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Phoebe Chen REL C 225 – Section 035 9 March 2024 Do the things which the Lord hath commanded The Lord revealed in Section 71 of the Doctrine and Covenants, ” Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon, that the time has verily come that it is necessary and expedient in me that you should open your mouths in proclaiming my gospel, the things of the kingdom, expounding the mysteries thereof out of the scriptures, according to that portion of Spirit and power which shall be given unto you, even as I will” (D&C 71.1). The prophets and apostles obeyed God's instructions and did what the Lord commanded. In church history, we can find many examples of this, such as the Gathering of Israel, where the saints were to gather and build the city of Zion. Despite facing many challenges, they accomplished this seemingly impossible task (Revelation, September 1830–A [D&C 29]). Another important example concerns President Wilford Woodruff's official declaration 1 on October 6, 1890. The declaration highlights the overarching principle of obedience to divine commandments, even in the face of adversity. It underscores the belief that adherence to God's will, as revealed through His appointed prophets and leaders, is paramount, even if it requires sacrifice and entails significant challenges. The decision to cease the practice of plural marriage is portrayed as a manifestation of faith and obedience to

God's directives, safeguarding the welfare of the Church and its members. God knows what we should do and when we should do it. Even though there may be times when we do not understand the reasoning behind the action, such as being instructed to perform or stop polygamy, we can always follow God with faith. Prophet President M. Russell Ballard mentioned the contributions of many pioneers at the October 2022 general conference, stating, "Christ can carry us through difficult times today. He did it for the early pioneers, and He will do it now for each one of us," and encouraged young people to strengthen their testimony to God, emphasizing that as long as they take action, they will be supported. I believe in this. Some may wonder why, if God is immutable, church policy would change and why God would "suddenly" command us to do other, seemingly vastly different things. However, it actually makes sense. In 2021, The December Liahona magazine mentioned that Gospel doctrine is eternal and unchanging and comes from the Godhead. The doctrine informs Church policies and practices. Church policy is guided by doctrine but is subject to adjustments, as revealed by the Lord to His prophet. Like the branches of a tree, policy “grows” or adjusts as guided by doctrine and by revelation. While still inspired, policy is not eternal like Church doctrine. God knows all things and He knows what is best for His children. For me personally, it is very difficult to change something that I am already

concentrating on. For example, when I am concentrating on my math homework, and I am told that I should stop immediately and prepare for exams in other subjects, it makes me feel uncomfortable. The feeling of denial also makes me doubt my choices and wisdom, but after reading the historical stories of many pioneers, I admire their faith and obedience, and I also have a deeper understanding of God’s great and wise arrangement. I really like the stories about many pioneers in "Saints”, such as the story of Sister Eliza R. Snow, who wrote no less than 500 hymns and traveled around organizing Relief Societies at that time, dedicating her own time and energy just to share the truth she believed in with the world. I know she had very strong confidence and believed that everything would be fine, just like the 30th poem mentioned, "Tis better far for us to strive, Our useless cares from us to drive; Do this, and joy your hearts will swell - All is well! All is well!" "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commanded them." Nephi is right. The Lord instructed the prophets to preach at critical moments and also issued official declarations at critical moments. To this day, He will still prepare the way for us. We just need to follow Him with faith and listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit at all times, and there is no need to be afraid.

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Works Cited Revelation, September 1830–A [D&C 29], p. 36, The Joseph Smith Papers, accessed 3 月 18, 2024, https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/revelation-september-1830- a-dc-29/1#josephsmithpapers D&C71 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/71?lang=eng Matthew mcbride. (n.d.). Ezra Booth and Isaac Morley. Https://Www.Churchofjesuschrist.Org/Study/Manual/Revelations-in-Context/Ezra- Booth-and-Isaac-Morley?Lang=eng . Courtesy of the church history department. (n.d.). Eliza R. Snow . Https://Www.Churchofjesuschrist.Org/Study/History/Topics/Eliza-r-Snow?Lang=eng. President m. russell ballard. (2022, October). Follow Jesus Christ with Footsteps of Faith . Https://Www.Churchofjesuschrist.Org/Study/General-Conference/2022/10/22ballard? Lang=eng . Liahona. (2021, December). Eliza R. Snow . Https://Www.Churchofjesuschrist.Org/Study/Liahona/2021/12/Come-Follow-Me/ Why-Does-Church-Policy-Sometimes-Change?Lang=eng . The Gathering of Israel . (n.d.). Https://Www.Churchofjesuschrist.Org/Study/History/Topics/Gathering-of-Israel? Lang=eng.

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