Abraham's servant refused to eat until he had accomplished his mission. In contrast, Esau traded his birthright away because he was hungry. It's important for us to bridle our passions, to prioritize duty over convenience, and to defer gratification in the interest of accomplishing significant goals and serving other people.
Wholesome Recreational Activities
Character is revealed by what we do in our free time. The Book of Mormon and modern prophets warn against idleness and teach that happiness and fulfillment come as we fill our leisure time with wholesome recreational activities.
“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.
Light and Truth: A Network of Revelatory Relationships
We can understand light and truth in terms of relationships: God is their source, the Holy Ghost testifies of them, prophets share them with us, and we receive and act upon them. Jesus' role as our Savior is inseparable from His identity as the source of light and truth.
A Crown of Eternal Life
God promised William E. McLellin "a crown of eternal life." Book of Mormon prophets similarly promised that the righteous will "sit down in the kingdom of God. These crowns and thrones aren't the exclusive purview of a few. God wants to give the gift of eternal life to all of His children.
Strengthen Them
A teacher in the restored Church of Jesus Christ has a responsibility to strengthen others. We do this by being with them, listening to them, expressing confidence in them, testifying of true principles, and inviting them to exercise faith in Jesus Christ.
“Temperate in All Things”
The Lord told Joseph Knight, Sr. that no one can assist in His work without being "temperate in all things." The apostle Paul compared disciples of Christ with elite athletes, who carefully manage their diet, sleep, and exercise. Elder Kent D. Watson compared a temperate soul to tempered glass, which does not shatter dangerously when it is subjected to extreme stress.
Wickedness
The Book of Mormon teaches several principles which can help us navigate environments where people are making wrong choices. 1. We are all wicked. 2. Wickedness is not binary. 3. Wickedness need not be permanent. 4. As we become less wicked, God can entrust us with more responsibilities.
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.
“O God…”
The expression "O God" is characteristic of the Old Testament, and particularly the book of Psalms. The few times it appears in the Book of Mormon, it conveys a special earnestness. So, it's fitting that the sacrament prayers would begin with those words.