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.
Pillars and Rays
Joseph Smith saw a pillar of light. Most of the time, we receive revelation in less spectacular ways. Elder Alexander Dushku called these "rays." Many small experiences of receiving personal revelation can combine into a powerful testimony of the gospel.
Strengthening the Foundation of Our Faith
Moroni, Alma, and Paul all indicate that faith involves hoping for something which you can't see. Paul adds that faith is the foundation or evidence for that hope. We build faith by having more experiences with God and by doing things which require faith.
Faith Comes First
Moroni wasn't impressed with Ether's people. They refused to believe anything they couldn't see. What's admirable about that? Faith is admirable. It's a choice to believe in an environment of uncertainty. It's the patience to wait for promised blessings.
On Seeing and Believing
The old adage "Seeing is believing" isn't always true. We are very good at rationalizing away inconvenient facts. We need to follow the example of the five Nephites who ran to the judgment seat to test Nephi's prophecy, and "when they saw they believed."