God wants us to be active. Four revelations received by Joseph Smith in February and March 1833 emphasize that principle.
- Doctrine and Covenants 89 (the Word of Wisdom) teaches us to take care of our bodies, so that we can “walk and not be weary,” “run and not faint,” and receive “wisdom and great treasures of knowledge.”
- In Doctrine and Covenants 90, the Lord instructs Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams to study and learn, to preside in council, to set in order the church and their homes, and to “keep slothfulness and uncleanness far from you.” It also instructs church member Vienna Jaques to relocate to Missouri, receive an inheritance, and “not be idle in her days.”
- In Doctrine and Covenants 91, the Lord explains to Joseph Smith that there are many truths in the Apocrypha which will benefit those who read it with the guidance of the Spirit.
- Doctrine and Covenants 92 directs Frederick G. Williams to participate as a “lively member” of the United Firm.
Lehi taught that God’s creations fall into two categories: “things to act and things to be acted upon.” He explained that we are in the first category: “The Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself” (2 Nephi 2:14, 16). Commenting on that passage, Elder David A. Bednar said, “Endowed with agency, you and I are agents, and we primarily are to act and not just be acted upon” (“And Nothing Shall Offend Them,” General Conference, October 2006).
These four revelations emphasize that principle, teaching us how to be more active and productive, and consequently more happy.
Here are some of my favorite passages from these revelations with relevant blog posts and Book of Mormon connections.
Scripture Highlights and Related Blog Posts
1. God usually teaches us gently, by persuasion rather than compulsion.
Doctrine and Covenants 89:1-2
A Word of Wisdom, for the benefit of the council of high priests, assembled in Kirtland, and the church, and also the saints in Zion–
To be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the word of wisdom, showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days–
Blog Posts
📄 “This Word of Wisdom”
The Word of Wisdom was not meant as a checklist; it is a mindset which enables us to make wise decisions about how we nourish and maintain our bodies.
Book of Mormon connection: Moroni 9:4
2. Hidden treasures of knowledge are available to those who follow God’s law.
Doctrine and Covenants 89:18-19
And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;
And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
Doctrine and Covenants 91:4-5
Therefore, whoso readeth it, let him understand, for the Spirit manifesteth truth;
And whoso is enlightened by the Spirit shall obtain benefit therefrom;
Blog Posts
📄 God Gave Them Knowledge
Physical health is interconnected with mental ability, emotional equanimity, and spiritual strength.
Book of Mormon connection: 2 Nephi 25:24; 2 Nephi 28:30; Jacob 6:12; Jarom 1:5; Mosiah 2:17; Alma 25:15-16; Alma 37:35; Alma 38:9; Mormon 9:28
📄 Hidden Treasures
Some truths are only accessible to those who have “ears to hear.”
Book of Mormon connection: 3 Nephi 26:9; Ether 4:13-14
3. Amplify prophetic messages.
Doctrine and Covenants 90:5, 11
And all they who receive the oracles of God, let them beware how they hold them lest they are accounted as a light thing, and are brought under condemnation thereby, and stumble and fall when the storms descend, and the winds blow, and the rains descend, and beat upon their house.
For it shall come to pass in that day, that every man shall hear the fulness of the gospel in his own tongue, and in his own language, through those who are ordained unto this power, by the administration of the Comforter, shed forth upon them for the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Blog Posts
📄 A Light Thing
Overemphasizing trivial things can create unnecessary anxiety. But trivializing things that really are important can be much more dangerous.
Book of Mormon connection: 1 Nephi 19:7; 2 Nephi 33:2
📄 Why Is It Important for People to Hear the Gospel in Their Own Language?
When you speak to someone in their own language, you show respect for them. You also increase the probability that they will understand and embrace your message.
Book of Mormon connection: 2 Nephi 25:4; 2 Nephi 31:3
4. Belief enables us to receive and perceive God’s hand in our lives.
Doctrine and Covenants 90:24
Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another.
Blog Posts
📄 Be Believing
Belief opens our souls and makes us receptive. Unbelief may cause us to withdraw and reject the very things that can bring happiness.
Book of Mormon connection: Mormon 9:27
📄 All Things Work Together for Good
Trust God’s plan and program in your life: seemingly negative experiences can lead to positive outcomes.
Book of Mormon connection: 2 Nephi 2:2
5. Be an active participant in the organizations you belong to.
Doctrine and Covenants 92:1-2
Verily, thus saith the Lord, I give unto the united order, organized agreeable to the commandment previously given, a revelation and commandment concerning my servant Frederick G. Williams, that ye shall receive him into the order. What I say unto one I say unto all.
And again, I say unto you my servant Frederick G. Williams, you shall be a lively member in this order; and inasmuch as you are faithful in keeping all former commandments you shall be blessed forever. Amen.
Blog Posts
📄 “A Lively Member”
Become a “lively member” of the organizations you belong to by catching the vision and then proactively working to help realize it.
Book of Mormon connection: 2 Nephi 1:14; Alma 60:24
Questions to Ponder
Here are some questions and topics I intend to work on this week:
- What are some principles taught in the Word of Wisdom? (Doctrine and Covenants 89:1-17)
- What are some blessings promised in the Word of Wisdom? (Doctrine and Covenants 89:18-21)
- What is the role of priesthood keys? (Doctrine and Covenants 90:1-9)
- How can we be simultaneously confident and receptive to correction? (Doctrine and Covenants 90:17)
- What can we learn from the guidance given to Vienna Jaques? (Doctrine and Covenants 90:28-31)
- How can I derive more value from my scripture study? (Doctrine and Covenants 91:3-6)
- How can I be more welcoming and inclusive at church? (Doctrine and Covenants 92:1)
Leave a Reply