5/21/2017 - Section 30:1-11

May 21, 2017

Section 30:1-11

Spiritual Strength Needs to be Exercised, Missionary Work & Spiritual Attention, Comradery in the Cause,

This section begins with giving David Whitmer a course correction—probably something we could all benefit from at times in our lives. “…you have feared man and have not relied on me for strength as you ought. But your mind has been on the things of the earth more than on the things of me, your Maker, and the ministry whereunto you have been called; and you have not given heed unto my Spirit, and to those who were set over you, but have been persuaded by those whom I have not commanded.” (V’s 1-2) As I likened these verses to myself, I focused on my spiritual strength. So many studies have proven that we must regularly exercise physically. When we neglect our physical exercise, they find that our personal strength declines significantly in just 3 days. I think that’s true also for our spiritual strength. Prayer, scripture reading, pondering, and creating spiritual goals to work on all help keep us tuned into the Holy Ghost and His amazing influence.

V 5 (this one directed to Peter Whitmer) can also be directed toward any missionary: “…for the time has come that it is expedient in me that you shall open your mouth to declare my gospel; therefore fear not, but give heed unto the words and advice of your brother, which he shall give you.”  Companions are to strengthen and to aid one another. Our responsibility to ourselves and to our companion (in missionary work or in marriage or in any close friendship) “And be ye afflicted in all his afflictions, ever lifting up your heart unto me in prayer and faith, for his and your deliverance; for I have given unto him power to build up my church…” (v 6).

The blessings of following this instruction come in v 8: “Wherefore, give heed unto thee things and be diligent in keeping my commandments, and you shall be blessed unto eternal life. Amen”

John Whitmer is the third missionary who is addressed. Considering that the Lord has said that the field is white and ready to harvest makes His words to John even more significant—for the time of harvest is the time that all come together and work as hard as possible to get the harvest in at the very best time for the grain or the fruit, and before the harsh weather begins. “And your whole labor shall be in Zion, with all your soul, from henceforth…”   This is the work ethic we should have as missionaries—realizing that in harvest time that all come together to help one another. It is hard and demanding and exhausting work, but it is also full of assisting one another not only with work but in good comradery. I found this definition of comradery quite fitting: “Comradery is the spirit of friendship and community in a group, like the comraderyof soldiers at war who keep each other upbeat despite the difficulty of their circumstances. Who is a comrade? A close friend or a fellow soldier — in other words, someone who comes to mind when you say, "We're in this together."” Comradery has much to do with charity—it will change not only the lives of others, but our lives as well.

4/5/2021 – D&C 30

Originally, this section was three separate revelations that included assignments to three different people given during the second conference of the Church. As I read these verses, I am reminded that the Lord knows each one of us – probably more than any loving father because He has known us far longer, and He knows us well from our time before this earth life. 

These three men have received callings. The Lord knows they can do better and He tells each one how they can improve their efforts. This will help them to grow, and they will find that as they work hard to do better, they will be able to offer better help to others.

This first verse is to David Witmer. The section synopsis tells us that “David Whitmer is chastened for failure to serve diligently”. He has “feared man and have not relied on me for strength” (v 1). He’s trying to do the Lord’s work without the Lord’s help. It’s well known that when we neglect our physical exercise, our physical strength begins to decline. I read somewhere that if we stop exercising for just 3 days, our physical strength begins a rapid decline. I feel it is the same with our spiritual exercise. Without sincere and thoughtful prayer, or without regular scripture study, I feel a difference and a bit of a distance from the Lord which changes the way I view and react in my daily life. When I stay in close touch with the Lord, I feel much more stability and happiness in my daily activities. The Lord explains this to David in v 2: “…your mind has been on the things of the earth more than on the things of me, your Maker, and the ministry whereunto you have been called; and you have not given heed unto my Spirit, and to those who were set over you, but have been persuaded by those whom I have not commanded.”  If we sometimes feel fail to feel the spirit, the problem lies on our side. Sometimes it is just patience that we lack. 

V 5 begins the Lord’s message to Peter Whitmer, who has been called to do missionary work with Oliver Cowdery. The Lord explains to Peter that the Lord has called Oliver to be his companion, and a helper to him. The Lord acknowledges that their calling will include difficult times, but He also tells them how to handle the difficult times: “And be you afflicted in all his afflictions, ever lifting up your heart unto me in prayer and faith, for his and your deliverance.” (v 6) This is pertinent to missionary companions AND to marriage partners. The Lord sums things up with v 8: “Wherefore, give heed unto these things and be diligent in keeping my commandments, and you shall be blessed unto eternal life” 

John Whitmer has also been called to be a missionary. The Lord gives John a specific companion and a specific area in which to do this work. He tells them to preach the gospel “wherever you can be heard”. He has given them a singular purpose. And they are to do this “withal your soul”. He tells them they need not fear man, “for I am with you.”  

These assurances from the Lord apply to us as well, whether we are on missions far from home, or if we are in the primary teaching children, or reaching out to a relief society sister with friendship and love. It makes such a wonderful difference when we include the Lord in all our undertakings. We do this, and we will grow in ability and in love and in happiness.