What I Learned from the Doctrine and Covenants in 2025

I immersed myself in the Doctrine and Covenants in 2025 and experienced a powerful virtual journey: from the Sacred Grove in New York through the School of the Prophets and the temple in Kirtland, to Liberty Jail in Missouri, to Nauvoo the Beautiful in Illinois, and finally across the plains to Salt Lake City, Utah. Through this process, I gained a deeper appreciation for the following six imperatives which I have tried to incorporate more fully into my “daily walk” (Doctrine and Covenants 19:32):

1. Act intentionally to receive revelation and light from God.

These revelations and stories reminded me that even though God is actively reaching out to us and offering us extraordinary gifts, we have to choose to receive them. Vocal prayer, pondering, and dedicated scripture study can open our hearts to receive these gifts. Church leaders hold keys, which can open doors for us that would otherwise remain closed.

The Savior’s light is brighter than the sun; it can fill every part of our lives if we open our hearts to receive it.

2. Become more holy by spending time in holy places.

Soon after arriving in Kirtland, Ohio, Joseph Smith learned that the Savior’s disciples needed to “stand in holy places and be not moved” (Doctrine and Covenants 45:32). The Lord subsequently instructed church members to build temples in Ohio, in Missouri, and in Illinois. Other holy places include our homes, our chapels, and even sacred moments in time. We prepare to stand in these holy places by eliminating impurities from our lives. The order we experience in these holy places helps us to bring order into our lives and live according to divine patterns.

3. Find joy, even in adversity, by using your time wisely.

God wants us to savor the feast that He has provided for us, recognizing and finding joy in our blessings. We find satisfaction and fulfillment as we work hard, focusing on priorities of eternal value. We can multiply and replenish the earth through productive endeavors and fill our free time with wholesome recreational activities instead of passive entertainment.

Even in difficult circumstances, we can model Joseph Smith’s enthusiasm in Liberty Jail, as he remembered that ancient prophets looked forward to our day “with anxious expectation” (Doctrine and Covenants 121:26-28).

4. Invest in your continuing education.

Doctrine and Covenants 88 gained new importance for me this year. The revelation opens with sublime truths about light, spirit, and intelligence, which leads to the admonition, “teach ye diligently,” with an extensive list of topics to study (v. 77-80). It then reviews prophesies of the events preceding the Savior’s Second Coming, which leads to a similar set of admonitions: “Teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith” (v. 118). Whether you start from cosmic principles or from upcoming events, the conclusion is the same: God wants us to prepare ourselves by becoming educated.

In August, as a new school year began, I updated my education plan and recommitted to fill the measure of my creation by putting to use and developing the gifts God has given me.

5. Build family relationships on both sides of the veil.

Happiness in family life is built on principles including trust in God, supporting one another, being respectful, and working and playing together. Strong family relationships don’t just happen; they require dedicated time and attention. The eternal God can help us establish eternal relationships.

As we strengthen our relationships with family members on both sides of the veil, we feel a greater sense of belonging. Our joy also increases, because perfect joy is relational.

6. Prepare for the Savior’s Second Coming by building unity.

Followers of Christ are not daunted by the turbulent events which will precede His Second Coming. They recognize that when the Savior returns to the earth, “the enmity of all flesh shall cease” (Doctrine and Covenants 101:26), and it will be a joyful time.

We can prepare for that event by developing the attributes of virtue and charity and by cultivating unity with other believers.

When the Savior returns, 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.