22 A Faithful, a Just, and a Wise Steward
A Faithful, a Just, and a Wise Steward
A Faithful, a Just, and a Wise Steward
How is building Zion both a temporal and a spiritual labor? What accommodations and sacrifices are you willing to make to help build Zion?
Remember, your Mom was willing to give up her basement for a refugee family from the ten tribes as a place for them to live if needed. Who are you willing to serve and welcome into your circle? What are you willing to do to build the kingdom.
It's not about judging the past; it’s about searching our hearts and doing the Lord’s will.
Doctrine and Covenants 51:19 19 And whoso is found a faithful, a just, and a wise steward shall enter into the joy of his Lord, and shall inherit eternal life.
52:15 15 Wherefore he that prayeth, whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me if he obey mine ordinances.
54:2 2 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, my servant Newel Knight, you shall stand fast in the office whereunto I have appointed you.
The Lord wants me to be a faithful, just, and wise steward.
Doctrine and Covenants 51
Why is it important for us to see the things that we have been blessed with as a stewardship and not to claim ownership? What does stewardship imply? How should our resources, physical, spiritual, financial, and intellectual be used so that we become good stewards?
What do the words “steward” (verse 19) and “consecrated” (verse 5) imply about God’s expectations of you?
19 And whoso is found a faithful, a just, and a wise steward shall enter into the joy of his Lord, and shall inherit eternal life.
To be a good steward, we need to learn to be unselfish and to use our talents for good. What we do with our money, time, talents, and other resources can be used to build the kingdom, to thwart growth, or to wither in idleness. Consider the parable of the talents.
5 And if he shall transgress and is not accounted worthy to belong to the church, he shall not have power to claim that portion which he has consecrated unto the bishop for the poor and needy of my church; therefore, he shall not retain the gift, but shall only have claim on that portion that is deeded unto him.
Remember to begin with all things are the Lords. Be humble, be prayerful, love service, and be willing to give as the Spirit directs you to do. Do not covet your own property. It isn’t really yours.
Welfare Services: The Gospel in Action
“In the Church a stewardship is a sacred spiritual or temporal trust for which there is accountability. Because all things belong to the Lord, we are stewards over our bodies, minds, families, and properties. A faithful steward is one who exercises righteous dominion, cares for his own, and looks to the poor and needy” (President Spencer W. Kimball).
Doctrine and Covenants 104:11–15 We are accountable to the Lord for the stewardships He has given to us. How do we treat our families? How do we accept and fulfill our callings? How do we care for His little ones? How do we replenish this earth?
Video: The Law of Consecration: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2017-11-0150-the-law-of-consecration-1080p-eng.?lang=ase
For Kids
I can be honest.
Doctrine and Covenants 51:9
Read 51:9 And let every man deal honestly, and be alike among this people, and receive alike, that ye may be one, even as I have commanded you.
When have you said something that wasn’t true? How did that make you feel? Were there consequences for you or someone else?
When have you told the truth? When have you shared something important to you with someone else, so that they could enjoy it too? If you had a candy bar and your friend didn’t, would you eat the whole thing in front of him? What do you think the Lord expects us to do with what we’ve been given? How can we share the gospel?
When we aren’t honest and when we don’t share, whom are we hurting the most?
I can invite others to come unto Christ wherever I go.
Doctrine and Covenants 52:9–11, 22–27
verses 25–27 It’s important that we get out of our resting places and make the journey of consecrating time and effort to building God’s kingdom. We are to take our journey, and preach by the way.
How can I share the gospel “by the way” in the normal events of my life? I can share my testimony in simple and meaningful ways on social media. I can work on ministering to the sisters assigned to me by the Relief Society, and follow the Spirit in ministering and serving others. I can be a positive example in works and in speech when I am with others. I can work on building others up. I can share my talents free of charge.
For Kids
God has a pattern to help me not be deceived.
Doctrine and Covenants 52:14–19
Review patterns and allow the children to draw some patterns. Review the pattern the Lord gives us to avoid temples as found in vs 14-19 (see individual study section below).
Help the children to learn the 4th Article of Faith, and include enduring to the end. You can mention the learning in the following section.
The Lord helps me avoid deception.
Doctrine and Covenants 52:14–19
Doctrine and Covenants 52:14 It is clear that Satan is abroad in the land, deceiving nations. I am thankful for the clarity that we have been given through a prophet of God. I am thankful also that the new Pope is firm in God’s doctrine of family, and marriage being a covenant relationship between a man and a woman.
Doctrine and Covenants 52:14–19 We can avoid deception by
Vs 15 praying, being contrite, and by being obedience to the ordinances of God.
Vs 16 having a contrite spirit, using language that uplifts and edifies, and obeying God’s ordinances.
Vs 17 being humble and fearing God more than man, and being endowed with power from on high and receiving revelation in the temple and through the prophets and the Spirit.
Vs 18 seeking to overcome our sins, weaknesses, and faults through being obedient to God’s commandments and participating in the ordinances of the gospel.
The Lord’s pattern truly includes His doctrine: Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. We renew this process every week and we trust in Jesus, repent of our mistakes and try to do better, take the sacrament, always remember Him, and continue on His covenant path.
Remember that “contrite” implies a feeling of humility and repentance; “meek” suggests gentleness and self-control; and to “edify” means to instruct, improve, or build up.
One of the Lord’s powerful ways for us to avoid deception is by listening to and studying the conference addresses that take place every six months. Stake conferences are also important. Preparing to go to the temple on a continual basis and helping others to do so on both sides of the veil is also important, because we are strengthening God’s army, as more of His children become endowed with power from on high.
Define difficult words. In the Gospel Library app, you can tap and hold a word and then select “Define.” You will then be taken to a definition of that word. Try this when you come across unfamiliar words—or words that seem familiar that you’d like to understand better.
Guide Me to Thee
Seeking Truth and Avoiding Deception
For Kids
I receive the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.
Doctrine and Covenants 52:10; 53:3; 55:1
Show a picture of a child being confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Explain the Gift of the Holy Ghost and that it is something we are commanded to receive. We need to ask for the Spirit to be with us, and always remember Jesus and keep His commandments.
Doctrine and Covenants 52:10 10 Let them go two by two, and thus let them preach by the way in every congregation, baptizing by water, and the laying on of the hands by the water’s side.
53:3 3 Take upon you mine ordination, even that of an elder, to preach faith and repentance and remission of sins, according to my word, and the reception of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands;
55:1 1 Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant William, yea, even the Lord of the whole earth, thou art called and chosen; and after thou hast been baptized by water, which if you do with an eye single to my glory, you shall have a remission of your sins and a reception of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands;
I can turn to the Lord when I am hurt by others’ choices.
Doctrine and Covenants 54
Have you ever been sorely wronged by another church member regarding your stewardship? How did you handle that? How does seeking the Lord and extending forgiveness help us?
From section 54 heading: …Members of the Church living in Thompson, Ohio, were divided on questions having to do with the consecration of properties. Selfishness and greed were manifest. Following his mission to the Shakers, Leman Copley had broken his covenant to consecrate his large farm as a place of inheritance for the Saints arriving from Colesville, New York. As a consequence, Newel Knight and other elders had come to the Prophet asking how to proceed. The Prophet inquired of the Lord and received this revelation, which commands the members in Thompson to leave Leman Copley’s farm and journey to Missouri.
How can plan B sometimes be a blessing?
Saints, 1:125–28
What counsel do you find in section 54 to help you not turn lemons into sour grapes? (see notes below)
For Kids
I should always keep my covenants.
Doctrine and Covenants 54:4–6
In the heading to section 54, we find that the Lord commanded the members in Thompson to leave Leman Copely’s farm and travel to Missouri.
How would you have felt if you just traveled to Ohio, but then found out you couldn’t settle there, but needed to move again to Missouri? Do you think that some members might have been upset that Brother Copley broke his covenant to let them live on his land?
How important is it to you to keep your own covenants?
Read Doctrine and Covenants 54:6 6 But blessed are they who have kept the covenant and observed the commandment, for they shall obtain mercy.
How are we blessed when we keep our covenants? It looks like the Lord will be merciful and forgive us! I know He wants us to forgive others who have disappointed us as well.
Video: The Knights and Others Gather to Zion: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/PTH_PRJ12714977_D&CScriptureStories_20-TheKnightsAndOthersGatherToZion_Delivery_02Jan2025_3840x2160-2997_ENG.?lang=eng
For Kids
I can use the blessings God has given me to bless others.
Doctrine and Covenants 55:1–4
William W. Phelps was a newspaper publisher who learned about the gospel and joined the Church.
Read Doctrine and Covenants 55:1–4 1 Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant William, yea, even the Lord of the whole earth, thou art called and chosen; and after thou hast been baptized by water, which if you do with an eye single to my glory, you shall have a remission of your sins and a reception of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands;
2 And then thou shalt be ordained by the hand of my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., to be an elder unto this church, to preach repentance and remission of sins by way of baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.
3 And on whomsoever you shall lay your hands, if they are contrite before me, you shall have power to give the Holy Spirit.
4 And again, you shall be ordained to assist my servant Oliver Cowdery to do the work of printing, and of selecting and writing books for schools in this church, that little children also may receive instruction before me as is pleasing unto me.
What did the Lord want Brother Phelps to do? What do you think he wants you to do?
How was Brother Phelps able to use his talents to serve? How can you use your gifts and talents to serve the Lord? How can we use our talents to bless and serve others?
Blessed are the pure in heart.
Doctrine and Covenants 56:14–20
Look for how the Lord spoke to both the rich and the poor in these verses. What seems relative to you currently? (See notes below.)
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/51?lang=eng
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Thompson, Ohio, May 20, 1831. At this time the Saints migrating from the eastern states began to arrive in Ohio, and it became necessary to make definite arrangements for their settlement. As this undertaking belonged particularly to the bishop’s office, Bishop Edward Partridge sought instruction on the matter, and the Prophet inquired of the Lord.
Vs 1The Lord speaks to His Bishops, so that they can receive directions on how to organize the people under them.
Vs 3 When the law of consecration is fully lived by a people of God, the Lord sees that His children will receive their portions, in equity, according to their circumstances, wants, and needs.
9 And let every man deal honestly, and be alike among this people, and receive alike, that ye may be one, even as I have commanded you.
Vs 17 Everywhere we live while on this mortal earth is a temporary placement. But as good stewards, we are supposed to "act upon this land as for years." Plan, build, and multiple good."
19 And whoso is found a faithful, a just, and a wise steward shall enter into the joy of his Lord, and shall inherit eternal life.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/52?lang=eng
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to the elders of the Church, at Kirtland, Ohio, June 6, 1831. A conference had been held at Kirtland, beginning on the 3rd and closing on the 6th of June. At this conference the first distinctive ordinations to the office of high priest were made, and certain manifestations of false and deceiving spirits were discerned and rebuked.
9 And let them journey from thence preaching the word by the way, saying none other things than that which the prophets and apostles have written, and that which is taught them by the Comforter through the prayer of faith.
Teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not your own philosophies.
10 Let them go two by two, and thus let them preach by the way in every congregation, baptizing by water, and the laying on of the hands by the water’s side.
11 For thus saith the Lord, I will cut my work short in righteousness, for the days come that I will send forth judgment unto victory.
Vs 14-19 No matter what good and compelling words someone speaks, if they don't adhere to the ordinances of God, they are not of Him.
34 He that is faithful, the same shall be kept and blessed with much fruit.
36 Let them labor with their families, declaring none other things than the prophets and apostles, that which they have seen and heard and most assuredly believe, that the prophecies may be fulfilled.
40 And remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple.
Are you the Lord's discipe?
42 And thus, even as I have said, if ye are faithful ye shall assemble yourselves together to rejoice upon the land of Missouri, which is the land of your inheritance, which is now the land of your enemies.
43 But, behold, I, the Lord, will hasten the city in its time, and will crown the faithful with joy and with rejoicing.
44 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and I will lift them up at the last day. Even so. Amen.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/53?lang=eng
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Algernon Sidney Gilbert, at Kirtland, Ohio, June 8, 1831. At Sidney Gilbert’s request, the Prophet inquired of the Lord as to Brother Gilbert’s work and appointment in the Church.
2 Behold, I, the Lord, who was crucified for the sins of the world, give unto you a commandment that you shall forsake the world.
7 And again, I would that ye should learn that he only is saved who endureth unto the end. Even so. Amen.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/54?lang=eng
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Newel Knight, at Kirtland, Ohio, June 10, 1831. Members of the Church living in Thompson, Ohio, were divided on questions having to do with the consecration of properties. Selfishness and greed were manifest. Following his mission to the Shakers (see the heading to section 49), Leman Copley had broken his covenant to consecrate his large farm as a place of inheritance for the Saints arriving from Colesville, New York. As a consequence, Newel Knight (leader of the members living in Thompson) and other elders had come to the Prophet asking how to proceed. The Prophet inquired of the Lord and received this revelation, which commands the members in Thompson to leave Leman Copley’s farm and journey to Missouri.
What counsel do you find in section 54 to help you not turn lemons into sour grapes?
3 And if your brethren desire to escape their enemies, let them repent of all their sins, and become truly humble before me and contrite.
6 But blessed are they who have kept the covenant and observed the commandment, for they shall obtain mercy.
9 And after you have done journeying, behold, I say unto you, seek ye a living like unto men, until I prepare a place for you.
10 And again, be patient in tribulation until I come; and, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, and they who have sought me early shall find rest to their souls. Even so. Amen.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/55?lang=eng
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to William W. Phelps, at Kirtland, Ohio, June 14, 1831. William W. Phelps, a printer, and his family had just arrived at Kirtland, and the Prophet sought the Lord for information concerning him.
Vs 1 It's important that we join the Lord's church for the right reasons and with the right attitude. If we do, we will be blessed with a remission of our sins and the reception of the Holy Ghost.
Vs 2-3 Elders are ordained, and both Elders and Sisters are endowed to preach repentance and remission of sins, through faith in Jesus Christ and baptism.
Those who contritely join the church will also be given the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Vs 4 Schooling is important to the Lord.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/56?lang=eng
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, June 15, 1831. This revelation chastises Ezra Thayre for not obeying a former revelation (the “commandment” referred to in verse 8), which Joseph Smith had received for him, instructing Thayre concerning his duties on Frederick G. Williams’ farm, where he lived. The following revelation also revokes Thayre’s call to travel to Missouri with Thomas B. Marsh (see section 52:22).
Vs 4 We cannot dictate to the Lord whether he gives of revokes commandments. He is the Lord. His promises are sure. If we break covenants, we have not hold upon His promises.
Doctrine and Covenants 56:14–20 Look for how the Lord spoke to both the rich and the poor in these verses. What seems relative to you currently?
16 Wo unto you rich men, that will not give your substance to the poor, for your riches will canker your souls; and this shall be your lamentation in the day of visitation, and of judgment, and of indignation: The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved!
17 Wo unto you poor men, whose hearts are not broken, whose spirits are not contrite, and whose bellies are not satisfied, and whose hands are not stayed from laying hold upon other men’s goods, whose eyes are full of greediness, and who will not labor with your own hands!
18 But blessed are the poor who are pure in heart, whose hearts are broken, and whose spirits are contrite, for they shall see the kingdom of God coming in power and great glory unto their deliverance; for the fatness of the earth shall be theirs.
19 For behold, the Lord shall come, and his recompense shall be with him, and he shall reward every man, and the poor shall rejoice;
20 And their generations shall inherit the earth from generation to generation, forever and ever. And now I make an end of speaking unto you. Even so. Amen.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/57?lang=eng
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, in Zion, Jackson County, Missouri, July 20, 1831. In compliance with the Lord’s command to travel to Missouri, where He would reveal “the land of your inheritance” (section 52), the elders had journeyed from Ohio to Missouri’s western border. Joseph Smith contemplated the state of the Lamanites and wondered: “When will the wilderness blossom as the rose? When will Zion be built up in her glory, and where will Thy temple stand, unto which all nations shall come in the last days?” Subsequently he received this revelation.
Vs 10 We are to give our time, money, and efforts to the building up of Zion to provide for Jesus's saints, so that His Gospel can be preached unto the ends of the earth and reach those who sit in darkness and in the region and shadow of death.
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