In a “living church” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:30), prayers are answered, assignments change, and new guidance is given when new challenges arise. Sections 71-75 of the Doctrine and Covenants illustrate this dynamic reality. The Lord instructs Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to stop the work of translation in order to counter negative messaging about the Church in their community (Doctrine and Covenants 71). A month later, they are instructed to resume translation (Doctrine and Covenants 73). Newell K. Whitney is called as a bishop in Kirtland, because the other bishop, Edward Partridge, was now in Missouri (Doctrine and Covenants 72). At a church conference in January 1832, twenty-four individuals received missionary assignments including where they should preach and who would be their companion (Doctrine and Covenants 75). About this same time, Joseph Smith recorded a revelation in which the Lord explained the meaning of a confusing verse: 1 Corinthians 7:14. (See Doctrine and Covenants 74.)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is vibrant and alive. Callings stretch us and enable us to serve one another in a variety of ways. Church leaders and members receive guidance to help us face emerging challenges. We also gain incremental understanding of gospel truths as we grapple with the words of scripture and work to apply them to our everyday lives. This constant flow of revelation demonstrates God’s ongoing involvement in the lives of His children on earth.
Here are some of my favorite passages from this week’s reading with relevant blog posts and Book of Mormon connections.
Scripture Highlights and Related Blog Posts
Don’t be afraid to proclaim the truth.
Doctrine and Covenants 71:8-10
Wherefore, let them bring forth their strong reasons against the Lord.
Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you—there is no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper;
And if any man lift his voice against you he shall be confounded in mine own due time.
Blog Posts
📄 “Strong Reasons”
It’s easy to criticize but harder to contribute constructively.
Book of Mormon connection: Alma 30:39, 41
📄 No Weapon That Is Formed Against Thee Shall Prosper – 3 Nephi 22:16-17
Overcome intimidation by remembering God’s power.
Book of Mormon connection: 3 Nephi 22:16-17
📄 Confounded
God can help us respond appropriately to inaccurate or unkind words.
Book of Mormon connection: 2 Nephi 7:7
Use your time wisely.
Doctrine and Covenants 72:4
For he who is faithful and wise in time is accounted worthy to inherit the mansions prepared for him of my Father.
Blog Posts
📄 Wise in Time
Engage in meaningful activities, take action early, and be grateful for the time you have been given.
Book of Mormon connection: Alma 34:31-32
Be productive within your constraints.
Doctrine and Covenants 73:4
And, inasmuch as it is practicable, to preach in the regions round about until conference; and after that it is expedient to continue the work of translation until it be finished.
Blog Posts
📄 Practicable
Perfection isn’t always possible. Set reaonable expectations, and do what you can within your limitations.
Book of Mormon connection: Jacob 1:4; Alma 1:32; Mormon 2:7, 21
Be patient with prophets; they are learning too.
Doctrine and Covenants 74:5-6
Wherefore, for this cause the apostle wrote unto the church, giving unto them a commandment, not of the Lord, but of himself, that a believer should not be united to an unbeliever; except the law of Moses should be done away among them,
That their children might remain without circumcision; and that the tradition might be done away, which saith that little children are unholy; for it was had among the Jews;
Blog Posts
📄 “My Opinion”
Don’t hold rigidly to individual statements of church leaders. Instead, focus on the totality of what God has revealed, and place individual teachings within a broader context.
Book of Mormon connection: Alma 40:20
Follow the Holy Ghost as you share the gospel.
Doctrine and Covenants 75:9-10, 27
And let my servant Luke Johnson go with him, and proclaim the things which I have commanded them—
Calling on the name of the Lord for the Comforter, which shall teach them all things that are expedient for them …
Let them ask and they shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto them, and be made known from on high, even by the Comforter, whither they shall go.
Blog Posts
📄 “A Portion of His Spirit”
The Spirit of the Lord can help you know where to teach and what to teach.
Book of Mormon connection: Alma 17:9; Alma 18:35; 24:8
Questions to Ponder
Here are some questions and topics I intend to work on this week:
- What do we need to do to receive power more abundantly from God (Doctrine and Covenants 71:6).
- Why is it important to “render an account of [our] stewardship” (Doctrine and Covenants 72:5)? How and when should we do this?
- What does it mean to “gird up your loins” (Doctrine and Covenants 73:6)?
- How can we strengthen one another more effectively in our marriages (Doctrine and Covenants 74:1)?
- How can I be “diligent in all things” (Doctrine and Covenants 75:29)?
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