Joseph’s name reflects two opposite Hebrew words: “to take away” and “to add.” His story demonstrates how God often brings addition through subtraction. Joseph was taken from his father so he could later save his family. Sometimes God removes blessings so He can give us greater ones.
Unto a Land That I Will Shew Thee
God consistently invited Abraham to find hope by visualizing a prosperous future. Lehi similarly encouraged his family by focusing on their destination, not on what they had left behind. Discouragement looks backward, but hope faces forward. We make wiser decisions when we pursue meaningful goals instead of merely reacting to unpleasant circumstances.
Commandments and Trust
Noah, Lehi, and Nephi treated God's commandments as sacred trusts. God does not demand flawlessness in all things at all times, but we can show our love for Him by accepting His invitations and assignments and fulfilling them faithfully.
A Book of Remembrance
From the earliest generations, people have kept books of remembrance—spiritual records which remind people of their ancestors and reinforce their faith in God. We can also feel a sense of belonging and build our faith by reviewing memories of our ancestors.
Contents of the Brass Plates
Eight of the 39 books in the Old Testament were definitely in the brass plates, and another 16 may have been included. For Book of Mormon prophets, the brass plates were an essential part of their identity: connecting them to intergenerational covenants, testifying of the Savior, and bringing them closer to God.
Josiah and Lehi: The Power of Sacred Texts
During Lehi's lifetime, the city of Jerusalem experienced a profound spiritual reawakening when their king read the words of scripture and urged his people to follow God's instructions. This experience formed an important part of Lehi's spiritual heritage. Like Josiah, he viewed scripture as a tool to lead him and his family closer to God.
Family History and Belonging
Connecting with our ancestors can give us a sense of belonging and of contributing to an intergenerational project instead of merely pursuing individual ambitions. Lehi, Alma, Mormon, Joseph F. Smith, and M. Russell Ballard all expressed their deep connections with ancestors that shaped and enriched their ministries.
“Cleave Unto” Your Covenants
The Lord counseled Emma Smith, "cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made." When we cleave unto our covenants, we have confidence in the promises we've received from God, we invest in our relationship with Him, and we find joy in the blessings we receive from Him each day.
Devoted to Study
Scripture study requires time and effort but leads to personal revelation and spiritual growth. Prophets like Nephi, Jacob, and Benjamin emphasized diligent searching of the scriptures. Jesus commanded us to study Isaiah and the other prophets. By dedicating time daily to the scriptures, we gain insights, improve decision-making, and prepare ourselves to share true principles.
Strengthen Them
A teacher in the restored Church of Jesus Christ has a responsibility to strengthen others. We do this by being with them, listening to them, expressing confidence in them, testifying of true principles, and inviting them to exercise faith in Jesus Christ.