Jesus warned that the cares of the world can choke the word of God. James Covel serves as a cautionary example: if we are not careful, the ordinary demands of life can distract us from activities of eternal value.
Esteeming Your Brother as Yourself
The Lord commands us to esteem others as ourselves. Book of Mormon prophets teach this principle and warn us against placing ourselves above others. Peer relationships may generate unhealthy competition, but when we see one another through God's eyes, we can overcome this temptation and recognize the infinite worth of each of His children.
Hear His Voice
A defining characteristic of disciples of Jesus Christ is that they listen to Him. Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice." In 1830, He added, "Mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts." We can be better disciples by listening more intently and taking action more quickly on what we hear.
Walking in Holiness
God wants us to become holy. In 1830, he instructed church members to "[walk] in holiness before the Lord." Walking in holiness includes avoiding the profane, but it also includes inviting good and virtuous things into our lives and finding joy in our daily activities.
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.
Called, Chosen, and Faithful
Those who are with the Savior at His Second Coming will be "called, chosen, and faithful." We have all been called. By humbling ourselves and exercising faith, we can be chosen. When we act consistently with the call over time, we demonstrate faithfulness
Hearken and Search
To hearken is to listen attentively, intending to act on what you hear. To search is to proactively seek understanding. In the preface to the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord invites us to do both. Good disciples are good listeners and good seekers.
“I Am Mormon”
Mormon tells us three things when he introduces himself in 3 Nephi 5: 1. The origin and significance of his name 2. His calling and purpose 3. His multigenerational perspective
Knowing “Of Myself”
Both Alma and Nephi testified that they had received knowledge directly from God which they could not have gained on their own. These testimonies encouraged their listeners to open their hearts and receive the knowledge that only God can give.
After the Holy Order of God
Alma and his sons preached "after the holy order of God." This conveys a sense of joint action, of collective effort. Jesus wants His disciples to be one because some needful things can only be accomplished through organized, collective effort.