of me, your Maker, and the ministry whereunto you have been called” |
| “You…have been persuaded by those whom I have not commanded” | “You have not given heed unto my Spirit, and to those who were set over you.” |
(See Doctrine and Covenants 30:1-2.)
David certainly wasn’t the first person to prioritize earthly over heavenly things or to be impressed by worldly power. Joseph Smith had received a similar rebuke two years earlier after giving Martin Harris the first 116 pages of the Book of Mormon manuscript. (See Doctrine and Covenants 3:7.)
And Nephi warned:
Cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.
2 Nephi 4:34; see also Jeremiah 17:5-7
Fortunately, the Lord not only identified David’s shortcoming, but He also provided guidance on how to overcome it. This guidance may also be useful to us when our priorities and our motivations get out of balance:
- Spend some time alone. “You are left to inquire for yourself at my hand, and ponder upon the things which you have received” (Doctrine and Covenants 30:3). Sometimes, the best antidote to being unduly influenced by others is solitude: to reconnect with yourself, remember your deepest values, and strengthen your relationship with God.
- Simplify your life. “And your home shall be at your father’s house, until I give unto you further commandments” (Doctrine and Covenants 30:4). Taking on new responsibilities may be unwise when your foundation needs strengthening. We all have ebbs and flows in our lives—times of preparation followed by times of stretching.
- Serve others. “You shall attend to the ministry in the church, and before the world, and in the regions round about” (Doctrine and Covenants 30:4). We find ourselves by losing ourselves, and as we strengthen the people around us, we may discover that our own priorities fall into place.
Today, I will not allow worldly concerns to override eternal purposes. I will make time for personal worship and reflection, simplify my schedule, and find ways to serve—strengthening my reliance on God and reducing my connection to worldly things.
Leave a Reply