Unit 7: Perfecting Our Lives
Chapter 27: Work and Personal Responsibility
Comments and Resources "President Heber J. Grant stated: "Work is to be re-enthroned as the ruling principle of the lives of our Church membership." (in Conference Report, Oct.1936, p. 3). "Let us realize that the privilege to work is a gift, that the power to work is a blessing, that the love of work is success." (David O. McKay, quoted in Franklin D.Richards, "The Gospel of Work," Impovement Era, Dec.1969, p. 103). "[Diligence is] determination, perservance, application to duty, zeal, industry, and heed to counsel. Continuing diligence in church service is a mark of testimony, conversion, and spiritual stability" (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 197). During the study of this topic, we will learn that the Lord expects all men to work for what they receive, that he does not approve of idleness, and that we must work to gain eternal life. Resources:
Gospel Principles: chapter 27
Truth Restored, chapters 7, 11, 12. Scriptures:
Jacob 1:7"Wherefore we labored diligently among our people, that we might persuade them to come unto Christ, and partake of the goodness of God, that they might enter into his rest, lest by any means he should swear in his wrath they should not enter in, as in the provocation in the days of temptation while the children of Israel were in the wilderness." Mosiah 1:11"And moreover, I shall give this people a name, that thereby they may be distinguished above all the people which the Lord God hath brought out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I do because they have been a diligent people in keeping the commandments of the Lord." Alma 18:7-10
"7 Now it was the practice of these Lamanites to stand by the waters of Sebus to scatter the flocks of the people, that thereby they might drive away many that were scattered unto their own land, it being a practice of plunder among them.
8 And it came to pass that king Lamoni inquired of his servants, saying: Where is this man that has such great power?
9 And they said unto him: Behold, he is feeding thy horses.Now the king had commanded his servants, previous to the time of the watering of their flocks, that they should prepare his horses and chariots, and conduct him forth to the land of Nephi; for there had been a great feast appointed at the land of Nephi, by the father of Lamoni, who was king over all the land.
10 Now when king Lamoni heard that Ammon was preparing his horses and his chariots he was more astonished, because of the faithfulness of Ammon, saying: Surely there has not been any servant among all my servants that has been so faithful as this man; for even he doth remember all my commandments to execute them." Helaman 10:4"Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments." D&C 4; 24:7-9, 75:3-5; 106
D&C 4"Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to his father, Joseph Smith, Sen., at Harmony, Pennsylvania, February 1829. HC 1: 28."
1-4, "Valiant service saves the Lord's ministers; 5-6, Godly attributes qualify them for the ministry; 7, Things of God must be sought after."
"1 Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.
2 Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.
3 Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;
4 For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;
5 And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.
6 Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.
7 Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.Amen." D&C 24:7-9
"7 For thou shalt devote all thy service in Zion; and in this thou shalt have strength.
8 Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days.
9 And in temporal labors thou shalt not have strength, for this is not thy calling.Attend to thy calling and thou shalt have wherewith to magnify thine office, and to expound all scriptures, and continue in laying on of the hands and confirming the churches." D&C 75:3-5
"3 Behold, I say unto you that it is my will that you should go forth and not tarry, neither be idle but labor with your might
4 Lifting up your voices as with the sound of a trump, proclaiming the truth according to the revelations and commandments which I have given you.
5 And thus, if ye are faithful ye shall be laden with many sheaves, and crowned with honor, and glory, and immortality, and eternal life." D&C 106
"Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, November 25, 1834. HC 2: 170 171. This revelation is directed to Warren A.Cowdery, an older brother of Oliver Cowdery.
1-3, Warren A.Cowdery is called as a local presiding officer; 4-5, The Second Coming shall not overtake the children of light as a thief; 6-8, Great blessings follow faithful service in the Church. 1 It is my will that my servant Warren A.Cowdery should be appointed and ordained a presiding high priest over my church, in the land of Freedom and the regions round about;
2 And should preach my everlasting gospel, and lift up his voice and warn the people, not only in his own place, but in the adjoining counties;
3 And devote his whole time to this high and holy calling, which I now give unto him, seeking diligently the kingdom of heaven and its righteousness, and all things necessary shall be added thereunto; for the laborer is worthy of his hire.
4 And again, verily I say unto you, the coming of the Lord draweth nigh, and it overtaketh the world as a 1thief in the night
5 Therefore, gird up your loins, that you may be the children of light, and that day shall not overtake you as a thief.
6 And again, verily I say unto you, there was joy in heaven when my servant Warren bowed to my scepter, and separated himself from the crafts of men;
7 Therefore, blessed is my servant Warren, for I will have mercy on him; and, notwithstanding the vanity of his heart, I will lift him up inasmuch as he will humble himself before me.
8 And I will give him grace and assurance wherewith he may stand; and if he continue to be a faithful witness and a light unto the church I have prepared a crown for him in the mansions of my Father.Even so.Amen." Matthew 25:15-46"Parable of the talents" 2 Thessalonians 3:13"But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing." Topical Guide:
Trustworthiness
Valiant
Valiantly
Work
Work, Value of Guide to the Scriptures:
Works