The records we keep may be longer-lasting than we realize. Joseph Smith taught that some of "the books" by which we will be judged are the records we keep on the earth. Wilford Woodruff urged us to write our important experiences, promising that what we record on earth will be recorded in heaven.
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.
Living, Moving, Being
Paul told the Athenians God is close to each of us. "In him we live, and move, and have our being." King Benjamin taught the same principle. It's easy to ignore the incredible miracles in our everyday lives: our beating hearts, our self-healing bodies, our autonomy, and the beauty of the world around us.
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.
Tithing and the Day of Burning
Malachi taught that God blesses us when we pay tithing. He also prophesied of a day which will "burn as an oven." Modern revelation combines these concepts: "He that is tithed shall not be burned at [the Savior's] coming." Tithing prepares us to stand in God's presence by opening our hearts to receive His grace.
In Temporal Labors
God blesses us both temporally and spiritually, but it's important for us to keep those blessings, and our corresponding responsibilities in perspective. Eternal things are more important than temporary ones. Our temporal blessings and efforts must be subservient to our spiritual ones.
How to Recognize the Holy Ghost
God taught Oliver Cowdery four principles about personal revelation which can help us recognize messages from God: 1. Messages from God enlighten us. 2. Messages from God dispel fear and build faith. 3. God speaks to both our mind and our heart. 4. The Spirit of God confirms positive choices with positive feelings.
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.
Samuel the Lamanite on the Burden of Freedom
Samuel the Lamanite concisely synthesized the teachings of prior Book of Mormon prophets into a sobering statement about agency: You own your choices and their consequences, including the choice to repent.