A childless Israelite woman named Hannah prays and receives an assurance that God has heard her. She is immediately comforted, even though she hasn't yet received the blessing she asked for. In the Book of Mormon, Alma's people have a similar experience, praying for deliverance, but finding comfort when God promises to ease their burdens.
Bread Only
Moses explained that manna taught an important principle: We need more than physical food. Our spirits also need the word of God. Book of Mormon prophets taught the same principle, inviting us to "feast" on the word of God, by hearing, pondering, and acting.
Jacob on Economic Inequality
Jacob decried the burgeoning inequality among his people by reminding them that all people share a common origin, value, and purpose. This reasoning echoed Nephi’s earlier rejection of claims to preeminence and his insistence that because God created all humanity, He remembers and speaks to all nations.
Strengthening Families
The Family Proclamation ends with a call to action, urging us all to strengthen families. Laws, company policies, schools, neighbors, and extended family can all have a significant impact. It's important for us to see the people around us as members of families and to consider how we are supporting and strengthening those families.
By Me or by My Word
The Savior taught Joseph Smith that only God can create eternal things. Therefore, if we want our marriages to last forever, we must enter the covenant as He established it and live according to His teachings within the marriage.
Fire, Snow, Sun, and Great Waters
Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery described the Savior using biblical imagery: eyes like fire, hair like the snow, a countenance like the sun, and a voice like great waters. These metaphors remind us that the Savior knows us perfectly, that He is pure and holy, that He radiates light, and that He speaks with power.
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.
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.
Thy Calling, Thy Duty
God's callings serve two purposes: giving us opportunities to serve others while simultaneously opening our hearts to receive the sanctifying power of Jesus Christ.
Wealth and Wisdom
In the book Predictably Irrational, Duke University professor Dan Ariely examines a number of situations where monetizing something cheapens it. For example, if you offered to pay your mother-in-law for preparing a Thanksgiving dinner, she would probably be insulted. Some things have intrinsic value which cannot and should not be measured in terms of money.... Continue Reading →