How to serve the Lord in an acceptable manner (2)

Notice that nowhere it is stated that this counsel applies only to missionary service.  This counsel was intended to Brother Joseph Smith Sr., who never served a full-time mission.  Therefore, it applies to all who serve in any capacity in the Church.

Heart the vital center and source of one's being, emotions, and sensibilities the repository of one's deepest and sincerest feelings and beliefs the seat of the intellect or imagination emotional constitution, basic disposition, or character		Mind human consciousness originated in the brain and manifested especially in thought, perception, emotion, will, memory, and imagination the principle of intelligence; the faculty of thinking, reasoning, and applying knowledge individual consciousness, memory, or recollection; the thought processes characteristic of a person or group healthy mental state; sanity
Might power, force or influence held by a person or group physical strength; strength or ability to do something		Strength the state, property, or quality of being strong the power to resist attack; impregnability; durability the ability to maintain a moral or intellectual position firmly capacity or potential for effective action; operative effectiveness or potency; intensity or vehemence, as of emotion or language

Having "an eye single to the glory of God" (5)

. One possible interpretation: when we consider our daily or regular activities (i.e. relationships, work, entertainment, etc.) as a necessary part of the plan of salvation

. If our activities don't fit (or if they are not worthy of) this description, we avoid them; but if they fit, the Lord will give us the power to succeed in them if we seek His help through faith

Three witnesses will receive power to view the sacred objects (11-14)

. Notice that the Lord does not name these witnesses (see heading of section 17)

Conditions by which Martin Harris could prepare himself to become one of those witnesses (23-24)

. Although this is a promise to Martin Harris alone, it sets a precedence which we can rely upon whenever we request a special testimony from the Lord

. But this is a serious matter: special testimonies require special reasons or circumstances. Anyone desiring such blessings from the Lord must first consider questions like these: What kind of special testimony? And for what purpose? Don't we have a testimony already? Besides, if a person wants to be a witness, is she or he willing to fulfill the obligation of testifying before the world--and probably enduring the shame associated with that act? (see verse 25)

Rich are those who have eternal life (7)

. Which is better? To own a gold mine or to have the power to organize the elements into anything--including gold?

When preaching the gospel, preach only repentance (9)

. Avoid the "temptation" of preaching about temples, activities, organizations, administrative procedures, etc. There will be plenty of time for that after a person's baptism.

"Trifle not with sacred things" (12)

To trifle - to deal with something as if it were of little significance or value; to act, perform, or speak with little seriousness or purpose; to waste

Only God knows our thoughts (16)

But unfortunately, quite often we betray our thoughts through our actions ...

Other items of knowledge, counsel, and promises:

• Responsibilities among missionary companions, members of presidencies, etc. (19)
• How to identify an answer to a prayer (21-22)
• What does it mean to "cry in one's heart"? See if the definitions for the word "heart" on section 4 help you with this question
• Additional records are promised (26; see also 63:21; 101:32-34; 121:26-31)
• Two or three who doing what will receive the presence of the Lord? (32)
• "Fear not ... doubt not, fear not" (33-36)

Questions for Review

1. In order to work their own salvation, what should those who embark in God's service offer? (4:2)

2. The Lord said the following about the Three Witnesses: "And unto none else will I grant ... this same testimony."  However, the Eight Witnesses also saw the plates. How do we explain that? (5:11-14; 17:1)

3. The Lord said that before we search for riches we should search for: (6:7)

4. What is the greatest gift one can receive from God? (6:13; 14:7)

5. Who can know our thoughts? (6:16)

6. What is the "Law of Witnesses"? (6:28)

7. What is the "Law of the Harvest"? (6:33)