Sacrifices that seem very large may turn out to be much smaller with increased perspective.
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prepared to leave behind their homes and their temple in Kirtland, Ohio in 1838, they must have been overwhelmed by the prospect of relocating to the frontier in Far West, Missouri. Particularly since their assets had lost so much value that they would be starting with basically nothing to show for years of hard work. It must have been devastating to abandon all that they had built, but the Lord’s instructions were clear: “Let the properties of Kirtland be turned out for debts. … Let them go, saith the Lord” (Doctrine and Covenants 117:5).
He encouraged them to focus not on what they were leaving behind but on what they were gaining:
Is there not room enough on the mountains of Adam-ondi-Ahman, and on the plains of Olaha Shinehah, or the land where Adam dwelt, that you should covet that which is but the drop, and neglect the more weighty matters?
Therefore, come up hither unto the land of my people, even Zion.
Doctrine and Covenants 117:8-9
Only a couple of months earlier, the Lord had identified Spring Hill, Missouri as “Adam-ondi-Ahman,” a place were Adam will one day sit in council as foretold by the prophet Daniel. (See Doctrine and Covenants 116; Daniel 7:13-14, 22.) By mentioning this new place-name, the Lord emphasized that the unknown future contains treasures far surpassing the value of the things we cling to and guard jealously.
William Marks, Newell K. Whitney, and Oliver Granger were all given specific responsibilities to help with this migration. Oliver Granger received the particularly challenging assignment of settling the Church’s financial affairs in Kirtland, including negotiating with angry creditors. There was no way for him to be successful; his job was simply to minimize the losses. But the Lord reassured him that he would be supported and that his efforts would be valued: “When he falls he shall rise again, for his sacrifice shall be more sacred unto me than his increase” (Doctrine and Covenants 117:13). And to church members, the Lord said, “Let no man despise my servant Oliver Granger, but let the blessings of my people be on him forever and ever” (Doctrine and Covenants 117:15).
Two other significant changes revealed during that time may seem normal today but must have seemed quite disruptive:
- The name of the church was changed to “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” (Doctrine and Covenants 115:4). It had previously been called “the Church of Christ” (Doctrine and Covenants 20:1), and later “the Church of the Latter Day Saints.” (See the minutes of a Church conference, 3 May 1834 on josephsmithpapers.org.)
- The law of tithing was introduced (Doctrine and Covenants 119, 120). Church members had previously consecrated all of their property to the Church and received stewardships from the bishop. Now they were instructed to donate ten percent of their annual “interest,” meaning income. (See Doctrine and Covenants 42:30-34.)
The lesson for us is clear: We need to be adaptable. We need to accept new instructions as they are revealed and let old things go. True happiness lies in looking to the future with hope, not clinging desperately to the past and staying in our comfort.
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. The Church of Jesus Christ should identify itself clearly as His church.
Doctrine and Covenants 115:4
For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Blog Posts
📄 “In My Name”
Using the revealed name of the Church reminds us that we are disciples of Jesus Christ.
Book of Mormon connection: 3 Nephi 27:6-8
2. The Church has a responsibility to be a light to the world.
Doctrine and Covenants 115:5-6
Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations;
And that the gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth.
Blog Posts
📄 Shine Forth
We can reflect the Savior’s light by emulating His actions and sharing the joy that His gospel brings to us.
Book of Mormon connection: 3 Nephi 12:14, 16; 3 Nephi 18:24
📄 A Standard for My People
As we gather around the Lord’s standard by living according to His gospel, we make it more visible to others.
Book of Mormon connection: 1 Nephi 21:22; 2 Nephi 6:6; Alma 62:4-5
📄 “Lengthen Thy Cords and Strengthen Thy Stakes” – 3 Nephi 22:2-3
Prepare now for increased opportunities to serve others in the future.
Book of Mormon connection: 3 Nephi 22:2-3; Moroni 10:31
📄 They Did Receive All the Poor of the Zoramites – Alma 35:8-9
We need to reach out to people in need, even if it is inconvenient or difficult to do so.
Book of Mormon connection: Mosiah 4:26; Alma 32:5; Alma 35:6, 8-9
3. Honoring our parents includes honoring our ancestors.
Doctrine and Covenants 116:1
Spring Hill is named by the Lord Adam-ondi-Ahman, because, said he, it is the place where Adam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient of Days shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel the prophet.
Blog Posts
📄 The Ancient of Days
We should honor our first parents, Adam and Eve, just as we honor our immediate parents.
Book of Mormon connection: 1 Nephi 5:11; 2 Nephi 2:15, 25; 2 Nephi 9:9; Mosiah 16:3; Alma 12:26; Alma 42:2, 7; Helaman 5:6; Helaman 6:26; Ether 8:25
4. Don’t procrastinate obedience to God’s instructions.
Doctrine and Covenants 117:2-3
Let them awake, and arise, and come forth, and not tarry, for I, the Lord, command it.
Therefore, if they tarry it shall not be well with them.
Blog Posts
📄 “Let Them…Not Tarry”
When someone needs your help, go quickly.
Book of Mormon connection: Alma 8:18; Alma 15:5; Moroni 8:7
5. Prioritize: don’t trade valuable blessings for worthless distractions.
Doctrine and Covenants 117:8-9
Is there not room enough on the mountains of Adam-ondi-Ahman, and on the plains of Olaha Shinehah, or the land where Adam dwelt, that you should covet that which is but the drop, and neglect the more weighty matters?
Therefore, come up hither unto the land of my people, even Zion.
Blog Posts
📄 Room Enough
Focus on the contributions you can make today, instead of clinging to the opportunities of the past or anticipating potential future opportunities.
Book of Mormon connection: Alma 29:9
6. The Lord loves effort.
Doctrine and Covenants 117:12-13
And again, I say unto you, I remember my servant Oliver Granger; behold, verily I say unto him that his name shall be had in sacred remembrance from generation to generation, forever and ever, saith the Lord.
Therefore, let him contend earnestly for the redemption of the First Presidency of my Church, saith the Lord; and when he falls he shall rise again, for his sacrifice shall be more sacred unto me than his increase, saith the Lord.
Blog Posts
📄 “Though Israel Be Not Gathered” – 1 Nephi 21:5
God sees and values our sincere and diligent efforts to do His work, even when the immediate results are disappointing to us.
Book of Mormon connection: 1 Nephi 21:4-5
7. God will open doors to us.
Doctrine and Covenants 118:3
Let the residue continue to preach from that hour, and if they will do this in all lowliness of heart, in meekness and humility, and long-suffering, I, the Lord, give unto them a promise that I will provide for their families; and an effectual door shall be opened for them, from henceforth.
Blog Posts
📄 An Effectual Door
Even when things haven’t gone well, keep watching for the opportunities God will provide.
Book of Mormon connection: Mosiah 7:18; Mosiah 8:7-8; Mosiah 21:6-14, 25
8. Tithing is a way to show our love and gratitude to God.
Doctrine and Covenants 119:4
And after that, those who have thus been tithed shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord.
Blog Posts
📄 What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Tithing?
Tithing is an expression of gratitude, in recognition that everything we have comes from Him.
Book of Mormon connection: Alma 13:15; 3 Nephi 24:8-10; 4 Nephi 1:3
📄 Tithed
Tithing is a simple way to demonstrate that we value God more than our worldly possessions.
Book of Mormon connection: Alma 13:15; 3 Nephi 24:8-12
9. The Lord governs His Church by councils.
Doctrine and Covenants 120:1
Verily, thus saith the Lord, the time is now come, that it shall be disposed of by a council, composed of the First Presidency of my Church, and of the bishop and his council, and by my high council; and by mine own voice unto them, saith the Lord. Even so. Amen.
Blog Posts
📄 “It Shall Be Disposed of by a Council”
We make wiser decisions when we counsel together.
Book of Mormon connection: Alma 24:5; Alma 39:10; Alma 52:19
Questions to Ponder
Here are some questions and topics I intend to study this week:
- How can I “arise,” “shine forth,” and “be a standard?” (Doctrine and Covenants 115:5)
- What is the significance of Adam-ondi-Ahman? (Doctrine and Covenants 116)
- What does it mean to covet “the drop” and neglect “the more weighty matters?” (Doctrine and Covenants 117:8)
- How does the Lord provide for our families as we serve Him? (Doctrine and Covenants 118:3)
- Why is tithing necessary for the creation of Zion? (Doctrine and Covenants 119:6)
- How does the Council on the Disposition of Tithes operate? (Doctrine and Covenants 120)
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