Moroni exhorted us to "deny not the gifts of God" (Moroni 10:8). Paul counseled us to "eagerly desire the greater gifts" (1 Corinthians 12:31, New International Version). And through Joseph Smith, the Lord admonished us, "Seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given" (Doctrine and Covenants 46:8). All three of... Continue Reading →
The Gift to Be Healed
When Paul and Moroni listed some of the gifts of the Spirit, they both referred to healing in the same way: "the gifts of healing" (1 Corinthians 12:9, Moroni 10:11). When the Lord reaffirmed those lists in an 1831 revelation, He identified two separate gifts related to healing: To some it is given to have faith to... Continue Reading →
“Diversities of Operations”
The apostle Paul introduces the gifts of the Spirit with three parallel statements: "There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.""There are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.""There are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all." (1 Corinthians 12:4-6) These three statements are even more similar in... Continue Reading →
Sanctified
To ancient Israel, the Lord issued a challenge. "I am the Lord your God," He said. "Ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy" (Leviticus 11:44, see also Leviticus 20:7). In 1831, shortly after revealing "the law of the Church," the Lord reissued this challenge. By following this law, He said, "Ye shall...be sanctified by that which ye have... Continue Reading →
Paradise
As He hung on the cross, the Savior spoke words of compassion to a man being crucified beside him: "Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43). The Greek word paradeisos (παράδεισος) comes from an ancient Persian word for a garden or a park. It specifically refers... Continue Reading →
No End
A few months ago, I heard a presentation by Simon Sinek, author of The Infinite Game. He explained that many games we play, like football or chess, have clearly defined rules, consistent participants, and most importantly, endings. He called these "finite games." But other activities that we participate in might be better labeled as "infinite... Continue Reading →
Expound and Exhort
I've been thinking today about two verbs that appear repeatedly in section 20 of the Doctrine and Covenants: "expound" and "exhort." Elders, priests, teachers, and deacons are all instructed to do both. (See Doctrine and Covenants 20:42, 46, 50, 59.) Several sections later, the Lord directs Emma Smith to "expound scriptures, and to exhort the... Continue Reading →
“All Things” – 2 Nephi 32:3, 5; Moroni 10:5
Our continuing role is to receive continuing revelation.Joy D. Jones, "An Especially Noble Calling," General Conference, April 2020 Near the end of his writings, Nephi pleads with us, his readers, to learn to receive personal revelation. "I suppose," he said, "that ye ponder somewhat in your hearts concerning that which ye should do." Pondering might... Continue Reading →
How to “Come unto Christ”
Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me.Doctrine and Covenants 88:63 The phrase "come unto Christ" only appears three times in the Book of Mormon. Jacob tells us that he labored diligently to persuade his people to come unto Christ (Jacob 1:7). Amaleki ends the small plates of Nephi with... Continue Reading →
“No, Not One” – Moroni 10:25
Psalms 14 and 53 are nearly identical, and both paint a depressing picture of humankind. The author begins by pointing out the folly of denying the power of God: "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God." Then, the author appears to attribute that folly to everyone: They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.Psalm... Continue Reading →
