Section 42 of the Doctrine and Covenants teaches a myriad of important principles. However, I consider the framework it provides to be it's greatest contribution to the saints. The framework is not only that which it lays out in commandments and instruction, but even in the way it came to be.
Through revelation, Joseph Smith found answers to many questions. It can be difficult to realize that this applies to me as well. Reading Section 42 in the Joseph Smith Papers, I saw the questions Joseph and other leaders asked. These questions were the guiding force that spurred the revelation. Gathered together, church leaders considered the situation of their followers. Prayerfully, they decided which questions they needed answers to. They then turned again to the Lord, and asked those questions. Not only did they receive answers to those precise questions, other topics that were related, and important to God, were addressed. Later, the questions were removed, because the answers were what the church needed. However, seeing the questions teaches me that I can ask specific questions and faithfully expect an answer, if it is the question I need to ask.
The answers themselves also provide an important framework. Although many of them are time sensitive commands about the move to Ohio, the concepts are vital to saints of all ages. The section summary simplifies the content into this framework. Although I usually skip the summaries, I really like this one for the reason that it lays out the framework in simple terms, and I can then look for exactly what I am searching for more clarification on. I can see it in context, and then delve in deep.
1-10, The elders are called to preach the gospel, baptize converts, and build up the church;
Elders, like "my boys" (yes, I do call them that) from freshman year, are called to spread the good news of Christ. Throughout all of time, the Lord has relied on his faithful servants to go "unto all nations, kindreds, tongues and people" (1 Nephi 5:18). From Paul, the greatest missionary, to 19 year old boys of today, elders always have, and always will, be called to go forth to preach, baptize, and build. Since coming to BYU and meeting young men who want to go on missions, I have gained a new appreciation and testimony of missionary work. This is an eternal concept, and is outlined first in section 42.
11-12, They must be called and ordained, and are to teach the principles of the gospel found in the scriptures;
This is now the "how" to accompany the initial "what." Elders aren't just random volunteers who decide a mission would be fun, and promptly buy a plane ticket and start preaching. Although all members can be missionaries, those who are to dedicated their lives to the cause for a time must be called of God and ordained by the proper authority. The whole process of mission papers and calls shows how this is still in affect today.
13-17, They are to teach and prophesy by the power of the Spirit;
Continuing with "how" missionary work is to be carried out, the Lord explains how those called are to deliver their message. It won't just be a memorized schpeel that the missionary personally connects with. The Spirit must be present and very involved in teaching. Even in church this is important. I know I connect best with different teachers. But I can get something meaningful from any lesson in which both me and the teacher have the Spirit with us. Since investigators may not yet understand the Spirit, and definitely don't have the gift of the Holy Ghost given after baptism, the missionary must teach by the Spirit to make sure it is there.
18-29, The saints are commanded not to kill, steal, lie, lust, commit adultery, or speak evil against others;
The basic commandments that God has expected of His children for all time are reiterated. It's basically the 10 commandments in the language of the early saints. This is a reminder that just because we have the restored gospel, and all sorts of new revelation, we still need to follow the original commands of God.
30-39, Laws governing the consecration of properties are set forth;
Honestly, I don't think I could live the law of consecration. So reading this always makes me feel a bit overwhelmed. But at the same time, they show how all will be cared for in God's kingdom. Also, even though the full law of consecration is not currently in play, we use these same principles to govern tithes and offerings. It's really important to see what we are striving towards. For me at least, it's motivation to be more generous and grateful in the paying of tithes and offerings. I see why we do it, and what the Lord's final plan is.
40-52, The sick are to be healed through administrations and by faith;
Like the reminder of eternal commandments, this is a reminder that healing is still a miracle that comes through faith. The priesthood is one channel for healing, but faith is intrinsic to the action.
53-60, Scriptures govern the Church and are to be proclaimed to the world;
I have begin to grow in my testimony of scripture reading. These verses discuss how foundational to the church the scriptures are. Not only are they vital to the church, but they are to be proclaimed to all the world. This illustrates that the scriptures must be very important. They aren't just a supplement to church. If someone doesn't accept the Church, God seems to imply that if they have the scriptures, they will still be better off.
61-69, Site of the New Jerusalem and the mysteries of the kingdom shall be revealed;
I think I've said it before, but I'll say it again. I'm fascinated by prophesies about the end of time. Although it's just a promise for future knowledge, this gives me great hope and comfort. It shows that God does have a plan, and when we need to know the next part of it, we will be told.
70-73, Consecrated properties are to be used to support the Church officers;
Honestly, I didn't know that this was still in play so much. I knew that when the church was first formed, the leaders were supported monetarily, and I assumed that the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve probably had some sort of support in place. However, in class, we've talked about how all General Authorities at a certain level and above receive equal stipends. This makes so much sense to me. I am a business girl, and I totally see why the Lord would think that this is the proper way to do it. It will encourage modest and provident living. Also, it reinforces the idea that God's kingdom is always the same. He will always support his people, even economically.
74-93, Laws governing fornication, adultery, killing, stealing, and confession of sins are set forth.
After laying out His plan for His people, God explains the laws that govern this. Justice and Mercy both exist. Neither will rob the other. God says in what circumstances judgment is to be executed, and when mercy is to be extended. Although we are not to be a judgmental people, we must support God's law, and know when punishment is His will. This gives a good starting point from which our leaders may work.
I personally love it when someone gives me an outline. This is the Lord's outline about His plan which He is giving to me and his other children. It is a blessing to know this much about the expectations we are to live with.
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