Out of 140 documents in the Doctrine and Covenants (138 sections and 2 official declarations), nearly half (64) were written in Ohio. Here are some lessons I learned from studying these revelations this year:
1. God is mindful of us.
In the preface to the Doctrine and Covenants, God speaks to those “that are upon the islands of the sea” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:1). We may all fall into this category at times, but whether we are isolated geographically or whether we isolate ourselves, the Lord remembers us. We are never forgotten.
And we are never unsupported. Like a defense attorney, the Savior highlights our strengths. Are we willing to listen to him instead of becoming discouraged by the voices of our accusers?
We also need to remember that God is quick to forgive and that He is actively reaching out to us and offering us growth and healing by His grace.
2. Light edifies and uplifts us.
The Savior’s light is brighter than the sun; it can chase away all the darkness in our minds and hearts.
Perceiving light is a primary sensation. We don’t need anyone else to tell us when we are experiencing spiritual light, any more than we need them to identify physical light for us.
But fear can inhibit our ability to perceive light. Seeking out darkness, even with the intent to eliminate it, can also reduce our reception of light. So we ought to overcome our fears and intentionally seek light.
Just as a liquid fills every part of its container, the Savior’s light can fill every part of our lives if we open our hearts to receive it.
3. Holy places help us become more holy.
During troubled times, the Savior invites us to stand in holy places. These places include temples, chapels, our homes, and even sacred moments in time. We strive to eliminate impurities from our lives as we prepare to approach God in these places.
Temples are holy places where our prayers may be more easily answered and where we can draw closer to God and be changed by Him. And just as we build temples according to divine patterns, we find joy by aligning our lives with eternal principles.
4. Disciples of Christ seek for unity and peace.
Effective councils build consensus and are action-oriented. They are most effective when they are purposeful, inclusive, united, Spirit-directed, and respectful of authority.
The same principles apply to our government. Just as we should contribute productively to church and work councils, we should strive to help our government be effective. We should seek out and support leaders who are honest, just, and wise. We should remember and apply the truths enshrined in our nation’s founding documents. And we should follow the law, supporting the governments that protect our rights, even as we advocate for needed changes through established civic processes.
5. Jesus Christ will return to the earth.
When the Savior returns to the earth, “the enmity of all flesh shall cease” (Doctrine and Covenants 101:26). We can prepare for that event by developing the attributes of virtue and charity.
At that time, a New Jerusalem will come down from heaven, representing Enoch’s ancient city of Zion. It will unite with a New Jerusalem on the earth, representing His united disciples. We build this New Jerusalem as we gather with other believers and build a community of saints with them.
Even though we don’t know the timing of the Savior’s return, if we walk in the light, we will be ready.
When He comes, we will be filled with joy. We will not only know He is here, but we will feel close to Him.
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