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BACKGROUND
Some brief background on each of the sections before we dive into the meat of their messages.
Section 23 is a combined set of revelations intended for 5 different men close to the prophet. Each one is given just one or two verses. You have Oliver Cowdery, Hyrum Smith, Samuel Smith, Joseph Smith Sr, and Joseph Knight Senior. Each of these men had a desire to know what their duty in the church should be at that time.
The section heading to Section 24 tells us that this revelation came at a time when there was intense persecution leveled at the church. We are told that this and the following two revelations were given to strengthen, encourage, and instruct.
Section 25, to me, really is the highlight in this week's scripture block. This is a revelation received specifically for Emma, the prophet's wife. A most incredible woman, worthy of our admiration and respect. Emma will stand by Joseph to the end through all sorts of trouble and persecution throughout her life. The Lord has some strengthening, encouraging, and instructive words to give to her and all women. It ennobles and uplifts all daughters of God.
Section 26 is only a short two verses long with a few instructions for church leadership. The usual focus of this section centers around the idea of the law of common consent.
ICEBREAKER
There is one particular theme that I see common in a number of this week’s sections. To introduce that theme, as an icebreaker, I like to show my class the little church video entitled "Looking through windows". You can click on this link up here to watch it. It's only about two minutes long and portrays a fictional couple where the wife is extremely bothered by the "dirty laundry" of her next-door neighbor that she sees through her window. Eventually though, she discovers that it was her windows that were dirty, not her neighbors laundry. After watching it I like to ask, "Why is it so much easier to spot and condemn the faults and mistakes of others rather than our own?" I think it's because the problems ARE there. If you look for faults, if you look for shortcomings, you are sure to find them. We judge others based on what we see and what is painfully obvious to us. However, there are things we can't see--like Thomas S. Monson said at the end: "There is really no way we can know the heart, the intentions or the circumstances" of others. For ourselves, though, we do know those things, thus it's always easier to be forgiving of ourselves or to justify ourselves.
Link to video: "Looking Through Windows"
SEARCH
Well, I believe the Savior sets the perfect example for us in for such situations in sections 23, 24, and 25. There are some verses and phrases here that remind me of a very famous story from the life of Christ that also teaches this principle. I'm going to give you a set of verses to examine and a list of stories from the life of the Savior. Which story best matches the message of these verses?
23:1, 23:3,23:4,23:5,24:2, 25:3.
OK. I'm going to point out some of the phrases within those verses that stand out most to me. In 23:1, thou art under no condemnation. 23:3, thou art under no condemnation, 23:4 Thou art under no condemnation, and 23:5, Thou art under no condemnation. That phrase is uttered four different times to four different people within that section. Section 24:2 says "Nevertheless, thou art not excusable in thy transgressions; nevertheless go thy way and sin no more. And then from section 25:3 the Lord says, "Behold thy sins are forgiven thee".
What's the story from the life of Christ this should remind you of? The woman taken in adultery, right? It's the same approach and attitude here. When this woman was brought before the Savior by outraged and self-righteous Pharisees, they demand that he judge her. And what I love this, is that we get a chance to see how Christ judges people. Keep in mind that this woman had been caught in a very serious sinful act just moments before. The question was not whether she had done it or not. She had. Her fault was obvious, and they wanted condemnation. They drag her out in front of everyone to be judged. Do we do this sometimes in our society or in our own lives?
I think we live in a quick to condemn, faultfinding, mote picking, stone throwing, quick to judge, get outraged, kind of society. I don't think I need to give you any specific examples but I'm pretty sure you could think of some. I can think of some individuals in the public eye who have said something wrong, something a little insensitive or misguided, made a mistake, and the media and the general public calls for their head. Even apologies and a recognition of their error isn't good enough. No, they have to lose their job. They need to be canceled. They need to be made a public example of. The same kind of thing plays out on social media when someone is. "caught on tape" doing or saying something embarrassing. Do you notice this trend in your own families or relationships? Is there a better way?
What does Jesus do with the woman taken in adultery? At first, ignore them, and writes on the ground. Maybe that's the first way we deal with these kinds of things. Try to ignore them. That doesn't work thought, they demand a judgment. So next he gives the famous line. "He who is without sin let him first cast a stone at her". Which is brilliant. It's like he's saying "So, since you are so eager to judge someone, let me give you somebody to judge, yourselves". Which is really where the major thrust of our judgment should be leveled, right? Since we are more intimately acquainted with our own hearts and intentions and circumstances, we are really best equipped to judge ourselves. That self-conviction clears the courtyard. Jesus knew that this was not the kind of conversation that was supposed to be out on public display for everybody to watch. That "judgment" needed to happen between him and her alone. It's the same with us. We don't need to parade around the faults, and mistakes, and sins of others for all to see. Now in that situation, Jesus was the only on justified to throw a rock. He was without sin. And yet what does he do? He says, "Neither do I condemn thee". Jesus does not condemn her. He refuses to pass a final judgment on her.
So back to section 23. Do you see that same spirit here? To Oliver and Hyrum and Samuel and Joseph Smith Senior, He assures each that they are under no condemnation. Now, I'm not sure why he doesn't say it to Joseph Knight Senior and I'm not going to call this good brother into question or make the assumption that God was condemning him just because it's left out. I like to focus on the fact that Jesus is slow to condemn and quick to offer hope. One of the major messages of the Doctrine & Covenants and indeed all scripture is the mercy and grace of God. There are so many instances of the Lord forgiving frankly, quickly, willingly, and graciously.
BUT, what I also love is the balancing principle here in section 24:2. Does God just condone our sins and transgressions? Does he tell us that they're no big deal? He just forgives, no questions asked? Is that the spirit of this whole thing? No, that's not true of the woman taken in adultery and it's not true here in the Doctrine and Covenants. He says, "nevertheless thou art not excusable in thy transgressions". He's not excusing them. He's not condoning their sins or mistakes. There was no excuse for them. God cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance. But then another nevertheless. "Nevertheless go thy way and sin no more", which is the exact phrase that he repeats to the woman taken in adultery. She had sinned. Seriously. And Jesus was not ok with it. She needed to change. There was no condemnation at that point, but she had to put her sinful past behind her. The same with Joseph here. God was offering him another chance as well.
Back in 23 some of the individuals are also given instruction warnings of future problems. He tells Oliver to beware of pride lest he should enter into temptation. And if you know your church history, that will be a problem for Oliver in the future and will eventually lead to him distancing himself from the church for a time. To Joseph Knight Sr, he says that he needs "to take up his cross in the which you must pray vocally before the world as well as in secret and in your family and among your friends and in all places". Perhaps Joseph Knight was one of those individuals that did not feel comfortable publicly expressing his faith or testimony in prayer. This must have been a difficult for him and perhaps he was excusing himself from doing this because of his personal challenges. In Section 25 Emma is also instructed to be meek and to beware of pride.
God asks us to make changes, to repent, to progress, to stop sinning. They are under no condemnation IF they are willing to change and recognize their errors. If they are, then they should go their way with hope and peace in their heart. Back to the woman taken in adultery. What was the final result of Christ's approach to this serious sin of hers? Joseph Smith added something to that story in his inspired translation of the Bible. And I'm baffled why it's not in the footnotes. Because it's such a powerful message. It says. “And the woman glorified God from that hour and believed on his name” (John 8:11) So it worked for her. She changed! She believed! and glorified God. The power of not condemning changed her. There was a happy ending to that story. The other outcome could've been a dead woman on the pavement of the temple. Rather than that tragic end, we end with a woman walking away, glorifying God, with a change of heart, with a new found hope and faith.
LIKEN THE SCRIPTURES
What do you think is the lesson in this for us?
TRUTH
It could be this truth: When we see the errors of others, if we don't condemn, we may inspire hope and change in them.
CONCLUSION
So the next time we see the faults of others. The next time we hear of somebody's mistakes. The next time a person’s transgressions or shortcomings are painfully obvious to all, hopefully we will not be too quick to condemn, to throw a stone, to get outraged, and to demand punishment. I hope that we can look to Christ as an example in this, and look inward first, and drop our stones; and give people another chance. Who knows but that they might leave glorifying God, and changing their lives for the better? Still, by the same token. We don't excuse these things either. We realize that justice must be served, and I do believe that the attitude of the transgressor must be taken into consideration. If they are defiant, unrepentant, and determined to continue in their ways, then we're probably justified in a different course of action. But if the attitude is right, I believe that we would do well to follow the Savior's lead in these kinds of situations. If we really want somebody to judge, let's judge ourselves first. Or better yet, leave all judgment to Christ.
SECTION 24-POLISHED IN PATIENCE
ICEBREAKER
For an icebreaker on this section I like to do the following object lesson. I pull out a very dull and rough looking rock. Then I pull out a polished rock that looks like this. And I ask: How does a rock like this, become a rock like this? I then pull out a rock tumbler and show them how it works. You place the rough rock into the tumbler, with a bunch of other rocks, turn it on and leave it running for days, non-stop, 24/7. After a long time, you open the tumbler can and voila, you have beautiful, polished rocks. Now I have the benefit of having a son that was into rock polishing for a time, and so I actually do have a rock tumbler and some examples of polished rocks. You may not have that luxury, but maybe you could borrow one. They do have them for sale on Amazon for about 60$ and I'll provide a link in the video description if you're interested, but that may be a bit expensive for just one lesson. (Rock Tumbler Link: https://amzn.to/2ZZXBe2) But you could show a picture or a video of one if you like. And then I say, guess what object Joseph Smith compared himself to? He said he was like a rough stone rolling. Then I show them the following quote:
Joseph once said: "I am like a huge, rough stone rolling down from a high mountain; and the only polishing I get is when some corner gets rubbed off by coming in contact with something else, striking with accelerated force against religious bigotry, priest-craft, lawyer-craft, doctor-craft, lying editors, suborned judges and jurors, and the authority of perjured executives, backed by mobs, blasphemers, licentious and corrupt men and women—all hell knocking off a corner here and a corner there. Thus I will become a smooth and polished shaft in the quiver of the Almighty.”
History of the Church, 5:401.
I then ask: So how did Joseph go from this to this? He came into contact with a lot of opposition throughout his life. Joseph Smith had a rock tumbler of a life.
Can you name some of the trials and opposition that Joseph would face throughout his life?
There's a lot they could mention. He will bury children, he will be beaten, tarred and feathered, falsely arrested, thrown into prison, betrayed by those closest to him, ridiculed, live in poverty, and eventually, his life will be taken by the gunfire of Carthage. I am often amazed at what Joseph Smith would be called on to face in his life. I don't know about you, but my problems pale in comparison to his. But what effect did that persecution and opposition have on him? In the end, it made his life polished and beautiful and worthy of our admiration.
SEARCH
With that as a backdrop, look at the section heading for section 24. What do we learn is happening to Joseph and the early church? It says that persecution had become intense in Harmony, and that the leaders had to seek safety at this time. It also adds that this and the following revelations were given at this time to strengthen and encourage and instruct them. So that's how I like to approach Section 24. I ask my students to: Read section 24 looking for truths that can help us in times of persecution or affliction or trial. What do you find?
Here are a few possible ideas that could be brought up.
In verse one, I have lifted the up out of thine afflictions and have counseled thee, that thou hast been delivered from all thine enemies and thou hast been delivered from the powers of Satan and from darkness! Exclamation point. One thing that will help us at these times is to remember how God has delivered us in the past. So often our problems take on a new light when seen in hindsight. I know I've had this experience many times. In the moment, my challenges have seemed so overwhelming, so hard to bear, that I can't see how anything positive or any good could ever come from it. But I'm consistently amazed that after I have some distance between me and the problem, that I see the silver lining , that I see the blessing, that I see the lesson, that I see the hand of God in those things. So sometimes, considering how God has blessed us through past sufferings, can help us to endure our current ones.
From verse three, they are told to "go speedily unto the church", and "they shall support thee". When things get rough, to your friends, go to your family, go to your church leaders, go to your ward or branch community. They are there to support us. We aren't meant to endure trials alone. No wonder God organized us in the families, no wonder he emphasizes strong marriages, no wonder he has a church organized into specific communities. God knows life is tough, but he also knows that a rough road is easier to travel with good companions.
From verses three and five, "Magnify thine office", and "continue in calling upon God in my name, and writing the things which shall be given thee by the Comforter, and expounding all scriptures unto the church.". Don't stop praying and fulfilling your duties within the church. Hopefully we don't get the attitude of, "Well if God's not going to help in this, then why should I help him accomplish his work". We've got to continue calling upon him and magnifying our office and expounding things to the church. That is going to help get us through those afflictions so much easier.
Also from verse five, there is something else we can rely on. The Holy Ghost is there to help us as well. But he doesn't use the title Holy Ghost in this instance . Which shouldn't surprise us. God often uses certain titles depending on the context of the revelation. What title is given? The comforter. One of the Holy Ghost's greatest roles is to comfort us. He's not just about helping us choose the right and confirming truth and guiding us in decisions. He's also there to comfort. In moments just like these.
Verse 8. We need to be patient in afflictions and endure them. Sometimes that's all we can do with afflictions. Just endure them. We may pray over and over again "Lord what should I do, what should I do? How do I make this trial go away? What's the answer to all my problems?" Sometimes, I'm afraid that the Lord's answer to that is "endure them". There may not be a solution to fix it, at that time. There may not be an end in sight. Sometimes we just need to endure pain and affliction and hardship and persecution. So be patient. Be patient with God, be patient with yourself, be patient with the situation, be patient with life. Which I have to admit is not the most comforting of messages. But it's the next line where we find the comfort. The Lord promises: For lo I am with the even until the end of the days. I will not abandon you Joseph. I will be ever at your side; I will be experiencing all these things with you throughout your life. In fact, I've felt them myself, so I know what you're going through.
I wonder if Joseph realized just how many more afflictions he would face in his future. This must have been a foreboding verse for him. "Thou shalt have many". And that verse comes painfully true.
Now in verse 10, God starts speaking to Oliver, and he also promises him that he will be with him to the end. And in verse 12 he promises "I will give unto him strength such as is not known among men". Frequently, this is how God helps us through our trials. He doesn't take them away, but he strengthens us to face them. He can even give us miraculous strength such as is not known among men. God will give us strength to bear up under the suffering. It's reminiscent of the Nephites back in Mosiah (Mosiah 24:14-15) who were not freed from their burdens at the moment they probably would have preferred. But God did strengthen them and ease their burdens so that they were able to bear up under them without complaining. The burdens were still there but their capacity to carry them was increased. God can do the same for us.
There is going to be some foreshadowing in these final verses of section 24 of some of the trials that Joseph Smith will face in the future. From verse 16 people will lay their hands upon him by violence, in verse 17 people will go to law with him, and in verse 18 there will be times when he will be in need of food and raiment and shoes and money, and in verse 19 there will be times when he will have to prune the vineyard, when there would be individuals close to him that would have to be pruned from the church for sake of apostasy. The major message to Joseph here? This calling, to be prophet, will not be easy, you have a very rough road ahead of you. But it will be that rough road that will polish him into a prophet. And Joseph will stay true and positive through it all.
LIKEN THE SCRIPTURES
A great question to liken the scriptures here: How has one of these truths strengthened, encouraged, or instructed you in affliction?
CONCLUSION
Persecution and trial will come to all of us. I believe it's impossible to avoid it. And would it even be desirable to avoid all opposition and challenge in life? Sometimes I think I pray that way. But at the end of it all, do we really want to remain rough dull stones? Or do we want to be beautifully polished like Joseph was . I'm afraid the only way to accomplish this is to come into contact with other hard objects. To have a corner here and a corner there knocked off by adversity. That process is certainly going to require some patience and endurance, but we won't have to endure it alone. We have some help. Joseph will have some help. And if we hang on like he did, we too will have beautiful, polished lives, worthy of admiration.
SECTION 25-ELECT LADIES
ICEBREAKER
I'm a big fan of the game chess and I consistently see great life lessons taught by the game. One interesting aspect of the game is that each piece has a relative value and power in the game. Pawns are not very powerful and don't carry a huge value. They're often sacrificed for position or used to create a structure from which to protect the more important pieces behind them. The King of course, is a very critical piece in the game. If your king is captured, you lose. But I often like to remind people, especially females, of the most powerful piece in the game of chess. Do you know which it is? It's the queen. She has the most versatility, she can move the fastest and the farthest in all directions. Most games are won by using the unique abilities of the queen in conjunction with other supporting pieces. Usually, it's the queen that's at the center of the action. She's putting pressure on the enemy king, rescuing pieces under attack, making captures, and forcing retreats. She is THE piece on the board. Many players will resign the game if they inadvertently lose their queen. It's usually just not even worth trying after that. And though the king is the overall focus of your opponent’s attack, he spends most of his time cowering in the corner and fleeing from attacking pieces like a scared rabbit. It's the queen that's making things happen and winning the game. Women should love the game of chess. It communicates the power of women. Perhaps God is a chess fan, because the same principles seem to be true of life. God knows the power and influence that righteous women can have in his battle against evil. God's queens are absolutely vital to his victory strategy.
SEARCH
So here we have section 25. The revelation directed to Emma, Joseph Smith's wife. This is a wonderful opportunity to talk about righteous women. I do believe that this revelation can apply to both men and women, just like many of the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants directed to specific men also apply to both genders. Indeed, the final verse of this section reminds us that this message is unto all, not just Emma. But since this is a unique revelation directed to a woman, I like to focus it in that direction. The theme phrase that I would highlight is found in verse three. How does the Lord describe Emma there? He calls her an elect lady. I like both those terms. Elect means to be chosen to serve. We see that in the root word for election. I also like the term lady here. I think that suggests, like elect, somebody that is different, chosen--not better than others, not of more worth, but different, in a good way. Women of Christ are more than just your average woman. They are ladies. Just like the word gentleman suggests something more than just your average man. And I believe deeply in this principle, even though you run the risk of putting undo pressure on those who profess to follow Christ, but the Scriptures are fairly clear, that disciples of Christ are different. We should stand out from the world.
I do hesitate a little to teach this topic. And I admit that I'm probably not as qualified to speak about those not of my gender as they would be. Perhaps an elect lady would be more fit to speak about this. But I'm going to give it a shot, as unbiasedly as I can and try to represent what the Scriptures say about this and strive to steer clear of my own personal opinions. Still, it’s very possible that some of you could walk away from this section of the video saying, "Well he's a man, what does he know. And you may very well be justified in your conclusion". But that being said, let me be clear about one thing, I'm not going to be politically correct on this one. I do believe that men and women are different. That God has made us different for a divine purpose. I stand firmly behind the prophets words that state that "Gender is an essential characteristic of individual, pre-mortal ,mortal and eternal identity and purpose". I know that the world is trying to make men and women one and the same. I reject that idea. I believe that men and women are equal in value and worth in potential and should have equal opportunities presented to them in this life. But I do not believe they are the same or have the same roles. I believe, generally speaking, that men and women have been given gifts and qualities unique to their sex that complement and strengthen the other. It seems to me that society is waging a war against the very idea of femininity. But with that as a disclaimer let's take a look.
Here's how I would approach the section in a class. After introducing the theme of becoming an elect lady, I would ask all to read the entire section looking for phrases that describe the qualities that make an elect lady and fill out the worksheet with the things they find. What is she like, and what does she do? "An elect lady _______________________" what? Fill in that blank with counsel from section 25. I would be sure to help them understand that this is not a set of standards to condemn ourselves by, but a set of standards to be inspired by. We've got to be careful not to be drawn into the trap of toxic perfectionism, but to look for inspiration and guidance in these standards.
Knows she is a daughter of God
An elect lady values that relationship with her Father in Heaven. She looks to him as a Father, as he looks to her as his daughter. There is a special kind of relationship between Fathers and daughters. I know I've felt it. I have three sons and one daughter, and I can tell you, it's different. It's beautiful. I love that connection that I have with her and find joy in it. I'm certain that God feels the same for his daughters and cherishes that unique relationship with them.
Faithful
She nourishes and cares for her testimony and seeks to grow it year by year.
Walks in the paths of virtue
I like that the word paths is plural. The word virtue has more than one meaning. Usually when we think of virtue, we think of chastity or sexual purity. And certainly chastity is an important quality of elect ladies. But virtue can mean other things as well. Think of the 13th article of faith. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. This is what an elect lady seeks for. In her choices of entertainment, music, literature, dress, language, and environment, she seeks those things that are virtuous or good.
Murmurs not because of the things which she has not seen, or that are withheld.
This verse doesn't specifically tell us what Emma has not seen, but I think that we can probably make educated guess on what it's referring to. Emma was not chosen to be a witness of the gold plates. And you could make a very good case that she should have had that opportunity. Why not Emma? She was there at the Hill Cumorah when Joseph first went to get them. She stood beside Joseph throughout the entire translating process. She even helped scribe for Joseph for a time. We were told that there were times when Emma would be cleaning and there would be the plates on the table under a cloth. She must have had incredible self-restraint not to want to take a quick peek at the plates. She might have wondered why it was Mary Whitmer that got a chance to see the plates and not her. Certainly the reason is not that she wouldn't have been a capable and faithful witness. Emma will stand as a witness to her dying day of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and her husband's prophetic call, but she never sees the plates. An elect lady does the same when it comes to things that she feels worthy of obtaining. When there are desired blessings that she can't understand why the Lord is withholding them, it can be very difficult to avoid murmuring.
Comforts her spouse with consoling words as her husband’s supports her.
Joseph would be a comfort and consoling presence for the church, and Emma was a comfort and consoling presence for Joseph. When we consider all that Joseph and Emma endured and experienced together, I think it's safe to say that neither could have done it alone. They needed each other; the church needed them. They were the parents of the church, and each had their divine role and influence in leading it. Emma was often a catalyst for Joseph's revelations. Emma's comforting and consoling would allow the heavens to be opened and revelation to be received. In fact, some of the greatest revelations of the restoration, sections 121, 122, and 123, will come while Joseph is languishing in Liberty jail. Those revelations could not have come without Emma's influence. Before Joseph received the oft-quoted divine answer of "My son, peace be unto the soul, thine afflictions shall be but a small moment" he tells us that he had received a letter from Emma. He also received letters from his brother and Bishop Partridge as well. But he says:
“We received some letters last evening–one from Emma, one from Don C. Smith, and one from Bishop Partridge–all breathing a kind and consoling spirit. We were much gratified with their contents. We had been a long time without information; and when we read those letters they were to our souls as the gentle air is refreshing. . . those who have not been enclosed in the walls of prison without cause or provocation, can have but little idea how sweet the voice of a friend is; one token of friendship from any source whatever awakens and calls into action every sympathetic feeling; it brings up in an instant everything that is passed; it seizes the present with the vivacity of lightning; it grasps after the future with the fierceness of a tiger; it retrogrades from one thing to another, until finally all enmity, malice and hatred, and past differences, misunderstandings and mismanagements are slain victims at the feet of hope; and when the heart is sufficiently contrite, then the voice of inspiration steals along and whispers, My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thy afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.”
That's the lead in to that verse. Emma's consoling words created an atmosphere and spirit that allowed the Lord to reveal some of the most powerful words of latter-day revelation. What a beautiful example of Emma fulfilling section 25 verse five.
Before moving on, we should know that this is not a one-way street--that a wife is only to comfort and support her husband. Take a look at the balancing phrase in verse nine. "And thou needest not fear, for thy husband shall support thee in the church". As wives support and console their husbands, so too should husbands support and console their wives.
Has the spirit of meekness
The Lord says this twice to Emma. Once in verse 5 and again in verse 14. That must mean that this was of particular importance for Emma to follow. Meekness does not mean weakness. Moses was described as being the meekest man that ever lived. Do you picture Moses as being a weak man? I don't think so. This was the man that would stand before the most powerful political figure of his day and demand that he let his people go. This was the man who would part the Red Sea. Moses had great power, but he always kept it under control. That's my favorite definition of meekness. Great power under control. Elect ladies have great power. They have been given it as a gift. But God would have them keep it under control and use it wisely. The opposite of meekness is pride, and the Lord warns Emma of this as well in verse 14. Pride can destroy marriages and friendships. Meekness and humility recognize the worth of all souls and seeks to build up rather than tear down.
Goes at the time of his going
I'm intrigued by this phrase and ponder how it's to be applied. Definitely, Emma went with Joseph at the time of his going. As they were forced to move from state to state, as persecution seem to follow them wherever they went, Emma was always there by her husband's side. She was there to visit him in prison. She was there to scrape the tar and feathers from his body. She was there to tend to his wounds and discouragements. She was there to mourn with him, and she was there to rejoice with him. She made incredible sacrifices to stand by her husband. She went with him at the time of his going. This reminds me of my own dear wife. When I was hired by the church to teach seminary, I remember driving with my wife to the Church Office Building to receive our first assignment. On the way, I remember telling her that chances were we would be assigned to the Wasatch front, seeing that the majority of full-time teaching assignments existed there, but that there was a chance we could also be assigned to Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming, or Arizona. I remember Allesha saying that she would be willing to go anywhere, but that she didn't want to go to Arizona. Anywhere but Arizona. She didn't want to be far from her family, and she didn't want to be in the heat. When we arrived at the Church Office Building, we received our assignment. And where was it? Arizona. I am forever grateful for a wife who went with me at the time of my going, regardless of her personal preference and desires. And this is shared with all due respect to the state of Arizona and all the amazing people there. We both cherish our experiences and the relationships that we created in our 14 years there. But that sacrifice wasn't easy for my wife, and I will forever be grateful that she was willing to "go at the time of my going". And this also is a two-way street.
Expounds scriptures and exhorts the church
I love that the Lord tells Emma that she has to do more than just learn the Scriptures or listen to the revelations. But she is to expound and exhort them to others. Expound and exhort are two words that we saw back in section 20 to describe the responsibilities of the priesthood. Men and women have a similar calling in this area. Spencer W. Kimball said:
"I stress again the deep need each woman has to study the scriptures. We want our homes to be blessed with sister scriptorians—whether you are single or married, young or old, widowed or living in a family. . . .After all, who has any greater need to “treasure up” the truths of the gospel (on which they may call in their moments of need) than do women and mothers who do so much nurturing and teaching?"
(Teachings of Spencer W Kimball, 321.)
Time given to writing and learning much
Elect ladies are educated. They seek learning. And I think that means spiritual learning AND secular learning. Later in the Doctrine and Covenants we're going to see that God encourages all his children to seek both. (Doctrine and Covenants 88:77, 79) Because the "glory of God is intelligence (Doctrine and Covenants 93:36). I'm grateful for a wife that is intelligent and loves learning. Formal schooling, reading, watching documentaries, and travel has educated her mind. She has enriched her life and the life of her family through her much learning. We must also seek to increase our spiritual knowledge. I'm not too worried about you as my listeners on this one because you've cared enough about your spiritual education to seek out a channel such as this one. You are making your spiritual learning a priority and I commend you for that. Gospel knowledge is infinitely deep and compelling, and I can promise you that you will never run out of things to learn when it comes to the gospel.
Lays aside the things of this world and seeks for the things of a better
This council can be applied in a number of ways. An elect lady does not have the same priorities and desires of the women of the world. She is guided by a higher perspective: an eternal perspective. She lays up for herself treasures in heaven rather than treasures on earth. The way the world defines success is not going to be the same way that God defines it. Family, righteousness, nurture, and service will always trump the more worldly treasures of power, money, popularity, physical appearance, and worldly success. Mortality is fleeting and its treasures are the kind that moth and rust doth corrupt and thieves break in and steal. The elect lady knows this.
Uses her special gifts to bless the church
Verse 11 and 12 Particularly apply to Emma as she is directed to create the first hymnbook of the church. This of course does not apply to all women, but the general idea does. The elect lady uses her unique gifts and talents to bless the church. Each woman has something special to contribute. For some it may be music, for others it may be leadership, for others it may be service, for others it may be teaching, and on and on and on. No woman can be all these things. She seeks to find her own unique gifts to contribute and offers them selflessly.
Lifts up her heart and rejoices
Elect ladies are righteous, and since righteousness always was happiness, that would suggest that they too are happy in general. That's not to suggest that they wear rose-colored glasses or that they never face times of sadness or mourning or discouragement. One of our baptismal commitments is "To mourn with those mourn " and even Jesus wept. But hopefully, they lift people and find joy and rejoicing in the gospel and in the good things of life. Ezra Taft Benson said "Be cheerful in all that you do. Live joyfully. Live happily. Live enthusiastically, knowing that God does not dwell in gloom and melancholy, but in light and love." (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, 339.)
Cleaves to her covenants
One definition of the word cleave is to adhere strongly to. The elect lady sticks strongly to her covenants. She values them. She partakes of the sacrament worthily and meaningfully. She makes time to worship in the temple.
Her soul delights in her husband
What a wonderful phrase. To delight in one's spouse. Husbands and wives should delight in each other. I love it when my wife and I can spend time with each other: going out to dinner, watching a movie or a play together, hiking, doing fun things with our children, going on trips, camping, discussing future plans and laughing together. These are delightful moments in my life and I'm grateful to have someone to share them with.
Keeps the commandments continually
Obedience is a quality all true disciples of Christ share. An elect lady Can't expect to lift up her heart and rejoice if she's not keeping the commandments. That quality is dependent on this one.
Now I recognize that this list can be both inspiring and intimidating. But notice that there is nothing in there that tells her that she has to be everything to everybody. That she has to sacrifice herself so completely that she never has time for herself, or her development, or her rest. That her house is always clean, that she bakes her own bread, that she never gets upset or frustrated, that she has perfect children, that her hair and makeup are always immaculate, that she makes crafts and sews her own dresses, and gets to the gym every day, and is an active member of the PTA, and always carries an aura of order, organization, and having everything under control. That, I'm afraid is a standard that nobody can live up to. Expecting this level of perfection in oneself or others will most likely do more damage than good. With all of these wonderful instructions found in section 25, don't forget this one. "Do not run faster or labor more than you have strength". That was the Lord's counsel to Joseph in Doctrine and Covenants 10:4. Remember that becoming an elect lady is a lifelong endeavor.
CONCLUSION
Now what's the Lord's blessing and promise to those who strive to become elect ladies? "A crown of righteousness thou shalt receive". What kind of women wear crowns? Queens and princesses. That's who you will become. Just like in section 121:46 where God promises that men will have an unchanging scepter of righteousness, women are promised a crown. Both are images of royalty. The suggestion is that the sons and daughters of God will become kings and queens in the eternities. Remember the power that queens have! Great blessings await those righteous women who walk the paths of virtue, seek to comfort and console rather than complain. Those that expound and exhort and devote their time to learning and rejoice in seeking for the things of a better world. We cannot expect to win our battles against evil, as families, as a church, or a society, if we don't value and wield the power of the queens.
TRUTH
Our truth here: Elect ladies have great responsibilities, great powers, and great blessings that await them.
THE SONG OF THE HEART-DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 25:12
SEARCH
There are two last principles that I'd like talk about a little more quickly. Sometimes I like to do a special lesson that revolves solely around 1 verse. Section 25 verse 12. Which says the following:
For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.
The first question I ask is for my students to identify truths about sacred music that are taught by this verse.
Some of the ones I see:
When we sing sacred music, it brings Heavenly Father Joy.
Singing sacred music is like saying a prayer to our Heavenly Father.
Singing and listening to sacred music will bring us blessings.
The song of the heart is more important than the song of the voice.
As a seminary teacher, I get to sing hymns five times a day, and over the years that really adds up. You know what, I've never gotten tired of them. They are inspiring, comforting, and instructional. I believe that singing the hymns is a wonderful way to express what we feel in our hearts. The way that we sing them, the way that we feel when we sing them, may become some of the deepest prayers we will ever offer. Often times hymns allow us to express things that we sometimes just don't have the words to express. I can't think of a better way of expressing the way I feel about relying on the Savior than by singing "Abide with Me". I can't think of a better way of expressing my love and enthusiasm for the prophetic mission of Joseph Smith than by belting out "Praise to the Man". I can't think of a better to connect with my heritage than by singing "For the Strength of the Hills", a hymn written by my Waldensian ancestors, or "Come, Come ye Saints" as I contemplate the sacrifices of my pioneer ancestors who crossed the plains. The hymns also motivate me. I can't think of a better way of inspiring myself to go out and serve others than by singing "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief" or to share the gospel by singing "Called to Serve" or to increase my feelings of gratitude than by singing "Count your Blessings". I cherish singing primary songs to my young children each night. I am a Child of God, Beautiful Savior, I Love to See the Temple, My Heavenly Father Loves Me. These are songs that I still love singing with childlike fervor. I'm so grateful for those dedicated primary choristers who taught me these simple expressions of faith.
I love that the scripture says that The Lord's soul delights in the song of the heart, and not the mouth. I am not one of those people who have been blessed with an angelic voice. I fact, I can't carry a tune in a wheelbarrow. Just ask my students. I have great admiration and gratitude for those that can, but still, I do enjoy singing the hymns. I'd like to share a personal experience with you that taught me the meaning of the song of the heart. Sometimes in seminary I like to hold a seminary conference. This is where I have students prepare talks and musical numbers to share with their classmates. I always want these to be very uplifting and meaningful experiences and I'm often careful about who I ask to present. Well one year, I asked if there were any volunteers who were interested in sharing a musical number. Almost immediately a young man in my class shot his hand up and said he wanted to sing. And, I am not proud of this, but my initial thought and feeling was "oh no, this is not going to be good". This boy had a bit of a speech issue and some social challenges that I feared would detract from the meeting. I was more worried about the quality of the conference than this young man's enthusiasm to share his testimony through music. But, gratefully, on the outside, I said, you bet, we'd love to have you sing for us and I signed him up. But on the inside, I was disappointed. Well the day of the conference came, and he came to the podium to sing "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief". I was bracing myself for what I was sure would be a disaster. Instead, he sang the most heartfelt and inspiring musical number of the day. He was not a talented singer, but what he lacked in musical ability, he more than made up for in heart and faith and spirit. It was truly moving. And I wasn't the only one who could feel it. I looked around and the entire seminary was transfixed and lifted by his testimony through singing. That's when the Spirit chastised me a bit. Don't judge, it seemed to whisper, my soul delighteth in the song of the heart. The song of the righteous is a prayer unto me. And it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads. That musical number was a prayer, and we were all blessed by it.
Now, if you want a great activity that's simple and uplifting to do with your class. All you need to do is ask them to share one of their favorite hymns or primary songs and to be prepared to share why. Then treat it kind of like a testimony meeting. Invite them to come up voluntarily to share their thoughts and feelings. After each person has shared, sing at least one verse of that hymn. Now you'll need to be prepared with the music, which is much easier nowadays because you can just download the church's "Sacred Music" app and play that music as you sing. I can promise you that this will be an edifying experience for you and your class. It's the closest thing to a sure bet as you can get. And I believe that's because the sacred music of our church is innately powerful. It goes right to the heart.
SECTION 26-COMMON CONSENT
One other quick idea for section 26. From verse 2 "And all things shall be done by common consent in the church, by much prayer and faith, for all things you shall receive by faith. Amen."
To introduce the principle of common consent I do the following activity:
What does a raised hand mean here? And here? And here? And here?
What about here?
I've often found that there are a number of students who feel that the purpose of a sustaining raise of the hand is like casting their vote. You're saying that you think it's ok for that person to serve in that calling or be ordained to that office. No, the person being sustained isn't on trial, it's you that's on trial. The sustaining vote is to give you a chance to express your willingness to comply with and support the Lord's choice.
I'll usually share this quote from President Gordon B. Hinckley: "The procedure of sustaining is much more than a ritualistic raising of the hand. It is a commitment to uphold, to support, to assist those who have been selected" (This Work is Concerned with People" Ensign, May 1995)
The sustaining vote is giving us a chance to express our willingness or unwillingness to uphold the Lord's leaders and decisions.
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