Search These Commandments

Well--we have now finished the 25 scripture mastery verses for each of the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the Book of Mormon.  Now we just have the 25 scripture mastery verses in the Doctrine and Covenants.

The first one is found in Doctrine and Covenants 1:37-38.  It is given as a statement of fact by the Lord.  It says:

 37 Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.

 38 What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.

The section of scripture that these verses comes from is known as the preface.  It was given by God to Joseph Smith to be the preface of the Doctrine and Covenants.  The Doctrine and Covenants is unique among scripture, as all other scripture that we have was written anciently.  But the Doctrine and Covenants was written in our day.  Most of the promises and revelations found in it came from Joseph Smith in the 1800s--but there are a few sections that have been added to it since I was born.

There are some unique revelations found in the Doctrine and Covenants that we have, that take other Christian faiths by surprise.  One example of that is Section 89, which is known as the "Word of Wisdom"  This revelation teaches us that we should eat certain things (in moderation), and that we should avoid eating certain things (such as alcohol and tobacco).  This revelation was given long before the health benefits of eating and drinking good healthy foods was known by the scientific world, and also before the known risks of alcohol/tobacco were known.  Later prophets have added council that we should avoid all illicit drugs in addition to alcohol and tobacco.  The For the Strength of Youth is the set of standards that the youth of the church are encouraged to follow.  In the section titled "Physical and Emotional Health" this quote is found:

Do not drink coffee or tea. Never use tobacco products or any form of alcohol; they are addictive and harmful to your body and spirit. Being under the influence of alcohol weakens your judgment and self-control. Drinking can also lead to alcoholism, which destroys individuals and families.

Avoid any drink, drug, chemical, or dangerous practice that is used to produce a “high” or other artificial effect that may harm your body or mind. Some of these include marijuana, hard drugs, prescription or over-the-counter medications that are abused, and household chemicals. Use of these substances can lead to addiction and can destroy your mind and your body.

The part of today's scripture mastery that is most often focused on is the last part.  The part where it says that whether the Lord speaks something with his own mouth, or speaks through one of his servants, it is the same.  The prophets and apostles who live on the earth today speak the words of God.  They are prophets, seers, and revelators--just as were on the earth in the time of the Bible.  The council that they give, and the revelations that they reveal to us are very important.  If they say something in the name of the Lord, we had better listen! 

Now, we are often accused of "blindly following" without thinking for ourselves--that is not true though.  When we hear the words of the prophets and apostles, we each choose for ourselves whether to listen and obey, or whether we will not.  We each can know for ourselves if what they are teaching/prophesying is true or not (see my post on how to know for yourself)

It is amazing that God continues to guide us and help us in these days.  He has not left us alone.  He continues to take a personal interest in each of our lives.  Even if you don't realize it, God is there, and has been helping you (and desires to help you even more).  Trust Him!  Listen to his prophets and apostles who live and teach today.  Study the scriptures, and take in to your life the eternal truths that will guide you to peace and happiness and safety.  Keep the commandments and be happy!