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.
“Take Especial Care of Your Family”
God told Brigham Young to “take especial care of your family.” That counsel still stands today. President Dallin H. Oaks recently reminded us that family work, recreation, and learning are sacred priorities. When we turn off distractions, we will find sufficient time to fulfill our family responsibilities.
Cheerfully
How can we calibrate our efforts in God's work? Joseph Smith wrote that we should "cheerfully do all things that lie in our power." Maybe "cheerfully" is the key. When our efforts are so intense that we feel miserable, we may need to simplify, trust God, and more fully experience the joy of gospel service.
Unlocking Spiritual Knowledge
Paul described the ancient apostles as "stewards of the mysteries of God." In 1831, six church leaders were similarly assigned as "stewards over the revelations." How grateful we can be for inspired servants who have written and safeguarded God’s words so that we can access spiritual knowledge!
Proactive Steadiness: Anxiously Engaged, but Not in Haste
In an 1831 revelation, the Lord gave two contrasting admonitions, urging church leaders to be anxiously engaged but not to work in haste nor by flight. We can balance eager initiative with careful restraint by (1) counseling continually with the Lord, (2) pacing ourselves, and (3) being fervently patient.
Meek and Lowly
Jesus urged us to be "meek and lowly in heart." Alma and Mormon also echoed this admonition. When we focus on doing good instead of looking good, we free up time and energy, increasing our capacity to do God's work and receive gifts from Him.
Samuel the Lamanite on the Burden of Freedom
Samuel the Lamanite concisely synthesized the teachings of prior Book of Mormon prophets into a sobering statement about agency: You own your choices and their consequences, including the choice to repent.
“We Are Weary”
The Lamanites who were supposed to guard the prisoners in the city of Gid explained their decision to indulge in drinking by saying, "We are weary." We are expected to fulfill our duty even when we're tired, and when we do God's work, He renews our energy
He Has…and He Will
Remembering how God has helped us in the past can strengthen our faith that He will help us in the future. Alma reviewed with his son Helaman the ways that God had sustained and delivered him, and then testified, "He will still deliver me."
“The Easiness of the Way”
Sometimes, the best solution to a problem is the simplest one. Making small, incremental improvements consistently can be much more powerful than trying to fix everything at once. Alma said, "Do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way."