Scripture Study: Helpers

Sometimes I get so wrapped up in how I am feeling and so swallowed up in my emotions, it's hard to see beyond myself. I don't feel as if I will ever be happy again, nor in these moments do I think I really want to look beyond myself.

And then I watch the news. Boston Marathon. Bombs. Families. Devastation, yet a community of many 'helpers'-people who rushed to the aid of others.

If you're looking for an scripture study moment, read D&C 14, 15, & 16. David Whitmer and his brothers came to Joseph Smith excited about the work of the Lord; the restoration of the Gospel. They asked what the Lord would have them individually do to assist in the work. I read these sections as if they were Priesthood blessings given to each one of them. David Whitmer's revelation (Section 14) was the longer revelation and subliminally foreshadowed his opportunity to be a witness to the Book of Mormon, if he remained faithful and desired it.

The next two sections are the revelations given to the 2 brothers of David. They are in every way identical. The Lord repeats, "a great and marvelous work is about to come forth..." "The field is white and ready to harvest," and "whoso desireth to reap let him..." Why reprint the exact same revelation twice?

My takeaway: They were not the exact same revelation. The text might be identical, yet they are in every way individual. The Lord recognizes their individual nature and their individual agency. I imagine if I had gone to Joseph Smith at this same time and asked him to inquire of the Lord what He would have me do to assist in the work, the Lord would have told me the exact same thing: Be my helper.

And I can't be His helper if I remain angry and resentful. I know that. The Lord knows that. He's not going to force me to do anything. That's why He said, "whoso desireth..."

I wish I could end this on a positive note or at least with a firm online commitment and shout-out of "I desire! Watch me desire!" But I can feel my pride and the adversary yanking my agency chain just as much as the Spirit. And committing to the blog-o-sphere is jack-squat unless I truly feel it. I'll get there. I can say here genuinely though, that I am so thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe it with all of my heart.