Nehemiah corrected his people when they failed to follow God's commandments, sometimes harshly. Afterward, he pleaded with God to approve of his efforts. He might have been wise to seek God's guidance about how to encourage obedience, as Alma did when he faced transgression within the church.
These Sought Their Register
Ezra and Nehemiah describe the use of written registers to determine who was authorized to perform temple duties. The Book of Mormon expands this practice, recording names of people who were willing to keep God's commandments. Alma connected those records with heavenly ones, urging people to ensure their names are in the book of life.
Windows in Heaven
God's ability to bless us is unlimited. Our ability to receive those blessings is often the limiting factor. Elisha instructed three kings to dig ditches and a widow to pour oil into as many vessels as she could find. These small acts of obedience didn't create the blessings, but they created room to receive them.
Will God Indeed Dwell on the Earth?
Solomon asked the searching question at the dedication of the temple, "Will God indeed dwell on earth?" The Book of Mormon provides a definitive answer when the resurrected Savior Jesus Christ visits a group of believers gathered at the temple in the land of Bountiful.
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.
“Teach These Things Freely Unto Your Children”
Enoch knew Adam because Adam was still alive during much of his ministry. But Enoch also recognized the value of the spiritual record Adam had kept, which he called "a book of remembrance." This written record was one way Adam fulfilled God's commandment: "Teach these things freely unto your children."
Speak Often One with Another
Jesus prophesied of the gathering of Israel and instructed church members to meet together often. Those two concepts are more closely connected than we might realize. When we accept the gospel, we become part of a community of saints who strengthen one another by talking often about our faith.
Biblical Allusions in Doctrine and Covenants 133
The apostle Paul foresaw a time when God would "gather together in one all things in Christ." The Savior illustrated how this is done in His words to Lehi's descendants (3 Nephi 16, 20-22) and again in Doctrine and Covenants 133. He quotes numerous biblical passages, demonstrating that prophets speak with a unified voice.
Why Does Tithing Promote Unity?
In ancient Israel and in modern times, tithing is both an act of devotion to God and an expression of belonging to His church. The blessings of tithing promised by Malachi are collective blessings, and as we all donate, we build a united covenant community.
Tithing and the Day of Burning
Malachi taught that God blesses us when we pay tithing. He also prophesied of a day which will "burn as an oven." Modern revelation combines these concepts: "He that is tithed shall not be burned at [the Savior's] coming." Tithing prepares us to stand in God's presence by opening our hearts to receive His grace.