God invites His disciples to blend sound judgment with spiritual direction. Nephi and Moroni taught that we can learn "all things" from the Holy Ghost, yet Jacob teaches us to "be wise." D&C 62:8 fuses these concepts, encouraging us to decide “according to judgment and the direction of the Spirit.” This combination facilitates spiritual growth.
Unspotted
James urges us to keep ourselves unspotted from the world. In modern revelation, the Lord explains that regular worship enables us to "more fully" keep ourselves unspotted. Moroni describes a process in which we intentionally "deny [ourselves] of all ungodliness," inviting God's grace to sanctify us, so that we eventually "become holy, without spot."
“Seek Ye Earnestly the Best Gifts”
Paul, Moroni, and the Savior encourage us to seek spiritual gifts. Moroni in particular urges us to "deny not the gifts of God," or in other words, "Don't turn away the gifts God is giving you." Many of President Nelson's invitations are essentially encouraging us to accept the gifts God is offering to us.
Practicing Virtue and Holiness
Modern revelation twice urges disciples to “practice virtue and holiness.” Practice means deliberate, repeated action. Virtue is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards. Holiness means being purified from sin. Consistent effort (practice) invites God's transforming power, so that He can sanctify us and help us become holy.
No Guile
It’s nice when you can take someone at face value, without wondering about hidden agendas or ulterior motives. Scripture praises those without guile, whose hearts are pure before God, including Nathanael and Edward Partridge. Life’s injuries can harden us, but we can evaluate and improve our guilelessness by asking soul-searching questions and answering with honesty.
Endless
Book of Mormon authors use the phrase "endless torment" to describe the suffering from which God has delivered us. The Lord encouraged Martin Harris to think of this suffering as enormous, not unending. With this context, "endless punishment" means God's punishment, or in other words, the punishment God willingly suffered on our behalf.
“You Have Heard My Voice and Know My Words.”
We may receive a spiritual confirmation after studying the scriptures or while we read. Oliver Cowdery received a confirmation multiple times as he transcribed the Book of Mormon for the first time. The Lord taught him that, when we receive that confirmation, we have heard His voice.
“Pretend to No Other Gift”
God told Joseph to "pretend to no other gift," than the gift to translate until his task was complete. He meant that Joseph should focus on the task at hand and not spend time thinking about other opportunities and gifts which might come in the future.
Serious Reflection
Joseph Smith's mother said that he was "given to reflection." His own history confirms that observation. He speaks about pondering, meditating, and engaging in "serious reflection." Thinking deeply about what we have learned can invite more revelation.
Hypocrisy and Denying the Power of God
Hypocrisy stunts growth by distorting our view of where we are and of what we can become. When we are hypocritical, we substitute human ideals for God's perspective. He counters by performing "marvelous works," which help us see how limited our ideals are