Lessons about diligence from Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Book of Mormon: 1. Slothfulness leads to poverty. 2. Negligence is not neutral: Things tend to decay without proper care. 3. Do things in their proper time. 4. Diligence invites responsibility.
Psalms 11-20
11. Foundation and Tempest 12. Pure Words Like Tried Silver 13. How Long? 14. None that Doeth Good 15. Who Shall Abide in Thy Tabernacle? 16. Thou Wilt Not Leave My Soul in Hell 17. Night Visit 18. The Steel Bow 19. More Precious than Gold, Sweeter than Honey 20. The Lord Hear Thee
Psalms 1-10
1. The Tree and the Chaff 2. The Begotten Son 3. David's Deliverance from Absalom 4. Gladness in My Heart 5. Morning Prayer 6. Watering the Couch with Tears 7. God Trieth the Hearts and Reins 8. A Little Lower than the Angels 9. Sunk in Their Own Pit 10. Why Standest Thou Afar Off?
Bildad’s Despair
Job's friend Bildad shares a number of depressing truths, including the justice of God and our sinful state. Book of Mormon prophets mirror some of his images, including a withering plant and a snare, but follow up with additional hopeful truths: our Redeemer will save us if we choose to repent.
Faith and Asymmetric Knowing
Joseph's brothers didn't recognize him, which enabled them to prove themselves to him. Periods of not knowing can create powerful opportunities for growth, strengthening relationships, and building faith.
Alma, Probation, and the Tree of Life
Alma reads the ending of Genesis 3 with an assumption of God’s love rather than fear or envy. He interprets the cherubim not as a permanent barrier, but as a temporary restriction that establishes a probationary period—a gift of time for repentance and growth before Adam and Eve partake of the tree of life.
Discernible
Alma and Mormon both taught that we can perceive spiritual light directly, just as our eyes perceive physical light. God explained to early church leaders that they know the revelations received by Joseph Smith are true because they are righteous, "and that which is righteous cometh down from above, from the Father of lights."
Springing Up
The tree of life in Lehi's dream also functions as a fountain of living water. Alma said that the tree of life can grow in our hearts. Jesus promised a well of living water in the hearts of those who follow Him. Both the tree and the fountain "spring up," lifting us closer to God.
How to Recognize the Holy Ghost
God taught Oliver Cowdery four principles about personal revelation which can help us recognize messages from God: 1. Messages from God enlighten us. 2. Messages from God dispel fear and build faith. 3. God speaks to both our mind and our heart. 4. The Spirit of God confirms positive choices with positive feelings.
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.