In December 1835, Lyman Sherman came to Joseph Smith with a request. He had been ordained a Seventy ten months earlier and had received extraordinary promises during his ordination blessing. Now, he came to the prophet with a request for a revelation to make known his duty. Earlier that year, Joseph had received a revelation which ended with a call for “every man” to “learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence” (Doctrine and Covenants 107:99). Perhaps Lyman sensed that he wasn’t fully living up to that admonition.
He had also been inspired to seek this revelation. The Lord recognized that by forgiving his sins “because you have obeyed my voice in coming up hither this morning to receive counsel of him whom I have appointed.” But He added, “Let your soul be at rest concerning your spiritual standing, and resist no more my voice” (Doctrine and Covenants 108:1-2). Had he struggled with the decision to request this revelation? The Lord’s message was clear: Obey my instructions more promptly. Be what Elder Ronald A. Rasband called “a spiritual first responder.” (See “Let the Holy Spirit Guide,” April 2017 general conference.)
The next part of the revelation may have been surprising, given his request:
Arise up and be more careful henceforth in observing your vows, which you have made and do make, and you shall be blessed with exceeding great blessings.
Doctrine and Covenants 108:3
He was looking for further insight into his duties, but the Lord’s response was: Be more conscientious in doing what you have already promised to do.
Sister Becky Craven taught, “There is a careful way and a casual way to do everything, including living the gospel. As we consider our commitment to the Savior, are we careful or casual?” She listed a number of activities which we could choose to do more thoughtfully, including partaking of the sacrament, prayers and scripture study, temple worship, and ministering to others. She concluded, “Deep and lasting happiness comes by intentionally and carefully living the gospel of Jesus Christ” (“Careful versus Casual,” April 2019 general conference).
The Lamanites who were converted by the preaching of the sons of Mosiah were so committed to their new faith that they buried their weapons as a sign that they would be faithful to God for the rest of their lives. (See Alma 24:17-19.) Mormon reported, “They were perfectly honest and upright in all things; and they were firm in the faith of Christ, even unto the end” (Alma 27:27).
Is it any wonder, then, that their sons who followed Helaman into battle were “strict to remember the Lord their God from day to day” (Alma 58:40) or that “they did obey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness” (Alma 57:21). Their parents taught them the importance of precision in their discipleship, and they adopted that approach. Helaman observed, “This was the faith of these of whom I have spoken; they are young, and their minds are firm, and they do put their trust in God continually” (Alma 57:27).
Of course carefulness is not the same as perfection. Sister Craven reminded us that only Jesus was able to live a perfect life. But she assured us, “Although we cannot be perfect, we can be worthy.” As the Lord assured Lyman, if we are intentional about keeping our promises and following His instructions, He will bless us with “exceedingly great blessings.”
Today, I will be more careful in fulfilling the duties of discipleship. I will strive to follow the example of the sons of Helaman, being strict in keeping my covenants and exact in following guidance I receive from God.
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