Jewish families prepare for Passover by carefully eliminating all leaven from their homes. Jesus and Paul taught that leaven is representative of impurities in our souls. Thoughts and feelings which "puff us up" make us less holy, less prepared to stand in God's presence and receive His grace.
Alma: Receiving God’s Image
Alma spoke of the image of God as a gift which we must choose to receive. Just as his father was saved by trusting God and being changed by Him, we can think of our discipleship as a process of creation, a journey of gradually receiving the image of God promised in Genesis 1:27.
Shepherds: Keeping Watch
Why did an angel announce the Savior's birth to shepherds? They were alert and vigilant. They were willing to follow instructions immediately. And they enthusiastically shared the good news. We can follow their example of receptiveness, responsiveness, and joyful testimony.
“Calm as a Summer’s Morning”
Paul, Moroni, and Joseph Smith faced death with serenity, hope, and confidence in Christ. Their examples invite us to see the Final Judgment as a joyful and triumphant reunion with God, not as an event to be feared.
Becoming and Remaining Pure in Heart
When are hearts are pure, we produce good fruit, we feel God's love, and we become prepared to meet Him. We become more pure by eliminating contaminants like pride and envy and by striving to live in accordance with God's will.
Seeing the Face of God
The first verse of Doctrine and Covenants 93 lays out a simple formula: Those who follow Christ will come to know Him. He promises that we will "see [His] face and know that [He is]," which implies far more than being in His presence. It means that we will understand and recognize Him.
“Who Shall Stand in His Holy Place?”
David asked who can stand in God's holy place. His answer—those with clean hands and a pure heart—was echoed by Nephi and Alma. The Savior invites us to stand in holy places and "not be moved" until His coming. These holy places can include temples, meetinghouses, our homes, and even sacred moments.
These Truths
The Declaration of Independence of the United States articulates several important principles which are affirmed in modern revelation. These principles include the equality of God's children, our universal ability to recognize truth, and the right of each person to seek after happiness.
Rendering an Account of My Stewardships
Inherent in a stewardship is the responsibility to give an accounting. The Lord said that all stewards must "render an account of [their] stewardship, both in time and in eternity." The reports that we give in this life, like King Benjamin's end-of-life review of reign, prepare us for our ultimate accounting before God.
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.