The charter of the original high council in Doctrine and Covenants 102 teaches principles we can apply to family, church, work, and community councils: start with clear purpose, ensure all voices are heard, support the final decision, seek revelation, and respect boundaries of authority.
The French Farm: Action-Oriented Councils
In 1833, church councils worked to acquire a large plot of land, known as the French farm, and decide how to put it to use. Their process was a good model for councils to follow: build consensus, seek revelation, and act promptly on the decisions you make.
Captivity and Deliverance: Limhi and Alma
Both Alma's and Limhi's people fell captive to the Lamanites and were both delivered by God. From their examples, we can learn to pray humbly, to recognize the blessings God provides immediately, and to look forward to the deliverance He will provide.
Gideon
Lessons from Limhi's servant Gideon: 1. You don't have to be in a position of authority to be a leader. 2. Speak up when you have a good idea or when something isn't right. 3. Give people the benefit of the doubt. 4. Defend the truth, and defend freedom.
In the Wilderness
We can learn a lot about navigating our wildernesses from Zeniff and Limhi. 1. Wandering is expected. 2. You may find unexpected treasures along the way. 3. You may be better off than you were before. 4. You will be motivated to put your trust in God.
Limhi’s Psalm
When a search party arrived from Zarahemla, Limhi declared his faith in the form of a psalm. The psalm echoes the prophecies of Abinadi, explaining the consequences of rejecting God. But Limhi's people now trusted in God and were led to safety and freedom
Mordecai
After receiving poor advice from Memucan and dealing with a power-hungry prince named Haman, King Ahasuerus must have been relieved to find Mordecai, a humble man of integrity. Even though the main character in the book of Esther is the queen herself, her cousin and mentor Mordecai is a constant presence throughout the book, acting... Continue Reading →
The Voice of the People
When the prophet Samuel was old, he tried to appoint his sons to succeed him as leaders over Israel. But the Israelites were not willing to follow his sons, and they requested that he appoint a king. Samuel was troubled. He didn't think it wise to give one person that much power, and he thought... Continue Reading →
How Can I Be a Better Listener?
Today, I pondered what I can do to be a better listener. Here are some relevant guidelines taught by the Book of Mormon: 1. Recognize your own limitations and prepare yourself to participate fully in the interaction. When Nephi returned to his family's camp after seeing a vision, he found his brothers "disputing one with... Continue Reading →
Gideon Went Forth – Mosiah 22:3-4, 9
3 Now it came to pass that Gideon went forth and stood before the king, and said unto him: Now O king, thou hast hitherto hearkened unto my words many times when we have been contending with our brethren, the Lamanites. 4 And now O king, if thou hast not found me to be an... Continue Reading →