2012
Doctrine and Covenants 115:5
January 2012

“Doctrine and Covenants 115:5,” Liahona, Jan. 2012, 55

Line upon Line

Doctrine and Covenants 115:5

The Lord has commanded us to arise and shine forth.

5 Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations.

I Say unto You All

In this revelation from 1838, the Lord gave directions regarding the building of a temple in Far West, Missouri, as well as other aspects of the establishment of Zion. He also gave the name of His Church in the last days: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Although this revelation was addressed to Church leaders of that day, the commandment to “arise and shine forth” applies to all of us today.

Arise and Shine Forth

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

“The Lord has a great work for each of you to do. ‘Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations’ (D&C 115:5). He trusts you, and He calls and relies on you to stand taller and shine brighter in these challenging but wonderful days.”

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, “Your Right to Choose the Right,” New Era, Aug. 2005, 8.

Thy Light

How can you let your light shine forth? Consider these ideas and write down some of your own in your journal.

  • Be kind, generous, and humble.

  • Stand up for and live by Church standards.

  • Smile and show the joy of living the gospel.

  • Share the gospel with your friends.

  • Bear your testimony of the truth.

Standard

Standard—an object, usually a flag, placed on top of a pole and used as a rallying point or emblem. See Doctrine and Covenants 45:9.

Elder Russell M. Nelson

“Standard-bearers march at the vanguard of a worthy cause. They represent that which is good and noble. They often carry flags or other symbols to express identity, purpose, and unity. …

“As His standard-bearers, we are to help the honest in heart to find Jesus. We don’t wave flags. … Instead, as standard-bearers for Jesus the Christ, we willingly and gratefully take His sacred name upon us. We enlist in His cause by covenant.”

Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Standards of the Lord’s Standard Bearers,” Ensign, Aug. 1991, 7.

Nations

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

“Today the Lord’s people are gathering ‘out from among the nations’ as they gather into the congregations and stakes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that are scattered throughout the nations. … The Lord calls upon us to be beacons of righteousness to guide those who seek the safety and blessings of Zion.”

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Come to Zion,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2008, 37.

Background by Dina Beylis