A Faithful, a Just, and a Wise Servant
In episode 21 of the Come, Follow Me podcast, we delve into some of the most thought-provoking and inspiring passages in the Doctrine and Covenants. Sections 51-57 offer a wealth of insights into the role of faith, justice, and wisdom in our lives as disciples of Jesus Christ.
The Power of Faith
In section 51, we find the Lord’s instruction to Joseph Smith, ‘Be thou faithful, a just, and a wise servant, until thou art called to thy heavenly kingdom.’ (vs. 19) This verse sets the tone for the entire section, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness, justice, and wisdom in our daily lives. We learn that faith is not just a feeling or an emotional response, but rather a choice we make to trust in the Lord and His plan.
Developing a Sense of Trust
To develop a sense of trust in the Lord, we must first recognize our own limitations and weaknesses. We must acknowledge that we are not self-sufficient and that we need the Lord’s guidance and direction. This requires humility and a willingness to learn and grow. As we come to understand our own limitations, we can begin to trust in the Lord’s perfect justice and wisdom.
Justice and the Lord’s Plan
Section 52 teaches us about the importance of justice and the Lord’s plan. We learn that the Lord’s plan is designed to bring about justice and righteousness, and that we are all accountable for our actions. This accountability is not just for individual actions, but also for our collective actions as a community and as a society.
The Role of Agency
The doctrine of agency is central to the concept of justice in the Lord’s plan. We are given the gift of agency, which allows us to make choices that can bring about both good and evil. This gift is both a blessing and a curse, as it allows us to exercise our own free will, but also to make mistakes and poor choices. The Lord’s plan is designed to help us learn from our mistakes and to bring about justice and righteousness in the end.
Wisdom and the Lord’s Guidance
Section 53 teaches us about the importance of wisdom and the Lord’s guidance. We learn that wisdom is not just a intellectual concept, but rather a spiritual gift that allows us to make choices that align with the Lord’s will. This wisdom is not just for individual decision-making, but also for collective decision-making as a community and as a society.
The Role of Revelation
The doctrine of revelation is central to the concept of wisdom in the Lord’s plan. We are given the gift of revelation, which allows us to receive guidance and direction from the Lord. This gift is not just for individual guidance, but also for collective guidance as a community and as a society. Through revelation, we can come to understand the Lord’s will and make choices that align with His plan.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sections 51-57 of the Doctrine and Covenants offer a wealth of insights into the role of faith, justice, and wisdom in our lives as disciples of Jesus Christ. We learn that faith is a choice we make to trust in the Lord and His plan, that justice is a central component of the Lord’s plan, and that wisdom is a spiritual gift that allows us to make choices that align with the Lord’s will. By coming to understand these principles, we can come to know and love the Lord more fully, and can become the faithful, just, and wise servants He has called us to be.
tags: [come follow me, doctrine and covenants, faith, justice, wisdom, agency, revelation, lord’s plan]
