3/14/2917 - D&C 1:1-6

March 14, 2017

Section 1:1-6

Preface, Doctrines Covenants & Commandments, Hearken, Voice of Warning, Voice of Protection, Missionaries Unafraid,

In the historical information, it states: “This section constitutes the Lord’s Preface to the doctrines, covenants and commandments given in this dispensation.” I loved the focus on the “doctrines, covenants, and commandments”. That is what I shall look for in this reading of this book of scripture.

V 1 begins with Hearken. I learned some years ago that it means Hear & Do. So now I pay attention to that word—when I see it I slow down, I re-read, I try to understand the Lord’s “to-do list” for me. I was surprised with this reading…the last time I read (green pencil, 2009) I had written by the word hearken “Listen & obey…more than hear”. That places an even greater emphasis on the word Hearken. I’m so glad I can leave notes to myself in the pages of my scriptures!

After asking us to “Listen Up!”, the Lord tells us that His “eyes are upon all men”. When I first read that I thought: ‘ He cares for us all and sees us all—no matter what our circumstances or life choices.’  And then I suddenly thought: ‘that includes me!” So wherever I am, whatever I am doing, whatever I am THINKING—the Lord is watching me. There are no places were I can hide a mean thought. Even if it’s done in jest, in the privacy of our home, a mean jab is a mean jab. I will try to elevate my thoughts—not just in public, but now in private. That means even when I’m the only one who is hearing my thoughts. I truly desire to act and think in ways that are ‘acceptable unto the Lord’ at all times and in all places.  

The Lord also tells us where to look for direction: v4 “And the voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have chosen in these last days.” They are apostles of the Lord. Their words are from Him, and are true to the members of the church, but also to the entire population of the earth.  In my 2001 reading of this section I wrote a quote “All will come to know—let us live to be able to greet this knowledge with joy & gladness rather than remorse and sorrow.”

When I read v 4 & 5 together, I think not just of the apostles of the church who travel through the world with a voice of warning, a voice of love, and a voice of concern,--but I also think of the missionaries who also “ shall go forth and none shall stay them, for I the Lord have commanded them.” That verse makes me want to gird up my loins and to work harder for the guidance of the Holy Ghost, and be quicker and braver in following that guidance. And in v 6 He reminds us that His authority is our authority when we are His set-apart servants in His work. And so (speaking to myself and all missionaries): Gird up your loins; fresh courage take. Our God will never us forsake; And soon we’ll have this tale to tell—All is well! All is well! (Come, Come Ye Saints, 30) And I think that means All is well on our insides and our outsides. The Lord only asks us to do our best…our VERY best…and then He promises to make up for what we may have lacked.

Dec 30, 2020: D&C 1

I think it’s important to remember that this book of scripture is given us who live in more modern times. President Hinckley once said: “The Doctrine and Covenants is unique among our books of scripture. It is the constitution of the Church. While the Doctrine and Covenants includes writings and statements of various origins, it is primarily a book of revelation given through the Prophet of this dispensation.” Thus Christ is the author of this book, Joseph was the person in charge of getting the text written. 

And ‘Don’t Miss This’ describes this first section as “an invitation to enter in, to consider diligently, and to listen carefully with undivided attention and obedience...His preface is filled with counsel and warning, prophecies and promises.” The Lord directs us in v 37: “Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.”

In v 12 the Lord pleads with us to take note, and to act, according to what He is saying to us: “Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, for the Lord is nigh:” His desires are “that faith also might increase in the earth; That mine everlasting covenant might be established;  [and I believe He is at least partially referring here to our work in our temples] That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed” (v’s 21-23)

And then in v’s 25-28, He tells us just why he is giving us all this information: “And inasmuch as they [that’s us!] erred it might be made known; and inasmuch as they sought wisdom [that’s us!] they might be instructed; and inasmuch as. They sinned…that they might repent. And inasmuch as they were humble [I hope that’s me!] they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time.”  When he says, ‘from time to time’ I think he’s telling us that there will be times that we will need to rely on our faith to keep us strong, for that is one what in which we gain spiritual growth and strength.

V 24: “Behold, I am God and have spoken it; these commandments are of me, and were given unto my servants in their weakness…that they might come to understanding.” The Lord knows we all have weaknesses, but he allows us to learn from our mistakes and through Christ’s atonement, and our accessing that atonement, our mistakes can be righted. 

And then in v’s 26-28 He explains how we might come to an understanding: “And inasmuch as they sought wisdom they might be instructed; And inasmuch as they sinned they might be chastened, that they might repent; And inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time.” This is how we grow.

[This isn’t from my D&C study—but I just needed a place I could write this down. I follow Elder Bednar on Instagram. Today he was reminding us that even in a year of many problems, there is a lot we can learn. He asked for people to share some of those positive things from this year of 2020. Sammie.osborne commented with this entry “Something that was reiterated to me this year is what President Nelson taught us a couple of years ago, that it is not our circumstances but our focus in life that matters. As we focus on Christ, no matter our circumstances, He will bring us peace, comfort, love, strength, & joy. And He can show us that there are always good and beautiful things. Thank you for always point us to our Savior, Elder Bednar and helping us remember it is He who can calm our troubled hearts.”  And then there was brooker90 who acknowledged that it has been an overwhelming year, “but as my faith in Christ has increased—I’ve recognized His faith in me. And from kallenebraithwaite: Patience and faith are partners. I know that Heavenly Father always answers our prayers but sometimes the answers don’t always come immediately or in the way we hope. Instead, our loving Father lets us find perspective and hope in waiting. From choosingchesney: I learned to see the small and consistent ways the Lord has been preparing me for many years to serve in these challenging times and make a difference. As I’ve prayed for eyes to see and ears to hear, the Lord has shown me and answered my prayers. I see more today, that God is the same God that revealed His power in the Old Testament, the New Testament and the Book of Mormon. He’s done this before, to protect and guide His children. I can trust Him . He keeps his promises, as I strive to keep mine.”]