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Faithful Study Resources for Come, Follow Me

FAIR Resources for Come, Follow Me – Restoration Scripture
Week 12: March 17 - 23: "Seek for the Things of a Better World”

Doctrine and Covenants 23 – 26

Doctrinal Focus
Historical & Contextual
Apologetic Application
Practical Applications
Ideas for Teaching
Quick Reference

Doctrinal Focus

  • Key doctrines addressed in this week’s reading

Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery faced intense persecution and hardship as they worked to establish the Church. The Lord reassured them that despite their suffering, He was with them and would provide the strength they needed. Likewise, when we turn to Christ during trials, we can receive divine support and encouragement.  (D&C 24:1)

The Lord counseled Joseph Smith to be “patient in afflictions” and assured him that He was with him. This principle applies to us today—our trials may not disappear immediately, but as we exercise faith and patience, we come to recognize the Lord’s presence in our lives. This patience refines us and brings us closer to Him. (D&C 24:8)

Emma may have wondered what her place was in the Restoration, but the Lord made it clear that she had a divinely appointed role. He called her to comfort her husband, compile hymns, and be an example of righteousness. This teaches us that every disciple has a unique and valuable role in building God’s kingdom.  (D&C 25:3)

The Lord instructed Emma to “continue in the spirit of meekness.” Meekness is not weakness—it is a Christlike attribute of humility and strength. As we strive to be meek, we become more receptive to God’s guidance and more capable of carrying out His work. (D&C 25:5, 14)

The Lord told Emma to “lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better.” This principle is just as relevant today—we live in a world full of distractions that can pull us away from our spiritual priorities. By consciously choosing to focus on eternal truths, we strengthen our relationship with the Savior and find lasting peace.  (D&C 25:10)

The Lord commanded Emma to “cleave unto the covenants” she had made. Covenants anchor us in faith and give us strength to resist worldly influences. When we remember and honor our covenants, we naturally seek after things of eternal significance rather than temporary worldly concerns. (D&C 25:13)

Historical & Contextual Insights

  • Insights in this week’s study
  • The early Saints faced severe persecution as they established the Church in 1830. Emma Smith, newly baptized, along with others, experienced opposition from mobs who ridiculed and threatened them. Joseph Smith himself was arrested shortly after performing confirmations, showing the intensity of resistance to the Restoration.
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  • During this period, Joseph Smith and his followers were striving to spread the gospel, despite hostility from surrounding communities. The Saints often faced verbal and physical attacks, and legal charges were frequently brought against Joseph Smith in an attempt to silence him. The revelations in Doctrine and Covenants 23–26 were given during this turbulent time to provide encouragement, guidance, and doctrinal direction to the Prophet, Emma, and the early Saints.

These revelations highlight the Lord’s awareness of His followers’ struggles and His personal counsel to strengthen them. Emma’s call to be an “elect lady” and Joseph’s charge to endure afflictions illustrate that trials are often a necessary part of discipleship. The historical context deepens our understanding of their faith and perseverance despite opposition.

Just as the early Saints faced opposition in their efforts to follow Christ, we, too, will encounter challenges in our spiritual journey. The Lord’s assurances to them—such as the promise that He would be with them in their afflictions—apply to us today. We can draw strength from these revelations, knowing that God sees our struggles and provides the support we need to endure.

  • In Doctrine and Covenants 25, the Lord gave Emma Smith a direct revelation, outlining her responsibilities in the Church. She was commanded to support Joseph, compile hymns, and exemplify righteousness. This revelation was significant because it recognized the vital contributions of women in the Restoration at a time when women had limited public roles in religious movements.
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  • Emma’s call to compile a hymnbook played a key role in shaping early Latter-day Saint worship. Music became an essential part of expressing faith and uniting the Saints, and her efforts contributed to the spiritual strength of the growing Church.
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  • The phrase “elect lady” was later used by the Lord to describe women in the Relief Society, which Emma became the first president of in 1842. Her role foreshadowed the expanding influence of women in the Church and provided a foundation for future leadership opportunities for women in gospel work.
  • Joseph Smith’s arrest following baptisms in Colesville, New York, illustrates the intense resistance to the Restoration. Local officials and religious leaders viewed the Church as a threat to their influence, leading to repeated legal charges against Joseph. Doctrine and Covenants 24 was given to reassure Joseph and Oliver Cowdery that their afflictions were known to the Lord and that they would be sustained in their trials.
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  • The persecution the Saints faced fulfilled Christ’s prophecy that His followers would be hated for His name’s sake (Matthew 10:22). This opposition, though difficult, was evidence that they were engaged in a divinely directed work.
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  • The Lord’s counsel in D&C 24:8, to “be patient in afflictions,” is a principle that extends beyond this historical moment. Just as Joseph and the Saints endured hardship with faith, modern disciples are called to show patience and trust in God’s plan when they face difficulties.

If you have questions on this week’s reading, please email your questions to us here.

Apologetic Application

  • Claim: “Emma Smith was only important because she was Joseph Smith’s wife, not because she had a unique role in the Restoration.”
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  • Response:
    1. Historical Evidence: Doctrine and Covenants 25 is a direct revelation to Emma Smith, calling her an “elect lady” and giving her specific responsibilities in the Church. She was tasked with compiling the first hymnbook and serving as a leader among the Saints.
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    3. Eyewitness Support: Early members of the Church, including Lucy Mack Smith and Eliza R. Snow, testified of Emma’s leadership and influence. She later became the first Relief Society president, solidifying her lasting impact.
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    5. Spiritual Confirmation: The Lord personally addressed Emma, affirming her divine calling and importance in the unfolding Restoration. The principles in D&C 25 extend to all women in the Church, emphasizing their unique and essential contributions.
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    7. Logical Analysis: If Emma’s role were insignificant, there would be no reason for the Lord to provide a revelation specifically for her. The fact that she was singled out demonstrates that women had divinely appointed roles from the earliest days of the Church.
  • Claim: “Joseph only received revelations that benefited himself and his close associates.”
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  • Response:
    1. Historical Evidence: Many revelations, including D&C 24 and D&C 25, focus on strengthening others rather than Joseph himself. The Lord commands Joseph and Oliver to endure afflictions patiently rather than promising them immediate relief.
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    3. Eyewitness Support: Early Saints, such as Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Emma Smith, confirmed that Joseph did not seek wealth or personal gain but instead faced persecution, arrests, and hardships because of his revelations.
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    5. Spiritual Confirmation: Those who sincerely study Joseph’s revelations and seek confirmation through prayer can receive a witness of their divine origin. The Spirit testifies of their truth, just as it did to the early Saints.
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    7. Logical Analysis: If Joseph were fabricating revelations for his benefit, he likely would have made them easier for himself. Instead, many revelations require him to sacrifice, endure trials, and continue in faith despite overwhelming challenges.
  • Claim: “There is no biblical precedent for Emma Smith’s calling, so it must be a fabrication.”
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  • Response:
    1. Historical Evidence: Women played significant roles in biblical history, such as Deborah the prophetess (Judges 4:4) and Mary Magdalene, the first witness of Christ’s Resurrection (John 20:16–18). Emma’s calling aligns with scriptural patterns of women being divinely chosen for important spiritual work.
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    3. Eyewitness Support: Emma’s work in compiling hymns and leading the Relief Society was widely acknowledged and respected among early Latter-day Saints. Her leadership mirrored other Christian women who contributed to their faith communities.
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    5. Spiritual Confirmation: Those who read D&C 25 and sincerely ask God for understanding can receive a witness of its truth, just as they can with other revelations. The Spirit confirms that women have divine roles in the Lord’s work.
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    7. Logical Analysis: If Emma’s calling were merely a fabricated addition, it would not be consistent with biblical and historical patterns. Instead, it fits naturally within the broader context of God calling both men and women to serve Him.

Practical Applications

Practical solutions for someone in faith crisis:

Action Step: When facing difficulties, turn to the Lord through prayer and scripture study instead of becoming discouraged.

The Lord promised Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery that He would strengthen them in their afflictions (D&C 24:1, 8). This same promise applies to us today—when we rely on Him, we find comfort and strength to endure hardships.

  1. – Identify a current challenge in your life.
  2. – Pray and ask the Lord to help you recognize His support.
  3. – Study Doctrine and Covenants 24:1, 8 and other scriptures about endurance (e.g., Isaiah 40:28–31).
  4. – Write down moments when you feel the Lord’s strength in your trials.
  5. – Share your testimony of God’s sustaining power with someone.

Encouraging Thought:

  • “Stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for His arm to be revealed” (D&C 123:17). Even when things seem difficult, the Lord’s power is at work in our lives.

Action Step: Identify and remove one worldly distraction from your daily routine and replace it with a spiritual practice.

In D&C 25:10, the Lord tells Emma Smith to “lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better.” By focusing on what truly matters—our relationship with God—we gain peace and eternal perspective.

  1. – Make a list of things that occupy your time and attention.
  2. – Identify one thing that is not spiritually uplifting and choose to reduce or remove it.
  3. – Replace it with something spiritually enriching, like daily scripture study, prayer, or service.
  4. – Track how this change affects your mood, faith, and personal growth.
  5. – Reflect after a week and set a new spiritual goal.

Encouraging Thought:

  • President Russell M. Nelson taught, “Feasting upon the word of the Lord and letting it govern the thoughts and actions of our lives will bring us greater peace and joy” (“Spiritual Treasures,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019).
  • Action Step: Listen to or sing a hymn daily that uplifts your spirit and strengthens your testimony.

The Lord told Emma Smith that He delights in the “song of the heart” and that sacred music is “a prayer unto [Him]” (D&C 25:12). Music has a unique power to invite the Spirit, bring peace, and deepen our understanding of gospel truths.

  1. – Choose a hymn or sacred song that inspires you (e.g., “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”).
  2. – Listen to or sing it at least once a day, paying attention to the message.
  3. – Write down thoughts or impressions that come as you listen.
  4. – Share your favorite hymn with a friend or family member.
  5. – Consider incorporating sacred music into family devotionals or personal worship.

Encouraging Thought:

“Music has boundless powers for moving families toward greater spirituality and devotion to the gospel” (President Spencer W. Kimball, Teachings of Presidents of the Church).

Ideas for Teaching

Objective: Help learners recognize distractions in their lives and commit to prioritizing spiritual growth.

Paper, pens, a small bag filled with random objects (representing distractions), and a picture of Jesus Christ.

  1. Activity Steps:
    1. Introduction (5 min): Show the bag of objects and pull them out one by one (e.g., phone, money, clock, video game controller). Ask, “What are some things that can distract us from focusing on Christ?”
    2. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read D&C 25:10 (“Lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better”). Discuss what it means to seek after “better” things.
    3. Application (5 min): Have each participant write down one worldly distraction they will reduce and one spiritual habit they will increase this week.

Follow-Up Question: How do our daily choices reflect whether we are focusing on spiritual or worldly things?

Objective: Help learners understand the spiritual impact of hymns and sacred music.

Hymnbooks, speakers or phone for playing music, lyrics to a hymn like “I Know That My Redeemer Lives.”

  1. Activity Steps:
  2. Introduction (5 min): Ask, “What is your favorite song, and why do you love it?” Then ask, “What is your favorite hymn?” Introduce D&C 25:12, where the Lord says sacred music is “a prayer unto [Him].”
  3. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read D&C 25:11–12 and discuss why the Lord delights in sacred music. Play or sing a hymn and ask how it makes them feel.
  4. Application (5 min): Invite each participant to choose a hymn or Church song to listen to or sing this week when they need spiritual strength.

Follow-Up Question: How does sacred music invite the Spirit into our lives?

Objective: Teach how trusting in the Lord can help us endure difficult times.

A heavy object (e.g., a backpack filled with books), slips of paper with comforting scriptures, and a marker.

  • Activity Steps:
    1. Introduction (5 min): Ask for a volunteer to hold the heavy backpack. Explain that trials can feel like this—hard to carry alone.
    2. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read D&C 24:8 (“Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end”). Hand the volunteer slips of paper with comforting scriptures (e.g., Isaiah 40:31, Mosiah 24:14–15) and remove books from the backpack to symbolize God’s help.
    3. Application (5 min): Have learners write down one trial they are facing and a scripture that helps them have faith during it.

Follow-Up Question: When has the Lord helped you carry your burdens?

QUICK REFERENCE

  • – The Lord strengthens us in our afflictions and calls us to patience and faith (D&C 24:8).
  • – Emma Smith was divinely called as an “elect lady” and played a vital role in the Restoration (D&C 25:3).
  • – The Lord commands us to “lay aside the things of this world” and seek after spiritual priorities (D&C 25:10).
  • – Sacred music is a powerful form of worship and prayer that invites the Spirit (D&C 25:12).
  • – The early Saints endured severe persecution, but the Lord reassured them of His presence (D&C 24:1).
  • Why trust modern prophets?
    • – The Lord has always led His people through prophets (Amos 3:7).
    • – Joseph Smith and his successors have provided teachings and revelations that align with scripture and have been confirmed by the Holy Ghost to millions of members.
    • – The fulfillment of prophetic counsel—such as President Nelson’s teachings on spiritual preparedness—reinforces their divine calling.
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  • Why does God allow mistakes in His Church?
    • – Agency is central to God’s plan, and He allows leaders and members to learn through experience (D&C 1:24–28).
    • – Even biblical prophets, like Peter and Moses, made mistakes, but the Lord continued to guide them.
    • – The Restoration is an ongoing process—revelation builds upon itself, allowing for correction and progression (Article of Faith 9).
  • “Spiritual Treasures” – President Russell M. Nelson, Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019.
  • “Meek and Lowly of Heart” – Elder David A. Bednar, Ensign or Liahona, May 2018.