The Lord taught Joseph Smith and his colleagues that multiple types of treasure were available to them. He urged them to meet people and learn about history, not just seek funding for the Church. When we open our hearts to the variety of treasures around us, we can focus on treasures of eternal value.
“We Ask Thee, Holy Father”
Principles of prayer from Doctrine and Covenants 109: 1. When we ask God to dedicate a place, we're actually praying for people. 2. It's okay to ask God to help you keep a commandment. 3. Pray for a variety of people, including those who are hard to love. 4. Pray for God to accomplish His work.
The Savior’s Instructions to Missionaries, Ancient and Modern
The Lord's instructions to missionaries in Doctrine and Covenants 84 mirror His instructions to His ancient apostles: Avoid distractions. Trust me to provide the things you need. Those who receive you will be rewarded. If someone rejects you, move on and keep working.
Laying Aside the Things of This World
Jesus counseled us not to "lay up" or accumulate earthly treasures. He told Emma Smith to "lay aside the things of this world and seek for the things of a better." As we set aside things of temporary value, we create space in our lives and in our hearts for things of eternal value.
Wealth and Wisdom
In the book Predictably Irrational, Duke University professor Dan Ariely examines a number of situations where monetizing something cheapens it. For example, if you offered to pay your mother-in-law for preparing a Thanksgiving dinner, she would probably be insulted. Some things have intrinsic value which cannot and should not be measured in terms of money.... Continue Reading →
A Job Description for Servants of God
Doctrine and Covenants 4 reads like a job description. It states the need, the expectations, the compensation, and two lists of qualifications. We don't need all of those qualifications to get started. With God's help, we can develop them as we serve.
Doing Good and Being Good
Mormon said we can't do good without being good. Specifically, he said that we have to do good with real intent. Why? Because insincere good works do not change us. As we wholeheartedly offer gifts and prayers, God transforms us, helping us become good.
Quoting from the Sermon on the Mount
At the end of His ministry in the Americas, Jesus visited His twelve disciples. Paraphrasing three passages from His Sermon on the Mount, He urged them to pray, to prioritize relationships over possessions, and to follow Him with precision.
The Words We Pray
We never have to clarify anything to God—He already knows what we're trying to say. But we may need to clarify for ourselves. Asking the right question can be a prerequisite for receiving and understanding the answer. God can help us know what to pray for.
Treasures, Rewards, and a Singular Focus
What you want determines what you seek. What you seek determines what you find. What you find determines what you will become. A key theme of the Savior's Sermon on the Mount is the importance of prioritizing eternal treasures and avoiding distractions.